"Half of the world is behind you."
Sometimes, you get a piece of advice that changes your whole world. This was it for me.
When my friend and mentor, the late Scott Marrs, taught me this, I learned to look at the world in a whole new way.
As photographers, we're taught to capture the most brilliant, stunning images. It's why you see so many of us pursuing the same, picture-postcard landscapes. But often, the most amazing photos happen when you turn your lens away from what everyone else is focused on and capture the world that lies behind.
I've spent my life traveling the world. With a true adventurer's spirit, I've done nearly every daredevil act you can think of. But without a doubt, the most thrilling experiences I've ever had are the ones where I'm able to capture a beauty so elusive and so raw — and then share it with the world.
I am primarily a landscape and cityscape artist, and my ultra high-resolution, medium-format images are purchased by some of the most well-known brands and avid collectors throughout the world.
Why medium format? Well, it's not simply due to my belief that when it comes to images, bigger is better. It's also because every time I'm stood on top of a skyscraper or crouched beneath the shadow of a mountain, I have just one thought:
"I can't wait to share this moment with the world" - and my images allow me to do exactly that. They are real. They are unfiltered. They are deeply emotional. And quite often, they are unexpected - thanks to my old friend's advice to always look behind me.
Every picture I capture is taken because the scenery took my breath away at the time, and I want you to feel that same "wow" moment when you see them too.
Real is rare. Capture it when you see it.
All about Paul Reiffer.
Luxury travel. Adventure brands. Global destinations.
Featured and commissioned by the world's finest brands
Paul's landscape work is often featured by the US National Park Service and National Geographic, as well as in promotions and destination guides by travel companies such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, W Hotels, Per Aquum and Intercontinental Hotels Group.
His images have been extensively published in well-known national and international newspapers and magazines around the world, and his technical expertise is regularly called upon for editorial features by luxury travel and adventure brands. Other commercial clients include Royal Caribbean, Hyatt, Shangri-La, Ford, Pineapple Dance Studios, Aon, Rebel, Kingfisher, Getty Images, plus many more.
Recognition and Awards
Fellowship of the British Institute of Professional Photography (FBIPP)
(2015+)
Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS)
(2021+)
Fellowship of The Societies of Photographers
(FSWPP)
(2017+)
Accredited - New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography
(2021+)
Beyond the distinctions he holds with photographic societies around the world, Paul's work has won him many international awards, recognising the unique style he brings to his field.
Paul was named Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022 and Architectural Photographer of the Year 2022 by the British Institute of Professional Photography - this followed his previous year's success when he was awarded Fine Art Photographer of the Year 2021. From his accolades in the annual Professional Photographer of the Year awards, to being presented with the UN/UNESCO "International Year of Light" award for his images at night and his successes each year in international competitions as well as the British Institute's National Print Awards; his work continues to gain popularity and appreciation from all corners of the industry throughout 2023.
His iconic photography has been featured in exhibitions all over the world, from Times Square in New York to the Royal Albert Hall and Houses of Parliament in London, with gallery installations in Europe and Asia.
Industry Partnerships
Being one of only six Global Ambassadors for Phase One, Paul now shoots almost exclusively with Phase One's XF, XT and IQ4 medium format camera system and lenses.
While previously a "Canon Shooter" (and a long time member of their Professional Network) he found that mainstream DSLR cameras had a big, simple drawback: They just don't capture enough detail to print really big images. He now uses the highest resolution 151 Megapixel digital backs along with a range of Schneider Kreuznach and Rodenstock lenses to produce digital images which truly are of the highest quality currently available.
As one of the longest serving Capture One ambassadors, Paul works directly with the team in Copenhagen to develop what he considers to be the best post-production software available on the market.
Regularly sharing his image processing knowledge through online webinars and in-person workshops, his connection with both users and developers puts him in a unique position to help shape the future of this essential tool.
What better tripod partnership could there be for Paul's work than a company whose very ethos is to "frame the extraordinary, use the extraordinary"?
Sharing Gitzo's passion for precision and perfection in every shot he takes, making use of the most reliable and robust equipment in the industry is a key ingredient in Paul's workflow out in the field. Knowing the team are behind him, providing the very best products and support along the way, means he can work confidently in some of the most extreme conditions in the world.
From the coldest mountains to the hottest deserts, Paul's camera equipment has to travel through some of the earth's harshest environments to capture his images - so ensuring it arrives safely to each location is essential.
Working directly with the NYA-EVO product development team not only gives him access to the very latest innovations they can offer, but also allows him to help shape the design of future world-class equipment - helping to deliver amazing camera bags, mountain packs and expedition rucksacks that continue to be truly industry leading.
As a Sandisk Storyteller, Paul's photography helps to promote their campaign, "Every story matters". Interested in capturing life's biggest moments and adventures, Sandisk has highlighted fewer than 50 photographers from around the world, many of whom are widely renowned and acclaimed.
Inspirations & Adventures
One of the earliest memories Paul has is that of spending time with his father on the south coast of England, watching him develop his black and white images in a self-built darkroom in the loft-space of their family home. Since then, for as long as he can remember, he always had a camera with him — Polaroid, 110mm, Disc, 35mm, APS, digital, phone. It didn't matter what type. He just loved capturing what he saw at that particular moment.
Years later, Paul's photographic skills were refined through working with some of the best photographers in the industry (a benefit of shooting with them around the world as an established model for several years). Making the most of the opportunity to question and receive their feedback on his own work, he found his real passion when he made the decision to switch to "the other side of the lens".
While he's lived in 5 different countries, Paul still spends much of his time travelling the world, especially when he isn't behind a lens at all. Always the adventurer, Paul has climbed mount Fuji twice, once in 2010 and again in 2013. He's also a keen snowboarder, as well as a licensed pilot and skydiver. So yes, if you're ever in a plane with him and he asks you to "just hold this for a second", you might just want to check that he doesn't have a funny looking backpack on...
Want to work with Paul?
Fine Art Prints | Brand Photography | Custom Workshops
