Personal one - Kenny Smith interview
How are you today? I’m well thank you!
To begin, could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?My name is Kenny, and while photography had been in my peripheral when I was young, it wasn’t till I was a young adult that I decided to focus on it as a craft. Now it’s been my career for about 15 years which is crazy to think about. I feel like I’m still figuring the whole thing out.
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? I think firstly I’m always curious, and I try to leave that curiosity intact and untethered, and I encourage myself to be an observer. After that part I try to tell a story of what I’m discovering. The times I’m able to combine the 2 parts is when I feel the best about my work, and that’s what I try to do repeatedly.
When did you first hear about this exhibition? I have been a part of the exhibition in its previous form on a couple occasions, and I’ve always followed it and kept in touch with Selena.
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before? I’ve been a part before.
If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the exhibition?It’s always been a great night to catch up with everyone, it’s like a picnic where everyone brings a plate lunch, sometimes you bring the pot roast and other times you bring the potato chips and either way everyone enjoys what you brought! It’s great.
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? I think it’s so important to see things in print. Our medium needs to be appreciated as a tangible thing. We need to be fighting to see photography as its original art form.
“ "I think firstly I’m always curious, and I try to leave that curiosity intact and untethered, and I encourage myself to be an observer."
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition? It’s always an honour, any opportunity I get to share work, I’m grateful for.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here? It really great to be a part of sharing the idea of creating for creating sake. I hope people feel inspired to go make things and share them somehow.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through? I think because of the emphasis on technology and advancements at the rate they are now, I see a lot of very proficient technicians if I’m being honest. In my opinion the work that shines through has the most direct route from the heart to page, regardless of tech.
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way? I’m constantly inspired by others work. Photography is such a powerful medium and to see a collection in one place is always inspiring.
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)? I always have a few half-finished or failed experiments lying in piles, but I have recently finished a book called Of Nomads which is a compilation of my visual experiences travelling in Mongolia.
“ "Our medium needs to be appreciated as a tangible thing. We need to be fighting to see photography as its original art form."
Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share? I’ve revisited shooting film recently and that has been a really fun thing to do. I'll have some things to share soon.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? I think I have to say that my first project The Ol’ Boys was a turning point and big learning. It was a good lesson in just getting out there and doing something. There were a million little lessons too, about committing to something and putting it out there, and a bunch of others that shaped my approach.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today? I think when I started, I was very focused on showing that I had the technical knowledge to do something. I think I’ve changed my priorities now towards conveying a feeling or message.What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? At the moment I’m inspired by artists who are speaking their truth via a confident, peaceful way. I feel like there’s so much outrage out there at the moment, that stoicism speaks loudly. I find those examples inspiring.
What equipment are you currently using, and why? A few years ago I made a change to get off the gear hamster wheel and only own cameras, lenses or gear that I actually want to own indefinitely or at least for a long time and make memories with. Commercially I hire everything else as needed.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for? Honestly not much at all, I still only considering aperture, shutter and ISO.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? Of the top of my head I’d have to say Martin Schoeller, Martin Parr, and Saul Leiter, there are so many though that I admired and tried to learn from.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition? It’s ok being an amateur, in fact, an amateur state of mind can be a superpower. Don’t lose it.
Check Kenny's web here.
