Reflecting the surroundings through a lens
In celebration of World Photography Day, we’re shining a spotlight on SALA Festival artist Yvonne Smuts, whose captivating work blends storytelling with stunning visual artistry.
Yvonne is an accomplished photographer and a long-time resident at one of ACH Group’s retirement villages. We caught up with Yvonne to talk about where she finds inspiration and how her photographic style evolved.
How would you introduce yourself?
My name is Yvonne and reflecting my surroundings through a lens, has become synonymous with life for me. And sometimes I feel I am looking through the lens of a camera, even when there is no camera in my hand. I wake up each day with a sense of hope and gratitude having come to know that life always offers hope; and purpose; and a way.
I was born in South Africa, have lived in the United States and Costa Rica and I now call Adelaide home.
How has your style or approach to photography evolved over time?
Over time my photography has evolved from anchoring special moments in hundreds of family photos which gives me such enormous pleasure, to a deeper pursuit of knowing what makes a good photo. I was drawn to exploring landscapes and what it was that created the depth and fullness of images that appealed to me.
Having had the privilege of attending two photographic workshops in Mashatu Game Park, Botswana, I learned from hands-on experience the knowledge and confidence to explore the challenges of making a great image. And that pursuit never ends.
Are there any milestones in your life you’d like to highlight?
On moving to Adelaide, I made acquaintance with someone who was passionate about photography. I was introduced to the local destinations where migratory birds gathered in and around and this included spending much time at Goolwa. My whole perspective opened and birds became of great interest to me. From ‘acquaintance’ a deep friendship developed in the common bond of enjoyment of photography. The endless pursuit of the perfect image.
What types of subjects or scenes do you find most inspiring to capture?
Having been born in South Africa, the ‘bush’ will always be a part of my soul. But it is with equal wonderment and gratitude that I will explore and photograph the Outback and the mystery of the Flinders’ Ranges, and be thrilled at the opportunity to observe a Yellow-footed-rock-wallaby or a flock of Emu chicks under dad’s care.
How do you stay motivated to continue exploring new techniques or subjects in your photography?
I never tire of taking photos and actually have to ‘constrain’ myself. I set myself personal goals of achieving images, which up to now I have been unsuccessful in. Just recently I was able to achieve a successful image of a welcome swallow in flight, something which up to now has eluded me because of the sheer speed at which they move, and their unpredictability in flight. As far as the constantly evolving technology, I have made a conscious decision to work with what I have and what I am familiar with, and I feel no compulsion to keep up with the newest and latest technical trends.
What equipment or tools are essential for you, and why do you prefer them?
I have a bean ‘bag camera’ rest and a lightweight tripod which are really important for slow shutter speed images. However, because I gravitate more to action shots, having a long lens that is sufficiently lightweight and can be handheld for long periods of time is vital.
Being able to process images in Photoshop is great to fine tune an image and maximize the appeal. The camera and lenses I have are fairly recent models. Having the ability to take a high number of frames per second is really important to me to ensure I am able to achieve the specific dynamics I am looking for in an image e.g. a certain angle of the wings of a bird in flight or freezing the movement of a running animal that conveys the momentum.
Do you have any photography mentors or influences that have shaped your work?
Along with his outstanding and inspiring wildlife, landscape and humanitarian images, a quote from David duChemin has inspired me: “Don’t forget to just enjoy it, to let it awaken you, and seduce you into paying a little more attention, not only to the photograph, but to life.”
How do you think your photography reflects your personal perspective or experiences?
I believe the importance of the quality and source of light to the quality and appeal of an image, mirrors the importance of Light to Life. Light, and the Source of that Light which is a Creator God, is the essence of life, and I love how that evolves and continues to be displayed – albeit imperfectly – in photographic images.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in photography?
Observe, and find what moves you and appeals to you in what you are surrounded by – whether texture, light, colour, form, shape, line, contrast – and then try to make images that reflect this as closely as possible. Start simple; begin by observing more closely in your own backyard or on a walk?
Yvonne shares 5 tips for mastering the art of photograph
- Learn to constantly observe and really see, paying ongoing attention to the ‘everyday’.
- Don’t be intimidated when the image has not succeeded in the way I anticipated – look for what has worked and, identify what needs to happen to achieve your goal.
- Authentically represent what you observed, really remains the prime objective, but also know that artistic enhancements to images through the technically advanced resources available, and it adds to the great joy of being creative.
- Print and frame photos and display them– they are works of art!
- Be inspired – there is a world of endless wonder to explore, and the perfect image is like the perfect wave, elusive, but so worth pursuing.
- Invest over time in knowing and understanding the interplay of depth of field, shutter speed, ISO – these are the ‘palette’ from which you will create.
SALA Festival 2024
Yvonne submitted three artworks to the ACH Group SALA Festival – Strong and of Good Courage, Vulnerable Courage, and Courage to Soar.
The artworks can be seen until 31 August 2024 at Campbelltown Library during library hours.
Learn more about Yvonne’s work
Yvonne’s work has been awarded second and third place in two Burnside City Council, Mayor’s Photography competitions. She has exhibited and sold photographs at Pepper Street Gallery and four annual SALA events. Yvonne has presented theme talks at various church events.
Follow Yvonne on Instagram @inessents
Explore some of her earlier images on Photosafari and The Photography Institute.
