Tell Smith Studio

Serves Norwalk, CA

35244

Not yet available

1 employee

8 years in business

Not yet available

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Mon 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Tues Closed

Wed Closed

Thurs Closed

Fri 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Todd Smith
Completed on 5/20/2024

Introduction

I've worked as a commercial portrait photographer for the last eight years, shooting for nonprofits and individual clients, with a focus on kids & families. I love capturing real people in their lived environment, and I love the collaborative process of photography. I shoot both digital and film, using natural light and flash depending on location and the needs of the client. Each session is an opportunity to meaningfully capture a moment in time, while creating images you will cherish forever.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Prices will vary by shoot: where, when, digital vs. film (film entails additional development and printing costs) but a good rule of thumb is to expect to pay $200 an hour with a two hour minimum.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Discussing images they love. Sharing images for them to consider. Looking at a mood board if they have one (Pinterest is great for this!) and hearing their concept for a shoot, if any. Making a great portrait is a collaboration. Taking the time to discuss the image we want to create always leads to the best results.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I studied photography at Columbia University, but my real training comes from time in the field, making portraits in difficult spaces, often with time and budget constraints. What I've learned is that great pictures can made in any situation.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

In 7th grade, a teacher arbitrarily decided I was going to be the yearbook photographer. He must have seen something in me, because I fell in love with photography immediately.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I recently did headshots for a CEO but have most often worked with nonprofits to capture images of the people they serve. I've been as far afield as Rwanda, where I shot a story about obstetric hospitals for the UN, and I've shot recently housed Angelenos taking their first steps out of homelessness.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I am currently working on a long-term project centered on portraits of youth and another about homeless encampments in the high desert. Both began before Covid and are ongoing.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Knowing what you want your pictures to look and feel like is incredibly helpful. Referencing other photographers work is helpful. Are you a fan of Richard Avedon, David LaChapelle, Sally Mann? Understanding the difference between a studio portrait and an environmental portait is helpful - great work can be done in front of a backdrop, in your home, or in nature. The more specific you can be about what you want, the better.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

What pictures they love, how active a participant they want to be in the process, and what they are comfortable spending. This latter will depend on whether the final deliverable is digital, or if prints are needed, and what size.