Through the Lens of Ice: Interview with Robin Smith.
In the Lens of Cold Passion: An Interview with Robin Smith, the Man Who Films at the Ends of the Earth
Snow creaks beneath the boots, frost stings the cheeks, and fingers stiffen even in the warmest gloves. For most of us, this is a signal to hide in a warmer place. At the same time, for Robin Smith, it’s an invitation to work. He packs his gear and heads to places where thermometers display values better left unknown.
An Emmy award winner, BAFTA recipient, and countless industry accolades, Robin Smith is a man who turned his love for nature into the art of visual storytelling. For nearly 20 years, his camera has captured the rarest natural phenomena – from Siberian tigers traversing snowy wastelands to underwater life in the deepest corners of the oceans.
A man with an extraordinary CV – a director of photography for documentaries, a wildlife filming specialist, a certified climbing instructor, diver, and even a camera operator for hits like “Sherlock” and “Dr Who”. His portfolio boasts an impressive list of projects for BBC, Netflix, National Geographic, and Discovery.
Robin is proof that passion can lead to the most unexpected career paths – from biologist to artist whose work is watched by millions around the world.
From Biology to the Camera – An Extraordinary Career Path
How did you start your journey in filming, Robin?
“I spent 10 years in a different profession before becoming a camera operator. I decided to return to university and get a degree in biology. During my studies, I developed an interest in photography, which later turned into a passion for filmmaking. One of my film professors was a former BBC producer who worked for the BBC’s natural history unit. One thing led to another. After finishing my degree, I gained experience at BBC’s Natural History Unit and started working as an assistant camera operator on wildlife shoots.”
What made a biologist pick up a camera instead of a microscope?
“I had always been passionate about being outdoors and the natural world. When I got into photography, it felt like a natural choice. My professor at university was also very encouraging.”
Challenges and Satisfaction from Working in the Wild Corners of the Earth
Which projects had the most impact on your skills as a camera operator? Which challenges shaped you the most?
“There have been many, and I like to think I learn something new with each task. I learned a lot about myself while filming Siberian tigers for the Netflix series Our Planet.”
Wildlife doesn’t follow a script. What brings you the most satisfaction in this unpredictable job?
“Filming new animal behaviors and capturing completely natural shots where my presence does not influence the animals’ behavior is incredibly satisfying. The Arctic regions offer a unique purity of light and a minimalist landscape, which creates exceptional opportunities for a camera operator.”
Minus 40°C, frozen batteries, frosted lenses – how do you cope with extreme conditions?
“Extreme cold can be a challenge due to how it affects filming equipment, but physically the cold doesn’t bother me too much, and I enjoy the surroundings. I’m not a fan of extreme heat; I feel it just drains your energy.”
Technical Aspects of Filming in Extreme Conditions
Telephoto lens vs. extreme cold – what are your essential technical tools in the field?
“I think a long lens is often essential because it allows you to get close to the subject without disturbing it. A good tripod head is also necessary.”
What benefits do you get from using a viewfinder cover?
“I definitely prefer the feel of a cover against my face rather than a rubber eye cup, especially in tropical climates. I also think they offer additional protection against dust and direct sunlight entering the viewfinder.”
Does the color of the viewfinder cover matter to you when working outdoors?
“Natural colors are always helpful, but I often work from cover or behind a shield, so it’s not a critical issue.”
Do you choose a viewfinder cover depending on the conditions (winter vs. summer)?
“I use covers in all climates and locations.”
Do you work alone or with a team of operators? Does the color of the viewfinder cover help you identify your camera?
“I mostly work alone, so the color is purely aesthetic for me.”
How often do you change viewfinder covers?
“I usually work with my own camera, but if I’m using rented gear, I often use a cover and remove it after the shoot.”
What do you think about monitors attached to cameras?
“Many cameras come with monitors, which are useful in some situations, although I personally still prefer to work with a good electronic viewfinder (EVF). Unfortunately, camera manufacturers seem to be putting less effort into producing electronic viewfinders these days.”
Artistic Vision and Inspirations
Your images are captivating, your photos are hypnotic – what values, emotions, and messages do you aim to capture in your films, and why are they important to you?
“I think, fundamentally, I hope to show and share the beauty and wonder of the natural world, which in turn may encourage people to respect and protect it.”
What should viewers remember after watching your films?
“We share this planet; it’s not just ours. We have a responsibility to help preserve all life, not just human life. The natural world is truly wonderful. It saddens me that my children may not experience what I have.”
Monet and Renoir before the invention of the camera – who else inspires your artistic sensitivity?
“That’s a tough question. I think the most talented cinematographers best use light and composition to help tell their stories. Great impressionist painters like Monet and Renoir were doing this long before the invention of film.”
The Most Beautiful Places and Future Dreams
What are your favorite projects you’ve worked on, and what made them so special?
“My last trip to South Georgia Island to film penguins for Netflix was something special for me. The combination of travel, landscape, wildlife, and the island’s history is something I haven’t experienced anywhere else on Earth.”
Your portfolio is an atlas of the wildest places on Earth. Where does your heart beat the fastest?
“South Georgia, Patagonia, Alaska, Kamchatka in Russia are my favorite places. I love wild places.”
What dreams are waiting to be fulfilled?
“Having the opportunity to share more special moments and encounters with my family that I experience during my work.”
The White Continent Still Awaits – What Other Places Tempt Your Lens?
“I’ve never been to the Antarctic Peninsula; that would be an incredible place to film.”
What would you say to young wolves dreaming of following in your footsteps?
“Learn to build sequences to tell a story. It’s not just about the images, but what you’re trying to say with them. Fancy equipment or techniques are fine, but do they actually help tell the story?”
Legacy for Future Generations
With each shot, Robin Smith reminds us of something that often slips our attention in the rush of daily life – the beauty and fragility of the world we share with millions of other species. His films are not just masterpieces of cinematographic art, but also a quiet manifesto, reminding us of our responsibility toward the planet.
When we look at his impressive portfolio – from Netflix’s Our Planet series to The Hunt on BBC, to countless productions for National Geographic – we see not only a career full of success and awards but, above all, a man who has found his way to tell stories worth saving.
Robin Smith, with a camera slung over his shoulder, standing on a frozen lake, staring at the horizon, is a symbol of an artist unafraid to step out of his comfort zone. He also serves as a reminder to all of us that the most fascinating stories await where others dare not go. Whether on the glaciers of South Georgia or in the dense forests of Siberia, Robin Smith shows us a world that, without his lens, would remain nothing more than a distant memory from geography books.
Maybe that’s exactly what his work is about – reminding us that we share the Earth with creatures whose fate lies in our hands. So that future generations can experience the same wild magic he has the privilege of capturing through his camera lens.