Monthly Special Sep 2006; Interview photographer Barry Smith

Rowald: You received an Emmy Award. For what was that?
Barry: Actually I have about 13 of them now, but who's counting (LOL)! I have written, produced, and directed a variety of television shows, but if I told you which ones it would be giving my age away, wouldn't it? I've been in the television business for over 25 years now and have somehow survived it! As Hunter S. Thompson put it: "The TV business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."
Rowald: How did you get into photography?
Barry: Well, it just seemed natural because I have always done motion pictures since I was very very young. I grew up on the stage and screen as well having been a child actor. I absolutely LOVE creative expression and the visual arts, and photography certainly is a passion because of this.
Rowald: How long have you been doing photography?
Barry: Since I was able to hold a camera in my hands! No REALLY! Had a Kodak Brownie as a child. Also, used to turn my tricycle over and crank the pedals pretending it was a movie camera…I know, sick huh?
Rowald: What is photography for your? Job, or passion?
Barry: Actually a bit of both!. As a television creative director, I am called upon to shoot just about everything. I am absolutely PASSIONATE about my work in the visual arts, so yes, photography is most definitely a job AND a passion.
Rowald: Are your photos more your taste or demand from others?
Barry: Usually my taste, however paid jobs are normally dictated by the client…although I am not shy if I feel something won't work creatively and do express my feelings.
Rowald: What type of photos are your preference?
Barry: I really love glamour photography. I find that every woman is beautiful and it's my job to bring out that beauty. Glamour work comes in all forms as well. One of the glamour shots I am most proud of is one of a pregnant woman and her young son.
Rowald: Do you develop scenery ideas with the models or more yourself?
Barry: I like to find interesting locations to shoot in. Living in Southern California certainly has it's advantages with great and stunning locations. However, much of my glamour work requires lingerie and implied nudity so locations obviously must be carefully selected. My pet peeve is seeing photographs of lovely models that are obviously shot in a cheesy hotel room…come on guys!!
Rowald: Do you try to create, display or express something special with your photos?
Barry: As I said, my job is to bring out the beauty, both internal and external, of my models. I pay very close attention to backgrounds and lighting in particular.
Rowald: Would you like to do other types?
Barry: Well, I do love glamour and fashion, but have been called upon to shoot a huge variety from commercial to landscape.
Rowald: Are you a tech freak or an artist?
Barry: You mean, am I a geek?? LOL. Think you've got to be 1 part tech freak ("geek") and 10 parts artist. Let's face it, anyone can call themselves a photographer if they have a camera. What separates a snapshot from a beautiful image is the photographer's understanding of all the things that make a great image…lighting, mood, camera angles, framing, let alone just knowing how your camera works and what it is capable of doing for you and your client.
Rowald: Do you use a lot of equipment or try to stay light-weight?
Barry: Haha!! You should see my travel bag! In reality, the amount of equipment I use on a shoot is always dictated by the job. If shooting in available light, I always carry reflectors and fill flash. In studio or on location requires a great deal more. I usually work with at least 3 strobes, softboxes, LOTS of different lenses, etc. SO…YES, the travel bag does get a little too heavy at times!
Rowald: Do you do analog photography still?
Barry: Very very rarely at this stage. I still have my Hassleblad but seldom use it. Digital is so much more efficient from pre-production to post production. And with Photoshop (God Bless it!), no more time alone in the dark or trying to explain why your hands always stink (chemicals).
Rowald: What are your hobbies?
Barry: One of my other passions is writing! I have about 10 screenplays in the works at all times…just need to find the time to finish them!
Rowald: What are your plans or visions for your future?
Barry: Learn as much about my art as possible…and keep experimenting!
Rowald: How do you get along with models?
Barry: Well, maybe that question should be asked of them…lol! I love working with my models and have a great deal of respect for them as well. I try to establish a rapport with them before we ever meet. I like to break the ice quickly and let them know right away that our shoot will be fun, productive, and worth both of our time. So, I would hope the models that I have worked with would say very good things about me!
Rowald: I think you traveled a lot. Where did you go to?
Barry: Well I did spend a lot of time consulting international broadcasters. I had offices in London and Singapore. I have had the good fortune to travel the world many times over and have visited every continent! The time I spent in Thailand was probably the most memorable.
Rowald: Do you do female models only or people in common and what about other types?
Barry: I shoot everybody…from animals to both genders!
Rowald: How does one make such good photos? Can you give some tips to the readers?
Barry: Thank you for that! My training in the visual and performing arts my entire life has been my inspiration! I like to think I can capture images that tell people who the person I am photographing truly is! As for tips…hmmm. Just always try to remember, your models TRUST and BELIEVE in your ability…NEVER disappoint them!
Rowald: People envy you doing these shootings with models. What do you say to this?
Barry: I would be less than honest if I said I didn't enjoy it wouldn't I? But again, REMEMBER, I am thinking about more than how beautiful the girl is! There are such things as lighting ratios, f-stops, lens choice, white balance, composition…well you know, geek stuff!
Rowald: What you think about photos taken by others?
Barry: That is a very tough question to answer. I LOVE looking at work of some truly amazing photographers and deeply appreciate their vision….ok, I get jealous! Is that the reason for this question?? LOL. But like I said earlier, I hate it that some guys call themselves photographers just to be with pretty women. You can always tell the ones from the shots! Drives me nuts!
Rowald: What is your best photo?
Barry: I would have to say mostly anything that I have taken with my key model, Carolyn Savage!
Rowald: How do you create a good atmosphere for shootings?
Barry: The VERY FIRST thing I do is make the model as COMFORTABLE as possible! She is shooting with me because she believes in my artistry and that alone is flattering! So upon meeting I like to keep it light and instantly create a "casual work" atmosphere. I try to be humorous and keep things light! I ask my models what type of music they like and start it going. Basically, ANYTHING to make them feel comfortable. We also talk about what it is we would like to accomplish with the shoot before exposing a single frame.

About models
Rowald: Do you have ethnic preferences?
Barry: I think all of my travels to Asia have made me prefer the true beauty of Asian women. But, that being said, I shoot women who have a certain distinctive, interesting look, regardless of their ethnicity.
Rowald: When meeting a girl, where do you look first at?
Barry: Her smile!
Rowald: What attracts or inspires you?
Barry: Models with amazing personalities, because they are the ones who can light up the camera…which ultimately makes my job easier and a LOT more fun!
Rowald: Do you let them pose or do you direct more?
Barry: Most of the models I have worked with are pretty accomplished already, however, if I see something that maybe they haven't seen, pose-wise, that would flatter them more, I direct them.
Rowald: Any special preferences in scenery or outfit?
Barry: I try NOT to let the background be the star. I love great textures and color gels to compliment the model, not overpower her.
Rowald: Are there models you don't like to work with?
Barry: Haven't found one yet! (crosses fingers)
Rowald: Happiest Accomplishment
Barry: Developing , shooting for, and maintaining the website for my best friend, Carolyn Savage!

Personal
Rowald: Are you single?
Barry: YES!
Rowald: Where are you from?
Barry: San Diego, California!!
Rowald: Do you or did you have idols?
Barry: Monty Python, The Marx Brothers, Adam Sander…anyone who is over-the-top funny!!!
Rowald: Favorite Movie or Television Show?
Barry: Anything I have written! LOL…seriously just too many favorites to mention!
Rowald: Preferred color, food and drinks?
Barry: Black, Mexican and Indian, Jack Daniels!!
Rowald: How would you describe your personality?
Barry: More damn fun than a barrel of monkeys!! Ask my models…LOL