Smith Artisan Photography began as an unexpected adventure for its founders. When one half of the duo returned from touring the world as part of the iconic 80s rock band Winger and the other took a break from a teaching career, they were simply looking for a hobby they could share. Photography seemed like a fun way to spend time together, so they began capturing landscapes, trains, and other captivating scenes. With no formal knowledge but a shared eagerness to learn, the seeds of Smith Artisan were planted.
From Hobby to Thriving Business
What started as a shared interest quickly evolved into something bigger. A friend asked them to photograph their high school senior, which led to another request—a wedding. Soon, their work caught the attention of the City, leading to assignments for city council portraits and marketing projects. Before they knew it, the hobby had grown into a business, and Smith Artisan was officially born.
A Passion for Learning and Growth
The team’s curiosity turned into a drive to master their craft. They immersed themselves in resources like CreativeLive.com, Sue Bryce Education, and countless YouTube tutorials. One founder became fascinated with lighting, leading them to invest in a professional Profoto lighting system. Transforming their two-car garage into a dedicated photography studio marked a significant turning point in their journey.
Overcoming Challenges
In 2018, life took a dramatic turn when one founder suffered irreparable vocal cord damage, shifting their focus from touring to writing and recording for Discovery Network and CBS Sports. By that time, Smith Artisan had grown enough to become a full-time career. High-volume school photography became a cornerstone of their business, opening opportunities to work with sports teams and other events. Today, they partner with five school districts, ensuring a stable foundation for growth.
A Full-Time Studio and Expanding Team
Transitioning to a full-time studio came with its challenges. Finding the right space was difficult, but they eventually settled into a medium-sized office inside a medical complex. With a growing workload, they expanded their team, adding a studio manager and assistant. Now, with five full-time employees, their goal is to train team members to handle school photography independently, freeing the founders to explore new creative ventures.
The TogDrop® Connection
While attending APPA’s Capture24 event, the Smith Artisan team encountered photographer and businessman Chris Fritchie. His class introduced them to Gary and Elaine from TogDrop®, whose innovative studio setup products immediately caught their attention. After attending a weekend course in Dallas to see the products in action, they incorporated the TogDrop® system into their studio. The efficiency and ease of use were game-changing for their operations.
Specializing in Creativity
Over time, each founder developed their unique focus. One specializes in editorial lifestyle and high school senior photography, while the other excels in newborn and children’s portraits. The demand for Kerry’s work grew so much that it led to the launch of her own brand, Kerry Annette. She has since left her teaching career to pursue photography full-time and is working toward her CPP degree, which her partner earned last year.
A Journey of Passion and Purpose
What began as a shared hobby has grown into a thriving business. Smith Artisan now represents a blend of artistry, technical expertise, and a genuine passion for capturing meaningful moments. It’s a journey they never expected but are proud to share with their clients and community.
