The Carousel by Joe Smith

Joe Smith, Canadian pinhole photographer, has just joined the more than 40 artists displaying their work in the new online gallery www.MadeInHaliburton.ca. Joe states that “My interest in photography began about the age of 10 when I received my first camera”. Joe frequently came into contact with photographers and photography during his career in advertising. He was attracted to the details that go into creating a photograph: composition, lighting and processing. In addition to the technical aspects Joe is interested in the history of photography and collects cameras. After retiring his interest turned, in addition to collecting cameras, to alternate methods of photography – methods such as Van Dykes, Salt Prints, Cyanotypes, Tintypes, stereo and pinhole.

The Glen by Joe Smith

Pinhole photography has a long history that is thought to go back to the Greeks. The word photography comes from the Greek and means painting with light. Pinhole photography is experiencing a rebirth and allowing artists to have a more ‘hands on’ approach to creating photographic images. The pinhole photographer often builds the camera itself, creating an element of control that gives it a unique twist. Joe says that “Once the basic concept of a pinhole is understood and you are able to create a workable camera, entire new worlds of possibilities are opened”. Joe enhances the images he takes through photoshop and then prints them on his ink jet printer with archival inks and paper. His show at the Rails End Gallery in 2009  helped the public to better understand this photographic technique. Take a look at his work to see the results.

Joe is a member of the Arts Council~Haliburton Highlands and a general supporter of the arts in the Haliburton Highlands Ontario Canada.