Leslie Smolan and the Life and Work of Rodney Smith

"it took a lot of courage to keep going and channel that sadness and melancholy into pictures of such joy and exuberance "

Leslie Smolan, widow and creative partner of the photographer Rodney Smith is here to talk about a new book celebrating his life and work. 

A LEAP OF FAITH, with essays from Paul Martineau, Rebecca Senf, and Graydon Carter, is also packed full of Rodney's iconic images. It's published by Getty Publications (available here )

Leslie is a founder and director of the Carbone-Smolan agency. She met Rodney in the 90s and worked with him on his most iconic shoots. 

There's a whole host of events going on this week to celebrate A Leap of Faith:

David Campany and Paul Martineau will be in conversation at the Fashion Institute of Technology on the 27th September - But your tickets here

The first NYC exhibition of Rodney's work will be held at the Staley Wise Gallery, with a book signing launching the exhibit on the 28th September. More info here.

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Rippling Points

In fashion: how Rodney transcended the genre to create timeless images
Hang on to your hats: Enduring and iconic motifs 


Reference Points
Ansel Adams
Wes Anderson
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Walker Evans 
Federico Fellini
René Magritte
Cary Grant
Alfred Hitchcock
Edward Hopper
Irving Penn
Tom Wolfe