Battle of Balaclava – Poems, Pictures, and Immortality

Battle of Balaclava – Prologue

“Captain Dames of the royal Artillery leans against a wall in camp during the Crimean War”, Roger Fenton 1855 – ©Corbis

The Battle of Balaclava is one of the most famous battles of all time, despite being a comparatively minor engagement in the Crimean War.  The futile heroics of the soldiers who fought there may have gone relatively unnoticed if not for a picture and a poem.

The battle itself is fraught with anecdotes and personalities that combine to make legend. The events of October 25th, 1854 evolve like the episodes of a Greek tragedy, with the fate of the soldiers hinging on the acts of a handful of characters. Continue reading “Battle of Balaclava – Poems, Pictures, and Immortality”

Wanting a Professional Camera

I want a professional camera, what should I buy?

Luxor by Night – Jan Smith 2008

Most photographers get asked this question by their friends.  Answering,  “It’s not the camera, it’s the photographer,” is very true, but it is not what most people want to hear. This is particularly true when people imagine you have expensive gear.  But you don’t need an expensive or fancy camera to get good results. I believe less is more and offer four tips to choosing a camera.

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Hong Kong’s One Woman Brothels

Hong Kong’s Thousands of One Woman Brothels

Reclamation Street Brothel Hong Kong – Jan Smith 2012

Hong Kong…a city where capitalism and laissez faire are so pure that even the brothels adhere to the tenants of a free economy. “If you want to see capitalism in action, go to Hong Kong,” is how Milton Friedman described it.

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Nota Crítica do Fotógrafo Jan Smith na ArtInfo Brasil

ArtInfo Brasil – Resenha da Obra Tours de Césio de Jan Smith

A jornalista e crítica Fátima Gigliotti, escreve sobre meu trabalho na ArtInfo, um dos maiores sites internacionais sobre arte.

“No trabalho do fotógrafo mexicano Jan Smith na exposição Tours de Césio há uma aura de quase impossibilidade…. como é possível encontrar beleza no completo abandono?”

Pode ler a resenha original na ArtInfo, o conferir depois de pulo de página.

Continue reading “Nota Crítica do Fotógrafo Jan Smith na ArtInfo Brasil”

Mayo Viedro – Exhibición Coctel Beneficio

Noche de Arte y Coctel Beneficio Mayo Viedro

Mayo Viedro 2011

Tengo el gusto de invitarte a una noche de arte que ayuda a comunidades indígenas sin hogar en la Ciudad de México.  Acompañame este 18 de agosto a las 19:00 apoyando a Mayo Viedro.

Villa Hermosa #23c (Entre Quinta Roo y Baja California) Col. Condesa, Mexico D.F. Donativo $200

En exhibición estará la serie “Nouhadibou: Donde los Barcos Mueren”.  Una edición especial de fotografias 8×10 pulgadas estará a la venta y los ingresos apoyan a Mayo Viedro.  ¿Quieres Ayudar? Continue reading “Mayo Viedro – Exhibición Coctel Beneficio”