Who remembers that EPIC shoot of the bride at sunrise in Santa Barbara, CA United 2013? UM YEA….Holy gorg right!??! Well…there were masterminds  behind the invention and execution of this shoot for over 20 photographers at 6am in the MORNING….and they are famously known husband and wife team known as The Photography Smiths.

Though Mikey Smith is, or at least was in the 5 minutes I met him, a more quite soul…his talent and love for his wife Sam was undeniable. I was so excited to meet Sam on this trip…she has this un-canning ability to make all light glowy and dreamy and take some amazingly jaw dropping images. At this point by now…you should know FAB Fridays here on the KNP Blog are kinda a big deal…I get to interview some of the most talented photographers in the world for all of you to meet, follow and learn from. I think its pretty awesome…but I love even more the generosity these talented photogs have with sharing all their beautiful images and inspired advice! So without further ado—I present, The Photography Smith’s!

The Interview:

 

1. Tell us something about your business and how long you have been a professional photographer?

We are a husband and wife team who specialize in weddings and seniors. We have been shooting professionally since 2009.

2. What equipment do you use?

Nikon

3. Where are you located?

Fredericksburg VA serving the greater Washington DC metropolitan area

4. What is your approach to photography? Define your style?

We define our style as gorgeously handcrafted. We are not your traditional static photographers or photojournalist we take two very different approaches a merge them into one seamless vision. Samantha’s style is more posed she will sculpt the scene and prompt you to create true emotions for us to capture she is the ultimate director to stage the scenes of your wedding day. Mikey’s style is more detailed oriented and loosely directed, he has an eye to catch the spontaneity of the day as the scenes fall into place. Together these 2 styles allow us to create genuine handcrafted images of your wedding day perfectly telling your story and creating timeless works of art for generations to come.

 

 

5. When did you notice you had a passion for photography?

We have always both enjoyed photography; Samantha’s passion lies with the beauty and art where Mikey loves the technical aspects.

6. Most REWARDING part of your job is?

Being able to share our passion and gifts with others allowing them to have timeless images to document their life stories with the ones they love or the generations to come.

7. What is the scariest thing that ever happened during a photo shoot?

Samantha: Almost stepped on a snake at a family shoot….I could have died but the dad saved me!

Mikey: While shooting details at a wedding reception the table next to me with the buffet on it caught on fire….Luckily it was outdoors and we were quickly able to get it put out.

8. Best advice you have been given in your photography career?

Samantha: To quit my day job and follow my dream. Last year at WPPI/United I had the chance to talk with Zach Gray – this conversation changed my life. He said “Do you think you won’t eat or have anywhere to sleep? No, then you can do this!” Three months later I gave my two week notice.
Mikey: “If you truly make your business about serving others, you’ll never run out of work.” – David Jay’s Dad

 

9. Best advice that you could give someone else that is pursuing a photography career?

Samantha: Don’t compare yourself to others! There are sooo many amazing photographers in this industry but you have to be you and find your own style or else you will lose yourself!
Mikey: “The person to fail first is the one standing still”- This is YOUR dream don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t have it.

10. Best moment of your photography career to date?

We don’t have really have one specific moment. Personally, we LOVE making sure every client feels absolutely gorgeous inside and out! Then to be able to deliver photos to them that they cherish for a lifetime is definitely a moment we don’t take for granted!

 

So I am even more in love with them than I already was after that awesome-sauce interview! If you are as hooked as I am, here is how to follow and keep up with The Smith’s! Thanks for sharing all of these gorg images and awesome advice with my fans and readers and to my readers and fans….THANK YOU for being here!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePhotographySmiths

Blog: http://blog.thephotographysmiths.com/

Website: http://www.thephotographysmiths.com/