Sophie Miya-Smith Joins Film Construction's Stills Division

Film Construction is thrilled to announce that kiwi-Japanese Photographer Sophie Miya-Smith has joined their roster. Her luminous portfolio conjures the connection between people and place. 

"Sophie is an exciting artist. Her work jumps out at you with youth and surprise," says Executive Producer Belinda Bradley. "Her imagery for The Caker, Kate Sylvester and Goat Loft confer immediacy and spirit."

It was her first cell phone, at age 12, with a 1.3-megapixel camera that first ignited Sophie's passion. Light and shadows fascinated her, and the path ahead was clear.

With a scholarship from Te Ara Fine Art Awards, Sophie studied Communication Design at Auckland University of Technology. Following this, she was selected for a BFA in photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. 

Her visual approach underpins her love for both photography and design. Sophie started her career as a designer at FCB West in San Francisco. It wasn’t until she was art directing a shoot in Los Angeles that she realised she was on the wrong side of the tracks. It was a lightbulb moment. She returned to New Zealand supercharged to develop her photographic style. After an enjoyable stint shooting for Designworks, Sophie took the plunge as an independent photographer. Attracting the attention of leading lifestyle thinkers and brands.

Says Sophie, "My agency background is invaluable. Understanding the language of design in the advertising world helped my work evolve. The attention to detail in my shooting is a direct result of that background.”

Her style balances fashion and portraiture photography, youthful ideologies and contemporary aesthetics. Shooting on digital and film formats for campaign and lifestyle work. Comfortably working both in the studio and on location. Her approach evokes candid expressionism and playful explorations. 

‘We are so excited to have Sophie join our growing roster of photographers. Her work is a delicious mix of youthful vision and deep soul. She’s an exquisite human, and we can’t wait to share her talents’ - says Executive Producer Belinda Bradley. "She loves her craft, and we can’t wait to start crafting with her".