We were lucky to catch up with Dustin Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dustin, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My journey as a rocket launch photographer began with a significant opportunity on July 30, 2020, a time overshadowed by the pandemic’s grip on the world. This was my first major opportunity as a credentialed space photographer. I was given permission to photograph from the highly secure Cape Canaveral Space Force Base.
Ad Astra Magazine entrusted me with documenting the Mars 2020 NASA mission, a task necessitated by the narrow launch window that aligns Earth and Mars every 26 months. Standing within four miles of the launchpad, flanked by photographers from esteemed publications like the Washington Post and Aviation Week, I felt the weight of the moment. It was a humbling reminder of the privilege bestowed upon me.
Amidst the pandemic’s challenges, I devised a safe yet innovative approach to capture the historic launch. Utilizing a remote camera triggered by the sound of liftoff, I immortalized the event without endangering myself.
The experience left an indelible mark, not only marking my debut in print media but also reshaping my perspective on human ambition and the pursuit of the unknown.
Since then, I’ve continued documenting space missions of SpaceX launches and am currently preparing to photograph the Crew launch aboard a United Launch Alliance and Boeing spacecraft bound for the International Space Station.
Reflecting on this journey, I’m reminded of the power of perseverance and the boundless opportunities that arise in the face of adversity. Each launch serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the unyielding spirit of exploration.
Looking ahead, my goal remains simple: to continue capturing these moments of wonder and sharing them with the world, inspiring others to reach for the stars.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a professional photographer and graphic designer, a role that encompasses a myriad of responsibilities I’ve undertaken over the years alongside my day job. I primarily focus on portraiture and event photography. Weddings hold a special place in my heart, as I relish the opportunity to capture the enduring love stories of couples embarking on a lifelong journey together. Beyond weddings, I find immense satisfaction in capturing the diverse beauty of individuals, a belief deeply rooted in my Christian faith, recognizing people as created beings.
Moreover, I am drawn to the serenity of nature and the majesty of wildlife, albeit opportunities to photograph them are less frequent. Additionally, my passion extends to astrophotography and documenting rocket launches. I am proud to be an accredited photographer with the National Space Society, with my work featured in their esteemed publication, Ad Astra Magazine.
My portfolio boasts a range of launches, from the Mars 2020 mission to the inaugural Artemis launch and the awe-inspiring Space Launch System. Documenting these launches is not merely a profession but a testament to the indomitable spirit of human exploration and ingenuity.
Shifting gears to my day job, I am a full-time graphic designer and photographer for Shake The Nations Ministries, a global evangelistic organization led by Nathan Morris. In this capacity, I am tasked with designing a plethora of materials, from posters to publications, apparel, and branding assets. Additionally, I oversee photography at our international events, capturing the essence of the ministry’s message and the impact it has on people who attend its evangelistic events.
This merely scratches the surface of my experiences as both a professional photographer and graphic designer. Looking ahead, I am committed to expanding my wedding, event, and portrait photography business in the Orlando and Central Florida area. My ultimate goal is to continue helping clients and couples tell their unique stories, showcasing the beauty and diversity inherent in each individual, a reflection of the divine artistry of creation.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My number one goal or mission driving my creative journey, especially as a photographer, is capturing the unique beauty that everybody has to offer. Whether it’s the beauty of a loving relationship between two people, such as photographing weddings or proposals, or during photo shoots for couples in general, or when it comes to portraiture, every person that God created has their own unique beauty and characteristics that make them special and diverse. I really enjoy capturing that.
Beyond that, I also love capturing the creation itself. I enjoy capturing space and astrophotography. One recent opportunity that was absolutely amazing was the chance to photograph the solar eclipse we had recently on April 8th. I traveled to the state of Vermont for it, and it was absolutely beautiful. My photos didn’t come out exactly as planned, but this was my first opportunity to photograph a solar eclipse, and it was great that we had it in the United States of America, making it easier to travel there without spending too much money.
Furthermore, I really enjoy connecting with people, learning from them, and helping them tell their stories
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A big lesson that I had to unlearn when it comes to photography is that it is all about the photo. Now, obviously, as a professional photographer, it is critical that you take good photos and that your art is fundamentally sound. However, that is not the most important part of being a photographer. The most important part of being a photographer is the people—the people that you are serving, the people that you are connecting with, the people that entrust you to create their photography. That is really what matters.
So, as a photographer, while I’ve continued to grow in my craft and in taking pictures honestly over the last two years, I’ve seen far bigger growth in my ability to connect with other people and engage with them in conversation about their stories, even over my growth in taking beautiful photos. Understanding how they are, how they respond to the world around them—I believe that’s a huge deal.
Photography is not just about capturing people; it’s about capturing people in an environment that is special to them. Because that’s what makes it more memorable. If I take a photo of a person in front of a random building, that’s not going to be as meaningful as if I take a photo of that person in front of their childhood home, or at the beach they enjoy going to, or some other place that is significant to them. Maybe it’s a graduation photo shoot, so I’m taking a photo of them in front of the building where they took their final exam or something significant to them. I believe that’s very important. Helping people tell their story is super critical, and I’ve learned that people will appreciate the photos that are meaningful and significant to them in terms of location, in terms of helping them tell their story, way more than they will appreciate the artistry in the composition.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://dustinthenowphoto.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: @dustinthenow
- Twitter: @dustinthenow
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DustinTheNow
Image Credits
All Photos: Dustin Smith @DustinTheNow