Laura Smith
Laura Smith, Eucalyptus Macrandra (Long-flowered Marlock), 2023. Resourced from: Laura’s website, Australian Flora
Where do you currently live?
Laura grew up in regional New South Wales, did a stint of city life in Sydney, and relocated to the Eyre Peninsula in 2003.
How did you get into photography?
Photography was a natural progression for Laura who has a deep appreciation for the intersection of solitude and nature. On her long walks in the Australian Bush, she is attentive to small wonders, like a bee kissing the lips of a flower, and soon began exploring ways that she could capture the beauty unfolding before her. The interaction between Laura, her camera, and the moments she wanders quietly into are as gentle and intimate as her treatment of the natural landscape. To get her shots, she does not break or disturb her subjects, instead, the bush makes its own composition.
Laura Smith, Eucalyptus Caesia “Silver Princess” and Bee, 2022. Resourced from: Laura’s website, Australian Flora
What does your process look like?
Laura’s macro shots of flora showcase the muted, earthy subtleties of the bush in its organic state, “warts and all”. She uses Photoshop for minor retouching to aspects like contrast but never graphically manipulates images. She shoots in a RAW format, which preserves maximum image data, unlike compressed JPEG files. Generally, a cloudy day and delicate hand are all Laura needs to diffuse enough light to create her signature white backgrounds and botanical style.
What drives you to create?
The inspiration behind all of Laura’s work is her love of time in the bush and the necessity of disconnecting from everyday life to engage the senses. It is of great personal importance to Laura to tell the honest story of plants and their fascinating forms. She is driven to create by the need to celebrate the rough, yet delicate authenticity of the Australian bush, its scars, and the tale of resilience of Australian flora that bloom from dust.
What is your dream project?
Laura’s dream project is to travel Australia photographing the diverse native flora that each state has to offer.
Pictured are Laura Smith and her longtime partner in bush walking, Milly (now passed). Portrait resourced from: Laura’s website, Australian Flora