Photos Courtesy of Emily T. Smith
Describe your photography style or words that describe your brand?
We define our work as modern, natural, and beautiful. Which I believe defines not only our imagery, but also our branding and our care for our clients as well. We have a deep passion for loving and serving our clients, and look forward to long-term relationships with them.
What is your favorite thing to shoot?
Hands down, my daughter, Ailey.
I have the most beautiful daughter in the world – every good Mom thinks that about their little one right!?!? I love capturing her always changing, always growing spirit. It’s so bright and full of crazy energy. (and attitude – something I suspect will give her dad and I some trouble in years to come!)
What is a must read or must see?
My must see and must read are one in the same – Harry Potter. I stumbled onto Harry Potter by accident while in college and fell in love. The story is more epic than I could have ever imagined and the imagery is incredible. Also, a book by Tim Sanders called ‘Love is the Killer App’ – it will change the way you approach business and life.
What is your favorite thing about Pictage?
My favorite thing would have to be the fact that it allows my stress level to stay at a normal level! Pictage has allowed the studio to experience growth which never could have been sustained without it.
What lens could you not live without?
24-70mm L – an all around great, super sharp, lens
How do you juggle your business and family/social life?
Is this a joke!?! (okay, kidding.)
This is something I, in particular, am working hard this year to improve. It’s truthfully a struggle, mostly because I love what I do so (so so so so so so so) much it’s hard to stop doing it sometimes… but I am working on putting my family first. I want both my little one and husband to know without a doubt that they are more important than what I do.
What workflow tools do you use?
Lightroom 2 for most of our post-production workflow, CS4, and of course Pictage
Most listened to song on your ipod?
Dream by Priscilla Ann – or anything else by her… She just makes me ridiculously happy.
What is one thing we don’t know about you?
I love and have a need for change in my life – when I can’t get it in big ways I paint things or get a super short hair cut. True story.
Who inspires you?
Who: My husband – my kiddo – my mom – my sisters – my clients
What: God – Art – Music – Every Day Moments
Where: At home – the ocean – the stars
When: Always when I don’t expect it…
How do you get most of your bookings? What is your primary way of marketing?
Most of our bookings come through word of mouth. We are incredibly fortunate to have a viral group of family, friends and past clients who make this work easy. We do very little actual marketing and have been surprised at the results of just continuing to invest in and care about our clients and continue to meet their needs. Have I mentioned yet how much we love our clients!
What blogs do you stalk?
My favorite rock-star photographer – http://www.sarahrhoads.com/
A little inspiration – http://weddingchicks.com/
A place to spend too much money – http://www.etsy.com/
Any words of wisdom to share…
Celebrate Today. We use this as a key phrase around the studio and in our branding… to remind ourselves, as well as our clients, to find the little things about today and celebrate them. Taking time to do this can change your outlook on your entire day and perhaps even your life… so remember, we have today to love, to dream, to grow – Celebrate Today.
Where to find Emily:
Website http://www.smithgalleryphotography.com/
Blog http://www.smithgalleryphotography.blogspot.com/
Thanks for hanging out Emily!