Paul Quain grew up in a small village in Ireland. After earning a PhD in chemistry, he moved to Boston in 1974. There he bought his first camera and discovered photography, learning through experimentation and a weekend darkroom workshop course.

The Massachusetts Artist’s Foundation recognized his work in 1986. Photographs have been exhibited in several regional galleries including the Fitchburg Art Museum and the Carl Siembab Gallery.

Currently, he lives in Boston.