Photographer Graham Miller tells Caroline Lindsay about the unique photo agency he is setting up to challenge our perception of ‘normal.’
It was when photographer Graham Miller was working as a Samaritans’ listener that he realised there were important stories about the most vulnerable in society that needed to be told.
“It was then that I started my first project focused on mental health issues and worked with some great people at the walled garden in the grounds of Murray Royal Hospital in Perth,” says Graham, 56.
That work was widely exhibited and shown as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival.
Frustrated by the lack of images in the media that reflect the reality of life of the challenging lives some people lead, he is about to launch a social enterprise called Really Real Resources.
“Stigma is a terrible thing and yet stereotypes continue to be reinforced, through use of conveniently available images,” he says. “It’s shocking that we continue to misrepresent people in one of the most accessible ways – that of visual media.
“Really Real Resources will be an important photo agency which will challenge stigma and celebrate individuality by making available ‘real’ images still and moving,” he explains.
Working with the most vulnerable in society and, where appropriate, their carers and families, this unique media agency will be dedicated to generating, sourcing and making available very high quality photos, video and audio material which ‘really’ shows what people’s lives are like.
Graham’s imagery has been shown all over the world, including the European Parliament and most recently the largest shopping mall in Iceland. An exhibition of his work is currently on display at Platform Arts on Riverside in Dundee until the end of October 2pm-4pm.
“I don’t believe the lives of the vulnerable are truly represented in the images that we see in the media,” he reflects.
“By its very nature those involved are vulnerable and so I feel that the understanding I have built over the last 10 years, my knowledge and connections within the world of photography, and my passion to have a social impact make me one of the few people who can meet this challenge.
“It’s my duty as well as my passion.”
While he believes the Paralympics have set us on the road to better understanding, they present an extreme and so only scratch the surface.
“It’s a start but we have so much to do still,” he says. “We will get to know the people we work with and share their lives in a very ‘real’ but non-judgemental way. I don’t like the word ‘normal’ – we all know that normality doesn’t exist and that it’s a false and unattainable standard,” he continues.
“Disability does not define them any more than hair colour or height. This is about seeing the person.”
Really Real Resources’ logo is Dave, Graham’s terrier, and he’s already featuring in the first of series of blogs about the new organisation.
“We chose a dog because he’s non-judgemental and his love is unconditional. How else to better represent a business whose ambition is to contribute to a world where everyone is viewed equally, free of stigma and prejudice?” says Graham.
You can meet Graham at Platform Arts in Dundee (opposite the V&A and RRS Discovery) on October 18 at 7pm. Entry is free but tickets need to be reserved at info@newscottish.org
