Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Lefko.
Hi Paul, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been photographing for as long as I can remember—since I was about 12 or 13 years old growing up in Canada. My earliest inspiration came from my older brother, who had set up a darkroom in our basement. Watching prints come to life under the red glow of safelights felt like magic, and before long, I was borrowing his gear and making my own images.
Back then, it was all film. I carried a point-and-shoot camera almost everywhere, and later graduated to SLRs and Medium Format 6×7. I still remember a canoe trip I took with a good friend through Algonquin Park in the mid-1990s—I had the camera, the lenses, all the gear… but forgot the film. So I spent five days paddling with extra weight and no pictures. It’s one of those moments you never forget—and it kind of sums up the early days of trial, error, and a lot of learning.
From the beginning, photography has always been tied to travel, exploration, and a deep curiosity about the world around me. For me, bringing a camera is a way to better understand where I am. It’s not about chasing the perfect Instagram shot—it’s about slowing down and seeing the humanity, the textures, the uniqueness of a place or person.
Whether I’m walking through a new city, hiking remote trails, or working in a studio, the camera helps me connect. Even during model shoots, what I’m really photographing is the relationship—the interaction that unfolds between the subject and me. It’s that space in between, where trust happens, that I find most powerful.
Now, over 45 years later, photography is still how I navigate the world. It’s changed with time, as all things do—but the core has stayed the same: curiosity, connection, and storytelling.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the earliest challenges was overcoming the fear of photographing people in the streets, towns, and villages—learning how to be present without being intrusive took time and practice. Stepping into unfamiliar territory like weddings and bar mitzvahs was also a leap; coming from a more methodical, editorial background, those fast-paced, emotionally driven environments required a completely different mindset and shooting style. A few years ago, I made a push toward commercial work. While there were a few success stories, I quickly realized that the landscape had shifted—photography isn’t valued in quite the same way it once was. With smartphones and the rise of social media, image-making has become incredibly democratized. In many cases, the phone photo is “good enough,” and the idea of what an image should look like is now shaped more by filters, AI, and trends than by the subject itself. There’s also the constant inner negotiation between what I see as a powerful or beautiful image, and how others respond—or don’t. Sometimes I’ll send a photo to a model, thinking it’s among my best work, and get no reply, or hear that they prefer something else entirely. It’s taught me the importance of staying true to my eye and instincts. If someone is hiring me, they’re hiring my vision—not just a camera. And, like most photographers, I’ve encountered a few of the classic “horror” stories—people demanding RAW files after a TFP shoot, or not respecting creative boundaries. Those moments are rare, but they come with the territory. All of it, though—the challenges, the quiet wins, the occasional frustrations—has helped shape the way I shoot and how I see the world through the lens.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in editorial, portrait, and travel photography—and that’s probably what I’m best known for. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to receive ten photography awards in those categories, which has been both humbling and affirming. My heart is especially in travel and documentary work, and I’m most proud of the images I’ve created in Southeast Asia—particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar. Those trips were transformative, not just photographically but personally, and I think that depth comes through in the work. I also love photographing in France, especially in Paris—there’s a rhythm and richness to the light and streets there that I never tire of. That said, I also really enjoy working in the studio with models. It’s a completely different energy, but equally rewarding. I think what sets my work apart is a mix of patience and presence—I try to approach every subject, whether it’s a person or a place, with a sense of curiosity and respect. I’m not chasing trends or the perfect shot for social media. I’m chasing connection—images that hold a little bit of story and soul.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
When I was living in Houston many years ago, I took photography classes with Peter Brown, whose insight and teaching were instrumental in helping me evolve as an artist. His influence has stayed with me ever since. I’m also incredibly grateful to the photography community around me—especially my close friends Avi Schnitzer, Eli Berger, and Pablo Duek, who’ve all shared ideas, feedback, and inspiration over the years. For a while, I was part of the LA Camera Club, which was a valuable space for growth and connection. And of course, my family has always been supportive, encouraging me to keep creating. Lastly, I owe a lot to the many clients who’ve trusted me with their stories, portraits, and moments—each one has contributed to the photographer I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fhutowurks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fhutowurks/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/paul_lefko/
