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On behalf of everyone involved in Art & Soul, Oscar congratulations to one of the nicest actresses in the business – the lovely and talented Anne Hathaway! Way to go Annie! It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving talent! Thank you for your work and inspiration…

Oliver Platt by Brian Smith chosen for American Photography 28 Awards. Platt was photographed for Art & Soul which features Brian Smith’s portrait photography of celebrities from the entertainment industry including film, television, music and stage paired with their personal testimonials expressing the importance of the arts in our culture and the positive impact it has on our lives. The notes – in each artist’s own handwriting – range from whimsical to weighty, but all offer insight into the individual’s background and how their lives were shaped by art. The project was shot in partnership with The Creative Coalition and Sony.

Thanks to this year’s distinguished jury Bill Black of Reader’s Digest; Scott Hall of Newsweek/Daily Beast; Nathalie Kirsheh of Details; Whitney Lawson of Travel + Leisure; Joanna Milter of The New York Times Magazine; Paul Moakley of TIME; and Zana Woods of Wired; with Kathy Ryan and Fred Woodward serving again as co-Chair Emeriti. Thanks guys…the check is in the mail…

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

Read More of Photographer Brian Smith’s Interviews

My portrait shoot of James Patterson is out in the March 2012 issue of the Harvard Business Review. I always love shooting portraits of authors, we spent a very nice hour with the best-selling author at his fab Palm Beach mansion – sharing house renovation horror stories. I left him with a copy of ART & SOUL – we share the same publisher. Though Patterson has sold approximately one billion more books than me, I got Spike Lee, Sam Jackson, Anne Hataway, Kelsey Grammer and over 100 of their friends to write mine for me…

Resource Magazine’s Winter 2012 issue spotlights the Value of Personal Work in this Pro Opinion. I speak about Art & Soul and other personal photography projects I’ve done over the years and how they have served to propel my career. Never forget – shoot what you love to shoot…