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Our New Ambassador – Paul Browning
We are delighted to announce our new Ambassador Partnership with Paul Browning, a UK-based award-winning wildlife photographer with a deep passion for the outdoors, conservation, and ethical practices. Paul spends countless hours in the field documenting wildlife and so the quality and durability of his gear is vitally important. Páramo’s high performance, PFAS-free clothing rises to every outdoor challenge, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with Paul. To kick off our partnership, we put some questions to the man himself to help you get to know him a little better…
Tell us about the most memorable wildlife experience you’ve ever had?…
My trip to Finland must be my most memorable experience to date. The main goal was to photograph brown bears, which was incredible, but what happened at the end of one evening took it to a whole new level. As the sun was setting and we were packing up, a wolverine appeared, drawn in by scraps left behind by the bears. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Until that moment, I’d only heard of wolverines in Marvel comics, I didn’t even know they were a real animal, let alone that I’d be lucky enough to see one in the wild.
To top it all off, I also had a rare and unforgettable encounter with grey wolves during the same trip. Watching them move silently through the forest was something I’ll never forget, and I came away with some of the most powerful shots I’ve ever taken. It was a trip full of surprises, and the kind of experience that reminds you exactly why you fall in love with wildlife photography in the first place.
What Páramo gear do you reach for when heading out into the wild?
My go-to piece has to be the Bentu Windproof. It’s incredibly versatile, lightweight, waterproof, and breathable, which is essential when I’m out for long stretches tracking wildlife. It handles changeable weather without making you overheat, which is exactly what I need when I’m constantly on the move.
I also rate the Alta Trek Trousers highly. They’re tough but have just enough stretch to move with you, perfect for crawling on the ground or navigating through thick woodland. They also have ankle adjustments, which is a great touch as it means you can tighten everything up so bugs don’t find their way into the trousers (which anyone who’s spent time in the woods knows is a big win!). They also have great pockets to help carry all my extra bits of gear.
One item I’m also a bit obsessed with is the Neck Tube. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference. It helps conceal your face, which is useful because a flash of human skin or the profile of your face can easily spook an animal. It just gives you that extra edge when you’re trying to stay unnoticed.
As for the Maui Shorts, I love them, just not for the field. They’re more my go-to for lounging around at home and they go surprisingly well with my Crocs!
What features of our products do you find most useful, and why?
Honestly, what I love most about Páramo gear is how well it handles the unpredictable British weather. You know how it is, you set out on a clear morning, and before you know it, you’re caught in a downpour or scrambling through wet undergrowth.
The waterproofing is genuinely impressive, but what makes it even better is that it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a plastic bag. I can move comfortably, even when I’m crouched down for hours trying to get that perfect shot. Plus, the breathability means I don’t end up overheating when I’m more active, something that’s crucial when I’m out tracking wildlife.
Another big plus is how tough the gear is. I’m constantly crawling through rough terrain, leaning against trees, or lying on the forest floor. Páramo stuff just holds up to the abuse, no rips, no soggy patches, just reliable kit that doesn’t let me down.
And to be honest, I like knowing that I’m not wrapped in something full of harmful chemicals. The fact that Páramo is PFAS-free really sits well with me, especially considering how much time I spend out in nature. It’s good to know that the gear I’m using respects the environment I’m passionate about protecting.
What tips can you share with our Páramo People for achieving the perfect shot?
One of the best tips I can give is to focus on one subject at a time. It’s easy to get distracted when you’re surrounded by wildlife, but narrowing your attention helps you fully commit to getting that one great shot, rather than lots of average ones. Patience and focus always pay off.
Secondly do your homework before you even pick up the camera, know the habitat, the behaviour of the species, and the best times of day for activity. Spend time in the area just watching before you start shooting. Learn how the animal moves, where it feeds, and what signs to look out for. That understanding helps you anticipate shots rather than react to them.
And most importantly, get to know your equipment inside out. I used to sit by a lake or at a nature reserve and practice adjusting settings until it became second nature. At one point, I even blindfolded myself to learn how to change ISO, aperture, and shutter speed without looking; because when that rare moment happens, you don’t want to be fumbling with buttons. You want to be locked in, ready to capture it.
What do you find most rewarding, and most challenging, about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is capturing those fleeting moments of connection between wildlife and the natural world. It’s those rare, spontaneous interactions that make the long hours’ worth it. Being able to share those images with people and hopefully inspire them to appreciate and protect wildlife is what keeps me going.
The most challenging part? The unpredictability. Wildlife doesn’t care about your plans or your shot list. You can spend days waiting for the perfect moment, only for the animal to vanish just as you’re ready. It’s frustrating, but it’s also what makes it so rewarding when it does come together. You must embrace the uncertainty and be prepared to adapt, no matter the conditions or the outcome. That’s just part of the job, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What are some common misconceptions about wildlife photography?
One of the biggest misconceptions about wildlife photography is that it’s all about luck, just being in the right place at the right time. It’s a lot more about preparation, patience, and persistence. You can’t just wander into a woodland and expect an animal to stroll into frame. It takes planning, understanding animal behaviour, and sometimes days of waiting for that one perfect moment.
Another misconception is that wildlife photographers are constantly surrounded by incredible animals. The truth is, most of the time, it’s just you, your camera, and a whole lot of nothing happening. Those split-second shots you see on social media often come from hours or even days of waiting in the cold, wet, or uncomfortable positions.
And then there’s the idea that we’re intruding on nature or disturbing animals to get the shot. Ethical wildlife photography is about minimising impact, staying hidden, using long lenses, and never forcing an encounter. Respect for the animals and their habitats comes first, always.
It’s not glamorous, but that’s what makes the successful shots even more special. It’s the reward after putting in the effort and respecting the wildlife you’re documenting.
You’ve captured some stunning images of birds over the years, what is your favourite species and why?
My favourite subject must be the goshawk. There’s something about their presence; they’re built for power and precision, and when one enters the area, everything else clears out. You can really feel how dominant they are in their territory.
They’re incredibly elusive, too. I had to travel to Spain with a local guide to photograph one properly. There are some here in the UK, but they’re so secretive that sightings are few and far between – I haven’t managed to see one again since.
They might not be the most visually striking bird out there, but I’ve always been drawn to birds of prey, and the goshawk’s raw, focused intensity is hard to beat. They’re the ultimate woodland hunter; stealthy, fast, and totally in control.
How do Páramo’s brand values align with your own?
Páramo’s brand values align with mine because they’re all about doing things the right way, not the easy way. As a wildlife photographer, I’m passionate about protecting the natural world and minimising my impact while I’m out in the field. Páramo’s commitment to sustainability, like being PFAS-free and ethically produced is a big deal to me. It means I can rely on my gear without worrying that it’s harming the environment I’m trying to capture and protect.
Plus, their support for conservation and responsible practices fits right in with my own approach to wildlife photography, respecting nature and doing what I can to protect it. It’s great to work with a brand that shares these values.
Do you have a bucket list shoot? Tell us more!
If budget wasn’t a factor, my ultimate bucket list shoot would be photographing emperor penguins. The idea of being in such a remote, otherworldly landscape and watching how these incredible creatures survive and interact in some of the harshest conditions on Earth, really appeals to me. It’s completely different from anything I’ve experienced so far, and I’d love the challenge of capturing that environment and behaviour through my lens.
On a more realistic note, I’ve got plans to head to Georgia in the U.S. to photograph alligators and ospreys, which has been on my list for a while. While I’m out there, I’d also love to explore the Everglades in Florida, there’s so much variety in the wildlife, from pelicans to the elusive Florida panther, and who knows what else might show up.
One of the things I’ve really valued through my photography journey is the connections I’ve made. I’ve got a good friend based in the U.S. who’s offered to guide me around and show me some of the best spots, which makes the whole trip even more exciting.