As a socially-engaged photographer Paul O’Leary records the time in which we live and the lives of others. His current practice explores post-industrial towns/cities, looking at old/new forms of civic identity. He’s exhibited extensively in solo, and group shows and his photographs reside in public and private collections. His works is mostly shot using large-format film cameras. It is a process that requires time and allows the subject to drift off into his or her own thoughts during the shoot. His images merge the control and structure of Portraiture with Social Documentary’s ability to depict and reflect daily routine.

He lives, photographs and teaches photography in the UK. He is also the founder/director of Photocitizens.com an international photography festival that promotes photographic thinking and practice amongst undergraduate and postgraduate photography students.