Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald Smith.
Hi Donald, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I became interested in landscape photography in high school when my parents bought me a 35mm camera. To make a living, I became a teacher briefly (high school level) and then moved into sports photography. After a career in sports photography (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, trading cards, Sports Illustrated, various other magazines/newspapers), I switched up and returned to my first love, landscape photography, about seventeen years ago.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No. The most difficult thing was the changing nature of the business. We moved from film to digital to a whole change in the way photography is marketed. I have had to anticipate these changes, teach myself how to navigate them, and adapt, adapt, adapt.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I see myself as an artist and as such, I need to learn my craft. I study art, read books on art, go to art museums, etc. I then use this knowledge to take landscape photos. I think my work speaks for itself, but I am also known for being a good teacher. I can take a concept in photography and teach it simply and succinctly to my clients. I run workshops all over the world. I get clients on location and help them perfect their craft. In addition, I teach them processing skills during the workshops. I think my teaching style and knowledge of processing is what sets me apart.
I am proud of working in an artistic field and being able to support a family while doing something I love.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think I have good business sense in addition to being an artist. I was able to anticipate the changes in photography before they came along and thus prepare for them. Also, I have an excellent work ethic. I also have to give a lot of credit to my wife Beri for being so supportive. I am on the road constantly and that is not always easy for her. Fortunately now our kids are grown and she helps me run my business and travels most places with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: donsmithphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/don_smith_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donsmithphoto/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DonSmithPhotography/videos
Image Credits
© Don Smith Photography
