SUPERFICIALsnapshots

HCP 2012 Print Auction

2012-02-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

Fog. November 2009. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

I am excited to be a part of the 2012 Print Auction at the Houston Center for Photography. A 30x30 print of my image shot during a foggy late afternoon winter walk in Maine will be in the auction.
Find out more here.

Dos&Trini

2012-01-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Dos & Trinidad. January 2012. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

This moment made my weekend. Our friends Trini and Mei Chun came over to meet Dos.
It was love at first sight.

assignment work

2012-01-28T09:37:00.000-08:00

on assignment. Atlanta, Georgia. January 2012 ©Allison V. Smith

I had a eye opening assignment in Atlanta last weekend. It felt so good to be shooting like a newspaper photographer again. I'll share more about the story and more photos once the story runs. Above are a few unrelated moments that I felt touched to witness.

2012-01-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

Bucks. 2009. Fredericksburg, Texas ©Allison V. Smith

Missing this guy.

From the Files/ Marfa

2012-01-24T18:18:00.000-08:00

Five Points West. May 2010. Marfa, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Marfa

Wiseman at Home

2012-01-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

Frederick Wiseman. July 2010. Maine. © Allison V. Smith

A few summers ago I photographed a long time documentary mentor and summer friend Frederick Wiseman in his home in Maine. He gave me a sneak peek of his upcoming project "Crazy Horse". The documentary opens this week in NYC. I hope to see it on the big screen. Read more about it here. See a few more photos of Wiseman here.

installation shots

2012-01-12T20:53:00.000-08:00

Darryl Lauster Of Thee I Sing installation at Barry Whistler Gallery. January 2012. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

I got a sneak peek of Darryl Lauster's Of Thee I Sing exhibition at the Barry Whistler Gallery this afternoon when I stopped by to shoot installation shots. The show opens this Saturday from 6-8. Come see it for yourself. It's a visual and historical curiosity peeker (made up word) and was a
fun installation to shoot (fact).

Dos on Film

2012-01-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

Dos. December 2011. Fredericksburg, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Just picked up my first roll of film that I shot of Dos.
She is very calm with the camera and I can't wait to shoot many more portraits of her.

A Mariachi Birthday

2012-01-08T19:46:00.000-08:00

Lalo serenades at La Calle Doce. January 8, 2012. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Happy Birthday to my awesome Dad.

We celebrated with family, friends, cerveza, ceviche and the most memorable Mariachi serenade.

From the files/ Doug Macwithey studio

2012-01-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

Doug Macwithey drawings. September 2010. Corsicana, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Doug Macwithey studio. September 2010. Corsicana, Texas © Allison V. Smith

I have been looking through old files. I am pretty sure I have never shared these photographs. In September 2010, Barry and I visited the studio of Texas artist Doug Macwithey. Macwithey died of a heart attack weeks before our visit. His studio was as he left it, organized and deliberate. It was an honor to photograph his space.

HOPE for 2012

2012-01-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

Robert Indiana's studio. July 20, 2011. Vinalhaven, Maine © Allison V. Smith

I have a lot on my mind but mostly feeling the freshness of 2012 and the excitement of getting started.

2011 was a great year. Fun opportunities, made new friends, laughed a plenty, shot photographs I was proud of, lost our beloved dog Bucks, cried a plenty, many walks and hikes and fresh air, light and love.

I hope for continued light, love, laughter and health in this next year.

looking for the owl

2011-12-31T13:17:00.000-08:00

looking for the owl. december 2011. fredericksburg, texas © Allison V. Smith

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

Dos. December 2011. © Allison V. Smith

Meet the one and only Dos, as in No.2, as in Daisy 2 or little d, our new rescued pup.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas 2011.

Vivian Maeir

2011-12-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

self portraits ©Vivian Maier

Self Portrait at a flea market. Paris, France, March 1966 ©Stanley Marcus
I love Vivian Maier's story and photographs. Both have interesting similarities to the story about my grandfather's gifting me over 5000 kodachrome slides and suggesting I "do something with them someday." In 2008, my mother and I published his photographs, Reflection of a Man. Come to think of it, Vivian Maier Street Photographer and Reflection of a Man, the photographs of Stanley Marcus would make quite the stack pack for 50s/60s found photo enthusiasts! Put a bow on it!

Book Report 2011

2011-12-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

Photography Book Report 2011. by Allison V. Smith

Fred Herzog. Photographs

Lee Friedlander. America By Car

Lee Friedlander. The New Cars 1964

Tim Hetherington. Infidel

William Eggleston. Before Color

Wallace Berman. Photographs

Linda McCartney. Life in Photographs

Linda McCartney. Life in Photographs

In no particular order, here is a list of my favorite photography books that I acquired in 2011. Please note, I'm not saying they were all published in 2011, they just came to my attention this year.

1. Fred Herzog. Photographs. My mom gave me this book for my birthday this year. It's one of the most inspiring of all the books above. The rich, saturated color and Vancouver street scenes are mostly from the 50s and 60s. Herzog's subject matter is similar to Robert Frank and even Walker Evans, but shot in color. I look forward to learning more about medical photographer/street photographer Herzog.

2 & 3. Yes, I love Lee Freidlander and am on a mission to own all his books (I'm getting close) because they never disappoint. America By Car is a collection of road trip images shot over the past ten years through the passenger side window, the driver's side window and sometimes the dashboard. Each image has it's own story and tells it though Freidlander's signature mash up of shapes and lines. The New Cars 1964 is equally fantastic and published by Fraenkel Gallery (a win win situation). Despite the title, all photographs were shot in Detroit in 1963. Shot through doors, reflected in windows, each image holds it's own mystery.

4. Tim Hetherington. Infidel. This small journal-like book is dark, powerful and haunting. I purchased it a week before Hetherington was killed in Libya. The last 15 pages are unforgettable photographs of sleeping soldiers. These perfect photographs have the power to bring me to tears.

5. William Eggleston. Before Color. Eggleston has his very own vision. A point of view that is his very own whether in b&w or color, you know it's his. This book just feels collectible.

6. Wallace Berman. Photographs Photo Eye calls Berman "The quintessential visual artist of the Beat Generation." I had seen his art but never his photographs. His photos of friends and family are very personal, beautiful quirky moments all shot in that love/magic light. I look at this regularly for inspiration.

7. Linda McCartney. Life in Photographs I LOVE the cover of this book. It's a portrait I wish I had made. I also love McCartney's black and white family photographs.The image above IS the decisive moment. Like Berman, her everyday family photographs make me want to shoot more and more.

And since we are in the season, I can confidently say that anyone of the above books would make a great gift to the photography book lover in your life. And if you want to know what to get me, here is my wish list of photography books that I don't own, but hope to someday. #photographybooks

December in California

2011-12-13T20:20:00.000-08:00

HOTEL + Geoff McFetridge wallpaper. California December 2011 © Allison V. Smith

walk this way + Getty Full Moon. California December 2011 © Allison V. Smith

Venice Sk8ter + Geoff McFetridge. California December 2011 © Allison V. Smith

Jim Marshall @ Fahey Klein + @Jeffhalbert @ Pipen Moore .California December 2011 © Allison V. Smith

our view + Heath ceramics. California December 2011 © Allison V. Smith

Buick at night + Free City. California December 2011 © Allison V. Smith

I managed to see a lot in the three days during a weekend trip to Los Angeles.
I took some notes with my iPhone. I love LA, especially when someone else is driving, thanks Sally.

BLISS installation at BWG

2011-12-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

BLISS installation at Barry Whistler Gallery. December 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Three shows opened at the Barry Whistler Gallery last Saturday night, including the group show BLISS which I am thrilled to be a part of. I have two brand new photographs from Maine in a smaller size 20x20. It's an honor to be surrounded by artists Linnea Glatt, Peter Ligon, Scott Barber, John Pomara, Danny Williams, Ann Stautberg, John Holt Smith, John Paul Philippe, Bruce Houston, Kirsten Macy and Tom Orr. See installation shots of both shows here and here. Also photos from the opening here.

Breakfast!

2011-12-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

December 2011 issue of Texas Monthly

All Good Cafe. October 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Oddfellows. October 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

I had the mouthwatering assignment of shooting Dallas, Fort Worth and Weatherford breakfast hot spots for this month's Texas Monthly. Pancake lovers should check out Oddfellows pancake sampler, whoa. See more delicious breakfast photos in my photo archive.

Mount Vernon TX

2011-12-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

FD Luxe. December 2011

Mount Vernon. October 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Mount Vernon car collection. October 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Check out the December issue of F!D Luxe. I shot photographs of the Dallas's Mount Vernon. I was thrilled with F!D's pick for a lede image. While I was shooting it , I could not help but think of Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World. See more images of Mount Vernon in my archive.

Collect.Give

2011-12-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

Larry Fink's Developer Tray. © John Cyr

Collect.Give just announced a new edition by photographer John Cyr. The above image is one of my favorite photographer's, Larry Fink, developer tray. I like so much about it (simplicity, content & sentiment) and then I visited Cyr's website and was sold. What a cool project. Add to cart. I got 3/20.

Time Flies

2011-12-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

Augusta&Ali. January 2002. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

I had dinner with my 16-year old twin nieces last night. It's hard to imagine that I shot this photograph in their front yard almost 10 years ago. I shot it with my now broken and shelved Yashica-A.

Social Utopia = LRTX

2011-11-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

LRTX 2011 Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Congratulations to La Reunion TX for receiving the Dallas Observer's Mastermind award! Read about the award here and please check out La Reunion TX awesome new site here. Be a part of the the social utopia, support LRTX here.

BLISS @ BWG

2011-11-30T07:03:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to be a part of BLISS, the upcoming group show at the Barry Whistler Gallery.

The show opens this Saturday 12/3 from 6-8. I will have 2 NEW small photographs from Maine in the show. Also, Lawrence Lee's new drawings of "Boksers" are pretty spectacular. I hope you can make it out!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T19:22:00.000-08:00

home. june 2011. dallas, texas © Allison V. Smith

I am thankful for my furry family, friends and family.

I am thankful for art and love.
I am thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Lawrence Lee at BWG

2011-11-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

detail of Lawrence Lee drawing. November 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Opening December 3 at the Barry Whistler Gallery is new work by Lawrence Lee. I saw a few of the new pieces when Barry asked me to shoot an image for the new card. See above detail from Lee's series of boxers and boxing posters. These drawings remind me a little of Matisse and little of these photographs of Congolese Wrestling on Time Magazine's Lightbox today.

assignment work

2011-11-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Texas Tribune. November 20, 2011 © Allison V. Smith

Michael Sorrell. November 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Favorite clip from the weekend. On 11-11-11, I photographed Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell and the impressive 2 acre former football field now farm for The Texas Tribune.

Read Reeve Hamilton's story here.

the power of a photograph

2011-11-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

Dallas Morning News. March 1978

Inspired by my recent photo find, I started digging through folders of family photographs. This one is dated March 1978 was shot by an unknown Dallas Morning News photographer. My grandfather touches my shoulder as I hold it together the best an 8-year-old can do as we leave my grandmother's funeral. It was front page news. This photograph makes me so sad. It's an outright reminder to me of the power of a photograph and the importance of a singular moment.

"the boy photographer"

2011-11-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

Dallas. 1930s. © Stanley Marcus

Earlier this week I was contacted by Dallas architect David Benners who found a photograph in his grandmother's archives that he thought I would be interested in seeing. Benners emailed the above photograph of his grandmother (in the center) with friends. On the back it is signed:

"A Merry Xmas. From H. Stanley Marcus (the boy photographer)."

I love the action and connection the stylish women are having with the "boy photographer." I only wish there were more to see. The book of my grandfather's photographs that my mom and I published in 2008, Reflection of a Man, is all rich, colorful kodachrome shot from 1936-1968. I have a few B&W photographs of his from the Taos Pueblo shot in the 30s, but nothing like this. I am in love with this new found photograph.Thanks for sharing, David Benners.

In Print: Stephen King

2011-11-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

11-15-11 USA TODAY

Stephen King. 6th Floor Museum. November 2011 Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Last Thursday at 9 a.m., I spent 10 minutes photographing author Stephen King for today's USA Today. I photographed him near the window Oswald perched in 48 years ago when he shot the fatal shots. King was cool, unexpectedly funny and only sort of scary.. just kidding, he wasn't scary at all. He even admitted to feeling creeped out by being on the 6th floor. Read Carol Memmott's interview with King here. Buy his new book here.

MAINE @vodboutique

2011-11-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

VOD turns 4

Happy Birthday V.O.D. I'm excited to be a part of the celebration on Saturday, November 19. Fashion, champagne + a selection from my Maine series will be on display. Come celebrate 4!

Dallas City Council photo shoot

2011-11-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

Dallas City Council ad. November 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

This ad appeared in today's Dallas Morning News. I shot this portrait of the Dallas City Council last month outside Dallas City Hall. The friendly folks at Design Within Reach loaned us the swan chair and couch and the Frank Gehry left twist cubes for our ten minute photo shoot. Success!

assignment work

2011-11-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

Mockingbird Station Ad. September 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Recognize me? Above is one of the edits from a casual, cool shoot I did in September for the Mockingbird Station, see more here. Garage banners and mini billboards are beginning to pop up. Shooting installation shots is on my to do list! I'll post them here when I do.

Inside the Heat Lab for The Texas Tribune

2011-11-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

heat lab. October 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Above some outtakes from my first assignment from The Texas Tribune, see my 2nd in this Sunday's TT. See the story here. Just looking at the photos gives me the sensation that the patient describes as "a ton of bricks on my chest."

The collect.give Book

2011-11-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

The collect.give Book © Kevin Miyazaki 2011

The charity-based online photography gallery collect.give announces the release of a book celebrating the project’s first 50 photographers – all of whom have pledged to donate 100% of their print proceeds to charities they’ve selected. Since 2009, collect.give has raised over $28,000 for a wide variety of charitable organizations, by selling affordable, limited edition photographs.

Description

128 pages, softcover, perfect bound, printed by MagCloud.

Design By

Heidi Romano

Photographs By

Jane Fulton Alt, Malu Alvarez, Jonathan Blaustein, Mark Brautigam, Jesse Burke, Barbara Ciurej & Lindsay Lochman, Katrina d’Autremont, Amy Eckert, Matt Eich, Jon Feinstein, Sarina Finkelstein, Elizabeth Fleming, Max. S. Gerber, Meggan Gould, Andrew Hetherington, Geoffrey Hiller, Peter Hoffman, Jon Horvath, Ben Huff, Dave Jordano, Stella Kalaw, Melissa Kaseman, Liz Kuball, Shane Lavalette, David Leventi, John Loomis, S. Billie Mandle, Kerry Mansfield, Mark Menjivar, Kevin J. Miyazaki, Annie Marie Musselman, Colleen Plumb, Susana Raab, Shawn Records, Ellen Rennard, Dalton Rooney, Jonathan Saunders, Manjari Sharma, Daniel Shea, Kelly Shimoda, Emily Shur, Allison V. Smith, Aline Smithson, Brea Souders, Sarah Sudhoff, Jake Stangel, Lacey Terrell, Sonja Thomsen, Susan Worsham and David Wright.

Essays By

Crista Dix, Darius Himes, Lisa Hostetler, Rachel Hulin, Miki Johnson, Larissa Leclair, Wally Mason, George Slade, Amy Stein and Alison Zavos.

To Benefit

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). In keeping with the collect.give mission to donate 100% of proceeds to charity, all profits from this book will be donated to the RSPCA, a charity chosen by the designer Heidi Romano.

Price

$22.00

To Preview or Purchase

http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/290686

Contact

For more information, visit www.collectdotgive.org or send an email to Kevin J. Miyazaki.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

Cowgirl. October 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Captain America. October 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Just picked up some film from Halloween 2011.

I'm adding as I blog some new photos to my Halloween archive on photoshelter. Check it out here.

Nina Leen

2011-10-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

family photo. 1945. Dallas, Texas © Nina Leen/ Life Magazine

I'm obsessed with this photograph of my grandparents and great grandparents , shot only a few miles from where I sit now. I love the layers of conversation, the intensity and knowing how the story ended. Turns out, composition and using the frame to it's fullest was a specialty of Life Magazine photographer, Nina Leen's. Check out more of her images here.

Team Spirit

2011-10-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

Grandfalls-Royalty Cowboys. October 2011. Grandfalls, Texas © Allison V. Smith

I shot this earlier this month in Grandfalls, Texas.
Inspired by #FNL, here are some more of my team spirit photos.

Art Chicos @LRTX

2011-10-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

Art Chicos. La Reunion TX. October 2011 © Allison V. Smith

Last week I posted some photos from the 5th annual Art Chicas at the La Reunion TX site, in the heart of Oak Cliff. This past weekend I photographed the 1st annual Art Chicos event at the La Reunion TX site. It was a beautiful scene : high school artists working together with local artists in nature . The artwork is energizing & thought-provoking and you can see it for yourself at the La Reunion TX open house this Saturday, Oct 29th from 1-3. Walking shoes and cameras are recommended. RSVP to the open house here. See more photos here.
(full disclosure: I am proud board member of LRTX. Follow us on twitter @lrtx . New website coming soon!Our t-shirts are awesome. )

2011-10-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

Rockport, Maine. August 2011 © Allison V. Smith

It has been one busy, productive/ fun week and because I can't share any of the photos until they are published, I thought I'd share this image from Maine that I shot with my Contax. Have a super weekend.

Prince + Daisy

2011-10-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Prince&Daisy. October 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Some recent poses from Prince + Daisy.

Art Chic@s at La Reunion TX

2011-10-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

Art Chic@s at LRTX. October 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

The 5th annual Art Chic@s at La Reunion was a total success. Above a few photos of some of the projects and students who participated. Mark your calendars for the LRTX open house on October 29. A great way to see the artwork & explore the beautiful trails around LRTX. Bring your camera, it's a photo-op!

Inside the Box

2011-10-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

October 2011. F!D Luxe

exterior Mockingbird home. September 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

interior Mockingbird home. September 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

shoes. September 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Check out the October 2011 issue of F!D Luxe to see Christopher Wynn's story & my photos of architect Russell Buchanan's latest project. I was thrilled by the layout, thank you F!D. The opening photograph of the owner walking into his home was a lucky shot, thank you photo gods.

Happy SFOT wedding anniversary

2011-10-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

newly weds. October 12, 2010. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

midway newly weds. October 12, 2010. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

crazy mouse newly weds. October 12, 2010. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Happy Anniversary to Sara Rice & Luis Martinez. Last year I shot their wedding at the State Fair of Texas. It was a memorable and photogenic evening, to say the least. See the whole shoot on my photoshelter archive.

Marfa Magic

2011-10-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Marfa. October 2011. © Allison V. Smith

A mix of cell phone shots from my quick work trip to Marfa, Texas last weekend. I can never get enough of that big sky and the Marfa magic.

Group Exhibition in Houston

2011-10-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Group Exhibition at Hiram Butler Gallery. Houston, Texas

I'm excited to announce that I will be part of a group exhibition at the Hiram Butler Gallery in Houston. The opening is on Saturday, October 15 from 11-1 and the show runs through November 26.

from the files

2011-10-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

camp friend. August 2009. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

mighty, mighty mascots

2011-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

mighty, mighty mascots. September 2011. Texas © Allison V. Smith

Just home from a trip to New Mexico, where along the way I stopped to photograph the mighty, mighty mascots of the Texas schools between here and there . Here is a cell phone sampling. I'll be adding a few from my Hasselblad to the schools section on my website soon (maybe today).

SFOT TIME

2011-09-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

Big Tex's Hat. September 2009. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Big Tex. September 2009. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

See you tomorrow, Big Tex!

Zine 5 is the Best

2011-09-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

internationally famous. fort worth, texas. 2010. © Allison V. Smith

Check this out: The Dallas Observer voted Zine 5 in their Best of Dallas 2011 issue as The Best Mailbox Art. My favorite line: " If you were a superfan and ordered within the designated number, you got a free signed print. That shit's legit and it doesn't come cheap in the real world, folks. "

Out of the limited edition of 250 there are ~~46 left~~ 37 left. Order now while supplies last (amazon payment on far right). See my other zine projects here and read more about my zines here.

Mr. Metro + Mr. Sports

2011-09-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Jim Mahoney at work. 2009. Texas © Allison V. Smith

In a hot air balloon with Jim Mahoney. 2009. Texas © Allison V. Smith

receiving bravery medal with Jim Mahoney. 2009. Texas © Allison V. Smith

Earlier this month, the Dallas Morning News laid off 38 people from their shrinking newsroom. Two of whom I greatly respect , admire and call friends, my former DMN colleagues : Jim Mahoney and John F. Rhodes. Both worked at the DMN for over 30 years each.

I'm sad that I won't ever see John F. Rhodes spot on sports photographs & Jim Mahoney's daily metro look on life in the DMN again.But it's the young photographers I'm saddest for, who won't get the opportunity to work along side hardworking, ethical, funny guys like Jim & John.

A few years back, I ran into Jim Mahoney on an assignment. We flew in a hot air balloon over the cow pastures in Duncanville. After the ride, we received medals for our bravery. Above are a few outtakes from that very funny morning.

family files

2011-09-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

family photo. 1952. Dallas, Texas © Stanley Marcus

I like finding inspiration in a box of family photographs. I am crazy about this photograph my grandfather shot of my mom, grandmother and aunt in their backyard maybe on a fall Sunday like today.

Website Updates!

2011-09-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

Sales & Service. Northport, Maine. August 2011. © Allison V. Smith

I've been working on my website. Check out Maine, Marfa, Family, Dogs , Commissions & Music. The above image I shot in Maine coming home from the Bob Dylan & Leon Russell concert in Belfast.
Just a fact : Good music activates my creativity!

Pray for Rain

2011-09-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Texas drought. April 2011. Marfa, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Poor, dry Texas. I just looked through these dreadful, heartbreaking photographs of Texas by Austin American Statesman staff photographer Jay Janner. Bring on the rain!

911

2011-09-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

Texas fire. April 2011. Marfa, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Remembering September 11, 2001

Prince

2011-09-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Prince. August 2011. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

Did I mention Prince road tripped to Maine with us? I haven't counted, but am guessing this little guy from Hico, Texas has now been to 15 states. He has been a snuggly companion for Daisy and a daily morning alarm clock. If you missed the story of Prince, go here.

Edits from Maine cont'

2011-09-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

barefoot. August 2011. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

off road. August 2011. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

barefoot2. August 2011. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

A few outtakes to set the mood for my photos from this summer in Maine.

Zorro has Courage

2011-09-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

My shot of Zorro as seen here. I am looking forward to shooting more Halloween neighbors this year!

Click here to see my Halloween archive.

Dog Love

2011-09-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

Quincy. August 2011. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

Eider. August 2011. Camden, Maine © Allison V. Smith

Sadie. August 2011. Vinalhaven, Maine © Allison V. Smith

Stella. August 2011. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

Here are a handful of the sweet dogs that I photographed this summer. I picked up 20 more rolls from Photographique today. "Great work, kid" Paul Black, the owner, fellow dog lover and long time photo mentor said to me as I raced to get in my car to get home to start editing.
I needed that, thanks Paul.

And the edit continues.

Feel Good photos

2011-09-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

My birthday. July 2011. Vinalhaven, Maine © Allison V. Smith

The Twins. August 2011. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

Ride Home. July 2011. Maine © Allison V. Smith

Here are a few simple, personal photographs that simply make me feel good.

Have a Happy Labor Day weekend.

Make some feel good photos!

edits from Maine

2011-09-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

near the boy's fort. August 2011. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

The Olson House. August 2011. Cushing, Maine © Allison V. Smith

Rainy Day. August 2011. Rockport, Maine © Allison V. Smith

It is a tall order editing photos from my summer in Maine. I shot 62 rolls of film this summer. Portraits, details, family, strangers, artists, woods and ocean. All with my Hasselblad . I'm never sure where any of it will land. I just shoot for myself. It's a peaceful place to be for me. Above are a few that immediately grabbed me. I'll post more as I continue to edit and will eventually make some updates to my site. I promise to blog more often too. I've been silent lately, but I've had a lot on my mind. I needed that space. Thanks.

Erykah Badu in F!D

2011-08-31T06:22:00.000-07:00

While I was out, my photographs of Dallas's own cool-cat Erykah Badu and her 1964 Lincoln "Baby Blue" were published in last month's F!D.

Below are the killer clips. Click here to see the rest of our shoot.

@tnyphotobooth

2011-08-19T05:17:00.000-07:00

Special Award. Arts Magnet High School. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

I am proud to be published on the New Yorker's photo blog.

Check out their photo feature on back to school.

Group Show at Rayko Photo Center

2011-08-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

Fraction Magazine at Rayko Center © Allison V. Smith

I am excited to be a part of the upcoming Fraction Magazine group show at the especially cool Rayko Photo Center in San Francisco. The show opens on August 11th and runs through September 18. The show includes work by Geoffrey Ellis, Liz Kuball, Karen Kuehn, Michael Sebastian and Emily Shur curated by Fraction Magazine editor, David Bram. See the Rayko Photo Center site for more info.

as seen in Small Magazine

2011-07-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Summer 2010. Maine. © Allison V. Smith

Summer 2005. Maine. © Allison V. Smith

Summer 2009. Maine. © Allison V. Smith

Check out the current issue of Small Magazine. They did a nice feature on my family photographs. Every summer when my large family gathers, I stay busy shooting portraits with my Hasselblad. It's a personal project that has been ongoing since 2003. I have always found inspiration in Sally Mann, Nicholas Nixon and even Ralph Eugene Meatyard's portraits of family. See more here.

Postcards from Maine

2011-07-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

Schooner. July 2011. Maine © Allison V. Smith

Daisy. July 2011. Maine © Allison V. Smith

My Roots. July 2011. Maine © Allison V. Smith

Wyatt. July 2011. Maine © Allison V. Smith

Daisy. July 2011. Maine © Allison V. Smith

Mom's Garden. July 2011. Maine © Allison V. Smith

Greetings from Maine. I am working on personal projects and spending time with my family. I'll be slow posting for the next few weeks but count on a few more postcards from Maine.

Ten High Street Installation Shots

2011-07-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Installation at Ten High Street. July 2011. Camden, Maine © Allison V. Smith

Here are a few installation shots from my current exhibition at Ten High Street in Camden, Maine. The show consists of 12 images of Maine, all but one printed 30x30. It's comforting seeing these images on their home turf. The show will be up through August 6th.

The Story of Prince

2011-07-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

Senior 2011. April 2011. Hico, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Prince. April 2011. Hico, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Bucks and Prince. May 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

True Story. In late April, Barry & I were returning from an awesome work weekend in Marfa, Texas (see June issue of F!D Luxe). Naturally, Bucks & Daisy were with us. With an hour and half left to go until we were home, we decided to stop by one of our favorite parks in Hico.

For one reason or another, we did not park where we normally parked. Bucks & Daisy were acting feisty and letting their noses get the better of them. I grabbed my Hasselblad and their leashes and followed them towards the well lit grain elevator covered in high school senior graffiti. I shot 3 shots with my iPhone and 1 with my Hasselblad then suddenly Bucks jerked me towards the elevator.

Just below SENIORS 2011 sat a tiny orange kitten who was not afraid of me or our two dogs. I picked up the kitten and he purred. He continued to purr all the way back home.

The photos above tell the story. In the first photo, look closely on the right side right below 2012. The second photo is Prince's very first portrait and the third at home with our beloved Bucks. Thanks Bucks for finding us this little orange angel.

RIP Bucks, the dog

2011-07-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Bucks's Bone. July 1, 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

My heart is heavy and hurt and it's not easy to share that
yesterday Barry and I put down our sweet, sweet Bucks.
Bucks died peacefully at home surrounded by Daisy and his kitty friends.
We were all with him.

In his 14 years, he spent 11 with us.

We adopted Bucks in June 2000 from the now defunct city pound. He was 3.

Bucks touched so many people, even some he never met.

We will forever miss your wagging tail, contagious smile and heart of GOLD.

Thanks for all the love you shared.

I love you, Bucks, rest in peace.
Love Lives On.

more updates

2011-06-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Circo Hermanos. Dallas Texas. June 2011. © Allison V. Smith

I have made some more updates to my website. First off, thanks Lily Smith-Kirkley for the super new logo which is part one of the master plan. In addition to these updates, check out the Places, In Print, Backstage & Zines galleries!

Road Trip checklist

2011-06-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

photos from the road. 2007 © Allison V. Smith

Yep, it's that road trip time of year and it's never too soon to start packing.
Roadtrip checklist: iPhone, cooler of snacks , film & topo chicos, 2 dogs, 1 cat,
Hasselblad, instax mini, instax , audiobooks: Keith Richards memoir Life.
Am I forgetting anything?

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

2011-06-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

My Dad. August 2003. Maine © Allison V. Smith

Happy Father's Day, Dad.
Thanks for all you have taught me and thanks for all the love you have shown me.
Thanks for teaching me to have a "fast eye."
I love you.
#5

Vose

2011-06-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

V. is for Vose

www.allisonvsmith.com

2011-06-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

April 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

I've been busy updating my website. I added this little smiley face into the commissions gallery.
See new work in: editorial, commissions, music & Marfa.

Happy Birthday, Bucks!

2011-06-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

We adopted this sweet face & loveable soul from the Dallas pound on his final day 11 years ago.

Today he is 14.

Happy Birthday, Bucks.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

2011-06-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

New Zealand Sunday Star Times. June 2010

Last month I photographed Unknown Mortal Orchestra during their tour stop in Dallas for the Sunday Star Times in New Zealand. See PDFs above. UMO was just named NME's 50 best new bands of 2011.

I know I'll have How Can You Luv Me on my Super Summer Mix. Look out for UMO's debut album on June 21st. Stream here, if you can't wait.

Hot off the Press.

2011-06-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hot off the Press! Check out my first fashion spread in F!D Luxe. I shot this during the Railroad Revival Tour at El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas late April, with the coolest team of creative women. I still haven't seen the real F!D. As much as I love all things internet, there is nothing better than holding the magazine and seeing it in print. P.S. Yes, Mumford & Sons was playing while we were shooting. It worked!

installation shots

2011-06-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

installation shot @ Barry Whistler Gallery. May 2011. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

If you haven't made it by the Barry Whistler Gallery XXV Anniversary show, it's not too late.
The show runs through June 18th.
Above an installation shot of a portrait I made last October at the State Fair of Texas as part of a ongoing series of fair portraits. Speaking of the SFOT, only 118 more days.

Maine Show

2011-06-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Milk Jar. August 2010. Vinalhaven, Maine © Allison V. Smith

I am excited to officially announce my upcoming show of my Maine work at Ten High Street in Camden, Maine. The show, "Light and Shadow" opens July 8th and runs through August 6.

homage to Eggleston part two

2011-05-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Flying home yesterday from a fun photo shoot in San Antonio with my pals at Hotel Havana,

I shot my empty ginger ale glass.

I always do.

It's my homage to William Eggleston's airplane image from 1970.

Multi Tasking

2011-05-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I am now blogging all things photo
on the Dallas Observer's new arts blog: the Mixmaster?

Valentine

2011-05-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

I've been living with some images from a recent magical trip to west Texas.

Trying to decide what to add to my website / portfolio.

Above two from an afternoon in Valentine, Texas.

Ciao for now

2011-05-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

Ciao, Matt & Ivana.

I can't wait to see what you both make next.

Knock 'em dead in Denver.

Your talents and kindness inspire me & will be greatly missed in Texas.

See you in Sicily!

Packing for Maine

2011-05-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

Check out Page 78 of the hot of the press, online, LA based design magazine, Collected Mag. A few months back, they asked about using this self portrait for an article called Packing For Maine. Yep, I can't wait to do the same.

Also, I have started blogging over at the Dallas Observer's new art blog : Mixmaster. My blog post yesterday was all about cool online photo magazines. If you like Collected, check out the others that I mentioned.

Unhappy Country screening

2011-05-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

Unhappy Country © Matt Nager & Ivana Corsale

I'm looking forward to seeing Unhappy Country tomorrow night at the Barry Whistler Gallery. Filmmakers and my special friends, Matt Nager & Ivana Corsale, will be at the gallery for conversation & cold beer and special screening starting at 8pm. Read more about their documentary, Unhappy Country :Los Angeles Times review here & NPR Blog here.

Lover Boy

2011-05-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon between an assignment, a haircut & a gallery opening, I photographed the young, talented and sugar sweet Brett Dennen. Check out his latest cd LoverBoy. I'm hooked.

Zine 5 @ BWG

2011-05-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

So i asked Barry Whistler on the day of his XXV anniversary show to pick out his favorite pages in Zine 5. I'll have a handful of signed and editioned Zines with me tonight at the gallery. If you can't make it you can buy one of these here.
Opening Reception tonight, May 7th, 6-8 PM.

Window Display

2011-05-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

As seen in my neighborhood.

William's World

2011-05-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

Last month I photographed Dallas designer and clever friend William Baker for the current issue of FD Luxe , on stands now. William's world is creative and inspiring to photograph. Get a load of that wall made from over 1000 yard sticks!

XXV

2011-05-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be a part of the Barry Whistler Gallery's upcoming 25th anniversary exhibition.
Mark your calendars: opening reception Saturday, May 7th from 6-8. Come celebrate!
See the gallery's beautiful new website for more details on the upcoming show.

Happy Birthday, Willie

2011-04-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

FOR SALE: 40 Days. Zine 5

2011-04-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

40 full color, 36 pages, all photographs shot with iPhone using the Hipstmatic App

Creative direction & design by Refueled Magazine's Chris Brown.

limited edition. 250 signed copies.

(first 40 get unique signed prints)

$20.00
Click Amazon link below to buy now.

Happy Birthday, Daisy

2011-04-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Happy 13th Birthday, Daisy.
Here's to many more walks, treats and jumpin' on the bed.

Yeti & Casio

2011-04-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

I. Love.This.

Unhappy Country

2011-04-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

Campania In-Felix Movie Poster © Matt Nager

It's showtime! For the past two years, my friends Matt Nager and Ivana Corsale have been working over time on their documentary Campania In-Felix. Tomorrow night is a special screening at UNT in Denton. (I have also heard word of a preview in Dallas sometime early May. ) Matt & Ivana have started a KickStarter account to help them with film festival fees, distribution supplies and to pay the film composer. Find out more here.

Zine 5. 40 Days

2011-04-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

40 Days. Zine 5. April 2010. © Allison V. Smith

It's officially official.
40 Days will be available for sale sometime towards the end of the week.

Here are the facts:
40 color photos all made with my iPhone from January 2010 to May 2010
designed by editor and creative director of Refueled Magazine, Chris Brown
signed edition of 250
I am printing all 40 images from the book and they will be included in the first 40 sold.

This is my 5th Zine!

2011-04-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Dallas Art Fair opened last night and is up for the next three days.

I am thrilled to have two photographs from Maine in booth B7.

If you can't swing by, check out Barry Whistler Gallery totally cool mobile Dallas Art Fair guide!

It has it all.

exhibition news

2011-04-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be a part of the upcoming Dallas Art Fair.

I will have two photographs from Maine in Barry Whistler Gallery, Booth B7.

The fair opens this Friday and runs through Sunday.

Check out hours and ticket info here.

B-F-F

2011-03-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

Life Support Japan III

2011-03-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

Dallas Mason Temple. 2010. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

Print sale! I donated this image from my Dallas Masonic Temple series to Wall Space Gallery's effort in helping out Japan. Life Support Japan will support those affected by the earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan earlier this month. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Direct Relief International and Habitat for Humanity Japan. All prints are selling in an edition of 10 for $50 (only 5 left of my image...) I bought Gordon Stettinius's hilarious self portrait titled "Comb Over" and I am looking forward to the upcoming announcement of Life Support Japan IV.

Publish Your Photography Book

2011-03-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

My copy of Publish Your Photography Book arrived yesterday!

I was blown away by the double page spread on my zine publications.

(Timely for the upcoming announcement of issue 5: 40 days.)

Mary Virginia Swanson and Darius D. Himes collaborated on this incredible publication.

It is a truly valuable book & purchase for anyone interested in exploring the photography book world.

I know I am, so this will be my photo book bible from now on. Buy it here!

And if you have the time, I recommend watching Swanie and Darius discuss the book

last Dec. at the NY Public Library.