Dec. 31, 2020
As I write this, the morning of the last day of the worst year ever, I look back and know that through all the adversity we’ve faced as a global community in 2020, there has been so much good, so much love shared (I have photographic proof). I’ve watched the beginnings of life, the beginnings of marriages, the beginnings of lifelong friendships, the transition from teen to adult life as seniors move out of their parent’s house and into their college dorms. Each of these moments we’ve captured and shared. These emotional moments have continued to inspire me. To motivate me to continue learning, striving to be the best at what I do.
I have lived a blessed life. I’ve spent most of my adult life doing things that I love. They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Cliche, I know. From experience, I can tell you this is absolutely true. After spending decades, away from home playing music, traveling the world as a professional musician, I decided I wanted to spend more time at home with my family (and now with all of those wonderful new grandbabies). Photography helped me make that transition.
My very first professional (paid) photography session was in Barcelona, Spain. What a way to start. From the moment I saw my client’s reaction to those photographs, I was hooked. There is something magical about capturing a moment that means so much to another person. Allowing them the opportunity to relive that moment whenever they chose, to share it with friends and family, forever. They can open their Photo album, look up at a canvas on their wall, or even just the simple act of opening an app on their phone… they are transported back to that moment, to that emotion. I relate it to those occasions when a song comes on the radio, you hear it and you’re instantly back in high school, with your best friends, falling in love and hoping that feeling will never end. Unfortunately, it does. Time moves on and we grow older, priorities change and the world moves on. Photographs, literally, stop time.
I’ve spent countless hours learning my craft and honing my skills as a photographer. I want every photo I take to be stunning to behold, flawless in its execution, and tell the story of the way our clients felt at that precise moment.
One of the best things about Smith Artisan is that it’s a partnership with my lovely bride. Although by day, she’s a “mild-mannered” Middle School Teacher, she’s just as involved in the business as I am. I don’t know how she does it sometimes, two full-time careers. She’s like a sexy tall Energizer Bunny. Sharing this passion with her has brought us so much closer together, and trust me… we were already pretty tight.
With all that being said, I want to wish each of you a Happy New Year. With that dumpster fire of 2020 behind us, let’s all keep our chins up and make 2021 the best year ever. Thank you all so much for your love, your support, and your business. We appreciate it more than you could ever know.
Our promise to you… to put all the love and passion we have for our art into your sessions. No two sessions are alike. Everyone is unique and deserving of our best effort. To my knowledge, we haven’t disappointed a client yet. I hope that day never comes.
Much love…