Tony was born in Newport in South Wales in the UK with itchy feet! At just 15 years of age he “ran away to sea” on a cargo ship to South America arriving in Buenos Aires in time for the latest coup. Further voyages took him around the world working in the first class restaurants on ocean liners, including the maiden voyage of the first Oriana. Back on dry land with the immediate travel bug out of his system he pursued a career in hospitality management that took him to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Johannesburg in South Africa and London before settling down in Winchester, England's ancient capital.
His interest in photography started quite seriously in his late 20’s with portraiture and promotional stuff for his business when he had his own “badly ventilated” darkroom. Since 2000 photography has become his "second career". It is clear from his work that Tony is a people person, with a love of wild and beautiful places. Nothing motivates and excites him more than being with people, especially at cultural and religious festivals - the more difficult the conditions the happier he is!
On seeing Tony's work Tom Stoddard, award winning photo Journalist and Honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society wrote:
'Tony Smith's photographs reflect his deep love of places and faces. He is a traveller, who is happiest surrounded by similar free spirits at carnivals, festivals and celebrations. His simple uncluttered pictures beautifully illustrate the joy of being alive, and free'.
Tom Stoddart - fellow photographer, traveller and human being.
Tony is an Associate member of the Royal Photographic Society (number 70395) following a successful assessment.
He has been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau disclosure certificate (number 001132149579) and cleared for working with children and vulnerable adults.
Recent travels have taken him to Nepal, Bhutan, India, France, China, Spain, Morocco the USA and Canada and the West Coast of Ireland. He has attended Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Gypsy events. Future visits will include South East Asia, South America and destinations in Europe.
His work has been exhibited and published in several publications and websites.
If you would like to get in touch Tony would love to hear from you, you might even wish to invite him to your festival or event?
by Taffysmith
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