Meet Remy Smith: Photographer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Remy Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Remy, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
The most essential element for my success is self-discipline. There are days in my life that I just don’t feel like doing something that I need to get done. Motivation waxes and wanes, and mental health or life just gets in the way sometimes. Self-discipline is important in those moments, it helps me to stay focused on what I need to do. It goes both ways too, self-discipline isn’t all about being productive or organized, sometimes I have to exercise self-discipline to simply rest or do something fun. There’s a time to work and a time to rest and being disciplined helps me in every aspect of my career and my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art and photography centers on the body–exploring themes of sexuality, intimacy, power, and love. In my photography I focus on boudoir and portraiture. I work with clients to capture beautiful images and guide them through a session full of self-love and freedom. The biggest reward for me is when a client expresses to me how empowered and gorgeous they feel after a shoot–that is exactly why I do this work. This process isn’t without it’s challenges though, whether it be trying to get a client to relax in front of the camera or even dealing with censorship while trying to show my work online. Since my photography is so intimate and vulnerable (even sexual at times), I’ve dealt with been banned from online marketplaces or excluded from events. Facing this type of censorship just makes me want to create even more. The world is so scared of bodies and expressions of sensuality and I hope one day we will move past that.

In addition to my photography work, I recently started a home decor shop called Good Lovin’. I make wall art out of resin, upcycled pieces of wood, and old nudie magazines. Creating these sexy works of art allows me to make something with my hands which is so gratifying for me, plus I get to tap into my love of kitschy, vintage decor while sourcing and making them. Good Lovin’ is the perfect addition to your groovy pad.

More of my work can be seen on IG @remy.maine, @photos.remy, or @shopgoodlovin.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow, well the idea of going out anywhere has been completely foreign to me for the past year, but that aside. I would make sure she saw some Malibu beaches and drive her through Topanga Canyon. We would grab coffee and walk my puppy through Ferndell Trail. I would absolutely take her to a flea market, Rose Bowl or maybe Los Feliz, for a more low key vibe. We would picnic and probably day drink in the park and definitely hit some dance floors (someone let me know where the good, post-pandemic dancing is gonna happen). And I would have take her to Jumbo’s for sure! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh boy, I have so many inspiring people in my life. I feel very supported and loved by so many. In the past year, I’ve been so lucky to share studio space with two of my dearest friends and wonderful creatives in their own right–Isabelle Davis and Oakie Robb. Everyday I learn from these two, they push and encourage me. Thank you both, endlessly!

Website: https://www.remymsmith.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remy.maine/

Other: my photos: https://www.instagram.com/photos.remy/ my shop: https://www.instagram.com/shopgoodlovin/

Image Credits
Photo of me (double exposure with florals) – photographed by nicolette passerello @novanicolette model credits: ciara zoe @ciara.zo