John Paul Henry didn’t have much of an interest in photography until he was in college, and ironically enough, his inspiration didn’t come from his hometown of Metropolis, Ill.

“I was studying abroad in Spain,” Henry said. “I spent a semester there, and it was just so beautiful. We had these little disposable cameras, and I took mine everywhere.”

Now, at the age of 28, Henry has opened his own gallery in Lower Town. His workspace on Madison Street is his newest venture, although he has been able to make a living as a photographer for quite some time now.

“I really love doing it,” Henry said. “I love to photograph other people and some things, just the way light hits things makes me feel creative.”

Henry photographs anything and everything. His gallery is filled with his own art, but throughout the week he does wedding photography, corperate photography and even portraits. His work has also been published in several newspapers.

Henry revisited the place that made him take up photography, this time going over to Europe to live. For nine months, Henry visited and worked on farms and in gardens in places like France, Spain and Morocco. The experience, he said, was eye-opening.

“I love seeing new places, and working with people,” Henry said. “It gave me a lot of perspective.”

More info

John Paul Henry’s gallery is at 621 Madison Ave. in Paducah. Hours are from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, but are subject to change.