Paul Foxall is based in the Manawatu, Palmerston North, New Zealand. He's been interested in photography since he was 14 but only recently has he pursued his passion for photography more seriously, discovering his true passion for capturing New Zealand's landscapes only last year. He can now be found photographing the local cities to the remote corners of the North & South Island whether he's pointing his lens up at the stars or down at the water.
Paul, tell us why landscape is your preferred genre...
I love being out in nature and just being one with everything that is around me. It is a great way to help me relax and destress after a long week. Also, I feel that doing landscape photography there is no rush to take the perfect photo as the landscape is there waiting for you.
What's your background in photography?
I started Photography when I was about 14, but was only doing it as a hobby and never thought I could make a profession out of it. In early 2020 I decided to do a landscape photography outing with another photographer; Meghan, who quite honestly lit a fire in my belly. From there I fell in love with landscape photography and decided I needed to chase my dream and passion.
Landscape photography is one of the most popular genres, how do you think photographers who shoot landscapes can stand out in this overcrowded space?
Just be yourself, this is the best advice I can offer and the best advice I have ever been told. Yes, there are some amazing photographers in this genre, but if you do what you love and believe in yourself it will show in your photo’s and people will fall in love with what you capture as it will not just show an amazing photo but also your passion and love for what you do.
Do landscape images hold a special meaning to you?
A lot of my own photos show the emotions I’m going through at the time. They help me tell stories without having to say many words. I’ve never been one for talking much so having photography talk for me is huge as it helps me relax and unwind.
Tell us about some of your favorite places to photograph...
I love capturing Astro Shoots, Being under the stars is just like being in another world and helps you forget everything in your life, time stands still and allows you to be free.
My other favourite photos are based in the bush with rivers. It's just a magical and peaceful place to be, I can spend hours listening to the water run by and sometimes I forget I’ve been there for hours and not even taken a photo yet LOL.
What advice can you give people just starting out?
Take it slow and just believe in yourself (don’t be afraid to ask for help and learn from others but always adapt your own style).
