Paula studied photography in Aspen, Colorado, under the guidance of internationally published photographer Eileen Lewis and moved to New York to take classes at the School of Visual Arts as well as pursue a career in photography. It was in 1984 that she met Brant Mewborn, then senior editor of Rolling Stone, who introduced her to the thriving scene of musicians, drag queens, and other collaborators that she would later photograph. During her combined time in New York and Atlanta, her subjects included the American Music Show, RuPaul, Michael Musto, Tish and Snooky Bellomo, Wigstock, John Kelly, Lady Bunny, Nelson Sullivan, Dick Richards, Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Phoebe Legere, and others. Paula Gately Tillman is the widow of LeRoy E. Hoffberger, attorney, art collector, author, and philanthropist. She currently lives and works in Baltimore.