Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Smith.
Hi Bryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My love for multimedia started when I was just a young whipper snappa’. I grew up in the 1990s when the internet was still growing. I gravitated towards electronics and media just like plenty of other young millennials. So at a young age, I was admitted into the magnet school program, basically public schools that offered special curriculums (or majors). Mine was broadcast and communications. That started from pretty much elementary school up until I graduated college. I was even a live events videographer at my church up until I went off to college. In college, my aunt bought me my first camera, a Nikon D3300 bundle kit. That was back in like 2015. That’s where I really fell in love with photography and entrepreneurship. I started out doing graduation sessions and small campaigns for my friends and different organizations on campus.
After I graduated with honors from Florida A&M University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, I started my career as an associate producer at WPLG Local 10 News here in south Florida but photography never left me. I’d still sneak in a few gigs on the side here and there. A few months of contemplating went by until I finally decided it was time to take a leap of faith and dive into entrepreneurship full-time. My first year was all about learning and adapting to this new lifestyle. Since then, I’ve been able to learn, grow, and sustain myself as a full-time photographer and cinematographer. Photography has done much more for me than I could ever imagine. I’m so grateful for the relationships I’ve grown and the places I’ve seen. Today, I’m the creative director and CEO of SmittyVibe Visions. I’m constantly growing and remaining a student of the game. I currently specialize in capturing love stories and personal branding. It’s been a heck of a journey so far and I’m looking forward to what the future awaits.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Lol smooth road.. Good one. But no, not at all. I have never met any entrepreneurs that haven’t faced some type of struggle along the journey. For me, it was an extremely bumpy ride in the beginning. Entrepreneurship is a different beast of its own and it can be even tougher when transitioning from the traditional 9-5. You don’t have anyone there to help you through things. You have to figure it out on your own. And just like others, life happens. The biggest lesson came in 2018 when I was charged with a DUI only a few months after I dropped out of corporate America. That was a pivotal moment for me mentally and spiritually. I was sentenced to nine months probation. But God still carried me during that time. Even with little to no bookings, I never missed a deadline for any probation fees or requirements. That season of my life really matured me and helped me gain more clarity in my life. To this day, I still think that was God’s way of getting my attention. I ended up finishing in just six months and I was never convicted so it all worked out. Since then, I was able to shift my focus and really start growing the business. I still have struggles like the next man or woman but I’m able to manage them differently.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So when I first started shooting, I was mainly known for shooting college graduation photos at my alma mater, Florida A&M University. Then as time went on, I grew a love for weddings and personal branding. I love impacting someone through visual storytelling. Now I mainly specialize in weddings, portraits, and personal branding here in SoFlo. I’m known for creating a vibe whether it’s still or motion. I think what I’m most proud of is when I look back at where I came from to where I am today, there’s more work that needs to be done but I am steadily growing. I went from working the graveyard shift sitting at a desk for 8-10 hours to paying my expenses and lifestyle through something I look forward to doing every single day. Apart from being talented behind the lens, I think my character will take me a long way. I want to see all of my peers win. I never feel like I need to step on the next man’s toes to get ahead in life and that type of mindset gives me peace. When you want to see others win, I think that good energy returns back to you. Not that I feel this way because I’ve reaped the benefits. That’s just how I am lol always wanting to see my fellow brother or sister win. I think there’s power in the community. So competition-wise, I don’t really see myself competing against anyone, only myself.
How do you think about luck?
I think with hard work and consistency, one can create luck. Just putting yourself out there against all odds and showing up can produce the opportunities(good luck) you seek. Also, I’m faith-based so I always believe in favor.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@thesmittyvibe.com
- Website: thesmittyvibe.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thatsbryansmith
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smittyvibevisions
Image Credits
Bryan Smith