Obviously, a Major Malfunction (Updated)

Back Camera © 2011 Dan Smith. All rights reserved.

Two years ago, I made a commitment. I chose a rarely trodden path. It was a bold choice that flew in the face of convention. And I’ll freely admit: my motives were purely financial.

I chose the Erlichrom Skyport line over the ubiquitous PocketWizard.

Yes, I decided to buck the groupthimk when it came to deciding on a remote flash trigger system. And for two years, I was… Continue reading

Wind at my Back

Caribbean Sky, through the Mainsail of the catamaran Kuralu © 2011 Dan Smith. All rights reserved.

The last month was a pretty rough span of time. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Christmas and preparing for my son’s second birthday, but artistically, it was the doldrums.

I had three models flake on me, one fall of the map and two more tell me that, now that they’ve signed with an agency, they’re no longer willing to pose for artistic nudes.  Ugh.

But the skies… Continue reading

Evolution

Pentax K1000 SLR © 2010 Dan Smith. All rights reserved.

It seems that my work needs to evolve. If I want models to want to work with me, I need to broaden my subject matter – to push my artwork where it’s never gone before: clothed photoshoots.

As for existing clothed work, it’s mostly been portraiture. To tell the truth, I haven’t done all that much, because I’ve found it boring. Which is why I’m much more comfortable calling… Continue reading

Holed-Up

German Bunker on Utah Beach, Cherbourg Peninsula, France © 2010 Dan Smith. All rights reserved.

If only I could be in two places at once. I had underestimated just how hectic this holiday season would turn out to be. I’ve been working, but I haven’t been blogging. That’ll change soon.

Photo: Looking through a machine gun port of a ruined German bunker, towards a farmhouse overlooking Utah Beach.

Continue reading

Collaborators will be shot! (On film)

20101217-110231.jpg © 2010 Dan Smith. All rights reserved.

Muses wanted!

After a five year hiatus from working with models, amateur or experienced, I’m ready to start working again, on both artistic and fashion-style projects.

Generally, I prefer to have a relatively relaxed go-see, in a public, mutually-convenient location, so that potential models may see my portfolio and I, theirs. Plus it gives me a chance to ascertain whether or not we mesh creatively and allows both… Continue reading

Let it Snow

Snow on Tree, Abstract © 2010 Dan Smith. All rights reserved.

Snow. I love it. Probably because I grew up in North Carolina, where half-an-inch of the white stuff is enough to make people empty grocery shelves, drive like maniacs and attempt to build snowmen that are composed as much of snow as of leaves and grass. But, it’s also because snow, for me, is like Tech Pan for reality. (How I miss Tech Pan.)

The scene above is from… Continue reading

Tortola

Sunset over Little Apple Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands © 2010 Dan Smith. All rights reserved.

I’m always on the lookout for amazing views. I love sunrises and sunsets (well, I’m rarely awake for sunrises, but when I am up, I love the light). My wife and I spent our honeymoon on the shores of Little Apple Bay on the northwest shore of Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands. Taken with a Powershot S60, the sun is setting through storm clouds over Jost Van Dyke and… Continue reading

Documentary

Paratrooper Flying the American Flag © 2010 Dan Smith. All rights reserved.

I spent nearly a third of my life living in and around Washington, D.C. There was always something happening. On occasion, I’d actually have my camera with me. (My kingdom for a rangefinder M9.) In the course of my job commitments, I also spent a fair bit of time in and around our armed forces. When it was permitted, I made sure to have my camera along.

A member… Continue reading

Motorsports

Turner Motorsport M3 at Turn 3 of VIR © 2010 Dan Smith. All rights reserved.

My interest in motorsports photography was a natural combination of my background in sports photography – shooting various levels of professional and amateur soccer for Eurosport and ACC events in the Triangle for school papers – and my new-found passion for racing.

In 2003, I purchased a BMW 6-series coupe and with the urging of a friend, began a journey that eventually led to me… Continue reading