MY BIO
Paul Smith
Born in Annesley, Nottinghamshire in 1967, Paul’s fascination with photography began with the birth of his first child, 19 years ago. When friends and family kept asking for photographs he decided to buy his first 35mm camera. A standard basic mechanical zenith costing just £25 it was a camera he would truly learn the art of photography on.
His first two films did not fill him with confidence, the first he did not load the film properly and the second produced only one shot he was proud of, so proud he had it framed, and hung it on the wall.
Since then his passion and desire to continually improve his skills has never left him. Constructing his own darkroom in the attic at home he began to produce his own black and white prints. Through reading countless books and magazine articles he became steadily more proficient in the basics and considers himself to be almost entirely self taught.
Entering competitions helped to boost his confidence, winning a few, and having photographs published in magazines.
Paul’s first “professional” work came when a work colleague asked him to take the photographs for his daughters wedding, a very nervous Paul agreed but the wait for the proofs to come back from the photo lab was a very nerve-wrecking experience. There was no need to worry everything turned out well and the happy couple where delighted to recommend him to others. From his very early photographic outings Paul has always taken down the settings of his camera and kept them, so that all his work is fully referenced.
Since 1997 an increasing interest in computers has led him to combine traditional photography with digital techniques. This has created a style, which has found considerable favour in all areas, including commercial, advertising, wedding and portraiture.
His first two films did not fill him with confidence, the first he did not load the film properly and the second produced only one shot he was proud of, so proud he had it framed, and hung it on the wall.
Since then his passion and desire to continually improve his skills has never left him. Constructing his own darkroom in the attic at home he began to produce his own black and white prints. Through reading countless books and magazine articles he became steadily more proficient in the basics and considers himself to be almost entirely self taught.
Entering competitions helped to boost his confidence, winning a few, and having photographs published in magazines.
Paul’s first “professional” work came when a work colleague asked him to take the photographs for his daughters wedding, a very nervous Paul agreed but the wait for the proofs to come back from the photo lab was a very nerve-wrecking experience. There was no need to worry everything turned out well and the happy couple where delighted to recommend him to others. From his very early photographic outings Paul has always taken down the settings of his camera and kept them, so that all his work is fully referenced.
Since 1997 an increasing interest in computers has led him to combine traditional photography with digital techniques. This has created a style, which has found considerable favour in all areas, including commercial, advertising, wedding and portraiture.
