From a childhood in Kenya to high-end shoots in Mallorca, photographer Graham Pengelly has always been drawn to the moments others miss
‘It’s funny,’ Graham says. ‘I’ve always had a camera in my hand. But it’s only in the last few years I started thinking – maybe I can actually do something with this.’
It’s not said with ego. In fact, Graham is as self-deprecating as they come.
But behind the modesty is a quietly determined photographer with a growing portfolio and a clear creative eye. He specialises in travel, lifestyle and automotive photography, and his work has already appeared in major brand and marketing camnpaigns.
Now, he’s looking to grow.
Graham was born in Mombasa, Kenya, and spent his early years surrounded by colour, contrast and wildlife. ‘I think that kind of upbringing makes you visually aware without realising it,’ he says. ‘You’re noticing light, movement, everything. We moved to Dorset when I was seven, and it’s been home ever since.’
He didn’t follow a creative route at school: being dyslexic, education was a struggle, and Graham moved into the family business: ‘I’ve learned a lot about running a business over the years, from buying stock to running the accounts. But I was always the guy with the camera,’ he says. ‘On holidays, at events, I’d always be the one documenting it all. I’d go away with my friends, and they’d constantly be saying “Put the camera down, Graham” … but I’d come home with 1,600 photos, and they always wanted to see them afterwards!’
He’s entirely self-taught, learning by endless trial and error. ‘I got my first “proper” camera just before Covid,’ he says. ‘A mate of mine was doing brilliant drone and travel photography – really sharp stuff – he was a big influence. He recommended a Sony A7 with a basic 28–70mm lens, so I ordered one. When it arrived, I thought I’d broken it – the screen was pitch black. Turned out I’d set the ISO to zero. I didn’t even know what ISO was! He came over, pressed a couple of buttons, and that was that.’ From there, it was hours of YouTube, practice, and trial and error. ‘Lots of errors,’ he admits. ‘The technical side matters, of course – knowing your gear, understanding light – but I think the instinct comes from experience. It’s about anticipating moments, not staging them.’
Always learning
Now in his mid-30s, Graham has quietly built an impressive freelance portfolio. His work spans everything from Silverstone and Goodwood to The Game Fair and wildlife in Namibia, along with commercial shoots for brands like Fortis Clothing and luxury holiday properties and yachts in Mallorca. His toolkit includes drones, top-tier lenses and a clean, recognisable style that blends commercial polish with natural, candid energy.
‘What I’m aiming to do is create atmosphere,’ he says. ‘You want people to look at a photo and feel it. Whether that’s the dust kicking up behind a vintage car or the stillness of a villa at sunrise, I want to show the moment in a way people will remember.’
He’s especially passionate about subjects that combine technical precision with aesthetic impact – from travel and automotive to high-end homes, horses and luxury lifestyles. ‘You can photograph the same object in ten different lights and it tells ten different stories. I like finding those perspectives.’
Dorset, with its coastline, chalk ridges and wide skies, still provides the grounding. ‘I love it here. You’ve got all these textures – old buildings, farm tracks, wild skies … It’s a brilliant place to shoot, and to live.’
When he’s not behind the lens, Graham is a dog-dad (‘There’s always a spaniel somewhere nearby’) and someone happy to admit he’s still learning the craft. ‘I’m not pretending I’m the finished product. I want to grow, work with new people, keep improving. The great thing about photography is there’s always another level to aim for.’
He’s open to new commissions – from equestrian events and high-end property shoots to car shows, commercial branding and lifestyle work. Most of all, he’s looking for clients who value the details.
‘I’m not a “spray and pray” shooter. I want to produce stuff people are proud to share. Whether it’s for a brochure, a website or a wall.’
So what’s next?
‘Just more,’ he says. ‘More stories, more travel, more work that matters. I’m not in it for Instagram followers – I just want to make good images, meet good people, and do this full-time.’
You get the sense he will.
