Bradford J. Smith

Photography career

During World War II, Bradford made training films for the U.S. Army Signal Corps while also working as a photographer’s assistant under the guidance of mentors Victor Keppler and Philippe Halsmann. He became a staff photographer for the New York Herald Tribune under Keppler where he was guided by Fritz Henle, another mentor. After an exciting stint working for Mayor Fiorello La Guardia  and “photographing 60 stories up on an I-beam” Mr. Smith changed careers from photojournalism to fashion photography.  “Newspapers would pay you $5 a shot, while the agencies would pay up to $2000.  There wasn’t much to think about,” said Mr. Smith.  He spent his days photographing the latest fashion trends for Women’s Wear Daily. He then worked as a preferred independent contractor for Harper’s Bazaar under art director Alexey Brodovitch and co-editor Ann Whitney.  After hours, Bradford managed his own studio where he photographed many models and aspiring actresses such as  Lauren (Betty)  Bacall. Bradford’s images and negatives were later sold to Humphrey Bogart. While working on contract for Harper’s Bazaar, Bradford opened a studio and partnered with Ann (Ruth?) Whitney on various photographic projects in the American and European fashion markets. He did projects for Cosmopolitan and Mademoiselle, Madison Avenue advertising agencies and shot all the department store windows on Fifth Avenue late at night. He also worked directly for Walter Cronkite as a film editor. In 1958, a book of his figure studies, entitled The Nude, was published (out of print). In 1959 he contributed a number of his photographs for another book, entitled Modern Dance (out of print). In the 1960s, following the lure of American advertising campaigns such as “see the USA in your Chevrolet,” Smith hit the road for a year of cross-country adventure before returning to his roots in Ballston Spa, where he bought “The Brookside” a 52 room hotel built by Stephen Douglas in 1792, the building is now known as Brookside Museum. At Brookside, Bradford created apartments and established his second professional photo studio. He eventually donated the Brookside to the Saratoga County Historical Society. For the next 22 years, Bradford worked as an industrial photographer for General Electric (GE), Schenectady, NY, then he founded and owned several businesses including Digimatrix, DataFlow, and National Direct. When Bradford retired from business in the 1990’s, he dedicated himself to photography full-time. He traveled the country, photographing the Adirondacks, national parks, lighthouses and landscapes. He created the Bradford Gallery and became a strong member of the regional artist community.

Publications

Bradford Smith documented a variety of his photo genres in book form.  In 1958, Bradford published a book of his figure studies, entitled The Nude.  In 1959 he contributed a number of his photographs for another book, entitled Modern Dance. These are now out of print.  In his later years, Bradford always had a book he had just completed or a new one in the works.  These include include Faces of Man, From NY to Florida, and Life in Sacandaga Park 1880 to 1935.

Bradford Smith’s work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Red Book, Harper’s Bazaar, Better Homes and Gardens, Black & White Magazine and The New York Times, Albany Times Union and The Schenectady Gazette newspapers.

After Hours was begun in the months prior to Bradford’s passing.

(Incomplete) List of Bradford Smith’s Shows

Articles

Black and White Magazine
Bradford Smith: A FAMILY OF ART
Bradford Smith continues to seek photo opportunities
Part of Niche Gallery’s mission is giving back to the community
Well-known photographer puts focus on Spa Cities