Birthplace:  St. Johns, New Foundland, Canada

Hometown:  Jersey City, NJ

College:  FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), Manhattan

Major:  Menswear Design & Marketing

Secret Collection:  Autographed Photos 

After Mike Smarro spent more than six years living and being a “New Yorker” and all that entails, he moved to the Twilight Zone area of Wilmington, DE where, living in a farmhouse and in the country he was only ten minutes away from the gray skyscrapers of downtown Wilmington and 25 minutes from Philadelphia.  There was a lot of time for him to think about his life and reevaluate his passions. After a tragic night going to a local redneck bar wearing the latest Prada shirt that was mistaken for a pajama top, he soon left all his “Black Shoes” and fashions de mode, and developed the Abercrombie & Fitch lifestyle while gaining a sense of humor about life.  Did I mention that is where he got his Piglet tattoo? 

After leaving Delaware, Mike Smarro soon made Southern Florida his home.  Here he became a major player here at Main Street Gym and Spa in Wilton Manors, a facefront for a booming local business as well as a photographer for the everyday/average person.   

SRL:  As a photographer, what are your favorite subjects to shoot?

MS:  I will shoot anyone.  The best things are the things that I find interesting are not necessarily what another photographer might see or envision.  The best, for me, is people doing normal things.  I love telling someone to pack a bag and hop in the car and go somewhere and then get to know them along the way.  Becoming a friend then a photographer makes for a great relationship which shows through in photos. 

SRL:  Is there anyone in particular you like to work with?

MS:  Everyone has potential—women, girls, men, and don’t think that I only shoot hunky men. I got my start shooting for online profiles and literally received a Thank You from a website since 5 of the Top 20 profiles used my pics as their Main Photo.   

SRL:  What do you use and does size matter?

MS:  Hell no!  I am faithful to my Nikon D70, but when I’m working with a model, there will usually be two cameras around my neck.  I have learned through Trials and Tribulations.  I have made a lot of mistakes, yet, on the other hand, I could use my small camera and take a phenomenal candid picture that will amaze me.  Use whatever you have. 

SRL:  When you are not with a client, what inspires you or what do you find your self shooting?

MS:  I am amazed at nature, and right now it is microphotography.  I am finding the littlest things and centering the picture around that.  I tend to use my models in nature, finding that people are more at ease with me and being outside vice a studio with hot lights and unreal backgrounds. That’s just not me.  I wear flip-flops, jogging pants and usually can be found in a tanktop.  I work a lot at the gym and the majority of my clients know me from that and like me for being normal.  I will never ask them to do something they wouldn’t normally do or you will loose that moment and trust.

SRL:   Who are some of your favorite artists that you look up to?

MS:  Wow, that’s hard.  I love Diane Arbus who was a socialite in 1960’s society and captured the real people.  Photos of these people are odd yet intriguing and you can’t help but look at them, the way they thought posing was, and what styles were envogue.  My boyfriend went with me to a show and spent all day long making these silly poses in the pictures I was taking.  That memory—priceless.  Of the current photographers, Herb Ritz was amazing and Annie Libowitz has such a style that is unique, a person with no background, making you focus on that person.  Effortless shots are my passion. 

SRL:  What advice would you give to an up and coming photographer or artist?

MS:  First, get to know your subject.  Photos come out better when both guards are down.  Become a friend and be yourself.  Lastly, make sure you get credit for your work and save everything!  I had to get a second hard drive because I do not delete anything usable. 

Michael can be found at Wilton Manor’s own Main Street Gym and Spa where he helps people out but also provided many of the pieces for the spa.  His work has been on display at Java Boys and has participated in shows like the ones at the Broward County Public Library.  You can see more of his work at his MySpace account which is http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=88065476  or through www.mikesmarro.com but admits, if there is anyone reliable out there that wants to help him with his website to contact him.