Meet Edward F Smith III
The Magic of Photography
From the moment I received a Kodak Brownie camera as a young child, the magic of photography captivated me. The process was simple yet enchanting: press the shutter, send off the film, and then eagerly anticipate the arrival of a yellow envelope filled with 12 small black and white photographs. Initially, these images—landscapes and family scenes—were just a means to share moments with friends and family. Photography wasn't yet an art form in my eyes, merely a fascinating hobby.
As technology evolved, so did my passion. Transitioning to a Kodak Instamatic broadened my horizons, and though I still didn't see photography as art, it became a powerful tool for documenting the world around me. The rural landscapes of upstate New York were my first muse, captured in snapshots that hinted at a deeper connection with my surroundings.
A move to Tucson, AZ, just before my teenage years, introduced me to the stark, mesmerizing beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The vibrant reds and oranges, the grainy textures, and the sheer contrast of the landscape ignited a lifelong fascination. It was here, amidst the desert's allure, that my journey into photography deepened, blending family memories with the captivating desert scenery.
Curiosity and Constant Discovery
Indeed, my scientific background has only fueled my artistic exploration, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and constant discovery. Photography has become a bridge between two worlds, marrying the analytical with the aesthetic.
My work, once a love letter to nature, has evolved to explore the stories etched in the landscapes and structures around us. The whispering tales of old, abandoned buildings and the vibrant lives of fishing communities have become focal points of my artistic expression. Places like Bodie, CA, and the fishing villages of New England and Southern California, have not only garnered professional recognition but have also allowed me to weave narratives that resonate with viewers.
In essence, photography has transformed from a simple childhood pastime into a profound means of connection and expression. It is a journey of uncovering beauty in the overlooked, of capturing the essence of life's tapestry through my lens. As you explore my work, I invite you to see the world through my eyes—perhaps discovering beauty in unexpected places, much like the wonder I found in those first black and white images from a Brownie camera. It's a full-circle moment, a return to the innocence of that first click, now informed by a lifetime of exploration and insight.
My path took me through college, a career in science, and the joy of family life, yet photography remained a constant companion. The digital revolution marked a turning point, allowing me to experiment with images in ways previously unimaginable. Tools like Photoshop opened new avenues for creativity, enabling me to express not just what I saw, but what I felt.
“A Photograph: a picture painted by the sun without instruction in art.”
— Ambrose Bierce