I’m sometimes asked how I find my Inspire Portland subjects. The truth is, they find me. I’m a relative newcomer to Maine; a West Coaster still learning the ropes after six years in Portland. I do a lot of research and keep my eyes and ears open for interesting people that are doing notable things. I ask for help from trusted ‘connector’ types. The result is a list that is unique but full of pretty impressive people.
I’m excited about this week’s issue of Inspire Portland, featuring political activist Alison Smith. Depending on your interest for Maine current events and politics, you perhaps haven’t heard of Smith before, which is great. Portland’s full of people who reach stratospheric heights in their own areas of interest but are virtually unknown to the general population. Yet, their contributions can have a big impact on us all.

An early participant in the coalition comprising the Maine Citizens for Clean Elections, Smith fought for the landmark Clean Elections Act, which first was utilized during the 2000 elections.  Maine was the first  state to enact such a law, meant to balance the pull and influence of private “big” money in political races.
I kept hearing Smith’s name. The last straw was when I heard her speak on NPR, and so I contact her to ask her participation. She was gracious, but since it’s the political season, actually connecting to do the photo and interview took some time and flexibility.  After a few attempts we finally met to do the photo in the kitchen of her West End, Portland home. I love the idea of her at work at her kitchen table (that’s Boris the cat in the photo, by the way).

The lead Inspire Portland image is one that I absolutely love.  It captures Smith in her environment, with the tools of the modern activist around her.  The path to Clean Elections has been long, and the battles continue; I think the photo successfully conveys some of that struggle. Even in a simple portrait like this one, what makes it really work , aside from the lighting and environmental details, is the moment–the expression and mood captured in the eyes of the subject. This frame immediately stood out from all the rest as a ‘true’ moment.

The images posted here show another side of Smith, relaxing with Boris, in a lighter mood.    The lighting emulates natural window light and complements, rather than overpowers, the scene.  A very simple setup, but sometimes less is more.

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