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
WPPI 2020 Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
At the end of February in Las Vegas was WPPI 2020, and I had the chance to check out some new software, some new hardware, to make some new friends, and meet up with some old friends. If you have never been to WPPI, it’s…
Better Travel Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:04
To say that I am excited to have Deborah Sandidge on Behind the Shot is an understatement. Deborah is a photographic artist in every sense of the phrase. Specializing in world travel and artistic imagery she creates imag…
Capturing the Slowing of Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:48
Today’s guest on Behind the Shot is big deal to me. Ken Lee, along with being an accomplished photographer, is also a regular watcher, or listener, of Behind the Shot. My first recollection of Ken was when he won one of…
39-45: The World War II Portraits Project [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:39
Glyn Dewis. It honestly feels like that’s all I need to say, and you’ll immediately know who I mean. Glyn does so many different things, and they all seem to relate to photography. He’s on YouTube, where he shares his ph…
Photowalks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:55
I first met USA Today’s tech journalist Jefferson Graham the same day I met Frederick Van Johnson. I drove out to watch him record his Talking Tech podcast, which is described on the site as “Your daily consumer tech new…
Tastier Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:35
Everybody loves a good meal, and now-a-days it seems like everybody is posting photos of their food, but when food photography is done right you can seemingly taste it. That’s where Freddy Clark comes in. Freddy is a New…
The Aurora and the Night Sky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:50
If you saw my review on this year’s Photoshop World, the Las Vegas edition, you may remember today’s guest. During that show I mentioned that my favorite part of any conference is the social aspect, the ability to meet s…
Unique Couples Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:04
I often get suggestions for guests from viewers / listeners. When that happens I usually check out the photographer they suggested, and if I think they are a good fit for the show I reach out. Sometimes I hear back, and…
MASK – Documenting Traditional Cultures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:31
This episode is a huge deal for me. Today on Behind the Shot I get to talk with Chris Rainier, and Chris is the first working National Geographic photographer I have had on the show. As I am writing this, a few days befo…
Sports Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:53
Listen to these numbers, or I guess read them makes more sense… over 35 years as a staff and contract photographer for Sports Illustrated, with over 100 Sports Illustrated covers. That is the resume of Peter Read Miller.…