Introducing an Interview with Photographer, Connie Smith
In the realm of visual storytelling, few artists possess the power to evoke emotion and capture the intricate details of life like photographer, Connie Smith. With an eye for beauty and a unique perspective, she has mastered the ability to transform everyday scenes into breathtaking narratives. Whether shooting stunning landscapes, intimate portraits, or dog shows, Connie Smith brings a distinct flair and authenticity to her work.
In this interview, we’ll dive into Connie's artistic journey, exploring her inspirations, creative process, and the stories behind some of her most memorable images. Join us as we uncover the passion that drives her photography and gain insights into the mind of a true visual storyteller. Get ready to be motivated! Please check her out on Instagram: @conniesmithphotography
1. Can you please describe a brief background about yourself as a photographer?
I am currently a 57 year old female living in rural Niagara Region where I share my life with my two adult children, my hubby, my two cats and my one amazing sheltie.
My camera has led me to the equine and canine events where I have been the official photograher for many events.
I am looking to do less events and more one on one photoshoots with horses and dogs in the future. As much as I love the events, I miss the connection with the humans and their animals.
2. Can you please list an overview of your work and achievements?
My genre was nature, equine and canine photography. All because they were a big part of my life and easily accessible to me. Eventually I was being hired to photograph other people's horses and dogs and then onto to shooting equine events on a very regular basis. The highlight of my achievements was when I was asked to travel to Quebec to photograph a high level jumper horse show. Now that my name is getting out as a photographer for this genre, my calendar is filling up.
3. What inspired you to become a photographer?
When I was thinking about what to do after high school, my stepfather suggested Photography. He had some cameras and I would play with them and do some dark room developing at home. In 1984 I applied to a few colleges for their Photography program where I was accepted to Sheridan College and Humber College. I chose Humber College in Toronto. I survived one year of the program. I turned to working full time at Black's Cameras in Toronto for a year until living in Toronto played havick on my health. I left Toronto and moved to Peterborough with my parents where I started working full time with Japan Camera. I changed careers a couple years later, but still continued to enjoy photography as a hobby. Fastforward 30 years and I found myself taking night courses in the Photography Arts at Mohawk College where I successfully completed the program.
4. Did you have early influences or mentors in photography?
The mentor I had that really stayed with me was Paul Iacovello. Paul was a teacher at Mohawk College and we were co-members of Haldimand Photograph Club. Paul was a very patient, talented, kind individual that loved to share his knowledge of photography with all that shared the interest of photography.
There were several other mentors from my time at Mohawk. Jorj Takas, John Ceko and Paul Ge.
5. Are there specific subjects or themes you gravitate toward? Why?
Horses and dogs are my go to as they have both been in my life since day one. I am familiar with their behaviours and have learned what photos show their beauty the best.
6. What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a photographer?
I would say as an event photographer, the biggest challenge I have is people saying they can take just as good of photos with their cell phones. The other thing we run into as event photographers is they are usually open to the public and anyone can walk in with a camera (high quality or not), take photos and then sell them to the participants. The larger events will hire an Official Photographer where there is a formal contract, but many do not want to deal with the "scabs" as it could mean some confrontational events. There is a lot of time put into being an event photographer for horse/dog shows. It usually means three, 12 hour (or longer) days of shooting, then editing and uploading to a platform for participants to view their images. Very annoying when you do all this work only to have someone come in and "scab" your event.
7. What camera and gear do you currently use, and why?
I am currently shooting with Nikon Z8 with my 70-200 f2.8 lens (for events) and my back up camera is a Nikon D850. I switched to Nikkon (from Canon) three years back. The main reason was how sharp and vibrant the colours were on my peers images were with the D850.
8. Have you exhibited your work? If so, what was that experience like?
Our club does two exhibits a year, but I personally do not like the venue and the walls that they hang the photos on do not do justice to the amazing work of the photographers.
9. What advice would you give to aspiring photographers looking to make a career out of it?
Don't do it! LOL, ok if you do, then be prepared for some road blocks and be prepared to work your butt off to get your name known.
10. Can you share a quote or mantra that inspires you in your work?
Do what you love and love what you do! Do it for yourself...not for others.
Cover Photo by: Connie Smith Photography
Bottom Photo by: Monica Nance M. | @monikatiedtke
