Anderson Smith’s energy is purposeful. He knows that if he shows up to a photo shoot with the right mindset and the right people, magic can happen. Smith’s line of work as a fashion photographer is inherently collaborative, and his artistic practices outside of his day job have often been a group effort as well. His latest collection of photography, Velare, hosted by the Westside Cultural Arts Center, reflected the energy that Smith harnesses to capture moments that inspire.
Showcasing a rotating line up of models presenting modern interpretations of the burqa, and contrasting black and white photos with pops of metallic thread layered under a glossy resin, the event reflected the energy that Smith aims to bring to every art event and photo shoot he is a part of. Smith doesn’t create work that blends in with its environment. His intention is to grab the viewer, make them look closer, and feel his energy and truth through his work.
Smith took the time to chat with us about a special person who has inspired him, how he was convinced to move to Atlanta, and his favorite photo shoot of all time.
CommonCreativ: When did you start to focus on fashion photography? What draws you to that particular category of art?
Anderson Smith: I focused on fashion early in my career as I was drawn to the clothes and the models who wore them. I look at fashion photography as a form of art and look at the artistic perspective of the fashion. I am drawn to the creativity that goes into fashion, the attention to detail, and how it is displayed.
CC: Your father was a photographer, right? Do you feel like photography was a natural art form for you?
AS: Yes, my father was a photographer but we were not close. I always knew what he did growing up but didn’t really pay much attention until my adult years. I did, however, inherit his eye and passion for the craft. As far as photography being a natural art form, it is natural to me because I took to it quick. Being an artist first helped me understand the medium better.
Anderson Smith
CC: Where did you grow up and what drew you to Atlanta?
AS: I grew up in Chicago which is a city known for its art and museums. I was always influenced by what I saw. Atlanta has been my home for 16 years and has shaped me as an artist because it gave me a platform to showcase my work. I like the South and ended up here on a whim, really. My best friend talked me into it.
CC: Do you categorize your art photography separately from your fashion photography?
AS: I try not to separate the two because both are necessary to me in how I work. The process of [creating] is organic for me. Being a true artist since I was a kid has given me an interesting way seeing life and trying to interpret my vision. Photography and art allow me to do this without separating the two artistic forms.
CC: As an artist, you’re always trying to improve and move forward. What have you learned about your craft this year?
AS: I have learned growth in my crafts as well as honesty in who I am as an artist. Whether I am shooting, painting, or working on a personal project or video, my main focus is to give [the audience] me — my honesty in what I do.
CC: What is your favorite or most memorable photo shoot you’ve done?
AS: Good question! I would say the most memorable and favorite was the shoot I did a few years ago in New York for Kurv Magazine. We shot at the Paramount Hotel for 16 hours with almost 20 people working in a small hotel room, but we made it work. The energy, the team, the conditions were perfect, and I got some of my best work to date from that shoot.
CC: What sparked your Velare collaboration with artist and designer Amy Rader?
AS: My late girlfriend was really the force behind this collaboration. She mentioned to both of us at a show that we needed to work together on something. After that, the wheels started turning for Velare, a project that took almost two years to create. Her inspiration and name are all over this project, as I credit her not only for this collaboration, but for my entire collection of FotoFusion artwork.
CC: What makes a great photo shoot?
AS: Working with great people makes a great photo shoot; people who are just as passionate as you are. People who get and understand your vision as well as bring their creative talents to the shoot. I love working with talented people. When everyone is on the same page and the energy is high and positive, that’s what makes a great shoot!
You can see more of Anderson Smith’s work on his website.
