About – SWL Photography

Paul Smith (OBE)

Paul Smith is a passionate photographer based in Hampshire, specialising in sports, wildlife, and landscape photography. His journey began with a single spark of inspiration—a photograph taken by his father sailing back from Australia, capturing the stillness of the Suez Canal. That image ignited something deep within him, and years later, while serving aboard HMS Glasgow,

Photographer of Sailing, Wild life & Landscapse, based in Hampshire, UK.

Paul captured a breathtaking sunset over the Azores. When he collected the developed film, a sticker on the back declared it was “good enough for a competition.” That moment was life-changing. From then on, Paul invested in professional equipment, honed his craft, and began to carve his own unique path through the lens.

Achievements

Paul’s work has taken him from the roar of the stadium to the serenity of the shoreline. He has earned accreditation at high-profile sporting events, including Wimbledon, the Davis Cup, and international athletics at the new Elizabeth Stadium.

Notably, he became the first wheelchair photographer to be accredited at the new Wembley Stadium, covering two Men’s FA Cup Finals and several international England games and Women’s FA Cup Finals.

There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.

With a drive to push creative boundaries, Paul has expanded into sailing, landscape, wildlife, and astrophotography—always seeking new ways to capture the world’s beauty, movement, and emotion. His lens doesn’t just take pictures—it tells powerful stories of passion, perseverance, and possibility.