We recently connected with Vega Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Vega, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

There are levels to everything. The first time I knew I was different and really had talent was shooting with the BadAzz Syndicate Camp CEO Boosie Badazz. People within the camp welcomed me like family. People such as Jay Cooper, Kali Shots, Chuck Star Films, and Walik Gibson. The First shots I ever took for the camp ended up on VladTV which is something I am very proud of. To have great people who know quality see my value made every sacrifice worth it. When you have people see something in you and expose you to whats truly possible in your craft it opens your mind to the possibilities.

Vega, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Photographer and videographer. I primarily deal with photos and content. I serve public figures, athletes, and businesses. An Alabama rapper “Shown 1K” saw something in me and was the very first rapper I began shooting for locally. I realized I had a love for music as well as how I express my art alongside music. I have one of the top Youtube followings from my city but I push every day to have one of the biggest in my state period. I put a lot into my work and also build long-standing relationships with my clients. My goal is to always build more value so I can offer my clients the most value for their money.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I spent hours editing pictures for my clients but was lacking in the importance of networking. You can only get but so far in your career sitting at a laptop. You could be the best photographer in the world but if no one knows who you are where is the value? The footwork outside of social media is where the most important things happen. We don’t post our downfalls on Instagram but we will post our achievements in a one second click.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The Lifestyle most definitely. I never dreamed of shooting for or being in the presence of the people I looked up to growing up in school. I didn’t have a car when first had a paid photoshoot. I walked to the location and got the job done. In 2022 I was eating a $250 steak at a 5-star restaurant in Puerto Rico alongside a long-time client. The things I see and get to experience outside of the norm keep me motivated and chasing my goals because they are possible. Recently I was asked to be a mentor to young black men at The University of West Alabama. To be acknowledged is always a huge reward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Therealvegasmith
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VegaSmithPagetwo
• Twitter: @RealVegasmith
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VegaSmith/
• Other: Jewelry Pictured worn by Vega provided by @bejeweledbyj_

Image Credits
@Mamaheliveagain2.0 @Troubleman31 @yrntakeoff @1saturdays @bigjhonni @Lexi_thebrand