Special: Family nominee

Eleven years ago, my mother married my stepfather, Forrest Thompson. I have spent these years attempting to know this man who has had a substantial impact on my life. Forrest is an oncologist and is dedicated to his practice and his patients, but his passion is hunting. He spends his free time on his 700 acre property, which serves as a private hunting range. When I was younger, I did not understand why he spent so much time there, nor was I interested. A couple of years ago when tasked with photographing a landscape, I visited Forrest’s farm. He served as my guide. I listened to him speak about this land, the animals, and the chores he does there. For the first time, I wanted to learn why he is so passionate about this sport, and why he spends so much time and effort on it. I began accompanying him on various hunting trips in Texas, South Carolina, and Montana. Sharing these experiences has allowed me to grow closer to my father and to understand his reasons behind this lifestyle. For Forrest, hunting is not about killing, it is about a passion and understanding for nature and its ecosystems.

Christina Smith was born in 1991 in Gastonia, North Carolina. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Photography at the University of South Carolina and resides in Columbia.

Being a woman of the South, her subject matter is southern in nature and deals predominantly with family. Christina's recent interest lies in creating work that follows her father and his passion for hunting. She is currently photographing various hunting trips that takes place on her father's land and various other hunting ranges.