J. Sybylla Smith, In Conversation with Brian Bowen Smith
Episode #21 Summary:
Framed through the windows of Pearl, his 1958 Ford pickup, photographer Brian Bowen Smith created an epic document of mid-pandemic America.
Episode Notes
Entertainment, fine art and fashion photographer BBS combined his boundless energy and expansive Instagram presence to turn an idea (initiated on a Zoomtail) into a historical record of an unforgettable time. Eleven thousand miles, six weeks and hundreds of engaging portraits later, Smith captures the soul and joy of connectivity. In this episode Brian and Paris Chong, Leica LA curator/director, graciously share their insights and experience in an in-depth Q & A!
In this book group, Brian Bowen Smith discusses, among other things:
Preparation, practice and play are keys to success
Aim for a specific goal and train like an athlete
“Hit the pavement, hustle, grind, be prepared.”
“Feed your soul with what you want to do.”
Use camera as light meter and keep a wide center frame
Anticipate natural light with the iPhone Sundial app
“Street photography is about numbers - always have your camera.”
“Art from the heart, please yourself.”
Referenced in the episode
Purchase Drivebys BBSDrivebys.com
LA Leica Gallery City of Angels Exhibit
Hotel Chelsea by Linda Troeller