Ali Smith is…
an editorial and commercial photographer known for her vibrant style, forged during her early years in NYC’s underground music scene. Her often-noted ability to connect authentically with her subjects — whether they’re inmates in a woman’s prison or King Charles (photographed since she’s moved to the UK) — is deeply important to her.
With an emphasis on portraiture, some international clients include The Guardian, The Observer, The New York Times, Der Spiegel, Art Basel, Rimmel, Bentley, Disney, Johnson & Johnson, NBC Universal, Human Rights Watch, People.
Ali’s greatest passion is photographing and writing about women’s stories, gender equality and environmentalism.
She’s released three critically acclaimed books: Momma Love; How the Mother Half Lives won two international book awards and Gloria Steinem called it a gift to moms; Laws of the Bandit Queens was featured by Oprah Winfrey; The Ballad of Speedball Baby — a memoir about being the only woman in an influential 90s NY punk band — reached #1 on Amazon and has been praised by musicians like Kate Pierson and Nick Zinner.
Ali’s taught, lectured, and exhibited, including at The International Center of Photography, New York University, School of Visual Arts, Alfred University, Norwich University of the Arts and Milk Gallery in a show curated by David LaChapelle. She designed and taught a photo course to teenaged girls for #MeToo founder Tarana Burke’s Girls for Gender Equity and Step Up Women’s Network.