Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Antoine Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Antoine , appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

Prior to becoming a photographer, I was a hip-hop artist. As I was transitioning away from recording music, I still felt the need to express myself as a creative. Visually, with a camera, made the most sense to me. I invested in my first DSLR Camera during that transition. The Canon T2i. This was in 2012. I was initially just a random, hobbyist, shooting places and things that were around me.

One of the people that deserves recognition in my story, is a good friend of mine, Tommy. We have done online radio shows together and when he transitioned to creating a mobile DJ/Party Event business, he asked me to join him for packages that would offer photography. He saw that I was reliable and serious about the craft. That decision in 2012, lead to where I am at today. I appreciate his belief in my talent and ability to make people happy.

Antoine , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My photography journey started in 2012. As a photographer, I view the craft as art. My art is capturing and documenting a specific moment in time. A capsule for the client to remember forever in their minds and heart. I think people appreciate enjoying their moment and knowing someone with a track record of getting the job done, is there seeing what they are not able to see, from the lens’ perspective. I got where I am today with humility and hard work. It’s not easy. It’s a love for what you do. I’ve sacrificed many party nights and social gatherings, to put in the work and be there to capture other people’s moments. You have to be someone people would like to work with and you have to show and prove. People want to see the work. I want people to know that I am an artist that paints with his camera. Hopefully, when people view my art, it strikes a chord in their mind, heart & spirit.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

What drives my photography journey is the fact that there is always something new to learn about the craft. From lighting, equipment, composition and angles. It’s a never ending story of learning. I find that amazing.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Prior to photography, I worked full time in the Direct Marketing industry. I learned a lot about the mail industry. During this stage of my life, I still felt unfulfilled. I realized that the creative part of me was being left dormant. Many of us, follow a blueprint of go to school, get a degree, then get a job or career. Life is more nuanced than a textbook, blueprint, of how to walk your path. Ultimately, I left the marketing industry to pursue my passion for photography and it’s one of the best decisions I made in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.adsphotography.info
• Instagram: @adsphotography.info
• Facebook: ADS Photography

Image Credits
Photographed by Antoine Smith