Local artist profile: Chloe Smith

THIS week we chat with local photographer Chloe Smith, whose best advice to budding shutterbugs is to stick to what they love, keep shooting, keep sharing their work and just keep creating for themselves.

What motivated you to become a photographer?

I was always creative growing up and loved art, pursuing that mostly through painting and drawing.

It wasn’t until year 12 when I got a DSLR that I developed a keen interest in photography.

I was hooked on capturing candid moments of joy, especially moments that I knew would become nostalgic for me.

I also loved taking photos of animals and country landscapes.

The camera started off as a tool for inspiring my painting and drawing for VCE, but it quickly turned into its own form of art.

How would you describe your photographic style?

My images tend to have a warm energy.

I love looking for the joy, for light that is magical in an ordinary moment, and for the beauty in the little things we see.

Aesthetically, my photographic style features colourful, soft and creamy images.

I love creating imagery that looks a bit paintily, but also reflects lots of the true-to-life vibrancy that we see with our own eyes every day.

Which other photographers inspire you?

A few that spring to mind instantly are: Clancy Paine for her use of colours and subjects of rural life; Jessica Howard for the way she tells stories through imagery; Charlotte Curd for her pink colours and minimalism; (and) Shot by Harro for his rural drone work making moments into art.

What are some highlights you have from your time following your pursuits so far?

I have a lot of fond memories, from hanging out of helicopters to harvests at sunset, and all the laughing with clients in between.

My favourite is one that happened in the last few months.

I was lucky enough to photograph at The Man From Snowy River Festival in Corryong alongside 17 other talented photographers and videographers.

It was so great to bounce off so many others and learn things from each other.

My favourite moment was on the Friday night at golden hour, photographing a stockman’s cut out as a storm rolled in opposite the sunset.

The horses, cattle, the dust and the light created an insane combination for photos.

I was sitting at the railing with five other camera operators and we were all losing it with excitement.

I was so grateful to be there in that moment.

How can people check out your work online?

Instagram is where I update my work the most – @_chloesmithphotography_

Where do you see yourself with your pursuits in a couple of years? What about in ten years?

Right from the beginning of my photography career I’ve gone with the flow (with lots of hard work).

I just keep following what I enjoy and see where it takes me.

I’ve never really had a plan, but I hope to still be behind the camera for as long as I can.

What would you say to young regional aspiring photographers who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Give it a red hot crack!

My biggest advice is to stick to what you love, create your own style that is uniquely yours, and you’ll stand out in your own way.

Keep shooting, keep sharing your work, and just keep creating for yourself.

The creative life is a fun one to be in!

It’s hard work, but so worth it.