Po r t l a n d b a s e d p h o t o g r a p h e r , A m a n d a L ei g h S mi t h ’s d r e a m y p h o t o s c a p t u r e t h e b e a u t y o f t h e Pa ci f i c N o r t h w e s t a n d t h e i ni mi t a b l e s t y l e o f her close friends, many of whom work as stylists, models, photographer and designers. Her evocative images, shot entirely on film present a rebel aesthetic with a nost algic feel, inspired by her friends’ closets and a love of Americana. Coven spoke to Amanda to find out more about t h e i n s p i r a t i o n f o r h e r w o r k , a n d h ow l i v i n g i n Po r t l a n d l e n d s i t s e l f t o c r e a t i v i t y a n d a l o v e o f t h e outdoors.
You fairly recently decided to focus on your photography full-time. What were you doing beforehand to support yourself? Yes, I’ve been shooting photos since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until this past year that I dedicated myself to making it my full-time profession. Before that I was working full time as a social worker at a homeless shelter for teenagers and working as a freelance photographer on the side. Have you any formal training? I haven’t had much formal training other than dark room photography and photojournalism classes in high school and community college. I’ve been interested in all kinds of visual arts, including photography, since a very young age. I distinctly remember seeing a Bill Owens photo book called Suburbia when I was 15 while in a dark room photojournalism class, and I fell in love with the whole process. You’re based in Portland, a city known for both a love of outdoors and it’s alternative lifestyle. To what extent has that influenced your art? I think it’s definitely influenced my art. I can travel out of the city in any direction to find some amazing, diverse nature and photo locations. Also, the city is full of talented and creative people that I’ve been lucky enough to work with and know. You often shoot pictures of your friends or products designed by your friends. Are you part of a very creative circle? Do you all feed off each other’s creativity? I am super lucky to be a part of a very inspiring, supportive and creative circle of women. Often relationships that start off as business ones turn into great friendships or vice versa.