Paolo Jay: Capturing Philadelphia's Culinary Soul and Beyond
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Paolo Jay (PJ), an editorial documentary photographer based right here in Philadelphia. If you've been following his work, you know he's been making significant waves, particularly with his captivating food photography. But as we discussed, there's so much more to PJ's artistry than meets the eye.
One of the first things we delved into was his focus on food photography. PJ shared that it was a strategic move for him to stay rooted in Philadelphia, a city he believes is experiencing a renaissance in its culinary scene. He highlighted the rise of chef entrepreneurs and restaurateurs who are truly elevating Philadelphia's status in the country's culinary landscape, which, as he noted, is somewhat surprising for a smaller city.
While food is his primary editorial focus, PJ is truly a photographer for all seasons. He aptly put it, "the sky is the limit for me." One day he might be shooting behind-the-scenes for a rap video, and the next, a baby shower. What ties all his diverse work together – from events and weddings to headshots – is his distinct style. You can always tell it's a "PJ image." This is partly due to his signature direct flash, but also the calm presence he brings to a shoot. He doesn't over-direct; instead, he creates a space that allows his subjects to be themselves and interact naturally within it. He even shared his philosophy, drawing inspiration from Wabi-sabi, embracing things as they are, believing that art should sometimes be created freely, without rigid direction.
When it comes to his approach to food photography specifically, it's quite unique. PJ isn't focused on studio setups or intricate styling kits. He trusts the chefs immensely, viewing them as artists who plate their creations beautifully. He often shoots on location, capturing the food as it's prepared and presented for a customer, relying on the chef's vision. He mentioned that while he's open to working with stylists to elevate projects, he admits styling is harder than it looks and he prefers to be in the middle – collaborating but also having the freedom to choose his own angles and lighting. For him, the studio route isn't appealing unless it's the "right campaign" where everything truly aligns.
Beyond his creative process, we also touched on his work life and environment. PJ described having a "European schedule," waking up early to be productive in the morning and aiming to finish his main work by 2 or 3 PM. He's also been focusing more on time blocking and planning ahead to optimize his weeks. A fascinating aspect of his routine, which I know personally, is his love for working from coffee shops. He's truly the "coffee shop king!" He finds that being surrounded by the controlled chaos and movement of people actually helps him focus better. It’s also a fantastic way for him to connect with people, as he's always running into someone he knows or meeting new faces. As he put it, he's like a flower – he needs a change of environment to thrive and avoid distraction.
PJ is also starting to expand his horizons into educating newer photographers through workshops and photo walks, which is incredibly exciting. He candidly shared overcoming some impostor syndrome but felt compelled to offer the support and tips he wished he had when starting out. He wants to be that valuable resource, whether it’s about a photography tip, pricing, or even just writing an email. He firmly believes in a human approach to pursuing passions. We had a great discussion about "gatekeeping" in the industry, and PJ shared his evolving perspective: while some things might seem guarded, often it’s about personal experience and the journey of learning through both success and failure. As I agreed, sometimes you just need to take an honest look at your work and acknowledge areas for growth.
Finally, PJ offered some truly insightful advice for anyone starting out in photography, regardless of their niche. He emphasized the importance of having confidence in your work, but also staying humble. His core message was to focus on your art and connecting with people, rather than solely on monetary gain. Simple actions like showing up for someone's event, grabbing coffee, and learning about their life can lead to incredible collaborations. He believes in not forcing things, but rather letting them align naturally – because when you're truly yourself, you'll attract the right opportunities.
It was an inspiring chat with PJ, full of wisdom that extends far beyond just photography. His dedication to his craft, his community, and his unique artistic vision truly shines through. Definitely keep an eye on his work – he's just getting started!