Interview by Dave Noodlez

Adam Smith has been a major contributor to Stereotype Co capturing over a dozen events/shoots for us. He is one of the most hungry photographers we have ever worked with. His work continues to get better with time and he never ceases to amaze us. I had a chance to talk him with a few days before his show at JCC. Hope you enjoy this column of 'Respect the Shooter'.

How did you get into photography/videography? 

I was first exposed to photography while away at summer camp at the age of 12.  I would take photography activities and learned how to develop film photos.

What did you first use to take photos?

My first experiences included working with both disposable and film cameras while away at camp.

Where did you go to school? Do you have any formal training/self taught?

I received formal training at Kingsborough Community College and Mercy College, the latter of which he graduated with a BA in Media Studies with a Concentration in Television and Radio.

Do you have any nicknames?  How did you get that name?

Smitty and ShotbyASmith - Friends called me Smitty and then they would start saying “I got shot by A Smith” because my first initial is A and it just seemed to be too perfect not to do. 

If you could take photos of any 3 people who would it be?

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Sir Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. 

If you could take photos of any 3 people that are no longer living who would they be?

Tupac, John F Kennedy, and Bob Marley.

If you could take photos in any 3 cities what would they be?

Tokyo, Venice, Las Vegas. 

What is your goal when you capture photos of someone?

I have a few goals. First, I want to have a timeless connection with the photo. Second, I want the photo to last a lifetime; not a few days on a cell phone. 

What music do you listen to when you edit photos?

I listen to Martin Felix Kaczmarski when I edit my photos. He is a London based artist whose music comes with a variety of genres from groovy EDM and indie guitar to upbeat house music. I really like his music. 

What's your favorite app on your phone?

Google Maps. I need to know how to get where I’m going to next. 

What is your dream as a photographer?

To be a staff photographer for a magazine company.

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to be a photographer/videographer?

Get dependable gear you can grow into, market yourself, be as diverse as possible, and know your worth. 

Where can people find you? 

I am on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can find me on all of those by searching for @shotbyasmith. My website is shotbyasmith.com. 

Check out 'Art at the J' March 15 featuring photography by Adam at JCC.