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
Composition, Creativity, and Workflow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:44
It’s hard to know where to begin when trying to write about David Bergman. As a concert photographer myself, David is someone I have looked up to for a long time, and I am hoping to avoid sounding like a fan. That may be…
Creating Images with Emotion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:22
Kirk Marsh is a unique photographer, and his images tell a story as good as, if not better than, almost any photographer out there. Kirk is an internationally exhibited fine art photographer and digital artist specializi…
The State of Mobile Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:59
Mobile photography is changing the game, and not just for everyday consumers. Mobile phone cameras have been used for professional photoshoots, for movies, and for journalism. That got me thinking about the path we are o…
Stretch Your Photo Creativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:58
It’s tough to know where to start when talking about Frederick Van Johnson. If you listen Behind the Shot then you are most likely aware of the photography podcast world. He is in my opinion one of the best podcasters ou…
Improve Your Macro Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:08
Don Komarechka is a nature, macro and landscape photographer located in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. From auroras to pollen, insects to infrared, much of Don’s photographic adventures help us to see how the universe works. E…
Shoot for the Skies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:32
Sometimes I get to talk to photographers and it feels like I am living my dreams through their lens. Erik Kuna is one of those occasions. Erik is Rocket Photographer… let me just stop there for a second. He photographs r…
Sunrise Photo Tips & Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
Editors Note: This episode was originally distributed through TWiP – This Week in Photo, and the YouTube Video above is through the TWiP YouTube Page. Please be sure to subscribe to their YouTube page, and visit their si…
Envision the Scene [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:33
Editors Note: This episode was originally distributed through TWiP – This Week in Photo, and the YouTube Video above is through the TWiP YouTube Page. Please be sure to subscribe to their YouTube page, and visit their si…
How to Make Stunning B&W Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:43
Editors Note: This episode was originally distributed through TWiP – This Week in Photo, and the YouTube Video above is through the TWiP YouTube Page. Please be sure to subscribe to their YouTube page, and visit their si…
Subway From Nowhere [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:29
Editors Note: This episode was originally distributed through TWiP – This Week in Photo, and the YouTube Video above is through the TWiP YouTube Page. Please be sure to subscribe to their YouTube page, and visit their si…