New Studio Opens for Top Photographer

Date published: 27/04/2008

A CAMERAMAN and photographer who has mingled with stars from film and television has opened a new studio in Rossendale.

Graham Barnes, from Penny Lodge, Loveclough, has travelled the world photographing and filming stars including Helen Mirren, Richard Branson and Peter Kay.

Now the 48-year-old has turned his attention to a new photographic studio in Burnley Road, Crawshawbooth.

Graham has worked as a documentary cameraman on Horizon, Panorama and The South Bank Show, but closer to home, he regularly works on Coronation Street and Blue Peter.

He said: "I've enjoyed every minute of my career and it has been very rewarding to be able to make a living out of something I am passionate about.

"To open my own studio has been a long-term ambition of mine and what better place to do it than the Valley, the place I have called home through all my years of travelling far and wide.

I will be able to draw on my experience and I want to offer the Oscar treatment to people in Rossendale.

"I've always enjoyed photographing people and trying to capture their personalities, no matter who they are or what they do.

"I've worked in television for so long now that I don't really get star-struck. For me the most important thing is making sure people are at their ease in front of the lens.

"That's what I have been doing throughout my career and that's the experience I'll be bringing to the studio.

"I want people to enjoy the experience and look forward to the end result."

Rather than being a rare place to visit, Graham hopes his studio will form a regular part of family life, capturing their time together, key events and celebrations.

It comprises a modern gallery, comfortable viewing room and a state-of-the-art studio