Student Profile: Anna Gray Smith

Anna Gray Smith

Contributed photo
Last Modified: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 4:14 p.m.

Anna Gray Smith is a 16-year-old home-schooled sophomore who also happens to be an amazing photographer. You can view her work at

What are your interests?

"As of now, photography and acting."

When did you take up photography and why?

"Story time! I was a 14-year-old blogger, and I continually saw girls around my age taking flawless photos. Me? Well, I wanted so badly to be able to create 'pretty pictures' like the other bloggers. That is when I found it rather cute to snatch up my mother's point-and-shoot camera for practice. I took photos of literally everything (even if it was somebody's creepy feet) and later purchased my first DSLR (digital single-lens reflex). Best decision of my life."

How would you describe your photography style?

"How about if I describe it in three words? Fresh. Vivid. Authentic."

What are your current goals?

"I have so many that it would take up pages. If we are talking photography goals, they are: 1) Launch my website. 2) For my clients to really resonate with my work; not just book a session for the mere fact that I'm an individual who takes photos. 3) To always remember my purpose. To remember that photography isn't just about "taking a nice photo" but about telling somebody's story, capturing a fleeting moment and showing how somebody is fearfully and wonderfully made through the heart of an image.

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

"Keep taking pictures and learn how to shoot in manual mode. Whether you have an SLR or a point-and-shoot, make the most of what you have. The more photos you take, the more you will progress. Don't beat yourself up if your photos are not turning out the way you thought they would be. Photography is a trial and error process. Instead of letting your negative thoughts bring you down, let them lift you up and encourage you to practice more and become even better."

If you could meet anyone, who would it be?

"If it could be anybody, dead or alive, I think it would be quite amazing to meet Marilyn Monroe. It would be interesting to have an actual heart to heart talk with her and hear her view on life vs. mine."


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