Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Smith.
Hi Wendy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved photography. Ever since I was little, I had a camera in my hand, planning out which type of film I would bring from my camera on the vacations I would take with my family. IT wasn’t until six years ago thought that I began to really take photography seriously and realize I could merge my love of nature photography and discovering amazing new locations with my love of all things fashion. I began my journey into fashion photography in 2015 and I have not looked back since.
Over the last six years, I have been published multiple times internationally with many cover features, including work in Cosmopolitain Magazine, Lucky Magazine, Estetica Hair Magazine, Modern Salon, and many more as well as dozens of brand projects including Forever 21, Sunday Caries CBD, Anthony Edge Salon, Cild of Wild and more. I also have many featured works in online publications such as Moevir Paris, Mob Journal, Style Cruz, Marika Magazine, Viguor, and a variety of other publications.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road over these last six years, I have been extremely lucky to have worked with amazing models and stylists in my photography journey, but one of the biggest issues is finding the time to take on all fo the projects I would like to create. In the beginning of my photography journey, I said yes to everything. I was sometimes doing upwards of seven shoots a week, most of them trade work, and although it turned out to be the best decision since I was able to hone my skill in a rather short amount of time, it has led to major periods of burn out along the way.
As my skill level has grown and the technicality of the work and planning of major editorial shoots has taken off, I have realized just how much time goes into reading an amazing editorial spread. But I have learned to budget my time and make sure that I do not bite off more than I can chew so I am able to really focus on the quality of the work over the quantity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a fashion and lifestyle photographer who specializes in natural light and vibrant color. I am happiest when I am shooting fashion editorial photography somewhere in nature or in unique abandoned locations. I have become known for both my vibrant editing style but also for my ability to always the perfect location to compliment any shoot. Whether we are shooting in a hidden little canyon under a freeway or out in the middle of the desert at an abandoned and shot out old car, I try to make sure the location enhances every shoot I do. I grew up in the mountains of Northern California so I will always have an affinity for nature shoots and tend to pull natural elements into every shoot I do, every if it means putting a model in a potted plant in an urban setting. I am always on the lookout for new locations and am constantly scouting out and pinning little spots I see to go back to with a model and make some magic.
I also shoot about 95% of my work with either natural or ambient lighting. I love to be just me and the camera, not a lot of extra equipment on lighting as well. I feel that over the years using these techniques has made it so I am able to shoot easily in any lighting situation and it helps to make it so I can shoot my signature “3 looks in an hour” package where we can get lots of options for the client quite quickly.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always outside. I have always been a nature lover, and growing up in Mammoth Lakes, CA gave me an endless playground of gorgeous landscape to play in. As a child, I loved to take pictures, but I also loved to be in front of the camera as well. I loved acting and performing and was always very outgoing with everyone I met. As I got a bit older, my love defiantly shifted to work behind the camera but I remained outgoing and friendly with everyone I meet. This also serves me well when it comes to my other passion, working with individuals with special needs. I have worked and volunteered in the Inclusion and Special Education field for over 15 years and this work will forever be near and dear to my heart.
Contact Info:
- Email: wendywsmithphotography@gmail.com
- Website: www.wendywsmithphoto.com
- Instagram: thewendy28
- Facebook: facebook.com/wendywsmithphoto
- Twitter: thewendy28
Image Credits
Photo 1: Model – Alice An Photo 2: Model – @princessa.anastaiya Styling: @styledbyastrid MUA: @carlosgbeauty Photo 3: Model: @Jacob.Sobel Photo 4: Model: @bekahchurch Photo 5: Models: @jazzman_c and @marquisnharrell Degsiner: @farinazfz. MUA: @5amproducer Styling: @flaricent_style Photo 6: Model: @bekahchurch MUA: @le_pina_editorials Hair: @misssugarman Photo 7: Model: @sharaprest. Designer: @corrine_margaret_fiber Photo 8: Model: @crissykay_offical
