I first met Paul in the 1990’s when we were both working at Exodus. From the outset, it was impossible not to be swept up in his energy, humour and relentless drive. We used to go on promotional talk tours, four presentations in four cities in four days. It was always great to be with Paul as there was little need to say anything, the evenings were swept along at a breathless pace with him at the helm.
We’ve remained friends ever since, with him and his family staying with us at our home in North Norfolk. We’ve even done a little work together. During the travel restrictions of the COVID era he brought small photographic groups to Norfolk and I often joined him on Happisburgh beach to talk to the guests about the archaeology and geography. It’s been a pleasure over the years to watch his career grow from tour leader to celebrated wildlife photographer, guide, safari camp owner, conservationist and fundraiser.
Paul’s latest initiative, the 2 for 4 Project (2 Legs for 4), exemplifies his commitment. From 10 August to 5 September 2025, he is running 25 marathons in 25 days to raise money for endangered animals, especially tigers. You can read about it and support him by visiting his website.
Paul is entirely self-taught as a photographer, but his portfolio and reputation are world-class. He has worked across all seven continents, guiding and photographing in places as varied as the African savannah, Antarctica, and the high Arctic. He has an instinct for finding not only wildlife but the story behind the image, always striving for photographs that are ethical, honest, and powerful. For Paul, a wildlife photograph should never come “at any cost.” Instead, it should respect the animal and environment and ideally illuminate the bigger conservation story.
He’s also been generous in his support of Explorers Against Extinction, often donating photographs to our annual auctions.
His work has been recognised internationally. In 2024, his image Cross to Bear, a breathtaking monochrome study of wildebeest in migration, won the Black & White category of the Nature Photographer of the Year awards. A few years earlier, his dramatic Storm Warning, portraying elephants under brooding skies, was highly commended in the Mammals category. These are not lucky snapshots but the result of patience, persistence, and a willingness to endure harsh conditions in pursuit of something truly original.
As a guide, Paul is legendary. The Sunday Times once described him as “preposterously vivacious, a guide of almost psychotic gusto”, a line that, while tongue-in-cheek, captures something of his dynamism. Whether leading a small group on the plains of the Mara or an expedition in the high Arctic with Secret Atlas, he throws himself into the experience with total commitment. His passion is infectious, and his clients benefit not just from his deep knowledge of wildlife and photography, but from his insistence that they stretch themselves, think differently, and seek out images that tell a story.
He once came to stay with my wife and I in Tuscany, when we were running a company that operated walking and trekking holidays in the Apennines. We had a walking group with us which he joined with enthusiasm. All week he promised them a delicious meal on the last night, using traditional ingredients and little-known recipes. When he served them spaghetti in ketchup and mars bar pancakes you’ve never seen such an enthusiastic reception. People just like him.
Paul is also a gifted teacher. He distils his approach into simple principles: clean backgrounds, strong subjects, and that elusive “it factor” that elevates an image. He urges photographers to be ruthless critics of their own work, to strive for originality, and to embrace ambition even if it means long hours, difficult terrain, or disappointment along the way. In his view, the best images often come from perseverance, not convenience.
Over time, Paul has become not just a photographer and guide, but an outspoken advocate for conservation. He has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support endangered wildlife, particularly the Bengal tiger, running numerous marathons in his Tiger suit including the Everest Marathon in Nepal. His lectures and public appearances are as passionate and uncompromising as his guiding, leaving audiences in no doubt about both the scale of the challenges facing wildlife and the urgency of protecting it.
I have always admired how Paul combines his talents: the artistic eye of a photographer, the grit of an adventurer, and the campaigning zeal of a conservationist. He believes deeply in the power of images and storytelling to drive change, but he also puts in the hard miles, literally, when it comes to fundraising. He is also a great friend.
The 2 for 4 Project
Paul’s latest initiative, the 2 Legs for 4, exemplifies his commitment. From 10 August to 5 September 2025, he is running 25 marathons in 25 days to raise money for endangered animals, especially tigers. This follows his extraordinary 2022 achievement when he ran his 25th marathon on Everest in a tiger suit. To date, his efforts have raised nearly £500,000 for conservation.
True to form, Paul approaches this challenge with humour and determination, but the aim is serious: to channel funds and attention toward protecting one of the world’s most iconic yet threatened species.
You can support Paul by Donating Here
