Australian street photographer Lynn Smith discusses transitioning from advertising to photography, emphasizing the emotional essence of images over composition rules. The discussion includes themes of beauty and anxiety in urban photography, the influence of surrealism on art creation, and the importance of capturing moments that evoke nostalgia and melancholy.
Embrace urban surprises in photography without preconceived notions for authentic and captivating images.
Transition from copywriting to photography can lead to self-realization and artistic discovery, enriching one's creative journey.
Deep dives
Photography Philosophy - Allowing the City to Seduce You
In photography, the essence lies in allowing the city to seduce you without going out with a predefined agenda. By approaching photography with an open mind, unexpected and captivating images can be captured. This philosophy advocates for embracing surprises and the charm of urban settings, ultimately leading to the creation of photographs that are genuinely captivating and unforeseen.
Artistic Evolution - Transition from Copywriting to Photography
Transitioning from a successful copywriting and advertising career, the guest artist delved into photography as a means of creative expression and liberation. Through experiences in various countries and evolving artistic endeavors post-advertising, photography emerged as a powerful medium for self-realization and artistic discovery.
Educational Pursuits - Academic Journey in Photography
Embarking on educational pursuits in photography later in life, the artist undertook master's degrees in the field to position himself within the art world. Seeking to explore his artistic identity and craft, academic endeavors provided insights and opportunities to navigate the intersection of film noir and street photography.
The Essence of Street Noir Photography - Nostalgia, Mystery, and Human Reflection
The concept of 'longing in the city' represents a blend of film noir ambiance and street photography aesthetics. By infusing nostalgia, mystery, and a touch of romance into photographs, the artist's 'street noir' genre captivates viewers with narratives that linger beyond visual reception, evoking emotions and prompting introspection.
On today's episode, W. Scott Olsen talks to Lynn Smith, an Australian street photographer and tutor.
This podcast is brought to you by FRAMES, a high-quality quarterly printed photography magazine. You can find out more about FRAMES at www.readframes.com.
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