Rhea L. Combs: What do you enjoy about photography?
Scott Ellison Smith: It allows me to be a voyeur (laughter). Actually, I am shy around people who aren’t already my friends. Usually I will be the guy in the corner just watching others. So, photography gives me the tool and a way to see people.

This project was born out of the work you did in Trenchtown, Jamaica, when you were working with Red Clay Arts and the One Shot photo project. What did you like about Trenchtown?
Trenchtown was a magical place. There is a misunderstanding of the place because of Bob Marley. But [for me], Trenchtown was an eye opening experience. A good opportunity to see Jamaica, not the tourist area, but where the people live; because when we were going to go, people kept dissuading since it was such a dangerous time, being that it was during elections. However, I like to travel that way because I like to do things that are more adventurous.

What has photography allowed you to do?
Photography has forced me to travel. It has made me want to take pictures of my experience and show people the things that are most likely often overlooked. Photography has become a tool to take me places. But you know, I also like the whole process of photography. It’s like when developing a photograph, some of the shots, I feel like I am finding gems. Seeing them develop is like magic. I like everything about it [the process of photograph]. It’s also a real meditative process. When I am developing, I will lose track of time. I will forget to eat…and that is the only time I forget to eat (laughter).

When did you start taking pictures, or becoming involved in photography?
I started trying photography my freshman year of college at Morehouse. I have always had a lot of artist energy, but no outlet. My grandfather was a photographer and he gave me a camera that I took with me when I first went to college.

When did you start thinking of yourself as a photographer?
For a long time I didn’t consider myself a photographer. You know, I was probably most creative when I started out. When I took a trip to Egypt between my freshman/sophomore years in college, and came back and saw that some of the composition of some of the shots was pretty good, that’s when. Also, when I started being more creative with my photography. But I am pretty much self-taught, so it took me a while to really see myself as a photographer…. it’s definitely been a process. I think when I had my spread in Arts International; I had four photographs, full spread, in that magazine. That is when I really started thinking of myself as a photographer.

When it comes to photography, what are some of your proud moments?
Well my proud moments have been mixed with frustration. (Brief laughter). Some stuff I have done with Red Clay – especially seeing how the kids were really into what I was teaching them [with the One Shot project]. That made me very proud. I get very emotional about photography. It hits me hard. Whenever people respond to my work, it always makes me feel good.