‘If one person buys my zine, it was a success!’: A creative lockdown for a South Wales artist

Photographer Gavin Smith discusses how he turned the lull of lockdown into a creative project

Gavin Smith proudly presents his two lockdown picture zines that were released on 29 September 2020

A typical schedule for a touring photographer is a busy back-to-back day, not like your usual nine-to-five. Gavin Smith, Cardiff’s well-known man behind the camera says his lifestyle is built on friendship and trust with the band members he works for and lives with. A lifestyle that changed suddenly in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Having snapped images of bands in the media industry for six years, Gavin started at the merchandise desk and then worked as a tour manager. The 36-year-old admits his passion for the music industry led to his desire to work as a professional photographer for rock bands.

Gavin said, “I wanted to be involved. I wanted to be in a band.” Eager to work in music but feeling like he didn’t have the talent, Gavin’s lack of confidence didn’t stop him chasing his dreams. “I found a way that allowed me to be still involved in the industry without learning an instrument,” he laughed.

Gavin’s love of photography is rooted in his childhood. “I have fond memories of my father taking pictures,” smiled Gavin. Following in the footsteps of his father, a semi-professional photographer, Gavin developed his interest into a career. A successful career before the coronavirus sent the world into lockdown, and Gavin returned to his hometown of Saint Nicholas.

“It blew up while I was on tour”

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