About Russell Smith

Russell Smith grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and is a passionate artist combining fine
art and photography with commercial work. In a previous life, he studied and worked as an art director in advertising, both in South Africa and Paris, turning to a professional photographer over 20 years ago. Spending most of his time shooting commercial work both on location and in his studio, he prefers portraiture, still life, food and lifestyle.

“I really enjoy directing people in a still life environment where I get to light several genres
at the same time. Crafting with light and telling a story are my main goals when creating my work. Fine art projects are a joy as my team and I get the opportunity
to decide the look, colours and textures and become the ‘clients’. I spend time not only
planning the art pieces but also selecting the right team and storyboarding the concepts.

This series of art pieces comes from a desire to portray women, and in particular African
women, with the complexity of balance in their lives and what they carry. Always strong
and proud, displaying an inner confidence that places them at the centre of their
communities, but juxtaposed with their beauty and their vulnerability as well. I aim
to produce something thought provoking but beautiful at the same time. ”