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
Adventure Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:54
Alex Buisse is an adventure photographer based out of Alberta, Canada, but it would seem that Chamonix, France has his heart – at least photographically. Alex is a climber, but around the same time he fell in love with t…
Posing Tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:33
At WPPI this year I ran into Vanessa Joy, my first time meeting her in person. We chatted about the classes and workshops she was doing at the conference, and the friend I was with suggested that I get her on the show ag…
In Public: Street Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:34
George Schaub is a photographer’s photographer, and that may be the best compliment I can give anyone. George has a been a professional photographer since 1966, when he was the House photographer for promotion, brochures…
Overpower Daylight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:20
Rick Sammon has said that he specializes in not specializing, and I am seeing that approach to photography more often. Today’s guest is Will Cadena, and his portfolio include Weddings, Bar / Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate Event…
College Wrestling Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:51
A few days ago Jeremy Lanthorn (@Snackem on Twitter) sent me a guest suggestion: @stevebrazill check out @LeviVentura_ and this shot of @GableSteveson at the NCAA wrestling tournament. Would make a great BTS episode. I g…
Nikon Auto-Focus Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:52
NOTE: This is not an official Nikon USA show. This is a podcast first and foremost, and Nikon was kind enough to allow my guest, Mark Cruz, to come speak about the Nikon AF system options. This is not intended to be a te…
Choosing Black & White [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:38
I don’t think Dr. Larry Tiefenbrunn, or Dr. T as he’s known to many, ever sleeps. Larry is a practicing pediatrician, and active photographer, and he’s the founder and CEO of Platypod. I first met Larry through Rick Samm…
Photographic Gesture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:44
I get guest suggestions on a very regular basis, and most of the time I actually do follow through on them. Unfortunately, I often don’t get any response. Periodically however I not only get a reply, but we end up with a…
Photographing History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:55
These last few years of the pandemic have been an interesting time. While I would definitely hope to not do it again any time soon, there are a few things that have come out of the pandemic that have been amazing. One of…
Canon Auto-Focus Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
NOTE: This is not an official Canon USA show. This is a podcast first and foremost, and Canon was kind enough to allow my guest, Rudy Winston, to come speak about the Canon AF system options. This is not intended to be a…