D. Matthew Smith
In this episode we explore how photography shapes memory, culture, and legacy with visual effects veteran Matthew Smith, tracing a line from 19th‑century spirit photos to AI deepfakes. The camera doesn’t capture truth; it curates stories, and we can choose how to author ours.
D. Matthew Smith ia an experienced cinematographer and teacher, who explores the profound influence of photography on human perception and memory. Smith discusses his unique educational background in art and how it led to a career in the commercial film and visual effects industry. He examines the historical evolution of photography from its inception in the 19th century, detailing its role in shaping societal beliefs and cultural stories. Smith delves into specific examples like spirit photography in the 19th century and the rise of UFO photography in the mid-20th century, illustrating how photography manipulates and redefines reality. He also addresses the contemporary shift to digital and AI technologies, emphasizing how photos have transitioned from representations of reality to tools for creating idealized versions of events. Ultimately, Smith highlights the subjective nature of photography and its profound impact on culture and individual memory, while proposing that current and future technologies will further blur the lines between reality and constructed narratives.
