HE might be more used to life behind the lens but Johnstone photographer Graeme Hewitson is now in the spotlight after being crowned Scotland’s top snapper.
Graeme, 46, has become well known in Renfrewshire and beyond after setting up his own business, Monument Photos, 11 years ago.
The former graphic designer, who originally hails from Houston, took home an unprecedented haul from this year’s Scottish Master Photographers Association Awards, including 21 merits, as he was named Commercial Photographer of the Year and 2019 Photographer of the Year.
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Graeme told The Gazette: “I never for one second expected to win.
“When I saw the quality on show, I knew it was just an achievement to make it to the final.
“I’m absolutely chuffed.
“I’d just like to thank my wife Cherie and Ray Lowe, chairman of the Master Photographers Association, for all their support.”
He might have proven himself adept at snapping all kinds of shots but Graeme admits taking photos of people is his favourite form of photography.
He added: “You are creating memories that people can treasure forever, that will last for the rest of their lives.
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“Someone once said ‘you are not taking a photo of a person, but about a person.’
“It doesn’t matter who is in front of the camera, they are the most important person in that moment.”
You can see more of Graeme's fantastic work in this week's Gazette
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