Newark photographer Paul Saxby looks to give back to the community with innovative project

A former RAF photographer who first came to Newark while serving in 2003 is giving back to the community.

Paul Saxby who spent 18 years in the RAF as a photographer and served in locations including Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq now spends his days producing corporate videos.

Mr Saxby, a certified editor and colourist, has now launched a pay-it-forward project after celebrating 21 years of living in Newark.

“Newark has been good to us over the years,” said Paul.

“We have a comfortable home and live in a kind and helpful community.

“It seemed right that, after 21 years, I paid them back for everything Newark has done for us. I wanted a project that took me back to where I started.”

Mr Saxby’s project is to photograph people in the Newark area, who can either apply or be nominated through his website. He said the aim was to “celebrate the diverse talents and contributions of our fellow community members".

Among the first to be photographed was professional boxer Chad Sugden.

“I've been a photographer for 38 years, so I started when everything was shot with film,” said Mr Saxby.

“Today I spend most of my time editing video for corporate clients, which means I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer.

“I wanted to go back to my roots, so much (but not all) of this project is being shot on old school film using some of my collection of vintage cameras.”

Helped by an old friend on LinkedIn, Mr Saxby has been given some recommendations but people can still come forward.

“I created a page on my website where people can nominate friends or apply for themselves,” he said.

“The photo sessions are free of charge, images are free, and there is no up-sell.”

The only condition to being photographed by Mr Saxby is that the model than pays forward the generosity to someone else, even if it’s a small gesture.

Mr Saxby said: “There are no conditions that limit who can be photographed, other than they use the opportunity to Pay-It-Forward for someone else.

“This doesn’t have to be anything specific, just do something nice for someone else.

“There are only so many hours in the day, and film costs a lot of money, so I can't photograph everyone, but I will try to photograph as many people as possible.

“My only priority is to create images that evoke a feeling.

“I'm not about creating happy snaps, the images must be meaningful and tell a story.

“Being a veteran, I have close ties with the military community and have photographed several former Army personnel, including a wounded veteran.

“I don't really choose who gets a portrait session, I just try to work around my availability and fit photo sessions in around my day job.

“I like interesting stories, especially if it involves community or family.

“Newark is a wonderful place to live, with some amazingly generous people.

“I just want to tell their stories through the only way I know how, photography.”