Steve L. Smith, a Washington native, born in Auburn, Washington in 1972. His passion for photography started early on at the age of 15 when he received his first camera. As his entered his junior year in high school, he had his first 35mm SLR camera. He was a member of the photography class, took photos for the school newspaper, yearbook, and became a major contributor to the senior slideshow. He credits his high school photography instructor, Tom Allen for inspiring and challenging him to explore photography further. Shortly after high school, in 1992, he enrolled in Green River Community College and completed the photography program there.

After volunteering in the local fire department for a short time, Steve decided he had more of an interest in capturing incidents on film than participating in them, as it was not possible to do both. He would be there to capture all the events as they unfolded. Water rescues, car accidents, house fires, and medical aid calls, he was there for it all. 

His first photo published was in the September 1991 issue of Firehouse magazine, placed in the hotshots section, where photographs of fires from around the world are featured. He continues to be published in various trade magazines/publications. Please see the published photos section to view some examples. Recently, one of his images was used by the Bradford Exchange for a collectible plate series honoring firefighters. Steve has also entered his photography in exhibitions and won awards for his work. 

Steve enjoys other types of photography, and is presently working on expanding his portfolio in those areas.  Currently, Steve is a member of the following professional organizations: NPPA (National Press Photographers Association), IFPA (International Fire Photographers Association), and IFPO (International Freelance Photographers Organization)