I began life in the Rhondda valley, a coal mining community in South Wales, and in particular, in Stanleytown. While living there, I attended Stanleytown School while my dad worked at the mine in the valley below.

Stanleytown, the town in Wales where I was born.

Some of my earliest memories include my going up the hill to school and down the hill and over a bridge through the pit to the shops across the valley. Every couple of weeks we would go to the local movie house to see old western films. I can't help thinking now that at that time, I unconsciously decided I would eventually live and wander in the wide open spaces of the American Southwest.

One of my first memories of photography dates back to when I was three years old. My dad would let me carry his camera and occasionally even allowed me to take a picture. Another fond recollection from my early childhood finds me standing on tip toe and peering through the beveled stained glass window in the door between the kitchen and the living room. By squinting my eyes, I could see an illuminated mosaic image of the room beyond, much like a kaleidoscope. I remember this as being a favorite pastime and even today, I reminisce when shutting one eye and looking through the lens.

My great grandfather (on left) with King Edward, who abdicated to marry an american Mrs Simpson

In 1966, my family moved to Yorkshire, England - more coal mines, steel mills and soot! Despite the blight of industry, we were surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. My family spent four years there and for me, the word idyllic comes to mind when I recall that time in my life. High school and my teen years are mostly a blur now, but I did develop a love for photography when I bought my first movie camera around that time.

Porthcawl where I went on holiday most years while we lived in Wales

In 1978, at the age of 22, I moved to Los Angeles where I began to study cinematography and film. I soon discovered that I preferred 'still' photography and chose to make it my medium of expression. During the ensuing ten years, I made many trips back to England and Europe, but decided to remain in the States and embarked on a career as a freelance photographer working for the City of Pasadena, Caltech, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra.

 

And in contrast the morning light on red rocks in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Prior to moving to Taos, New Mexico, in 1988, I had already made several trips here visiting old friends and making new ones. When I decided to look for a more serene living environment, Taos became the obvious choice. Since moving to New Mexico, I have found many reasons to leave and only one excuse to stay...I love it here in the ‘Great Southwest'. There is a logic behind my decision to hitch up my wagon and settle in this place I now call home. Taos is a place where I can raise my family, breathe in the mountain air, and wander in the wide open spaces. It also provides the inspiration for the images that you see on my website.

So please enjoy your visit to my site and come back often.

Geraint Smith © 2005

Taos, New Mexico

Just learn to become quiet, and still, and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to
you to be unmasked. It has no choice; it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.   Franz Kafka