Chamberlain Smith began her career in photography at the University of Georgia, blazing trails in sports photography.
“Sports needs more women behind the camera,” she says.
“It can feel like a boys’ club, but you belong here too,” says Smith. “The industry needs diverse voices and perspectives.
SMITH’S TOP ADVICE TO WOMEN IN SPORTS: “Share your work, network and reach out for mentorship. We want you to succeed!”
Starting out as a photojournalism student, Smith discovered her love for photography and never looked back. Armed with her Canon mirrorless cameras and RF series lenses, she has captured everything from campus life to professional sports teams like the Atlanta Falcons, United and Dream. In her current role, she provides creative content for UGA’s websites, publications, and social media channels.
“It’s all about the emotion for me,” says Smith. “When I’m documenting, I look for those moments that feel — whether it’s the lighting, the angles, or the expressions. In the studio, I love starting from scratch and bringing an idea to life.
“There’s nothing like sports photography! Capturing the perfect moment, running onto the field after a win, and being part of that electric atmosphere.
“It’s easy to fall into a rhythm with sports because you often know what’s going to happen next. It’s also a fun personal challenge to keep things fresh. I try new angles, techniques or different gear choices, remembering that moments off the field can be just as interesting to document.”
Best Advice She Ever Got: “During a college photojournalism class in 2017, my professor, Mark Johnson, passed out business cards with his information on the front and the word ‘care,’ on the back. That was his advice for the course and for our photography ambitions going forward, to care about the work we were doing and the people and things we were covering. I still stand by the sentiment and have the card in my wallet to this day.
Photo of Chamberlain Smith, @chamberlainsmith by @adtugaphoto