Local Photographer Captures Stunning Images
On August 23rd, 2021, our area was walloped by a storm that included rain, hail, high winds, and even a tornado touching down. In amongst the chaos, Janine Smith grabbed her camera and captured some beautiful images. After thousands viewed her photos on our social media account, and hundreds shared and commented on them, we wanted to chat with her to discover how she developed her skills, where her love of photography came from, and how the heck she dreams up her unique shots!
Can you tell me a little about yourself and how you got into photography?
I was born and raised in Calgary before moving out to Kindersley to start a life with my now husband on his grain farm. We have three kids, and between pregnancies, I was working as an Educational Assistant at the middle school in town. I loved that job but was always in search of a creative outlet. I started snapping pictures of our kids and it kind of snowballed from there. Once I got a little more comfortable and confident with my camera I started practicing on other people’s kids and then once my photos gained enough traction I started Janine Smith Photography. It has been just shy of two years now, and I was able to quit my Educational Assistant job and focus on photography full-time, which is amazing in itself.
Why were you drawn to photography as a profession?
Before I started as a photographer I was the mom who loved nothing more than getting family photos done. The excitement and joy that I felt when we received our galleries was actually kind of embarrassing, haha. I loved it all. Planning the outfits, dragging my husband along and dreaming up locations. So when this business developed I brought that excitement along with me. Getting dressed up, doing your hair and makeup and spending some quality time with your family is exciting. I love capturing the love that comes along with it. There is nothing better than delivering a sneak peek or gallery to a client and knowing how great those photos will make them feel.
How did you learn to take such great photos?
I am 100% self-taught. I have watched hours of YouTube tutorials along the way and am part of a few amazing photography communities on Facebook. The best advice I could give to someone wanting to take up photography is to never stop learning, always ask questions and find crazy talented photographers and follow their work for inspiration. Also, stay true to your style and be confident in what you are creating.
What are your favorite types of photos to take?
I will always love taking photos of small children. Their curiosity, expressions and cute little faces will never get old. I also prefer a good candid shot over a posed portrait. When you capture raw emotion it’s as though the camera isn’t even there, that’s what creates a beautiful photo.
Do you have a funny/most memorable moment while shooting?
Honestly, the laughter and fun that is had during a photo shoot can’t be beat. When you have fun, the photos will reflect that. So in saying that, there have been far too many funny moments to recall. However, this August I got to go out to the Branded Bees farm and it was such an unforgettable experience. At one point we were doing a family photo with a chicken and a baby buffalo and the next thing I knew we were surrounded by bees taking photos of their honey. The things you get to see, the people you get to meet and the experiences you get to share is what makes this job so amazing.
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