With over 15 years of experience in advertising and editorial photography, Paul brings a cinematic, emotionally resonant style to every project. His work is defined by a masterful command of lighting, thoughtful post-production, and a storytelling approach that’s both polished and approachable.
Driven by a passion for craft, Paul is dedicated to creating images that not only connect with audiences but also exceed client expectations.
Based in Denver, he often hits the road with his vintage travel trailer, Ethel, chasing light and inspiration across the American landscape.
Case Study Breakdown
CLIENT :: Crocs + Swarovski Brand Partnership
It’s refreshing when a client hires us for our distinctive visual style and then gives us full creative license to lean into it. That was the case with Crocs and their collaboration with Swarovski. This partnership celebrates the juxtaposition of form and function: the comfort-first practicality of Crocs and the timeless luxury of Swarovski’s designer crystals. The result was a high-fashion Crocs collection captured with a sparkling expression of functionality.
ASK :: Elevate
Crocs and Swarovski Unite for a Sparkling Statement in Footwear Fashion
In a bold move that merges streetwear comfort with luxury glamour, Crocs and Swarovski created a limited-edition collaboration that redefines casual style with crystal clarity. This dazzling partnership combines Crocs’ iconic silhouettes with Swarovski’s world-renowned craftsmanship, resulting in a footwear collection that glimmers with unexpected elegance. This crystal-adorned Croc shoe required a photographer with a reliable focus on sophisticated lighting, clean composition, and a natural tendency for dreamy, ethereal imagery. We were brought in to frame the collection not just as footwear, but as fine art.
“This collaboration is about contrast—and confidence. By pairing our signature comfort with Swarovski’s refined brilliance, we’re inviting people to see Crocs in a whole new light.”
Deliverables
From the beginning, we knew the shoe collection had to be the star. Our storytelling approach centered on building a series of elegant, high-contrast compositions that utilized a muted palette with purposeful lighting on dark backgrounds. We leaned into techniques that sculpted the product with highlights and shadow, creating dimension while maintaining a clean, luxurious aesthetic. Sparkling reflections were drawn from the crystals without overwhelming the integrity of the shoe’s form. Each frame was composed to draw the viewer in and focus on the product as an experience, not just as an object.
To emphasize the ethereal quality of the collection, we played with in-camera techniques, using stacked lens filters to create dreamy blurs, soft starbursts, and ghosted overlays. Balancing the effects of the filters while retaining the detail in the product was among the most complex aspects of the shoot. Much of this required hand-holding filters in front of the lens, but it was worth it. Achieving these effects in real time, rather than post-production, carried the creative momentum throughout the shoot and offered an authenticity that resonated with both client and concept.
In the end, we delivered a set of artistic, high-quality images that elevated the Crocs x Swarovski collection to a new visual tier. The collaboration was a natural fit, where the client’s vision aligned perfectly with our creative style. Dramatic yet refined. Technical yet emotive. A high-fashion silhouette with just the right amount of authenticity and sparkle.
Team
Copywriter for Global Partnerships @ Crocs: Madelyn Hadel
