Desi Smith’s interest in photojournalism began in 1976, inspired by seeing Gloucester Daily Times staff photographer Charlie Lowe at work. Soon, Smith had purchased a police scanner and started showing up on location. Smith began taking freelance photojournalism more seriously in the mid-1980s. If he was shooting an event and there were no GDT photographers there, he would take his images down to the Times’ offices in the hope that they would be published. Smith’s efforts paid off in October 1990 when staff photographer Cristin Gisler gave him his first paid assignment. Smith loved his time in the GDT newsroom. He appreciated the spirit of comradery among staff, trading tips of the trade, and sharing the workload. From the mid-1970s into the 2000s, while also working as a carpenter, Smith published hundreds of photos in the Times and has a story to tell about each one.

Gloucester, MA c. 1990s. A woman and child row a rowboat.

Gloucester, MA c. 1995-2003. Police at the scene of a car accident.

Gloucester, MA c. 1995-2003. A boy rides his bicycle through the ocean spray near the scenic harbor.

Gloucester, MA 1996. A man looks over gears in the Gloucester City Hall clock tower.

Gloucester, MA 1996. Emergency workers confer.

Gloucester, MA 1996. People hug at the scene of an emergency.

Gloucester, MA 1996. Aftermath of the Perfect Storm.

Gloucester, MA 1996. The Coast Guard and firefighters survey damage after the Perfect Storm.

Gloucester, MA c. 1995-2003. Firefighters and other first responders pay their respects at a funeral.

Gloucester, MA 1999. Actors sit at a news conference in Gloucester, Mass., Tuesday, Sept. 7, 1999, to promote "The Perfect Storm." 

Gloucester, MA c. 1995-2003. Children jump from the foot bridge in Annisquam.