Interview with Scott Smorra on Photography Trends

Website:
https://www.scottsmorraphotography.com/

Country: United States

Photography Genres: Adventure, Fine Art, Landscape, Nature

Fave Camera Brand: Nikon

Socials:
Instagram | Facebook

What’s in your camera bag?

• Nikon Z7
• Nikon Z7ii
• Nikon Z 14-24 f/2.8
• Nikon Z 24-70 f/4
• Nikon Z 100-400 f4.5-5.6
• DJI Air 2S
• Gitzo tripod, Really Right Stuff ball head

Are there any specific equipment or gear innovations that you believe will have a significant impact on the industry in 2024?

Continued improvements in IBIS.

Where do you get the latest news on new gear? Where do you usually buy new gear?

Emails from Nikon Professional Services (NPS). I buy directly from NPS.

How is photography making the world a better place in 2024?

Hopefully, photographs inspire people to conserve and protect the natural world.

What emerging photography trends do you foresee gaining popularity in 2024?

I see AI-generated images gaining popularity in 2024. Some people consider these images to be photography, but I disagree. To me, a photograph must be captured by a camera and lens (photons hitting a sensor or film). I don’t care what is done to the image in post-processing, but it needs to be captured by a camera to be considered photography.

If you could pick a photography mentor in 2024, who would you pick? Why?

Guy Tal. I am always inspired by his writing and how he creates personally expressive art with a camera.

The unavoidable question: How do you see the use of artificial intelligence or machine learning impacting photography in 2024?

I believe AI-generated images will create confusion for photography viewers. I’m already seeing this on social media. Proper disclosure is very important to help viewers understand the context of how an image was created.

What is your favorite photography book or resource that will continue to have a significant impact on your career in 2024? Why?

“More than a Rock” by Guy Tal. When This is my go-to book when I need inspiration.

What is your go-to method for overcoming creative block and finding inspiration in 2024?

I study the work of painters. I observe how they use light and composition to move the eye through a scene. I then incorporate the techniques into my work.

If you could give one piece of advice to a beginner in photography, what would it be?

Get out and practice as much as you can. It takes years to learn how to capture images correctly in the field and then post-process them effectively. I’ve been shooting for about 13 years, and I’m still learning new techniques. You need to know exactly what to do (and how to do it quickly) so you don’t miss capturing an image in the field.

Can you share a specific tool, technology, or software that has revolutionized your workflow and significantly enhanced your creative process as a photographer?

Lightroom Classic and Photoshop.

Any thoughts on the relationship between NFT and photography?

I think there is a future for NFTs since blockchain technology is an excellent way to show the provenance of a digital image. I like how NFT ownership is easy to prove and how artists can grant NFT owners special perks for owning an NFT. I don’t like how difficult it is to purchase NFTs. Most platforms require NFTs to be bought using cryptocurrency, which is a major barrier to mainstream adoption.

What is your biggest strength and your biggest weakness as a photographer in 2024?

Strength – I am highly motivated and driven to create, market, and sell my art/photography.
Weakness – Not enough time to create art.

I think it’s important for photographers to think about why they create photos.

Scott Smorra

Is there anything else you would like to add or any final thoughts you would like to share about your artistic journey, inspirations, or the impact you hope to make through your photography?

I think it’s important for photographers to think about why they create photos. Starting with the why has helped me develop and refine my own creative process.