Rodney Smith's 'The End'

Rodney Smith - where to begin!?

I am such a big fan of this creative genius who

has the ability to make the ordinary beyond

extraordinary through his photographic magic.

Actually, it doesn't stop there because he is good

with words too, and when reading his blog posts

I feel I am taken on a pilgrimage through amazing

insightful tunnels of honesty and refection. He is

so clearly connected to that greater source of life

where perspective and insight come easily.

Perhaps it is the fact that he studied theology
and received a degree in Divinity from Yale,
or simply because he walks this world wide
awake, his mind open and his eyes peeled.

I completely 'get' his creative expression and

so enjoy the fact that his fantastic images are shot

using a regular SLR camera onto Kodak film

- i.e. not the result of digital photography.

These photographs are the true reflection

of a person who is one with his instrument.

Someone who is open to the possibility

that life's magic is present everywhere

if only you allow yourself to see it.

Rodney has won 75 awards, however

I have a feeling he doesn't actually care

all that much about these proofs of his skill.

You see, even as a young man, he turned down

a few seriously impressive offers to lecture

at some of the world's best universities in favour

for riding slow trains in India, bicycling through

the Camarque, and strolling the streets of Paris..

It seems very clear to me that he is more interested in

life, the world and the people in it, than in the recognition.

But don't get me wrong though, he is all but arrogant or ignorant!
Instead he is so genuinely sweet when given a compliment.

I have written to him twice in starry eyed admiration of his work

and have received the loveliest replies within a day of doing so.
I think that says a lot about him - that he takes time to

respond in a genuinely friendly and interested manner.

Before this post becomes an essay..

I really just wanted to say two three a few things here..

1. encourage you to jump onto Rodney's website,

see his pictures & take time to read his blog, and

2. announce the launch of his latest book

'The End'.

The book is extremely limited edition - a must have!

From the idea behind it, the creative concept, through to

the images, layout & typography - it is pure brilliance.

I am happy to relay your interest in buying

the book - please just leave a comment below

or drop me an email on charlottaward@y7mail.com.

Hopefully this post marks the beginning of your own

journey into the photographic world of Rodney Smith.

xCharlotta