Next Level Digital Artistry

Next Level Digital Artistry

Author: Steve Brazill August 30, 2018 Duration: 30:39

When Frederick Van Johnson first introduced me to the work of Gilmar Smith I knew I had to chat with her. Gilmar (pronounced Hil-marrr) is a photographer and Photoshop artist specializing in creative portraiture. While she does create her art with various subjects, the photo in the gallery below of the man walking the phones is of my recent guest Kirk Marsh, she often includes much more familiar subjects in her work – herself and her children.

Her style is colorful, energetic and humorous, and when she’s not photographing or editing, you can find her writing content for various websites and magazines.

Once I started researching her it became very clear, very quickly, Gilmar is a creative person with an amazing attitude. Her guest blog post for Scott Kelby, from back in 2014, really shows it best. I love this quote, so true:

“Working in a positive creative environment is extremely important to me.  I’ve been contacted several times to collaborate with different kind of artists and when I see their posts on social media I just get completely turned off by erratic behavior. It doesn’t matter how good somebody’s work is, a bad attitude can easily screw up a deal.”

Her more recent appearance on Scott’s blog is an amazing story about her journey through finding herself and her wrist inside. A story about being nice, and finding your tribe. I am excited for this show.

Join digital artist Gilmar Smith and me as we take a deep dive into her image Master Chef Kids, an image of her kids cooking with fire, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Connect with Gilmar

Portfolio: gilmarphotography.com
Facebook: @gilmarsmithphotography
Instagram: @gilmarsmith
Twitter: @gilmarmsmith

Gilmar Online

Scott Kelby’s Guest Blog (2014)
Scott Kelby’s Guest Blog (2018)
DYI Photography Interview
TWiP Interview – Personal Growth with Photography
TWiP Show – Clowning Around with Photoshop

Photoshop Tools Mentioned in the Show

Infinite Color Panel


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Remote Cameras at Weddings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
I’ve always been fascinated by the use of Remote Cameras, but it’s not something I’ve had the chance to try, unfortunately. The last time I cover it on the show was on the episode Using Remote Cameras with Canon Explorer…
Elevating Your Photojournalism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
There have been so many times that I’ve made a mental note that I need to include more photojournalism on the show, only to have a mental dog eat my homework. Finally, today, I am checking that off the list. Still, if I’…
Music & Tour Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
To say I’m excited for today’s show is a huge understatement. I first met today’s guest 6 years ago, when our mutual friend Adam Elmakias asked us both to help him with his Live Music Photography Workshop. I’m sure you k…
Light Up Your Adventure Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:16
Over the last few years I have been lucky enough to have the agency Wonderful Machine suggest a few photographers for the show, and every single time I’ve been blown away by the level of artists that they represent. Toda…
Light Painting Abandoned Places [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:30
For this show, we have a returning guest, night photographer Ken Lee. I’ve known Ken for awhile, and the way he ended up as a guest for the show Capturing the Slowing of Time is one of my fave Behind the Shot stories. Ke…
Bird Photography Tips & Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:53
I sometimes wonder, while writing these guest photographer posts, how many listeners or viewers actually read them. The truth is it doesn’t matter to me, I write them for myself more than anyone else, and I find that try…
Canon Auto-Focus Explained – 2025 Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:10:53
NOTE: This is not an official Canon USA show. This is a podcast first and foremost, available in both audio-only or video, and the video is also placed on YouTube. My hope is that by going through all of the AF options o…
Growing Through Personal Photography Projects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:59
LA based photographer Ian Spanier has been on the show a few times, with the first being back in 2019 for a conversation about Classic Portraits & Classic Lighting, discussing a portrait of actor Jeff bridges. Next up wa…
Backstage Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:56
Social media today can be so draining, but almost daily I am reminded of the wonderful connections I’ve made there, and today’s guest is a perfect example. Jenn Devereaux is a New Orleans area concert and event photograp…
Using the New Canon R1 & R5 Mark II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:36
I’m a Canon shooter… I shoot an R6 and an R5. So, I have been curious about the new Canon R1, and a little less so about the R5 Mark II. Still, I had written off watching the announcement, because it was at something lik…