Paul Burwell was a professional photographer, writer, educator and enthusiastic naturalist with over twenty years experience working with and educating adults. Paul woke up some years ago to discover the Internet company he'd built from the ground up was sold and it was time to find something else to do with his life.
Before leaving a 20 year career in the computer world, Paul was the President of an Internet service provider. While working on new business plans for a new Internet company, he investigated becoming a professional nature photographer and quickly discovered that it was almost impossible to make a living as one. Naturally, he immediately dropped his plans for Internet dominance, sold his house and most of his earthly possessions and decided to take a vow of poverty as a nature photographer, and he never was happier.
Paul built a career in the world of nature photography with a passion for wildlife. He was a contributing editor and regular columnist with Outdoor Photography Canada Magazine and a photography instructor at Metro Continuing College. In addition to his courses at Metro, Paul conducted a number of photography workshops and tours each year to rave reviews through his company, The Wildlife Photography Academy, and later, the Burwell School of Photography. Paul's wide angle wildlife portrait of a porcupine in Elk Island National Park was a finalist in the category of wildlife portraits in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year (2009 and 2010) competitions sponsored by The Natural History Museum in London, England and BBC Wildlife Magazine. Popular Photography also named him a 'top wildlife shooter' in their March, 2010 issue.
Paul's foray into photography began during high school when he constructed a dark room in his closet where developer spills stain the floor to this day. When it came time to choose a serious career Paul was torn between photography and computers and ultimately the remuneration rewards of an information technology career that won out.
Paul along with his wife Kathryn, lived in the beautiful prairie city of Edmonton, Alberta Canada nicely situated between the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains and the Boreal Forest. Sadly, Paul passed away in early 2016 shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The Burwell School of Photography continues on as Edmonton's primary school of Photography, continuing to educate students throughout Alberta and beyond. A photography scholarship in Paul's name is awarded yearly by the Images Alberta Camera Club to an up and coming photographer. Buying a print helps to support Paul's family and his ongoing legacy. Thankyou.
Paul Burwell joined Fine Art America on August 21st, 2010.
