Bideford photographer shares his journey through the lens

A Bideford photographer, who has been capturing images for decades, recently shared his lifelong passion for photography with the Gazette, detailing his inspiring journey from a curious child to a seasoned professional.

ABOVE: Graham Hobbs doing what he loves best!

During his time as a photographer, he has captured a number of celebrities and even became the official photographer for Devon County Council for HRH Princess Anne's visit to North Devon.

Graham Hobbs has shared a love for photography since the age of seven, when he first used his father's Brownie box camera. 

He said: “I asked my father if I could take a picture on his brownie box camera. He said just the one as the film is expensive so I had to make it count and I rounded some of my family up and captured my first picture.”

By the time he was 12 or 13, Graham was working part-time to save up for his first camera. He said: “I purchased a very simple slim 110 film automatic. It did the job and that is how I really got into photography. I knew then I enjoyed capturing whatever caught my eye.”

Graham has shared his top five favourite pictures taken during his career (all images credit to Graham Hobbs):

1. Bideford high street filming the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

A pivotal moment in his journey came when he bought his first SLR camera.

“Wow, this was now serious,” he said, as he explained there was so much to learn about including aperture, shutter speed, and so on. 

In the 1980s, a professional photographer friend, who had travelled the world and provided photos for national newspapers, offered Graham tuition.

“He told me, 'I can teach you how to ride a bike, but I cannot ride it for you.”

“Without the subjects, there are no images, so appreciate what is in front of you.”

Graham has also been successful in winning and judging photographic competitions, which continues to fuel his passion for capturing special moments. 

He told the Gazette: “I live in Bideford, and there are so many wonderful events throughout the year when the community comes together. That’s where I capture and enjoy most of my photographs, also capturing surrounding areas such as Appledore, Westward Ho!, Hartland, Clovelly, Instow, Torrington, and Barnstaple.”

In more recent years, Graham has said he has been “very fortunate” to have captured many celebrities such as film stars, artists, authors, tv presenters and the Royal Family.

In 2010, Graham explained he has been given the “privilege” to be asked to be the appointed official photographer for Devon County Council for HRH Princess Anne visit to Wolseley. 

He said: “That was an incredible experience and such an honour indeed.

“I also feel very lucky over the years in winning and judging photographic competitions and of course that gives me more inspiration to capture those special moments.”

Expressing gratitude for the scenic beauty of his surroundings, Graham said: “We live in a beautiful area, and as a photographer, I feel very lucky to have so much to photograph. When the next event is on and I am there photographing, take a look online or in the paper - you just may be featured. The newspaper is so important as it is all about community.”

In addition to his freelance work, Graham regularly provides photographs for the North Devon Gazette newspaper.

He continued: “Photography is my job, but it is also my passion. Happy snapping!”