Paul Kiefer Photography

🤙 Exclusive Interview

Paul
Kiefer

🌊 Model 📷 Photographer 🏄 Paddle Board Partner

Born in Hawaii. Shooting the world.

Currently making waves in Dubai

In my many years in the industry, I've worked with photographers all over the world — editorials, travel, portraits, documentary. I know talent when I see it. Paul Kiefer is at his early stages as a photographer, but already has a unique visual identity that is unmistakably his own. This is going to be a big step forward — and a natural progression for a man who has never stood still.

The Interview

Q

Tell us a bit more about yourself, Paul.

I can't say 100% what the future has in store for me, but I'm hoping that a house near the beach — or on a lake in the mountains — is part of it. My life has brought me down many yellow brick roads. All of them have given me amazing experiences: the earlier years playing basketball, later in dance and theatre, and finally as a model. Now it seems my next adventure will be life as a photographer.

Q

What are your greatest inspirations or influences?

My greatest inspirations are those who know how to enjoy life outside of the ever-growing modern lifestyle. People who live with what they need, not what they want. People who give and don't expect anything in return. I judge people by the way they treat others. Those who started at the bottom and built their way up — but still know how to return to the simplicity of having nothing.

"I live for new adventures — even if it screams danger."

— Paul Kiefer

Q

Most interesting travel journeys so far — and places you still have to visit?

This is tough to answer because there are so many places and you really can't compare them. But some highlights include:

🏔 Alaska ✡️ Israel 🏔 Switzerland 🎨 Barcelona 🌏 Asia

I live for new adventures — even if it screams danger.

Q

How did you get into photography?

I always had a passion for visual art, especially paintings. But I never saw myself as a photographer. I have my older brother to thank — he convinced me to try. And since I can be quite spontaneous, one day I decided to spend a fortune on a new camera and lenses without ever having shot before. From there, the rest is history.

In my photography I try to focus more on emotions rather than just beauty. So many photographers get caught up in trying to make something beautiful from something beautiful. But that same beauty can come from a dark place.

Q

What are some of the challenges of life as a model?

Nothing lasts forever — so people come and go all the time. People I become very close to, but eventually have to part with. I think this is one of the toughest parts of the job.

Traveling is such a blessing, but like all things there is always a price to pay. Seeing the world makes it very hard to be satisfied in one place. You always know what you're missing out on somewhere else. You're always left with that taste in your mouth, wanting more. Because of this, I can't say that someone who travels is happier than someone who has never left their own country. Seeing always makes you want more.

🤙 Quotes Paul Lives By

"Never let anyone know what you are thinking."

— Mario Puzo, The Godfather

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

— Eden Ahbez

Follow the Adventure 🌊

Keep up with Paul's travels, shoots and next chapters on Instagram

@paulki4 @pkiefer_photography

Paul Kiefer  ·  Model & Photographer  ·  Hawaii → Dubai  ·  @paulki4