Exhibiting at The Smile Within, showing on the joint stand (H94) of the BDA Benevolent Fund and Bridge2aid at The British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show (NEC Birmingham) on 15th & 16th May during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Richard Graham is a retired general dental practitioner whose lifelong connection to nature, photography and the BDA Benevolent Fund sits at the heart of his contribution to The Smile Within.
A former BDA President and Patron of the BDA Benevolent Fund, Richard is a long‑standing supporter of our Charity’s work. His career in dentistry spanned over 40 years, including ownership of two predominantly NHS practices and more than 30 years representing colleagues within the profession.
For Richard, photography has never been about labels or technical ambition. It’s about capturing moments, memories, and the restorative power of being outdoors.
His relationship with the camera began at 16, when his parents gifted him a camera for his first rugby tour to the south of France. Some of the first photographs he ever took were of the clouds below the plane that was carrying him on his first flight.
Even today, those early images instantly transport him back to how he felt in that moment, a quality he believes lies at the heart of photography’s enduring value.
Photography, Nature and Wellbeing
“Dentistry is a stressful profession,” Richard reflects, “and everyone needs something to take them away from the day‑to‑day pressures. For me, it is nature.”
Much of Richard’s wellbeing comes from time spent outdoors, walking, fishing, or gardening, and observing the small details that others might pass by. Whether photographing insects, plants, or woodland scenes, he finds photography encourages mindfulness and presence, offering a quiet but powerful antidote to stress. An enthusiastic gardener, Richard describes simple activities such as weeding, accompanied by classical music, as deeply calming. Over the past year, he has shared a daily photograph from his garden, an exercise he finds both grounding and gently creative.
His approach reflects a wider belief that being outside, immersed in the natural world, is essential for mental wellbeing.
Featured Artwork: 4 Natural World Exhibits
Richard is exhibiting four framed photographic prints; each rooted in a specific place and memory:
Large Red Damselfly
Minimum bid: £30
Photographed while out fishing, this close observation of wildlife reflects Richard’s enjoyment of macro photography; capturing fleeting details that reward patience and attention.
Dimensions 21 x 28 x 2cms, Black Frame.
Common Blue Butterflies
Minimum bid: £30
Taken on a walking holiday in the hills above Lake Garda, this image captures a pair of Common Blue butterflies in a heart‑shaped formation.
The photograph reflects both the beauty of spring in bloom and the joy of slowing down. Richard enjoyed stopping to absorb the landscape rather than rushing through it and remembers often being at the back of the walking group on this memorable trip.
Dimensions 21 x 28 x 2cms, Black Frame.
Both wildlife prints above would make excellent additions to dental receptions or treatment rooms, bringing the soothing calmness of nature to dental teams and clients.
The Dark Hedges
Minimum bid: £30
Famous for its appearance in Game of Thrones, this atmospheric Northern Irish landscape is both iconic and personal.
Richard’s image captures the timeless quality of a place shaped by nature and history, far beyond its on-screen fame.
The image would be a great piece for GOT fans and would look equally impressive in any dental reception or treatment room.
Dimensions 21 x 28 x 2 cm, Black Frame.
Fly Agaric
Minimum bid: £30
Photographed while fishing in Donegal, this striking scene of fly agaric mushrooms cascading beside a rock face brings the moment vividly back to Richard: a reminder of photography’s power to preserve memory as much as image.
The image is a striking burst of vibrant red against the watery backdrop, signifying the vivaciousness of the natural world.
Dimensions 21 x 28 x 2 cm, Black Frame.
All four photographic prints, each mounted in a black frame, are offered for auction in support of the BDA Benevolent Fund and Bridge2Aid.
Creativity Beyond the Camera
Photography is one strand of Richard’s creative life. He is also a writer with a strong interest in history and dentistry, recently authoring A History of the Northern Ireland Branch of the British Dental Association.
With over 300 copies sold to date, the book has already raised £6,250 for the BDA Benevolent Fund, a cause he has supported both personally and professionally for many years.
Richard has also previously organised and participated in charitable art exhibitions, recognising early on how creative expression within the dental community is more common than you might think.
“It’s a great way to raise funds while offering meaningful respite from professional pressures.
I’m looking forward to seeing how The Smile Within not only highlights the creativity of our profession but also supports those in need of support.
I hope people bidding on the artwork get a special piece that means something to them, whilst also enjoying the support they’ll be giving to someone else.”
A Personal Connection
Richard does not see himself as a photographer in the conventional sense. Instead, he photographs what speaks to him. Small details, natural forms, and quiet moments offer focus, calm, and connection.
“Photography helps me enjoy the moment,” he says, “and then brings it back to me… sometimes years later. Capturing those moments is precious.”
It is this deeply personal relationship with the natural world, and with memory, that makes Richard’s work such a fitting contribution to The Smile Within.
Richard Graham has four works featured in The Smile Within exhibition. The artworks will be presented on his behalf.
If you’d like to keep up to date with his natural world photography, you can find him on Instagram:
Meet the other Artists
Below is a selection of other featured artists. Click on the links to see their artwork submissions, each deeply connected to mindfulness and mental wellbeing.
Join us at The Smile Within art exhibition in May and make a difference, one pledge, one piece of art, one smile at a time.
We look forward to seeing you there.
The online auction website is now live. You can bid on the artwork online, as well as at the event.
Online bidding ends at 3:45 pm on 16 May. The winning bidder can collect their artwork on Saturday, 16 May, from the stand after 4pm. If you (or a trusted friend) are unable to take your piece with you, we’re happy to arrange delivery. Please note that postage and packaging costs will be added and confirmed after purchase.
