Montreal-based artist Brent Morley Smith captures a relatable intimacy rare in still photography. Best known for his self-published zines, Brent has mastered the art of marrying two candid images to create a nostalgic and immersive viewing experience. His most jarring works seem to extend from the tender recesses of his life, most notably the photobook of his long-time childhood friend, Emma. Brent is in a transitional phase, from his love of snapshot photography to an interest in the cinematic quality of composed images, so be sure to keep this young photographer on your radar. – Ava Bradley
How would you describe your photos?
They’re honest, I think
2. Do you carry your camera with you everywhere you go? Ya definitely, and sometimes a few different ones
3. What celebrity would you like to shoot most? I’ve always wanted to photograph Kembra Pfahler
4. What animal would you like to be, if not a human? Honestly, a squirrel
6. Would you like to live forever? Yes and no, but mostly no
7. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Pass the puck – dad
8. What do you do in your spare time? Lately I’ve been hooking shag carpets and going for night walks
9. Do you like having your photo taken? Often not!
10. Which photographers do you like right now? Recently I’ve been enjoying the work of of Thomas Mailaender and Coley Brown. Robin Schwartz’s “Amelia’s World” has always stuck with me. Daido Moriyama, Takuma Nakahira and Araki are very special photographers and I also enjoy their writing. Asher Penn’s zines are great. I collect photography books and I’lll often sit down with a few of Nan Goldin’s publications and feel immediately better about everything (the same goes with Robert Frank and William Eggleston’s early America).
Shoot the Breeze: Brent Morley Smith
Montreal-based artist Brent Morley Smith captures a relatable intimacy rare in still photography. Best known for his self-published zines, Brent has mastered the art of marrying two candid images to create a nostalgic and immersive viewing experience. His most jarring works seem to extend from the tender recesses of his life, most notably the photobook of his long-time childhood friend, Emma. Brent is in a transitional phase, from his love of snapshot photography to an interest in the cinematic quality of composed images, so be sure to keep this young photographer on your radar. – Ava Bradley
How would you describe your photos?
They’re honest, I think
2. Do you carry your camera with you everywhere you go?
Ya definitely, and sometimes a few different ones
3. What celebrity would you like to shoot most?
I’ve always wanted to photograph Kembra Pfahler
4. What animal would you like to be, if not a human?
Honestly, a squirrel
6. Would you like to live forever?
Yes and no, but mostly no
7. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Pass the puck – dad
8. What do you do in your spare time?
Lately I’ve been hooking shag carpets and going for night walks
9. Do you like having your photo taken?
Often not!
10. Which photographers do you like right now?
Recently I’ve been enjoying the work of of Thomas Mailaender and Coley Brown. Robin Schwartz’s “Amelia’s World” has always stuck with me. Daido Moriyama, Takuma Nakahira and Araki are very special photographers and I also enjoy their writing. Asher Penn’s zines are great. I collect photography books and I’lll often sit down with a few of Nan Goldin’s publications and feel immediately better about everything (the same goes with Robert Frank and William Eggleston’s early America).