Jahnoi R. Smith Creative Souls Featured Reel by Noemi Creative Souls
The camera is the pen used to write stories through pictures, and Creative Soul, Jahnoi R. Smith, writes inspiring messages with the lights and shadows beyond the lens. Jahnoi’s photographs surpass the limits abound in colors and speak louder than words.
Born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Jahnoi is a professional photographer, writer, and artist. His inclination for photography was a mere curiosity in his early days, roaming the streets of Brooklyn, snapping pictures of the crowd. However, he didn’t get serious with photography until years later, making Portraits his specialty.
In 2001, Jahn was diagnosed with kidney failure and moved to Boynton Beach, Florida, to get on the waiting list for a donor. After he got the call to receive his second chance, due to the delicate procedure, and extensive and excruciating recovery care, Jahnoi made Florida his permanent residence. He currently works for the City of West Palm Beach Parks Administration.
After his successful recovery, Jahnoi would go wherever the lens took him. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Studio Art from Florida Atlantic University and started working on creative projects. “I like to take the idea of everyday people, showing the world how people live no matter where they are,” explains Jahn, who takes inspiration from photographers from the 20th century such as Gordon Parks, Peter Lindberg, and Daido Moriyama, narrating stories with pictures.
Jahnoi collaborates with models and artists looking for self-expression, going to venues that suit the story, and evolving through the photo shoot process. He creates characters that portray meaningful concepts, such as “Cammy” and “Agent #6” made with model Sunny Strange.
He has worked with organizations like No More Starving Artists, and the City of West Palm Beach, and you may find him at local art events capturing the magic of the moment. One snap at a time, Jahn reminds us that nothing can take away our unique perspective in life. We just need to use it for something greater and better.
A picture can be interpreted in a million ways, yet the person holding the camera knows the meaning behind the flash and the story they want to tell. Jahnoi’s photography storytelling is a must-read.
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“Be more creative. Just do it. Pick up a pen and write. Have a story to tell? Write it down. Pick up your phone and take pictures. Just be more creative.” – Jahnoi Smith