Documentary landscape photographer Sydney Smolla has recently made the life-changing decision to leave her corporate career behind and pursue freelance photography full-time. The photographer, who has been carrying a camera for over a decade, is now featured in the latest episode of Adorama's 'Picture America' series, which showcases her work in the stunning landscapes of Durango, Colorado.
In the comprehensive video documentary, Smolla takes viewers on an immersive tour of Durango and its surrounding natural beauty, a place she currently calls home. The semi-nomadic photographer explains her deep connection to the area, which she frequently visited while living in New Mexico. "The mountains, flowing rivers, alpine lakes, green grass and the smell of pine trees, farmers markets, people riding their bikes around town" are what initially drew her to this former railroad town and its distinctive southwest culture.
The strategic location of Durango provides Smolla with unprecedented access to diverse photographic opportunities. Having nature literally on her doorstep, combined with the proximity to Utah, offers her an incredibly varied collection of landscapes to document. During the video, she demonstrates her versatility by photographing a historic steam train at Silverton, capturing the pristine beauty of Mineral Creek, and discussing her fascinating astronaut-themed project that adds a unique dimension to her portfolio.
What sets Smolla apart from many landscape photographers is her commitment to documentary storytelling. Rather than simply capturing isolated, perfect images, she uses her photography to build comprehensive narratives that explore the complex relationship between land and people. Her work goes beyond aesthetic beauty to convey the rich history and cultural significance of the places she visits, creating series that tell complete stories rather than standalone images.
This narrative approach represents a refreshing perspective in landscape photography, which often focuses on capturing single, perfect moments. Smolla's method of shooting in series allows her to use landscape photography as a powerful tool for storytelling, building layered narratives that provide deeper context and meaning to her work. The documentary also introduces viewers to her loyal companion, Max, a handsome Belgian Malinois who accompanies her on many of her photographic adventures.
For her professional work, Smolla relies on high-end Sony equipment, primarily using the Sony A7 IV and Sony A7R IV cameras. These full-frame mirrorless cameras provide her with the image quality and versatility needed for both her landscape and portrait work, as she often incorporates human subjects into her environmental documentation to strengthen the narrative connection between people and place.
