Renee Smith | Interview
"Sauntering through a city is like a meditation to me and I return from my shooting days on a high."
As we continue to celebrate women photographers worldwide and its wonderful members, 2025 became the year of new opportunities being created. Each month, we will pick and highlight one photographer and (re)introduce her work to you. Renee tells us more about her photography and her inspirations and her creative process.
© Renee Smith
ND: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit more about yourself?
RS: Born and bred in London, I lived there for 30 years before moving to Hampshire, but photography-wise I remain a city-girl at heart. I flew as airline cabin crew for 32 years and my camera was always in my cabin bag. Downroute, whilst the rest of the crew went shopping or partied, I’d be out wandering the streets observing and looking for moments to capture. Even though I’ve retired from flying, I frequently get on a plane and explore an unknown city. I love the unpredictability of being in a strange place and not knowing what’s around the corner, and I’ll stay out all day. Sauntering through a city is like a meditation to me and I return from my shooting days on a high.
ND: . What inspires you in your daily photography work? Can you tell us more about your style, and what you wish to capture and share?
RS: I like my images to tell stories, to evoke humour, sadness or curiosity. I like to find interesting locations with colour or light and I’m happy to lurk around until the right subject appears. That probably makes me more of a fisherman than a hunter, although I label myself as a ‘lurker’. I’m relaxed and accepting; I definitely don’t have an aggressive style. I don’t have a preference for shooting in colour or black & white; it depends on the weather, location or subject, although I find I shoot mostly in colour.
© Renee Smith
ND: Could you share some insights into your creative process? Are you more drawn to colour or black and white? And do you see yourself as a ‘hunter’ or a ‘fisherman’?
RS: My interest in photography began as a child when the family camera was usually handed to me to take the holiday snaps. I’ve been an observer from a young age and people’s behaviour fascinates me. My first camera as an adult was a Canon 450D. I moved to Lumix, dabbled with a quirky but fun Samsung and have now returned to Canon, using an R6 MarkII. Equipment is not important to me, as in Jill Freedman’s words “…the equipment matters less than the picture. It’s a tool, that’s all”. I don’t even have a proper camera bag, preferring to use a regular backpack or a handbag. I don’t want to look like a trendy street photographer, I need to be comfortable and blend in so comfy trainers and jumpsuits with lots of pockets work well for me. I admire the work and philosophy of Jane Bown, a photographer for the Observer who lived in my town. Although known primarily for her portraits, she also documented the Hop Pickers of Kent, Butlins Holiday Camps and the evictions from Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp. A shy, unassuming character, she never used flash, and shot with second-hand Olympus cameras.
ND: Was there a particular moment that shaped your photographic journey that you would like to share? If not, any fun memory?
RS: I was delighted that one of my images was selected to be on the SheClicks display at The Photography Show last year. My goals this year are to produce my first ‘zine, to get on top of my cataloguing and Instagram feed (@superflygalclicks) and practice layering.
© Renee Smith
© Renee Smith
© Renee Smith
ND: Any advice for fellow photographers?
RS: My advice to other photographers is advice I need to heed myself - slow down when taking the shot. I’m guilty of rushing, often feeling self-conscious and thinking that I look conspicuous. So, relax and get the shot you want. If anyone objects, a big smile and a “sorry” helps, although I’ve found that a confused look and a “why would I possibly want a photo of you?” gives you a chance to get away whilst they’re mulling over what you’ve just said.
© Renee Smith
ND: How did you find UPC? How would you describe your experience with the community so far?
RD: I’ve been a member of UPC since the start, finding my way here via Brian Lloyd-Duckett of StreetSnappers who spoke of Jovis’ energy and vision. It’s a vibrant, friendly and supportive group going from strength to strength. I’ve attended a couple of meet ups including the Women’s Walk last year and the Lisbon trip in 2023. An unexpected bonus of this wonderful hobby has been the people I’ve met, especially the random person on the street who sees your camera, takes an interest, strikes up a conversation and divulges a little about their lives. I’ve spoken to poets, travellers, fishermen, ageing paparazzi and artists (I am also a nutter-magnet). Above all, it’s been good for the soul.
© Renee Smith
© Renee Smith