Brian Smith

Photographer Q & A

Describe the moment or event that inspired your decision to become a photographer.

I was hooked at 20 when my first published magazine photograph ran in LIFE magazine.

What is your favorite photography tip to share with other photographers?

Shoot what you love to shoot.

Favorite photography book and why?

Albert Watson's Maroc is one of my favorite photography books on many levels - photography, design, printing and subject matter are all flawless....

Most unusual item you keep in your camera bag?

Nothing unusual. I just added a pair of SOUL by Ludacris SL99 High-Def Sound Isolation In-Ear Headphones that I love for those long plane trips.

What's the best advice you ever received from a fellow photographer?

If you're going to put ice in your drink in Haiti, make sure the rum is at least 80 proof.

Name a geographical place that you'd love to return to or go to for an assignment.

Morocco. Fascinating and simply beautiful...

What photography project or assignment has been most meaningful for you and why?

My first book, ART & SOUL, in partnership with The Creative Coalition and Sony, just came out. The book pairs my portraits of 123 celebrities with their hand-written testimonials about the importance of the arts. Probably the best project I've ever done. Everyone really responded because the shoot was about the arts. I learned that it's better sometimes not to over-think things and just roll with it.

If you could publish a book on any photographic subject, what would it be?

My First Billion Dollars...

What's in your camera bag right now?

What do you love about your Lowepro bag(s)?

Nothing beats updating a classic, so I L-O-V-E that the new Pro Messenger AW line was able to get an old-school, classic canvas feel from the latest space-age fabric. It's a total 007—like a great grey flannel suit that's also bullet-proof...

Visit Brian Smith's web site for a gallery view of his amazing celebrity portraits; read his blog; and get more details on his newest book that profiles artists and their love for the arts at these sites:
http://briansmith.com/
http://briansmith.com/blog/
http://www.artsoulbook.com/

Brian's Lowepro gear includes: