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
Wildlife & Wild Places [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:25
I am sitting here writing this and struggling with how to describe Moose Peterson, and the odds are you already know of Moose, or at least of his work. Still, it’s Moose Peterson, a wildlife, nature, landscape and aviati…
Better Product Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:26
For the last year or so the word Platypod has surfaced again and again in posts I see online. I think the first time I heard the name was through Scott Kelby on Twitter, and then after that is was Photo Joseph, Gilmar Sm…
Black & Whites with Impact [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:42
Editors Note: On this episode I start a contest with Adam Elmakias’ Music Photography Workshops where I am sponsoring a chance to win one of two entries into the workshops, happening in San Diego on January 7th & 8th, 20…
Reflections of Norway [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:17
This is the first in a series of episodes focusing on the state of photography education, in conjunction with Red River Paper. Red River Paper’s EDU program helps photography students by providing high quality photo pape…
Photo Copyright Registration Workflow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:38
I have had the pleasure of having The Copyright Zone guys on Behind the Shot twice now, each time I learn something new. The first time Ed Greenberg and Jack Reznicki were on, back in June of 2017, we chatted at length a…
Band Portraits with Fun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:41
After meeting photographer Josh Sanseri I would say that the future of photography is in good hands. Josh is not only a photographer with over 20 years of professional experience, but he is a tenured professor and depart…
Ed Sheeran: Memories We Made [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:47
I have said to many people, many times, that when it comes to Live Music photography British photographer Christie Goodwin is a personal favorite – a hero of sorts. She is a witty, fun, and amazingly talented photographe…
Copyright For Photographers – 2018 Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:12
Back in 2017 I was dealing with a Copyright infringement and ended up reaching out to Ed Greenberg, one of the guys behind the great website The Copyright Zone.The phone conversation with Ed turned into one of my most po…
Making, Not Just Taking, Pictures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:36
Rick Sammon is an award winning photographer, and one of the members of the elite Canon Explorer of Light program. A tireless, prolific and inspirational image-maker, Rick, called by many “The Godfather of Photography,”…
Reaching Your Photography Goals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:41
Terry Jack comes from a photographic family. I first found out about him through his brother, music photographer Dustin Jack, after recording a Behind the Shot with Dustin years ago – you can find that episode here. Terr…