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- Sean Connery as William Forrester in "Finding Forrester"

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Saturday, October 07, 2006

P&P Blogger Profile: Andy Smith

Andy Smith of Visual Realia

Photography is “selfish” time I get to spend on something that interests me. If someone else likes a photo of mine, that’s a bonus. The “unselfish” time is spent in front of middle school kids, where I teach instrumental music and classroom music. At home, I’m surrounded by women, including my wife, two daughters and the dog.

Why do you blog?
Self-motivation! Life is hectic… there are many reasons to not go out and photograph. Obviously, if you’re not taking pictures, you miss the opportunities out there for a good shot. By blogging, you create the necessity to go out and try to find those meaningful moments.

If you only had time to read three blogs a day, which ones would they be?
The Online Photographer: http://theonlinephotographer.blogspot.com/
Chromasia: http://www.chromasia.com/

How long have you been using Photoshop/been a photographer?
To a small extent, I’ve photographed since I was a kid, but the first quality camera came only a few years ago with the advent of digital cameras.

What type of camera(s) do you shoot with?
Olympus Evolt 500, and before that an Olympus C-4000.

Mac or PC?
Mac

What is your favorite piece of photo or computer equipment (other than your camera)?
Apple display.

What piece of equipment would you most like to get but don’t have?
A top-notch telephoto lens.

What advice do you have for a novice creative professional/photographer?
Keep your camera with you at all times, and more importantly, go out and just do it (photograph) every chance you get.

What inspires you to create?
Desire to keep some sanity!

What would be your most important piece of advice about life?
Don’t get so hung up in “goals” that you miss the moment you’re in.

Where would you most like to live (other than where you live now)?
On a small hill overlooking a pristine lake.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Getting together with friends, or relaxing with a good cup of coffee and a newspaper or magazine, preferably outside under a tree.

What talent would you most like to have?
The ability to complete surveys a little more easily!

From Inside the Actors Studio:
What is your favorite word? Friend
What is your least favorite word? Stagnant
What turns you on? A pleasant smile.
What turns you off? Acceptance of mediocrity.
What sound or noise do you love? A child’s giggle.
What sound or noise do you hate? A person whining.
What is your favorite curse word? Weenie
What occupation other than your own would you like to attempt? Chef
What occupation would you not want to participate in? Assembly-line operator
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Nothing; just a welcoming hug.

*Note: If you would like to participate in the P&P Blogger Profile series, please email Jason with your blog's URL and he will send you a profile to fill out. Also, be sure to check out the P&P Weekly every Monday for news about this site and a roundup of what other Photoshop & Photography Blogroll members are posting.