Paul Mitchell FRPS

Born in East Yorkshire, Paul’s interest in photography emerged during his school years. Subsequently, he pursued a degree in graphic design at Hull College of Art, which paved the way for his design career in London working for numerous prominent FMCG companies and brands. Eventually running his own design agency for over 35 years.

Presently, Paul resides in East Dorset, where he dedicates his time to professional landscape photography and specialised book design.

Paul’s extensive exhibition experience encompasses London and the South East, and his work has been featured in numerous photographic magazines. He holds the esteemed position of Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, he also chaired the Landscape and Visual Art Distinctions panels and served on the PhotoBook panel. Additionally, he is a member of the renowned Arena group of photographers. Paul is also a well respected photographic judge and lecturer.

Paul’s achievements include winning the Sunday Times Choice Award in the prestigious Landscape Photographer of the Year competition in 2013. Overall winner of the the Urban Category in 2015, and receiving commendations in 2017 and 2018. He has also secured accolades in the Outdoor Photographer of the Year and the International Garden Photographer of the Year competitions. Notably, in March 2022, Paul was awarded the RHS Gold Medal and Best in Show at the Botanical Art and Photography Show held at the Saatchi Gallery.

In addition to his self-published book on pinhole photography titled “Spirit of Light,” Paul has collaborated with four renowned photographers to publish “The Coast - A Personal Perspective of the English Coastline.” 

Current Lecture Subjects

"Confessions of a Landscape Photographer"

An illustrated talk about how Paul researches and plans ahead before going on his landscape photography trips at different locations (coast, woodland etc.). He also gives an insight as to what techniques he uses when composing landscapes and the type of landscape images he would make under varying weather conditions. It also covers the type of software apps, filters and equipment he uses. Paul's talk is fully illustrated with digitally projected images and prints.

Duration: 2 hours which includes a 15 minute interval

'Woodland Ways'

This talk centre's around some of Paul's favourite woodland locations including Burnham Beeches, Savernake Forest and various locations throughout the UK. Paul's talk is fully illustrated with digitally projected images and prints made throughout the four seasons.

Duration: 2 hours which includes a 15 minute interval

"The Seeing Eye"

Paul talks about looking beyond the obvious and includes exploring details, textures and shapes found in both nature and man made objects. He will also explain various creative techniques such as intentional camera movement, multiple exposures through to the use of creative lenses and filters. Paul's talk is fully illustrated with digitally projected images.

Duration: 2 hours which includes a 15 minute interval

"Spirit of Light"

A pinhole specific illustrated talk explaining the basic principles of pinhole photography and why Paul still uses one. The talk culminates in the planning and execution of his successful Fellowship panel, the first person to achieve this accolade with pinhole photography. Paul's talk is fully illustrated with digitally projected images supplemented with his Fellowship Panel of 20 prints

Duration: 2 hours which includes a 15 minute interval

“Beyond the Visible”

This lecture centre's around Paul's fascination for infrared photography. He will cover the various ways to capture in IR together with some of the practicalities involved. This talk will be fully illustrated using images made throughout the UK over the past decade. 

Duration: 2 hours which includes a 15 minute interval

“Creative Vision”

Paul talks about how his career in Graphic Design has influenced his photography over the years. Even today Paul still begins with a blank piece of paper and sketches out initial ideas, it is the same principle as looking through a camera viewfinder and populating it with ideas. He will discuss compositional aides such as the rule of thirds, the golden ratio etc. as well as the use of colour, shapes, scale, symmetry, repetition and pattern. Paul's talk is fully illustrated with digitally projected images.

“Fear of Flying”

Photographing my local area, and within the confines of the UK is far more rewarding than traveling long distances, especially since I don’t particularly enjoy flying. Local landscapes in particular offer endless opportunities for creativity, especially when revisited through different seasons, weather, and light. Familiarity with my surroundings enables me to notice subtle details and moments that might be missed in unfamiliar places. This connection often leads to more meaningful and personal images. It is also a more sustainable, cost-effective, and emotionally fulfilling way to work.

Duration: 2 hours which includes a 15 minute interval

Please contact me for available dates in 2025 & 2026

From January 2026 my fee for visiting a club will be £130 plus mileage @ .45p per mile (PAGB rate)
From January 2026 my fee for an online lecture will be £90

Current Lecture Dates

Date: 27th January 2026
Location: Knutsford CC
Subject: Woodland Ways (Zoom)

Date: 9th February 2026
Location: Trefoil Group
Subject: Fear of Flying (Zoom)

Date: 11th February 2026
Location: Wycombe PS
Subject: TBA (Zoom)

Date: 15th February 2026
Location: RPS East Midlands
Subject: Confessions of a Landscape Photographer (Zoom)

Date: 18th February 2026
Location: BH Club (Bournemouth)
Subject: Fear of Flying

Date: 16th March 2026
Location: Windsor PS
Subject: Beyond the Visible

Date: 26th March 2026
Location: Paisley PS
Subject: Beyond the Visible (Zoom)

Date: 14th April 2026
Location: Devizes PS
Subject: Woodland Ways

Date: 19th May 2026
Location: Bognor Regis PS
Subject: Photoshop & Lightroom Processing

Date: 16th September 2026
Location: Marlborough PS
Subject: Woodland Ways

Date: 27th January 2027
Location: Croydon PS (Zoom)
Subject: Woodland Ways