Born in Detroit and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Ming Smith studied microbiology at Howard University before turning her focus to photography. She moved to New York City in the 1970s, where she became a member of the Kamoinge Workshop, a collective of Black photographers dedicated to documenting the African American experience.

Smith is known for her distinctive use of motion blur, high-contrast lighting, and double exposures, which imbue her images with a sense of dreamlike movement and emotional depth. Her work frequently explores themes of identity, jazz, and the everyday rhythms of urban life, often utilizing unconventional printing techniques to achieve a painterly aesthetic.

Her legacy continues to be solidified through major institutional recognition and inclusion in significant curatorial projects. Her work remains a cornerstone of the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection, frequently appearing in thematic exhibitions that examine the intersection of composition, history, and cultural narrative.