Paul Samuels
Paul Samuels’ love for photography grew from a foundation in fine art. He first picked up a camera at the age of 15 and went on to shoot his first commercial campaign in 2012. That same year, he was awarded the prestigious Tierney Fellowship and began working under the mentorship of renowned South African fine art photographer Jo Ractliffe. With a passion for photographing people and capturing authentic moments, Paul has developed into a versatile photographer capable of delivering across a wide range of briefs—from documentary-style shoots to high-end, polished advertising campaigns. He is also experienced in shooting stills alongside TVCs when needed and handles his own post-production work.
Samuels works mostly with portraiture, as he believes the photographic portrait best expresses individual and societal interests—how people live in relation to broader social structures. His images explore identity and belonging within some of society’s subcultures, with a focus on how groups constitute themselves, share common values, and develop a sense of purpose. He is particularly drawn to the ways people present themselves through dress, gesture, and attitude in the spaces they occupy, using photography to tell stories of young people in contemporary Africa.
Client List
Absa
Absolute Vodka
Adidas
Akedo
Barclays Africa
Bona
Brutal Fruit
Carling Black Label
Castle Lite
Castle Milk Stout
Cosmopolitan
Dark and Lovely
De Beers
Destiny Magazine
Dr and Misses
DSTV
Deutsche Bank
Doom
Durban July
Edgars
Elle
Elle Magazine
Financial Mail
FNB
Folio
Game
Garnier
Glenfiddich
Glenlivit
GQ
Grazia
House and Leisure
Hypebeast
Hyde Park
IEC
JC Le Roux
Jet
JHB Ballet
Johnnie Walker
Joko
Khulisa (NGO)
Legit
London Times
Marianne Fassler
Marie Claire
Men’s Health
Mindvalley
Miss SA
Mizani
Mr Price
MSF – Doctors Without Borders
Nedbank
Noseweek
Ogilvy
OLX
Powerade
Probiflora
Puma
Punk Online
Rand Merchant Bank
Red Bulletin
Redds
Rich Mnisi
Saint
Samsung
Simon and Mary
Smirnoff
Showmax
Standard Bank
Sunday Times
Superbalist
Telkom
The Times
The Unlimited
Toughees
Trace Mobile
Trebene
True Love
Vodacom
Wanted
Woman’s Health
Woolworths