In our latest Headshots Matter StudioTalk, we had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Saxby, a Nottingham-based portrait photographer whose career spans more than four decades. From photographing royalty and military operations to creating portraits of actors, musicians, veterans, and business professionals, Paul has witnessed photography evolve from large and medium-format film cameras to today's digital world.

Yet despite all the technological change, one principle has remained constant. INTENT

For Paul, photography has never been about the camera. It's about the thought that comes before pressing the shutter.

For those of you who enjoy a read in addition to a watch and listen, we’ve created a short blog excerpt below. [↓]

Please enjoy and feel free to comment with any questions.

Cheers, Dwayne.

Learning to Slow Down

Paul's photographic journey began at a local newspaper before leading him to an eighteen-year career as a photographer in the Royal Air Force. Working with large-format cameras, medium format film, and carefully rationed rolls of film, every exposure mattered.

One of his early mentors would hand him a single roll of twelve-exposure film for an entire day's assignments.

At the time it felt restrictive. Looking back, Paul now sees it as one of the greatest lessons of his career.

Every frame had to earn its place. Every photograph required consideration before the shutter was released.

"If you give yourself the time to create an image in the first place, rather than just spray and pray, I think you ultimately create a much better photograph."

Although today's digital cameras allow us to shoot thousands of images in a session, Paul believes that abundance often replaces intention. Instead of simplifying the creative process, it simply shifts the work from behind the camera to behind the computer.

Film Isn't the Destination

Throughout our conversation, we explored the renewed interest in analogue photography.

For Paul, the appeal isn't nostalgia. Nor is it about believing film is somehow superior to digital.

Instead, film encourages a different way of thinking.

Every decision—film stock, exposure, composition, timing—requires purpose before the photograph is made. That mindset continues to influence his digital work today.

Whether photographing corporate executives or actors, Paul approaches each session with the same deliberate process he learned decades ago.

Film, in many ways, becomes a teacher rather than the final objective.

"Film is simply the doorway. The destination is creating photographs with purpose."

Portraits Built on Trust

One of Paul's most moving personal projects centres on military veterans.

Having served himself on the Royal Air Force Combat Camera Team, including deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, he understands the experiences many veterans carry with them.

That shared background creates trust. It also creates portraits that feel deeply personal.

His black-and-white portraits don't rely on elaborate lighting or dramatic styling. Instead, they allow character and lived experience to take centre stage.

During our conversation, Paul reflected on photographing veterans who had experienced profound trauma, reminding us that portrait photography often begins with listening before it ever reaches the camera.

The Craft Behind the Camera

As photographers, it's easy to become captivated by new cameras, software, and AI-powered tools.

Paul offers a gentle reminder that none of those replace thoughtful craftsmanship.

Getting the lighting right. Building a relationship with the client.

Knowing when not to press the shutter. Choosing the strongest image instead of delivering hundreds.

These aren't old-fashioned ideas. They're timeless ones!

More Than Analogue

While our conversation began with film photography, it ended somewhere much deeper.

Creative intention isn't tied to a camera format. It's a way of working.

Whether you're photographing a CEO, an actor, or a veteran, slowing down creates space to observe more carefully, connect more genuinely, and make photographs with greater purpose.

In a world that encourages speed, Paul Saxby reminds us that some of the best photographs still come from taking our time!

You can learn more about Paul Saxby’s’s work at: www.paulsaxby.co.uk or follow him on Instagram

StudioTalk