Steve Smedley is an award-winning photojournalist based in Central Illinois.

Smedley worked for 32 years at The Pantagraph in Bloomington, Illinois, after working for the Peoria-Journal Star in Peoria, Illinois.

Smedley received a Humanitarian Award from the National and Illinois Press Photographers Association for discovering a fire and helping rescue children from a Bloomington house fire in 1989. One child perished in the fire, which lead Smedley to becoming a volunteer firefighter. He has nearly 20 years’ experience with two departments in Central Illinois.

Smedley has covered strikes, murders, tornadoes, cancer patients and politicians through his photojournalism. He says he’s always loved telling stories through the lens. “It’s an honor to be able to create and share images for readers and clients that draw people in.”

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In March of 2017, Smedley took an early retirement incentive and began freelancing full time. Smedley still produces work on a freelance basis for The Pantagraph.

A life-long railroad photographer, Smedley has produced many photo essays for magazines such as TRAINS, LOCOMOTIVE, Railfan & Railroad, Railway Age and White River Publications. Smedley has produced contract photography work for Norfolk Southern, Progressive Rail, Wisconsin Great Northern, Amtrak and several other railroads. His photos have appeared in numerous hard cover books covering the railroad industry. He holds several certifications in both the fire service and is an eRailSafe certified contractor.

Other clients are Illinois State University, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Illinois Broadcasters Association, Town of Normal, Bloomington Fire Department, Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation, Missouri Valley Conference, Associated Press.

References and pricing are available upon request.

© Steve Smedley Photography