If you’ve seen those stunning images of local lightning storms, the Umhlanga cityscape and our oceans, you’ll know the incredible work that Christo Smith does. We caught up with him on his journey and inspirations.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I reside in Umhlanga Rocks and absolutely love it here. The ocean is a constant source of inspiration, wonderment and beauty. I sell photographic prints and it’s such an honour to have some of my photos hang in people’s spaces.
By day, I am a boxing coach and run a small boxing gym, named Prestige Boxing, in Durban North. As an ex-professional boxer, I enjoy helping people with their fitness goals and teaching new skills. I’m also a proud cat dad and spend my time at home with my two cats, Fluff and Peanut.
What inspired you to start your journey in photography?
I have always loved art. At school, I found myself drawn to art as a subject and its different media. Photography seemed like the natural progression to create something beautiful using a camera. Starting my photographic journey was a way to show people the beauty all around us in the way that I interpreted it, through my lens.
How would you describe your style in photography?
I love “HDR” photography, which basically means taking different exposures of a particular scene and then layering them on top of each other to create an image that is rich in detail and colours. I often do long exposures, which give a sense of motion or movement, to capture lightning strikes, and then overlay the individual photos to create a composite image to showcase the strikes that I managed to capture throughout a storm.
On the odd occasion, I enjoy portrait photography and the use of contrast in my lighting. For now, I enjoy landscapes, seascapes, lightning and starscapes when I’m able to get out of the city, and I shoot professional boxing tournaments when we have them.
Have you ever faced any unique challenges as a photographer?
Each subject comes with its own unique challenges. Portraits can be tricky in lighting, or the person may feel a little awkward at first. For ocean photography, the sea is unpredictable. Often larger waves or the incoming tide have left me unexpectedly drenched.
Lightning and rain can be quite a challenge. I’ve been close to getting struck by lightning a few times, and I’ve experienced some flooding which has left my car damaged. The thrill of seeing an incredible storm far outweighs the dangers for me, and I am always left in awe of Mother Nature. I enjoy the unpredictability of the weather. The unpredictability is what adds a challenge and what allows for a rewarding image when everything comes together.
What has been a highlight in your career thus far?
I have enjoyed several articles and newspapers using my photos. I have been honoured to have some of my photos up in prominent public spaces, as well as private spaces, around the world. I’ve also been nominated as photographer of the year for Boxing South Africa twice. For me, the joy of sharing my photos and my experience with the world is constantly a highlight.
Can you share some tips for those who find a passion in photography?
Shoot. Shoot as much as you can. Learn all the photographic rules and learn them well. There are reasons why these rules exist. Break the rules only when you know what you are breaking and why you are breaking them. Find a photographer that inspires you, ask them for honest critique, and listen to them. Watch YouTube tutorials. Learn constantly.
My goal is to leave a legacy through visual echoes, and for my work to bring as much joy and passion to those who view the photographs I create as the joy and passion I feel the moment I capture them. I also strive to point out the beauty that is all around us. As I always say, “Keep looking for the beauty – it’s there.”
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicsmith/?hl=en
Photos: Christo Smith