Partner Spotlight: Jack Smethers
This week we got to discover what goes on behind the lenses of Brighton-based photographer Jack Smethers. Jack will also be displaying one of his recent projects with us! Lets find out more…
Tell us about yourself and what you do!
My name’s Jack and I’m a portrait and lifestyle photographer based in Brighton and London. My work explores the impact of extraordinary people among communities that would otherwise go unnoticed. I’ve been fortunate enough to have my work selected for some major competitions and publications.
Tell us a bit more about your background, was photography always the path you had in mind?
Initially, I moved to Brighton to study music. Photography was something I did at A-level and in my own time. After dropping out of my course, I started to think about other avenues and what else interested me. It was safe to say that once I started to take photography seriously, I never looked back.
You settled down here in Brighton. What drew you to this unique town?
Brighton has a unique quality to it. The sea was a big sell but there’s something about the people that live here that keeps me here. Though I’m from London, once I left, I knew I wasn’t a Londoner anymore.
“I can have a chat with the person and if they start to move or do something that makes a good picture, I’ll ask them to hold that and take the shot.
Often, you get more honest portraits this way compared to counting down to the picture.”
Many of us are camera shy! Any tips or tricks to ensure everyone feels comfortable during a shoot?
Music is always a good shout. If I have a fair amount of time with someone, I’ll ask them to suggest some music they like. It’s a great talking point and means we can strike up a conversation really naturally.
The portraits become secondary then. I can have a chat with the person and if they start to move or do something that makes a good picture, I’ll ask them to hold that and take the shot. Often, you get more honest portraits this way compared to counting down to the picture.
You might spot Jack’s work around the building as he will be showcasing one of his projects with us….Tell us about the White Hart Lane project. What connection do you share with this community and space in North London?
White Hart Lane is a project I’ve been working on for a number of years. It’s about the gentrification and community of Tottenham in North London. This part of London is where I’m originally from and has gone through some major moments in the history of the capital. I wanted to explore how it’s been changing as house prices increase in London and how this has affected the community.
Any words of wisdom for someone starting out on a business venture in your industry?
It’s a marathon not a sprint. Often it can be really hard to feel good about your work when you see others succeeding via Instagram etc but hard work will pay off. Also, this industry is so difficult to get into that you have to do it because you love it. It’s a labour of love and that has to come first.
Anything else you want to share with us?
I’ll be showing prints from my project White Hart Lane later this year at WRAP. All the pictures shown will be available to buy as editioned prints. More info will be available when they’re on display. I’m also available for commissions in many different genres of photography. See my website for more!
Thanks again to the lovely team at WRAP for having me!
Thank you Jack 👋
On Wednesday 11th of October Jack will be hosting a Portrait Day right here at WRAP! You can book your slot on our event page here.
If you want to find out more about Jack and his work, head over to his website or check out his Instagram:
👉 Jack’s Website
👉 Jack’s Instagram
