Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a kid, I practically grew up with a camera in my face. My mother loved to photograph and video everything my siblings and I did. Naturally, as I got older, I loved to do the same thing. Everywhere I went I was taking pictures with my point and shoot camera. While at Georgia State University, I was President of the Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity and was looking for someone to take headshots of the chapter. Of course, as a college kid, you think any price is too expensive. After I discovered my mother’s camera that had an interchangeable lens, I figured I would just do the pictures myself. And thus my love for photography was born. I loved it so much that I decided to take it seriously. When I received my refund check in the fall of 2009, I set out to buy me a professional camera and lens.
I started my photography and video business (Shots By Mike Smith Photography) in 2009. I was literally everywhere volunteering to take pictures around the city until people knew who I was. Shortly after starting my business, I was hired as a freelance photographer for WXIA 11 Alive News in Atlanta, Ga. During my time there (’09-’15), I covered events around the city such as celebrity events, concerts, conferences, restaurant openings, museum exhibits, and private galas. While event photography was fun and exciting, I wanted to slow it down and capture more conceptual and artistic portraits. I started shooting more studio work that includes headshots, fashion and beauty, product, engagement, family and fine art portraits.
As an educator in the Fulton County School System (’08-’15), I worked with many students to help cultivate their artistic abilities. Mixed with my background in business, I helped the students learn how to market and brand themselves the correct way to become legit artists and business owners. After I left the school system, I still wanted to help other artists develop into businessmen and women. That’s what led me to create Mike Smith Productions LLC. I use MSP as a platform to deliver photography and video services on a larger scale, as well as offer my network of artistic and business resources; which range from graphic designers and photographers to business lawyers and commercial realtors.
Under Mike Smith Productions LLC, I have been dubbed by my clients as “The Man Behind The Shine”, and I don’t take it lightly. I try to go above and beyond for most of my clients offering photography, video, and image consulting to create cohesive marketing and branding materials for them. Mike Smith Productions now produces two web series, Young Millionaires Mind that aired in 2017 and Before They’re Gone which is set to air in 2019. A collaborative workspace is also set for 2019.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. As a self-taught photographer/videographer I have had to prove myself time and time again to gain trust from clients and others in the industry to show that I know what I am doing. Couple that with becoming a full-time entrepreneur and learning how the business of photography works can be brutal. Learning who your audience is, how to market and brand, staying up on the latest industry practices and learning how to evaluate your work, all while being able to deliver great service and product can be tough.
I am big on self-education and I love to learn. At this point in my career, I can say I know what I’m doing. But I always seek to learn from those who may know more than me. While trying to intern under some of my favorite photographers, I was sometimes turned away because I was told I already knew too much to be an intern. Lol. But I was fortunate enough to have a couple photographers let me assist them on shoots to further my knowledge of working with a team of people to complete a project.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Shots By Mike Smith Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a visual artist. I offer businesses, organizations, and individuals photography and video services. As well as image consulting and business resources.
As a company, I am most proud of being able to give back knowledge to all who want to learn. I often do one-on-one’s, I have given feedback on makeup artist portfolios, taught young photographers how to understand lighting and composition, and I have helped give businesses that extra spark to shine.
What sets me apart from others is my willingness to carry the torch to the finish line for my client. I’m very relationship oriented. I want to make sure my client has everything they need to have a successful business.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity in my city. Atlanta has become a melting pot of cultures which offer the ability to learn new things. I also love how Atlanta has become the Hollywood of the South, which affords me the ability to work with many talented creative people. In South Fulton County, there is a plethora of talent yet to be discovered and I am grateful that I am in the mix of discovering those talents.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shotsbymike.net
- Email: shotsbymikesmith@gmail.com
- Instagram: @shotsbymike
- Facebook: ShotsByMike
- Twitter: @shotsbymike
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
