LowePro Photographer Brian Smith ‘The Art of Personality’
from an interview originally posted by Lowepro
LOWEPRO: 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.
LOWEPRO: What is your favorite photography tip to share with other photographers?
Shoot what you love to shoot.
LOWEPRO: 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….
LOWEPRO: 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.
LOWEPRO: 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.
LOWEPRO: Name a geographical place that you’d love to return to or go to for an assignment.
Morocco. Fascinating and simply beautiful…
LOWEPRO: 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.
LOWEPRO: If you could publish a book on any photographic subject, what would it be?
My First Billion Dollars…
LOWEPRO: What’s in your camera bag right now?
Sony a900
Sony a77
Sony CZ 24-70/2.8 lens
Sony CZ 16-35/2.8
Sony CZ 85/1.4 lens
Sony CZ 135/1.8 lens
Sony G 70-400/4-5.6
Sony NEX-5N
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1 Lens
Lensbaby Composer Pro with Sweet 35
LOWEPRO: What do you love about your Lowepro bags?
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…
LOWEPRO: 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.:
Brian’s Lowepro gear includes:
Pro Roller x200
Classified 250 AW
Stealth Reporter D650 AW
Pro Messenger 200 AW