3 minute read
Photography Feature: FC Smith
Uncovering hidden stories
In the world of photography, passion and inspiration often find their roots in unexpected places.
In the world of photography, passion and inspiration often find their roots in unexpected places. For FC Smith, this journey began with a simple fascination that grew into a lifelong pursuit. "I have been interested in cameras since I was thirteen years old," Smith reminisces. However, it was a pivotal moment that propelled his passion to new heights. "It really kicked off when my cycling coach, Deon Carstens, gifted me my first-ever camera when I was sixteen years old," Smith reveals.
Under Carstens' guidance, Smith delved into the world of photography. "He taught me the basics with it, and at that point, I had no idea of how much I would grow to love it." Inspired by his newfound passion, Smith took a leap of faith and pursued filmmaking studies in 2018. Having worked in Cape Town after studying, he currently does freelance work in the vibrant city of Windhoek.
It is fascinating how life's passions sometimes intertwine, and for Smith, the fusion of cycling and photography. "Somehow my other passion, cycling, has found its way into photography and it has been a perfect match." Smith finds immense joy in the challenge of capturing the essence of cycling events, pushing the boundaries of creativity to find unique angles and captivating frames. His ultimate aspiration is to create photographs that not only freeze moments in time but also tell powerful stories. "It would be a dream to capture images that can tell a story when it comes to photographing cycling."
Beyond his connection to cycling, Smith is also inspired by abandoned spaces. "Personally, I have always loved capturing empty spaces; may it be outdoors or indoors. There is something quite reminiscent of emptiness. I love it when an image presents more questions rather than answers. Cause at the end of the day, we are all trying to figure out what is going on around us." By capturing these enigmatic moments, Smith invites viewers to ponder and engage with the mysteries that surround us all.
For FC, photography is more than a mere hobby; it is a lifelong passion intertwined with personal experiences and the desire to uncover the hidden stories that lie within the frames.
