BUD SMITH
A native of Atlanta and legendary photographer, Bud Smith began his career as a teenager. Inspired by the work of a seasoned, freelance photographer, Raymond Simon, Bud knew he had discovered his calling in life. Simon, Bud's mentor and a professional with a "rare" natural ability to capture the very essence of his targeted subjects, provided Bud with the foundation he needed to launch his career.
It's often said that success is the point where preparation meets opportunity; such was the case with Bud Smith. The untimely death of Martin Luther King Jr. presented him with his first "major" life altering photography event, at the age of 19. The south, during this period of time, was at its peak in terms of racial unrest. A black man attempting to document the atrocious episodes of the times, with a camera, was absolutely taboo. This phenomenon set the stage for what would be the career of a lifetime.
In March of 1969, Bud was drafted into the U.S. Army; but determined not to allow his spirit to be broken. When asked his preferred area of service, he replied "I want to be a photographer". As a result, he was given two options - work the front line with a camera and a 45 caliber weapon on his hip or sign up to serve an additional year and be trained as a dental hygienist (serving his time in Korea out of the line of fire). Recalling his upbringing, as it related to non-violence - the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. - the latter option was far more desirable. Maintaining a positive attitude combined with his longtime love for photography, he channeled his energies in the direction of dental X-Rays.
In May of 1971, Bud returned to the states and continued his passion for photography. By this time, numerous programs had opened up for minorities as well as opportunities for him to mesmerize the masses with his calling. Pursuing his first love, Bud has been blessed with many phenomenal opportunities including; but not limited to, the following: Photographed the Martin Luther King Legacy; composed photojournalism for such publications as Ebony, Jet, Life, Time, Black Enterprise and Homes of Color. In addition, he has partnered with numerous Corporations such as Anheuser Busch, Kraft Foods, Exxon Mobil, United Negro College Fund, National Black Arts Festival, ACVB (Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau), and the Atlanta chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. In the early stages of their career, he was afforded the opportunity to photograph African American recording artist for Motown and A&M Records; Central Atlanta Progress; Mayors Maynard Jackson; Andrew Young; Bill Campbell; numerous construction companies during the building of MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority); the building of what would turn out to be the busiest airport in the world (Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport); a one year exhibit in New York by the Ford Foundation; as well as speaking engagements on photography at the University of Southern California at San Jose.
In 1979 Bud was the first tour photographer for the Final World Tour of THE JACKSON FIVE in New Orleans for five days. He was there personal photographer where ever they went, on stage, off stage, and all around New Orleans.
In 2008, an exhibit in Macon, Ga., at the Tubman Museum, called The Atlanta Series 1968-2008 drew thousands of visitors. The exhibit ran from August 8th thru September 18th, featuring 87 images covering the growth of Atlanta's downtown, political leaders, civil right movement and entertainers.
In 2009, Bud was part of an exhibit in Atlanta, Ga. at Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery from February 20th to March 27th. The show has images of some of Buds Entertainers. His gift has been a blessing and has taken him on a journey he'll never forget.