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CAPTURED by Paul Barbera


“I am not who you think I am. I am not who I think I am. I am who I think you think I am.”
- Charles Horton Cooley

A good portrait can reveal more than meets the eye about a person and their process. A portrait must be carefully considered and crafted, and it must endure.



I’ve spent most of my working life making portraits, and it’s something I still enjoy immensely.

Not everyone likes having their photograph taken. To be honest, I don’t even like having my own photo taken. Because of that, my approach has always been simple: keep things relaxed, easy, and human. No pressure, no performance. Creating an environment where people feel comfortable and at ease is essential.

Very often, there isn’t much time. Five minutes is common. Ten minutes is a luxury. Over the years, I’ve learned how to work within those constraints without rushing the experience. The aim is always the same: to connect quickly, read the room, and make something honest in the time we have.

I’ve photographed people from all walks of life, and I genuinely enjoy the challenge. In fact, the more reluctant or difficult the subject, the more interesting the process becomes. There’s something deeply rewarding about communicating who someone is, even in a brief window.

If you’re looking for portrait work that feels natural, unforced, and grounded in real connection, I’d love to talk.



Gaetano Pesce Nina Yashar & India Mahdavi Kelly Wearstler Jeanne Gang, Architect Lindsey Adelman Dimore Studio SZA Faye Toogood Bassen Fellows Apparatus Studio Max Lamb Frederik Molenschat Lazzarini Pickering Architetti Daniel Barbera Jasper Morrison Kuchar Swara, Design director Studio 21-19 Neale Whitaker Susi Leeton Henry Wilson, Designer SZA Vitsoe Maxwell Ryan, Apartment Therapy John Doerr, Venture Capitalist Petra Blaisse, Designer Petra Blaisse, Designer Frederik Vermeersch, Architect David Poulton, Architect Ben Mazey Aesop, North America Director Elle Decor Rossana Orlandi Rossana Orlandi Milan Hello Human Objects of common interest FormaFantasma Studio Pepe Rossana Orlandi Jaime Hayon Marsha Meredith Emanuele Farneti Apparatus Anna Karlin Claire Hello Human Milan fair


Through his Where They Create series, Paul Barbera has devoted his lifelong personal portrait practice to photographing creative people in their studios across the world. His commercial practice has received commissions from brands such as Vogue Living, The New York Times, Herman Miller, Vitsoe, Hermes, Aesop, and ELLE Decor, trusting in him to elevate their image.
 
Captured By Paul Barbera is his latest offering, tailored-designed for practitioners who desire crafted, considered personal portraits. The packages make portraiture accessible and affordable for individuals and creatives, leveraging Paul’s decades of experience bringing creative character to life through location-specific, naturally lit sessions.
CAPTURED
By Paul Barbera
@wheretheycreate
@paulbarbera