I am proud to present to you the second photographer in our series: “10 Questions for…”: Barry Smith from Studio8Photography. We featured him a short while ago.

Read about Barry’s thoughts on Glamour Photography, his successes and screw-ups 😉 And to top it off, Barry is offering two free wallpapers of CJ Gibson and Carolyn Savage. (Wallpapers available for members only, but guess what? Asian Sirens membership is free!)

Asian-Sirens: What kind of photography do you like?
Barry Smith: Glamour Photography tops my list! I love to find and capture the beauty in all women. I’ve shot everything from sports to landscape but truly enjoy Glamour.

Asian-Sirens: When did you decide to become a photographer?
Barry Smith: When I was a child! (just a few years back!). I was always fascinated by the camera. In fact, instead of riding my bike, I would turn it upside down and crank the pedals and pretend it was a camera…drove my friends crazy! So…I am comfortable behind ANY camera, motion picture or still!Asian-Sirens: Which photographers do you admire and why?
Barry Smith: Very tough question…probably all the greats who had the fortune of creating some of the most amazing black and white images of the biggest movie stars of the ‘40’s and ‘50’s. I study Hollywood Glam with admiration and respect, and try to draw from those images to create stunning glamour shots.

Asian-Sirens: What makes a good photo?
Barry Smith: The chemistry between model and photographer. Contrast between foreground and back. A 3-dimensional look. Lighting of course…and above all, imagination and creativity.

Asian-Sirens: What makes a good model?
Barry Smith: Instinctiveness in front of the camera. Knowing EXACTLY which poses complement her looks. The ability to know exactly where the keylight is. The ability to understand the photographer’s style and act instead of react.

Asian-Sirens: Is there an Asian model you really would like to work with?
Barry Smith: They know who they are (LOL!).

Asian-Sirens: Did you ever screw up an assignment?
Barry Smith: I am not sure ANYONE would say no to that question! My answer is YES. The first time I shot with the incredibly beautiful Playboy model Kay Sivilay. I was very nervous and admittedly pretty much intimidated by her beauty. I had my laptop along, shot and downloaded the first series of images…all good! BUT, I downloaded the next set, forgot to format the card, and erased the entire first set of over 300 images! I really regret I will never see those again!!! AARGH!!

Asian-Sirens: Did you ever get intimate with a model you worked with?
Barry Smith: NEVER! A professional photographer must be just that, even if the temptation is there! I have heard stories. Just because someone has a digital camera doesn’t mean he is a photographer. I think models need to be very careful, and make sure they ask other models for references before agreeing to work with ANY photographer!

Asian-Sirens: What kind of camera and lighting equipment do you use?
Barry Smith: I use two different camera bodies. My fav is my Canon 1D with a variety of great lenses, mostly “L Series”. I use White Lighting strobes. I also shoot motion picture cameras, from Arri’s to Panavision!

Asian-Sirens: What are your future ambitions as a photographer?
Barry Smith: To learn more every day. I have been so fortunate to have worked with some amazing models who bring such beauty and professionalism to every image! I would love to do some more magazine and advertising work. The fact that I work in the television industry is definitely a plus. I am accustomed to working with people who make their livings in front of the camera.

Asian-Sirens: Thank You Barry Smith, and all the best! Keep up the good work!