After picking up my first 'real' camera in 1994, I have been hooked on photography from the first press of the shutter button. Although I am largely self taught, among my early mentors were Robert Nowell, Dwayne Coon and Sheryl Thornton and Dennis Reggie taught me the ropes of the art of photography. From developing b&w film, to the final product, the presentation to the client and everything in between, all of which I am truly grateful for because at the time, I didn't realize how much I was actually learning by watching and doing all of these things. Some of the tricks they taught me back then with film I use today with digital instead of relying on editing & Photoshop later.
For some reason, I put down my camera and dabbled in many different jobs each one giving me new tools that I would use later in reestablishing myself into the photography world. Things like web marketing and a service advisor at a car dealership. As I continued to work I also continued to pursue photography as a serious hobby. After a major life change and a start to a great new life, I was fortunate to have someone in my life that helped me get back into photography. Life is good!
Within the past year I have been shooting almost non stop, everything from our hockey parish's year end action photos, promo photographs for Rynotech and family portraits all around the Niagara Region. This summer I have been given the opportunity to start photographing weddings as a second shooter to Rick Denham, which has been a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to the next year and all the changes that are coming.
I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to do something I love and see the great joy it brings to my clients, and to have a wife and family that are truly understanding and helpful in any way they can be as most of my weekends and nights are taken up for my love of photography.
All the
best
Joel Smith
