We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christopher Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christopher below.
Alright, Christopher thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
The first question you have to ask yourself is: what do you define as success?
I don’t think any photographer can say he/she is successful in the way society sees success. Like artists through the ages, photographers are undervalued.
I have always strived to be successful but never actually thought of myself as such because I had not reached the very top. When I expressed this concept of success, my wife pointed out that I have photos in magazines, daily newspapers, hanging in homes and offices. She reminded me I have photos in museum collections and keep busy with commercial photo work, printing on my Canon Pro-4000 both fine art and commercial work
So, what do I think it takes to be successful?
Firstly, a strong belief in one’s self. If you don’t believe in yourself, how do you expect other to believe in you?
Confidence to try new things… Have a go, learn. I started with 35mm and medium format. I now use digital cameras, I fly drones, I use a 360 virtual tour camera… I have had to learn to keep up with photo technology.
The dogged determination to overcome everything that life throws at you is success enough! At the beginning, money was tight but I never gave up.
Do what you have to do to keep the dream alive…
Ignore the naysayers!
Success for me is Passion for what you are doing and the money becomes the bonus..
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was born in England during the “swinging sixties” the times of my idol David Bailey. One of my earliest memories is of my father teaching me the techniques of the camera as to photograph him and my mother on vacation. I felt the excitement at capturing that moment, stopping time like magic. My father encouraged my ongoing interest in his hobby, which kindled my lifelong passion for photography.
I started my career as a photographer in England, shooting local events on 35mm. As my interest grew, so did my opportunities to expand to photojournalism and commercial work. I photographed fancy cheese and cider for an advertisement; the next day, I photographed Prince (King) Charles at a Polo event. My photo work in England and America has allowed me to amass a stock photo library of over 50,000 images.
Today I shoot commercial architectural projects – Airbnb/Vrbo rentals, Real Estate – commercial or residential, large or small. I fly drones commercially and print various size photo and fine art projects for customers Worldwide on my Canon Pro-4000 wide format printer. I also try as time allows to continue my travels which has become somewhat of a bucket list passion to shoot photos in all 50 states.
I trust that my clients would say: “he listened to what I wanted, provided a quality service and delivered on time and on budget. I give 100% to every job, take pride in my work and this reflects in my success.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
I have had a camera most of my life, from borrowing my father’s Rolliflex to my own Pentax ME Super. When I decided to leap across the invisible line of Amateur to Professional, I knew I needed money and some level of training… College wasn’t free so I needed money for that. I also knew I needed money for a good camera, lenses and a car.
During and after college, I worked in retail as a store assistant, I worked as a plumber’s assistant, a garden patio cleaner, pulled weeds and mowed lawns, did anything to get the money together for that “golden ticket of cameras” – the Nikon F4s.
I got my Nikon but couldn’t afford the lenses… At this point my father stepped in and offered me a loan. I bought what I needed and he wrote the check before I headed out into the World with my Nikon camera, lenses, business cards and a strong belief I would succeed.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
My best source of clients is word-of-mouth from previous clients. Clients have also recommended me on social media. “Exposure” in Arizona magazine articles have brought interests from various corners of commerce.
I have a strong presence on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn – I also post samples of my latest work on social media.
You could also say I am a memorable chap where ever I go. I am friendly, confident and always ready to have a chat – with my English accent, which most find entertaining.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.csfotoimages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csfotoimages
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csfotoimagescom
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-l-smith-b9a863226
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@csfotoimages9621
Image Credits
chris L Smith – csfotoimages