Have you recently been living by any life philosophy? The last thing Dr Green from the TV show E.R. said to his daughter before he died was “Be Generous”. I think that’s not a bad philosophy to live by. What will baffle future generations about our day and age? Climate change denial. Are you aware of any conspiracies? Masterchef is rigged. What is it that interests you about photography? Being surprised by the vision of other people. What is the worst thing about city life? Traffic. What part of the planet would you like to explore? I’d like to live in France for a while. What do you think is the most plausible of the supernatural? That there really are things beyond our comprehension. Pick a field of science to be an expert within. The study of clouds. What moment have you most wished you’d had a camera when you hadn’t? I had a camera with me, but I had got to the end of the roll when I saw two skinny dogs crossing a deserted road in the fading light of an outback town called Menzies (population 56).
Choose a job you would be willing to do for free on the side. The person in charge of selecting the photobooks for my local library. Describe the most important photo you’ve seen. A portrait of my family standing on a cobblestone street in London around 1968. I’m a toddler in my father’s arms turning towards the camera, my brother stands awkwardly between my mum and dad. It is the only image I have of all of us together happy. How often do you take other people’s advice? When it suits. On what occasion do you lie? Now. And then. What was the last crime you witnessed? I saw someone shoplift a big slab of beef from a butcher at Christmas. What is the best way to educate yourself? Be open and receptive. What is the next book you want to read? Olive Kitteredge by Elizabeth Strout. Most used camera? Mamiya 7II with 65mm lens. Ultimate camera? Is there such a thing?
What object do you want? Another photobook. What object do you need? Another photobook. How would you explain the internet to someone from the 1950’s? An all consuming device for mindless distraction and occasional enlightenment. Are you satisfied with your level of physical strength? Pound for pound, I’d say I’m one of the strongest people around. Describe a cheap thrill. Early morning beach swim. Pick an historic moment from the last hundred years to bring a camera to. William Anders took the first picture in human history of the earth rising from lunar orbit on Apollo 8 in 1968. I would like to have been on board to see that. Which talent would you most like to have? To be a virtuoso ukulele player. What is your plan for the next 24 hours? I’m going to improvise.
Graham Miller – Website
