Jamila Young – Arts & Entertainment Editor
Born in the Big Apple, senior photography major, Malcolm Smiley made sure to capture the essence of his hometown of Brooklyn, New York through the lense of a camera. In the gallery of Earl Hall you could see Smiley’s pictures for his senior showcase. The name of the showcase was called, ‘’Empire State.’’
Smiley chose to showcase New York because he has a true love for the city.
“I grew up in New York and still live there. I commute every week and I love it,” said Smiley. “Never want to live anywhere else.”
Smiley’s parents were in attendance to see their son’s work.
“I think he did a fantastic job,” said his mom of his photos.
Smiley’s father was proud that the showcase was centered around New York, and encouraged Smiley to take his pictures of the city when he first found out that there would be a showcase.
“Explore New York, explore your city,” said Smiley’s father. “He may introduce me to something.”
Smiley had a vision of how he wanted his showcase to look. He shot over a time span of two years. He used both a film and digital camera to do so – a film camera for his black and white photos, and a digital camera for his pictures in color. The room was divided into pictures that were of street photography, and of narrative scenes. Smiley went for a 50s and 60s movie feel for his narratives, and he didn’t take pictures of just anything.
“I shot what was most appealing to me,” said Smiley.
The street photography was of people that Smiley didn’t know, and he says it wasn’t easy.
“It was difficult getting a stranger’s picture; I got more ‘no’s’ than ‘yes’s,’” said Smiley. “I took the pictures without them looking.”
Tanielle Dobson, a Student Life worker, and friend of Smiley’s, came to see his showcase.
“I came to support Malcolm,” said Dobson.
Smiley first started getting into photography because of the influence of his mom and godmother.
After watching them take photos, Smiley was able to take his own soon after.
“Street photography was my first subject matter,” said Smiley.“I got my first camera at the age of seven; it was a Polaroid,” said Smiley.
Smiley was able to eventually buy his own camera when he was in the seventh grade.
“I saved a lot of birthday money,” said Smiley.
Smiley didn’t come to Southern as a photography major though.
“I was a Computer Science major,” said Smiley. “I fell out of love with it.”
Smiley’s parents were supportive of him changing his major.
“It was more important for him to follow his dream,” said Smiley’s father.
Smiley’s godmother Juanita Sanders attended the showcase and was very pleased with the photos she saw.
“Excellent job, very creative,” said Sanders. “When you have a passion, I guess it comes easy.”
Tiesha Teasley, a junior at Southern and friend of Smiley’s, said that like Smiley, she too has some artists in her family.
“My brother and father paint and draw, and my aunt does photography,” said Teasley. “I can’t draw; I’m sure I could take good pictures if I tried to.”
Seeing Smiley’s showcase inspired his cousin Adé Woolard.
“I’ll maybe start taking more photos,” said Woolard. “You capture different aspects of life.”
Smiley said that if you want to get into photography, you should start with a film camera.
“It teaches you the basics,” said Smiley. “It’s not automatic, like digital cameras.”
