Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Smutz.
Hi Sam, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story as a photographer started young. When I was around 10 years old, I received my first point-and-shoot camera as a Christmas gift, and I’ve been taking photos ever since! I would love going for walks to capture shots of sunsets and nature, but that was the extent of my camera use until high school, when my parents got out their old DSLR and let me borrow it. I began practicing on my sisters and taking my friend’s senior photos (which looking back on are so cringey to me now haha). I am a self-taught photographer—after I graduated high school, I took a gap year and then decided to work instead of going to college, so the majority of what I know has been learned through trial and error and watching a lot of YouTube videos.
I don’t really remember deciding “I want photography to be my career”, I just knew that I loved being behind the camera and wanted to do it more often. So, just over a year ago in the spring of 2021, I decided to quit my part-time job in order to have more time to pursue photography as a business, and have been loving every minute of it!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With any job, there’s good days and bad days. I can’t believe the growth that has happened in just over a year, but I’ve had my share of difficulties. I honestly think one of the greatest struggles I’ve faced as a photographer is myself. as an artist, your job isn’t to simply complete a task but to create…I can be pretty hard on myself, and it’s easy for me to compare my work to someone else’s and be very judgmental of my own. I am my own worst critic, and that can make my job more difficult.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
To put it simply, I capture moments. I am a lifestyle photographer and aim to serve others by documenting their special moments in life so they can revisit them. I’ve shot everything from family and maternity sessions to senior graduates and weddings. My favorite sessions are with couples and engagements, and I also love taking bridal party photos!
I’m most proud of trying something new by starting this business despite not knowing how it was going to turn out. I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support I’ve received and am so thankful to all my clients for trusting me to capture such precious moments in their lives.
I think something that sets me apart is the experience I have being in front of the camera. I understand how awkward and uncomfortable it can be to have a stranger take your photos and to not know what to do with your hands, so I believe that has helped me better serve my clients and know how to give them a more comfortable experience. I feel as if I’m able to create an environment where people are comfortable being themselves, and that’s exactly what I want my clients to be!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Whether I’m shooting a 12-hour wedding or driving around location scouting, it’s all for the glory of God. I believe Jesus came to earth and lived a perfect life, then he died and rose again to save all those who believe in Him from their sins and gift them with forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus’ love for me has changed my life, and I simply want to love and serve others because He first loved me. It will never be about the money or status for me—I like to think that I would still be taking photos even if I didn’t have paying clients. Because if just one person comes to know the love of God through my business, then it’s all been worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samsmutzphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsmutzphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samsmutzphotography/
Image Credits
Courtney Nicole Photography
Sam Smutz Photography
