Joe studied art and design in Malta and Florence, Italy where he was awarded scholarship in 1983.

He has been in photography since 1979. He is a member of the Malta Photographic Society of which he won the coveted Photographer of the Year Award in 1995 and also a Fellow of the Malta Institute of Professional Photographers. He is often called upon by both organisations to judge competitions and give lectures. In 1995 he was made Associate of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain and later Artist of the International Federation of Photographic Art. In 2001 he was the first and only Maltese photographer to achieve Fellowship status of the Malta Institute of Professional Photographers. In November of the same year he was also made Associate of the Master Photographers Association of the UK. He has been responsible for the design of various postage stamps, logos of established companies, brochures, packaging and CD sleeves.

Between 1991-1992 he was art director of the in-house design and packaging studio of a cosmetics manufacturing concern

His preference is for monochrome photography especially those depicting the performing arts and his name has become synonymous with pictures of Jazz musicians who performed in the Malta Jazz Festival of which he has been the official photographer since the first edition in 1991. Many of his Jazz pictures can be found on the websites of renowned musicians who played in the Festival

He has also spent five years as the resident photographer of the experimental theatre group Politeatru between 1987 and 1993 with whom he travelled to Moscow in 1991 and staged an exhibition of theatrical photography at the Russian Federation Museum of Decorative, Applied and Folk Art. He still uses conventional film for his work but this is then scanned and output digitally.

In October 2002 he was awarded the prestigious Overseas Master Photographer Award of the Master Photographers Association of the UK.

Joe has exhibited extensively locally and abroad and has had work published in various publications. He is also frequently called upon to judge local and international competitions and also to lecture on the subject.

All photos copyright © Joe Smith. All Rights Reserved.

Charles "City" Gatt: Charles is perhaps the most seasoned jazz musician in Malta. He studied in Berklee and has performed worldwide. Charles is also an established painter and artist in Malta. Her he is seen with the Aldo Bassi Quartet during the 2002 Festival.

Nicky "Nox" Doublet: Nicky was one of the emerging fine young drummers on the local scene. He passed away last February after a short illness at the age of 33, leaving a huge void in the Malta Jazz scene.

Sandro Zerafa: Sandro started his career as classical guitarist. A close friend of Nicky Doublet, they featured together twice in the Malta Jazz Festival. Sandro is now furthering his studies in jazz guitar in Lyons, France.

Bernard Scerri: Bernard is considered as one of the leading bassists in Malta. He also played featured frequently in the Jazz Festival. Last month, together with Charles "City" Gatt, he was the bassist for the Diane Nalini quartet during two concerts given by Diane here in Malta.

Walter Vella: Walter is an accomplished saxaphonist and flute player. He features quite regularly in local jazz events and is often called upon to join bands for special sessions and recordings.

George Curmi: A member of the Maltese National Orchestra, George is also an accomplished saxaphonist. He is also a mainstay in the Johann Strauss School of Music Jazz Band and his jazz improvisations on the violin has made him a leading musician in this genre.

Mario Borg: Mario is also an up and coming young artist. He is also a member of the Johann Strauss Jazz Band.

Joe "Bibi" Camiller: Another fine drummer who is also a permanent member of the Maltese National Orchestra. Here he is seen accompanying jazz singer Coco York in 1997.

Paul Giordmaina: Paul is one of the top jazz piano players. He has also played in the Festival on many occasions and has worked on various projects with Charles "City" Gatt and other established musicians.

Joe Micallef: Another member of the fine group of drummers on the island. Joe is seen here playing in the 1996 edition, together with Bernard Scerri and Paul Giordmaina.