Born in 1956 in Stafford, England, Paul Graham studied microbiology at the University of Bristol before turning his focus to photography. He gained early critical acclaim in the 1980s for his pioneering use of color film in documentary work, a departure from the black-and-white tradition that dominated British social photography at the time.

His practice is characterized by long-term projects that examine the nuances of everyday life, often utilizing large-format cameras to capture complex, layered scenes. His work frequently explores themes of social inequality, race, and the passage of time, moving between the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States to document shifting cultural topographies.

Graham has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Hasselblad Award in 2012. His photographs are held in the permanent collections of major institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate in London.