Eric Smith Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Greater Chicago Area

Over 20 years of experience working domestically and internationally in Advertising, Editorial and Trade Portraiture, Fashion and Beauty.

My relationship with LISC began in 2004. This is when I met Patrick Barry. Patrick is listed in my connections and described as a Editor and Writer. But, Patrick is much, much more. Ask me....I'd be happy to elaborate. Considering my experience as a Advertising and Editorial Photographer, walking into my meeting with Patrick, I had my list of expectations. I was expecting to be introduced to a Storyline or a Campaign Concept and then asked to offer a visual compliment. Instead, I was introduced to a Mission Statement associable to the goals of Community Activists, Community Development Organizations and Philanthropists and asked if I would be interested in contributing visually. Patrick Barry, I found, was a man stepping outside of his convention and he was asking me to take a journey with him.Soon, I found myself walking the neighborhoods of Chicago often associated with hardship, poverty, violence and crime. My challenge was to capture the street-level experience of neighborhoods less travelled by many Chicagoans who hear the names of these communities mentioned infamously over and over on the local and national news broadcasts. I walked with camera, but without guidance or accompaniment, through the grounds of the toughest housing projects in the City of Chicago and the United States. I needed to be inconspicuous while attempting to make interesting and effective imagery of whatever I found. Through my years of working with LISC. we've made great strides in demonstrating need and making soulful connection to those who calls themselves Chicagoan, and American. We help bring faces and names to statistics. And...we continue to offer the anonymous perspective and to document progress brought by the inspired efforts of Community Activists, by Philanthropists, and by the People who live in neighborhoods touched by the efforts that LISC supports. Our library of images continues to grow and will remain for posterity.

Midwest

I have long admired the mission of Arts Midwest. When I was asked to participate as tour Manager for Arts Midwest Worldfest I was elated. My experience in production provided confidence that I am able to work 7 days a week for weeks contiguous while working "on the road" and continuously meeting new people to collaborate with. I believe myself fortunate to have opportunity to bring my passion of production together with my love of folk music and diverse culture to bring invaluable artful influence to those who might not otherwise have access. And...I am lucky to make many friendly work relationships along the way.