Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In May of 2021, I graduated from UofSC, majoring in Media Arts and minoring in Advertising. I have always been interested in film but didn’t get behind the camera until my freshman year. Since then, I have picked up photography and videography gigs when they come along; officially starting my business Rachel Smith Media and going full-time in Fall 2021. I have also been spending my time getting on film sets whenever I can. I have been doing this for about five years and have been a production assistant, assistant director, editor, producer, cinematographer, and director. Some of the projects I have worked on include an iHeartradio/Pepsi commercial, commercial work for Hardpin Media, the NBC shows American Song Contest and Dancing with Myself, behind the scenes photographer for Home Depot at College GameDay, and Religion of Sports. After moving from Columbia, SC to Atlanta, GA, my friends and I created our own film production company Famously Hot Films. My goal is to expand my own LLC Rachel Smith Media by working with more clients, as well as expand Famously Hot Films by creating productions on a bigger scale. From my personal experience working as a woman in film has come with its own difficulties so with the companies I am a part of, I want to open doors for women and create opportunities for our group.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning my own photography/videography business has not been a smooth road mainly because I opened during Covid. It has definitely been a learning curve jumping from doing random photography gigs to operating my own business, specifically figuring out how to do taxes and branding my business but it has absolutely been worth it in the long run.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My main job is being a photographer and cinematographer. With Rachel Smith Media, I specialize in weddings and I do event photography occasionally. With Famously Hot Films, my main role is being the cinematographer for our short films. I also help manage our social media. I am most proud of how quickly I have grown in my craft since graduating college less than a year ago. I was so uncertain how the job market was in a different city and how Covid affected the photography and film industry. Luckily I have found jobs doing photography, videography, and editing. My versatility in these roles and having multiple hats has helped me set myself apart from others.
What makes you happy?
I am happy doing work that I find makes a difference. For me a few things that make me happy are capturing a wedding so my couples can look back on their big day and see videos and photos that portray their joyous occasion. I also find purpose in being a part of projects that are bigger than myself. With Famously Hot Films, we all collaborate to bring a vision to life. As long as I’m constantly growing in my craft and get to come home to my dogs, I’m good.
Contact Info:
- Email: raleigh288@gmail.com
- Website: rachelsmithmedia.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/rachelsmithmedia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelsmithmedia/?_rdr
Image Credits
Famously Hot Films group photo by Will Hollerung Photo of me by Will Hollerung
