The Art of Candid Photography Through a Deaf Lens:
Bringing Emotion and Story to Life
A Little About Me
Hello everyone! I’m Paul Miller, a lifelong, self-taught photographer based in Newcastle upon Tyne, with a passion for candid photography that captures authentic expressions and natural movements. In addition to photography, I work as an artist, primarily illustrating and creating children's books. My creative interests extend to animation and theatre direction. When I’m not busy with work projects or spending time with my family, I’m often out and about with my camera in hand. I also enjoy collaborating with a creative community, where we meet regularly to learn, share ideas, and network. Each session focuses on a unique theme, giving models the chance to fully immerse themselves in their roles while allowing us photographers to be creative with our shots and edits afterward. This is something I truly enjoy, as it directly feeds my creativity and inspires me.
My Photography Styles
I primarily focus on four styles of photography that I enjoy the most:
Portrait Photography
Wedding Photography
Theatre Photography
Landscape Photography
I love having a variety of styles because each one requires slightly different skills and approaches, making the challenges they bring exciting for me.
For instance, portrait photography feels more artistic to me. It allows for a lot of creativity, which I thrive on as an artist. I enjoy having control over the direction—deciding the pose, setting up the background, and especially the editing process, which is my favourite part.
Theatre photography, on the other hand, is all about capturing the essence of the production or a single movement that helps tell the story to an audience. The challenges here often lie in timing, unpredictable stage lighting, and working in dark spaces, but overcoming those is part of the appeal.
When it comes to wedding photography, it's a fantastic opportunity to capture people in the moment, whether posed or candid. Personally, I find candid shots to be the most beautiful—they reveal more personality and tell deeper stories. Creativity is key in making the most of the natural surroundings, which leads into my more recent love for landscape photography.
With landscape photography, the challenges usually come from working with natural light, composing the perfect shot, and waiting for the weather to cooperate. However, being outdoors and capturing nature in its purest form is incredibly fulfilling. Afterward, there's nothing better than coming back indoors for a cup of tea and getting creative with the edits.
My Journey
I started photography at a young age, and many of my early images had a contemporary feel. Although I took a break from photography for a while, when I returned, I fell in love with portrait photography. To improve my skills, I immersed myself in books, magazines, and online tutorials. One of my biggest inspirations during this period was Irene Rudnyk—her work deeply influenced me, and I learned so much from her approach to portraits.
With my background in theatre, I naturally began exploring theatre photography, initially capturing my own productions before branching out to work with other companies, including dance and aerial performance groups. It was around this time that I discovered Jordan Matter, whose insightful content on dance photography became a huge source of inspiration for me.
Behind the Lens: How I Use My Work
One of the most innovative ways I’ve incorporated my photography into my professional practice was by using my images in one of my children’s books. Several years ago, I set out to explore the idea of incorporating photographic imagery into this project. I envisioned directing a group of models, each portraying a character from the story. In costume and under my guidance, they moved through various scenes, reenacting crucial moments from the narrative. We worked in a studio setting, allowing me to utilise fixed lighting, experiment with colours, and employ a gobo projector for special effects. The project was well-planned, and I was thrilled with the outcome!
What You Can Expect When Collaborating With Me
I’m dedicated, reliable, and always punctual, but I also bring a positive, easygoing attitude to every shoot. While I take my work seriously, I believe that creating a comfortable, enjoyable atmosphere is key to capturing the best moments. I take great pride in ensuring my clients feel at ease and well cared for throughout the entire process. As a deaf British Sign Language user, I believe my deafness gives me a unique perspective, allowing me to naturally see the world in ways that set me apart from other photographers. I mainly work in hearing environments, and when needed, I can arrange for someone to assist with communication to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In addition to photography, I’m also a skilled Photoshop editor. I can restore damaged photos or breathe new life into older images that may not have turned out as expected. Whether you’re looking for fresh captures or enhancements to your existing photos, I am always happy to help!
Looking ahead
I hope you enjoy exploring my portfolio! I plan to upload new photos as fresh projects come to life and I will also create an annual blog summary reflecting my journey with Eternal Moment Photography, allowing everyone to enjoy and follow along.
I look forward to collaborating with new individuals, and my photography services - ranging from event photography to studio photography - are readily available. You can find all the information you need on this website, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to meet you and be a part of your next project or special event!