One of the most popular and most "looked-forward-to" blog posts on the Corner Blog are the SmugMug Corner Photographer Interviews. Every two weeks, we post up a new interview with a photographer that uses SmugMug.com to house, display and sell their photography - we ask them questions to learn a bit more about them, their equipment and their photography. Then we get to browse through some of their favorite photographs. Today we meet Utah-native and internal medicine physician/musician/photographer Gordon Smith.

Name: Gordon Smith
Website: gordonsmith.smugmug.com

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Gordon Smith. I was born in Salt Lake City and have lived in the west most of my life. After some time in San Diego and North Carolina, I moved back to the southwest corner of Utah near Zion National Park in the great small-town community of St. George. I'm turning 40 this year and work as an internal medicine physician. Outside medicine and photography, I also love music (piano and trombone), hiking, swimming and spending time with my family.

Jump In!

What is your background/training in photography?

No official training. That's not saying that I just picked up a camera and began shooting. Studying the work of others has been crucial to my own development. I've been an active member of the FredMiranda landscape forum for 5 years and learned plenty from seeing others' work, studying how they achieved certain results, and asking questions about techniques. The Understanding Series at Luminous Landscape covers artistic and technical material very well.

I've read books about photography: Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a great book for introducing the major ideas of photography in a straightforward way. Photography by Barbara London, 7-Point System for Photoshop by Scott Kelby, Photoshop Restoration & Retouching by Katrin Eismann all have helped me. Practical Photography magazine also gives me fresh ideas each month.

The most unforgettable lessons are the ones I learn from my own mistakes. Things I forget to do make me kick myself. I say things to myself like "If only I'd changed my shutter speed when I was visiting that famous waterfall...." But, I won't make those same mistakes twice!

The Ultimate Jump Shot

How long has photography been a passion for you? When, where and how did it start?

I've always liked photography (who doesn't) and I began shooting slide film in 1996 and toyed with some creative shots. However, my Canon 20d came in 2005 and has allowed me to experiment and learn so much about photography in a few years. Since 2005, I've been quite obsessed with all things photography! I dream about it at night, I plan trips around photo locations and love to share with others.

Engagement Kiss

Worshipping Light at Woton's Throne

What equipment is in your camera bag? What piece of equipment will be added to the collection next?

Two bodies: Canon 1Ds Mark III and 20d. Lenses are numerous. My favorite lenses are 35/1.4L, 135/2L, 300/2.8L IS. My most-used lens is 17-40/4L for landscapes. I also use and recommend 50/1.4, 24-105/4L, 70-200/4L, 90/2.8 tilt shift and 24/3.5 tilt shift. Each lens has its' strengths and weaknesses.

I'm currently selling my 17-40/4L on eBay and will to upgrade to the 16-35/2.8L II because I want and need more corner sharpness in my wide-angle photography.

The Wave

What are your favorite places/subjects to photograph? Why?

I have a "Top Ten Locations" on my website. To pick one, I'd choose the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Some of the most fascinating locations I've seen are there. GSENM has world-class locations that haven't been visited or photographed very much. I like the opportunity to shoot something that has not been shot before, to come back with something that is truly original.

Besides landscapes, I also enjoy shooting some family, engagement and personal portraits. Working with people is a whole different challenge from photographing landscapes and gets me out of my comfort zone. Macro and food photography are also really fun. I'm trying to do more photography outside of landscapes.

End of a Stormy Day at Cedar Breaks

Who are your biggest photographic influences? Why? What about their work influences your work?

When I became serious about photography, I read and studied constantly. I came across Alain Briot's essays on the broad subject of "Photography and Art" and was truly surprised at how well he describes inspiration, motivation, creativity and how he recommends that an artist should develop a personal style. I began to see landscape photography in a new way: no longer was I there to capture the moment; instead I was there to create something new and emotional to share with a specific audience. Photography became the medium to show my feelings about Nature's power and beauty. An artist communicates that emotion to his audience. That is my goal.

Specific photographers I admire are David Noton, Alfried Wiertz, Steffen Synnatschke, Laurent Martres, Sam Hassas and Ansel Adams. The whole internet photography community has also contributed greatly to my work.

Subway Snow

Golden Fields and Purple Mountains

How long have you been Smug with your photographs? What features do you most enjoy with your SmugMug account?

Over 2 years. Smugmug works easily with my photo software (Apple's Aperture) with uploading. I love the ability to customize so many different galleries within groups and subgroups: keeps me organized. The various styles and looks available suit my tastes: everything from casual to formal. I like to customize my site too, so it's not like thousands of others. That takes a little work, but now my website is truly my own creation.

Mother Nature's Graffiti

If you had do sum up in 50 words or less the impact SmugMug has made on your photography/photography business, those 50 words would be...

Sharing my photographs with others is so much easier. I can send my friends to my website and they can see my work from anywhere in the world. That's sweet.

Way Out of Line

If you had to give one piece of advice to those wanting to pursue photography, what would you tell them?

Put your camera on manual mode and force yourself to decide what settings you'll use to achieve your vision. Don't allow your camera to do the thinking. You, as the artist, must think and choose.

Ocean Window