Behind The Lens

Dave W Smith is a naturalist, adventurer, and visual storyteller currently based in Bologna – Italy.

Driven by a lifelong passion for the natural world and a desire to explore our place within it, his work seeks to capture the connection between people and wild places – framing moments that reflect both beauty and meaning.

Dave’s award-winning photography spans a broad spectrum of subjects – from documenting conservation efforts both on land and underwater, to capturing remote travel destinations in collaboration with tour operators, sports brands, and outdoor events. In recent years, his work has increasingly focused on global expeditions and adventure travel, running his own photography workshops and contributing to renowned publications including National Geographic and Digital Camera Magazine. As the global conversation around climate change continues to evolve, Dave is committed to aligning his work with purpose -supporting education, eco-tourism, wildlife research, and environmental conservation through impactful visual storytelling.

Dave’s passion for the outdoors was sparked from an early age, shaped by childhood adventures in the landscapes of northwest England. Though born in the industrial heart of Manchester, it was clear from a young age that his connection to nature would lead him far beyond the rural hills of home – eventually taking him to the peaks of the Himalayas and beyond.

Years of travel and life across southern Europe and Southeast Asia helped him refine his photographic voice, ultimately drawing him toward the fast-paced world of extreme sports and travel photography. This pursuit has since taken him across the globe, creating content for expedition leaders, DMC’s, and brands seeking to capture the spirit of exploration.

Over the years, Dave has honed a distinctive skillset that blends a sharp documentary style photographic eye with deep-rooted knowledge of the natural world. This background not only informs his photography but also fuels his ability to confidently shoot in extreme, often inaccessible locations, capturing dynamic moments in culture, travel, sport, and wildlife.

“Whether I’m documenting wildlife, shooting editorial work, or capturing the intensity of a mountain summit expedition within the action myself, I always strive to create images that go beyond the surface – images that convey both the energy and the emotion of a moment. For me, storytelling through photography is deeply rooted in our connection to the natural world. That connection, and the respect it demands, is something I believe should be valued above all else and recorded for those who may never get the chance to experience it themselves in our future.”