Murray Permain
Photographer and aviation enthusiast
Melbourne based photographer Murray Permain grew up to the sound of Pratt and Whitney radials. Living near the major agricultural airfield, Hood Aerodrome in his native New Zealand, aircraft were almost always over his home.
His interest in aviation began early in life and as a result he spent many hours hanging over the airfield fence watching an eclectic mix of aircraft including Tiger Moths, Beavers, DC-3s and Lodestars. Many of these aircraft were converted for agricultural use and worked alongside purpose-built types such as Transavia AirTruks, Imco Callairs and Piper Pawnees to name a few.
Early memories which helped spark his lifelong interest in all things aeronautical included seeing the last flying RNZAF Sunderland and the only Mustang flying New Zealand skies in the 1960s. His main interests in aviation, not surprisingly, are WWII military and pre-war classics such as Miles, De Havilland and Ryan aircraft. He says his favourite aircraft is the Mustang, although the Spitfire is a very close second, but anything that flies gets him looking skyward.
In his spare time Murray is involved with the Melbourne based Australian Aviation Enthusiasts Group. He is a keen modeller and collector of aviation books and memorabilia.
Murray's interest in photography started at the tender age of ten after he pestered his parents to buy him a Kodak Instamatic for Christmas. He has worn out several cameras and lenses since mainly on aeronautical subjects, but cars and motorsport events get the privilege of his cameras too. His skills grew with encouragement from his local camera club where he won several awards.
More recently, after the obligatory mid-life crisis, a career change into the photographic industry led to his current position as manager of a Camera House store in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
Murray Permain in his office.
