Richard Smith is a local nature photographer and woodworker. Intrigued by photos and books of the West as a child, Richard headed to Rocky Mountain College in Billings during the sixties. The reality of working on ranches, hunting in the mountains, wandering Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks was better than the black and white cowboy dreams of his youth.

Today, Richard spends countless hours roaming the wilderness he loves searching for dramatic and inspiring imagery. An avid outdoorsman all his life, he has extensive knowledge of wildlife which is exhibited in his art. He is often joined in this pursuit by his youngest son, Zebediah—the other half of Wildsmith Photography.   Zeb has been working in film and video for ten years and in 2011 won an EMMY for Single Camera Cinematography. He learned to love wildlife traipsing after Richard as a boy. You can currently see some of his film work at www.whateverittakesdoc.com and some of his cinematography work on PBS’ Travelscope – www.travelscope.net.

In addition to being a nature photographer, Richard has a lifetime of experience in woodwork and furniture-making. He brings this love of woodwork into play as he customizes   handmade frames, using old growth recycled wood and other unique woods along with more traditional framing materials to complement his photographs.

“I find that photography is an expression of who I am as a person. It is a meditative exploration of the many wonders of wilderness. By slowing down and being present, I am better able to see what is. By spending time with wildlife, I have learned when the special moment of a photograph presents itself. I become part of the landscape and let it seep into me.”

Both Smiths’ work has been at many area galleries including the Artist Gallery at the Emerson, Paradise Gallery in Gardner, Little Bear Interiors in Bozeman, Mill Creek Trading Post, and Shining Mountain Gallery in Paradise Valley and has been featured in Mountain Outlaw and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Chronicles.   As well as many shows throughout Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah. Buck’s T-4 in Big Sky will be hosting an exhibit of Richard’s work in the coming months. Enjoy his photographs while dining on some of the best food our area has to offer.

Please visit our website: www.wildsmithphotography.com. Peruse the galleries and store. We’d be pleased to hear from you: richard@wildsmithphotography.com or 406-599-9246 and zeb@wildsmithphotography.com