Paul Hopkins: Memphis Street and Documentary Photographer: Memphis Photographer Feature

Paul Hopkins is a dedicated documentary, and street photographer. Paul thinks like a purist when it comes to his photography. He loves the naked mood of black and white photography that mostly comes straight out of his camera. He shows the stark reality of what his vision captures. He has spent many hours in the searing heat and the bitter cold of street life in Memphis Tennessee. Paul is a mid-south native. He was born in Southaven MS. and spent most of his life in Memphis TN. He has also lived in Dallas TX, and Portland Oregon. He has made Memphis his home and base of operations.

He began his interest in photos when he was five years old with his dads National Geographic Magazines. He started taking pictures of his friends and neighbors in 1998 after he bought his first DSLR. He never went to art school. Instead he spent a lot of time looking at magazines such as Life, National Geographic, and Playboy. It was there that he saw really high quality photography that piqued his interest in becoming a photographer. 

He loves capturing the world as it is with no sugar coating or high color saturation. His photos of Memphis are moving, showing all sides of street life in Memphis. He also spends a lot of time photographing New Orleans, and is published in a book about that city. He has sponsored several Photography Groups on Facebook such as Documentary Photographers and Monochrome Photography, and you can see more of his work on Viewbug. Click the link to see his work.

Here is a sample of his photos...

He documents movements in Memphis

He exposes the problems

And he celebrates the culture.

In the rain

street activities

The historical beauty and the tourists.

The enterprising during summer heat

People at work

And simple artistic beauty

I'm sure you agree that Paul is a talented photographer with a unique vision. You can spot his images easily as he has developed his own personal style. Thank you Paul for sharing with us!

Memphis, Mid-South Sunsets

I have been shooting a lot of sunsets lately. It seems that the clouds, atmosphere, and weather have been conducive to some spectacular sky shows. These are from the Mississippi River Front and the new and improved Shelby Farms.

 This was a long the river at the park in Harbor Town

Here is another location same evening

This time not directly at the sun, looking off to the left

Away from the direction of the sun the colors are a little more subtle

This is the brand new visitor's center at Shelby Farms

Spectacular sunset over the new enlarged lake at Shelby Farms Park

The more subtle skies away from direct sunlight, again Shelby Farms Park enlarged lake

Power walk anyone?

It's a family affair!

A look at the bridge and the marina

A Recent Trip to Nashville: Part One Murfreesboro

One of my favorite photography destinations is Nashville. We just got a little dog six months ago, a Yorkie named Zeke. He travels with us now and we could not stay at our usual spot, so I found a pet friendly Motel in Murfreesboro. What a lovely little town. I am so glad that Zeke forced us to stay there. It is quaint and photogenic, and nearby is the Stones River Civil War Battle Grounds and Cemetery. My hat is off to Murfreesboro TN... great hospitality.

This Building is iconic by Murfreesboro Standards. It had just rained this early evening visit and the rain and sky made the city that much more peaceful

Around the town square. Murfreesboro has a wonderful town square.

Artistic fire hydrants... they have several of these colorful gems around the square

On around the square and another hydrant

Small and quaint but yes, they do have one tower

Stones River Battlefield is a couple of miles out of Murfreesboro and it is a great historical site to visit.

You can almost feel the presence of the troops

While the canons don't thunder, they stand at the ready.

If you are staying in the Nashville area, why not stay in picturesque Murfreesboro?