With two kids before the age of 20, Kenny’s main priority was just providing for his family. During that time, one of his jobs included lighting and set work for TV, which he attributes to some of his knowledge of getting the lighting and set right for his shoots today.

For many years Kenny’s creative outlet was his music and playing bass guitar. But then one day, he just decided to put that down and pick up a camera again, after many years since his childhood of tinkering with film cameras. And he hasn’t looked back!

One of Kenny’s greatest successes, amongst the awesome list of client’s and agencies he’s photographed for, is being able to provide for his family doing something he absolutely loves. What a nice guy!!

Kenny also loves that his personal interests in fitness, surfing and having an active lifestyle, can be matched perfectly to his profession of photographing lifestyle shoots, sports and portraiture. And he also loves the collaborative side of shooting with an advertising agency, or client directly, to convey a particular message.

For many more of Kenny’s photographs, check out his website, and for the latest news and the occasional casting call, check out his Facebook page.

How have you got to where you are today?

Growing up, my Dad was always shooting and developing film himself. When I was 10 or so I got my hands on a German Praktica SLR with a 50mm 1.8 lens.

I shot with it for a while and was hooked, not even so much on the actual result, I often didn’t have the means to develop them, I’d just shoot and loose the film rolls. I was more hooked on the process, getting subjects to let you take their picture, and always carrying it around to see what would come up that would be photo worthy etc.

Then I kinda just put it down one day, and started playing music (bass guitar), and that became my creative outlet. I started playing in bands and for a good 10 or so years that was what I did. During that time I met my now wife and we had 2 kids before I was 20, and life became all about providing for my family and earning a living.

I had a number of “normal” jobs, and among them was lighting for stage and TV, which gave me a good understanding of lighting, working long hours, along with the skills that you need on a movie/tv/commercial photography set like assisting and grip. A few years ago I switched from my old film camera and bought a digital setup. I started shooting my personal family and eventually friends and whatever I could.

People started seeing my personal work and reacting really favourably to it, and so I started putting a portfolio together, and showing it to whoever would take a look and the rest is history. The funny thing I’ve found is I used to think that my “journey” or whatever was pretty unique, but have since found that most people start in a very similar way.

I think I’ve always been a creative person, and depending on where I was at the time had a creative outlet of some sort. I like to think that if for some reason I wasn’t making pictures in 10 years time I’d be living creatively in some way.

In a few words, describe yourself…

Fundamentally unable to describe myself, intensely relaxed, wannabe comedian.

What are you spending your time on at the moment?

This month is all about lifestyle. I’m shooting a retail campaign with 6 kids under 6 years old, plus a street fashion campaign shot in locations all over Australia. I’m setting a lot of wake up alarms put it that way. I’m also undergoing a rebrand with good friend and Art Director Andrew Suggit.

Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?

First of all I make sure everything is in order, granted now that I work with a producer that’s become a lot easier. Once I know logistically everything is taken care of, and the scene has been set, I try to take my time, not be rushed, and just follow what unfolds. I usually try to imagine a few frames before each shot, and a few frames after. I think knowing what the story is that I’m trying to tell is a long way towards telling good stories.

What or who inspires you?

I get inspired by a lot of things. First and foremost people, people in my life like friends, aspirational people, achievers, people DOING something.

Definitely past masters of the craft, and current masters like Dewey Nicks, Norman Jean Roy, and Martin Schoeller. Inspiration is everywhere, that’s the easy part.

What are you most proud of?

I’d have to say making a living and providing for my family doing what I love to do.

I’m going into my 3rd year now in business and it’s cool to see it grow. I think if I can look back at the end and see that I’ve grown as an artist and communicator, that’s all I can ever want.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A rockstar!

See more of Kenny Smith’s photography and read more artist interviews.