Growing up in Kent, Smith began his photographic studies at school and continued at Staffordshire University, graduating in 2006. Whilst assisting photographers in London, he continued his documentary work inspired by the industrial landscapes he encountered during his degree work. Since then his professional career has seen commissions and published work with the Guardian, Telegraph, FT, Wallpaper, 125 and Foto8, whilst exhibiting with the AOP, HOST, Four Corners and WPOY.