Questions for Feature Friday
Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Marika (rhymes with Paprika) Smith, and I was born and raised in Edmonton.
How did you first get into photography & what keeps you shooting?
I became interested in photography as an art when I was researching photographers for my own wedding. I joined a photography forum and fell in love with nature and landscape images, and decided I would try to make pretty pictures like the ones I was seeing. At some point I decided to try working with people to make portraits, and fell in love with the connection I was making with people. Photography is therapeutic for me, and if I don’t have client work, I’ll arrange to work with some other creatives or artists to bring concepts to life.
What or who are your photographic inspirations?
I have so many, it’s hard to narrow it down! My son, who is now 4, is my muse. Other professionals I am inspired by include the duo of Mathieu and Ann at Green Tea Photography; Wyn Wiley; Dana Pugh; Jasser Abu-Giemi; Lorraine Stephanyshyn; Melissa Appleton; Heidi of In Her Image Photo; there are so many others!
Do you have any favourite advice you’ve received?
So many different messages are my favourite; I’d have to say that the advice that has had the most impact on me was to be real, be myself, and don’t try to conform to what you *believe* others want you to be.
Do you have any favourite piece of equipment that you own currently?
My digital camera body, which is the Nikon D750. I also have a lot of fun with my Fuji Instax.
Is there a piece of equipment that you feel you need to complete your kit?
I don’t think so, at least not for the time being.
What advice do you have for new photographers?
Education is more important than gear; inspiration is much more helpful than comparison- be inspired by the work you see all around you, but don’t compare your work to that of others’- comparison is the thief of joy; you don’t have to do everything the way everyone else does everything- there is more than one route to the same destination; community over competition- be willing to learn and be willing to teach and share what you know. This is how we make our industry and our community better.
Love you Marika. You’re beautiful and talented being exactly you. Keep it up!