Born in Ravenna, Italy, Paolo Roversi moved to Paris in 1973, where he has remained based throughout his career. He initially worked as an assistant to photographer Lawrence Sackman before establishing his own practice, eventually becoming a prominent figure in international fashion photography.

Roversi is best known for his distinctive technical approach, frequently utilizing 8x10 Polaroid film to create soft-focus, ethereal portraits. His work is characterized by a muted color palette, dramatic chiaroscuro lighting, and a focus on the psychological depth of his subjects rather than purely commercial presentation.

His photography has been featured extensively in publications such as Vogue Italia, Harper's Bazaar, and i-D. Beyond editorial work, he has collaborated with major fashion houses and has been the subject of numerous international exhibitions and monographs documenting his long-standing influence on contemporary portraiture.