From Wayne S. Grazio
Hello, and welcome to my world of photography! I’m a retired United States Navy Photographer’s Mate and Photo Officer, with over 50 years of diverse experience behind the lens. My journey started humbly at the age of 8 when I got my hands on a toy camera, bought with wrappers from Bazooka Bubble Gum comics. That spark of curiosity grew into a lifelong passion. My first “real” photography assignment came in high school when I became the yearbook photographer, learning my way around a 35mm camera and the darkroom—a place that felt like pure magic as images took shape.
Joining the U.S. Navy in 1978 brought a new level of adventure. My Navy career took me all over the world, immersing me in a wide range of photographic styles, from photojournalism and portraiture to industrial, forensic, aerial, and even combat photography. Each assignment taught me something different, and it reinforced my belief that photography is not just a skill; it’s a way to tell stories, document life, and connect with others in ways that words often can’t.
Now living in sunny San Diego, California, I continue my photographic journey, diving into themes that resonate with me. Much of my work focuses on nature’s beauty and moments that carry a deeper story. My images often encourage people to pause and reflect, as viewers bring their own life experiences into what they see. I encourage anyone exploring my gallery to spend at least ten seconds with each image—take time to zoom in, see the details, and then view it as a whole. The longer you look, the more a photo can reveal.
These days, I also enjoy sharing my knowledge and watching others grow as photographers. Teaching the basics of photography and seeing people’s confidence and style emerge is immensely rewarding. Photography is a constant journey of learning, and the more we share, the more we grow together.
Most of my images are available for non-commercial use under Creative Commons: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs. Feel free to download and enjoy them, and I hope they inspire your own creative journey as your images have constantly inspire mine!
Thanks for stopping by, and happy imaging!
A sample of my work
- JoinedJanuary 2007
- OccupationSelf Employed
- HometownGroveland, Massachusetts
- Current citySan Diego, California
- CountryUSA
- Emailwgrazio@gmail.com
- Instagramfotograzio
Most popular photos
Testimonials
Wayne, you have a fantastic portfolio of work with beautiful colors, rich tones, and soft light... inspirational, to say the least. ✨ Thank you for sharing your images with us here on Flickr! ✨ Saludos from Chile! ( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)✌
bien le bonjour de quebec canada belle photo
exceptional gallery great quality, technic and variety of shots a long and delightful travel necessary visit !!
Really great collection of pictures.
Amazing! Every picture is well framed, crisp, and stunning!
Excellent photos-bravo.
My goodness, the quality of your photos is superb but how in the world does anyone get 59,000 followers? That's mind boggling. I would have loved to have gotten into photography in the Navy but they had other plans for me. Again, your work is amazing.
Great work Wayne
Thank you Wayne for following me. I cannot imagine why. When I look at your work and I just started Flickr a few weeks ago and really don't even understand it very well. I have a business and was trying to use Flickr because I get all pictures from the White House sent to me by Flickr and so I decided to try it. Yo… Read more
Thank you Wayne for following me. I cannot imagine why. When I look at your work and I just started Flickr a few weeks ago and really don't even understand it very well. I have a business and was trying to use Flickr because I get all pictures from the White House sent to me by Flickr and so I decided to try it. Yours are beautiful. Send me any advice you have if you have the time. Sylvia
Read lessYou have a marvellous photostream. Thank you so very much for sharing.
A great foto-stream with beautiful pictures! They are all fantastic
Excellent work Wayne! I am proud to follow you!
I’m a beginner. I am honored to be following my work. Thanks..
Wayne S. Grazio, Following me? That must be a joke! After reviewing his work and reading his short auto biography, I am deeply honored to be followed by such a humble person who's keen eye for the passion he so love is displayed for our enjoyment and learning. As we look at his work you can see that he puts much eff… Read more
Wayne S. Grazio, Following me? That must be a joke! After reviewing his work and reading his short auto biography, I am deeply honored to be followed by such a humble person who's keen eye for the passion he so love is displayed for our enjoyment and learning. As we look at his work you can see that he puts much effort in sharing his knowledge and skills obtained through out many years in one of the best jobs ever ... serving our Nation with dignity and pride. Thank you for your service to our country! Thank you for the new friendship we will have and journey together into the world of photography.
Read lessWayne has an eye for what is interesting in life, and I would say more: for what is important in life. I guess his work in military circumstances has contributed to that view and wisdom. I love the choise of subject, the concentrated life in his photo's. Personally, I would use just a bit less of post processing. Is Na… Read more
Wayne has an eye for what is interesting in life, and I would say more: for what is important in life. I guess his work in military circumstances has contributed to that view and wisdom. I love the choise of subject, the concentrated life in his photo's. Personally, I would use just a bit less of post processing. Is Nature, is Life not a powerful bringer of Messages on its own? We just need to develop our eye, our sensitivity to the Significancies...
Read lessI generally only 'follow' accomplished photographers on Flickr, and among the several I do follow, Wayne's work stands out in several regards. The quality of the images posted is always excellent; the compositions generally ''spot on"; subject matter is not only varied and interesting, but often tells a story within a… Read more
I generally only 'follow' accomplished photographers on Flickr, and among the several I do follow, Wayne's work stands out in several regards. The quality of the images posted is always excellent; the compositions generally ''spot on"; subject matter is not only varied and interesting, but often tells a story within a single image. If you are new to Flickr, or a serious student of the medium, you will do well to follow his work and to learn from it. Tom Driggers tvdflickr
Read lessThe photos are amazing. Love the treatment of them, and how they look like sketches, drawings, or paintings. Quite impressive!
Wonderful images, wonderful presentations