What kind of an effect has photography had on your everyday life?
I think photography has had a massive effect on everyday life. I'm always on the look out. In papers, magazines, films, outside with people sitting next to me on the tube (I get some funny looks for staring sometimes). You do find yourself always thinking about it.

So is it safe to assume you carry your camera everywhere?
Yes, I take a camera everywhere I go, although not always a professional one. Since my professional work is very considered, set up, so I prefer to just snap when I'm out and about. That can also generate ideas for future work.

What kind of a balance do you have between personal and professional work?
It's all about getting the balance right. I'm lucky in the sense that I get to work on interesting commisioned work but it's still never the same as personal work. You have to continue to do your own thing. Thats the reason I got into photography in the first place, not to follow layouts all the time. You also tend to get a lot of commisions through your personal work.

Speaking of comissions, you've done some pretty high-profile ad-shoots, what has been the most challenging one?
Possibly the Natural History Museum stuff. It had to look right, it could have very easily looked awful. I think it worked out.

What about your favourite shoot up to date?
Don't really have one, I've enjoyed different shoots for different reasons.

What about influences, what would you consider as your main ones?
Out of photographers, I love Richard Avedon and Diane Arbus. I spend a lot of time in art galleries too, I get influences from paintings, photography and films. Also, just everyday life, real people! London is great for that.

It certainly is! do you have any upcoming projects you're excited about?
I do have a few personal projects on the go, I'm always trying to move it on.

visit PaulThompsonStudio.com for more examples of his work