Lighting Celebrity Portraits with Matthew Jordan Smith

#531 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Matthew Jordan
Smith, a renowned celebrity fashion and beauty photographer.
Matthew shares his inspiring journey, from his initial spark of
passion ignited by his father, to working with some of the
biggest names in Hollywood. He emphasizes the importance of
persistence, preparation, and developing a unique vision.

THE BIG IDEAS



Persist Through Challenges: Learning photography is a
marathon, not a sprint. Continuous practice and perseverance
lead to progress and success.


Prepare Meticulously: Visualization and preparation are
key. Develop storyboards or vision boards to communicate your
ideas clearly to clients and team members.


Embrace Your Unique Vision: Identify what you love in
life and let that passion drive your creativity. Your unique
perspective is what sets you apart.


Value Continuous Learning: Never stop learning, whether
it's about lighting techniques or new trends. Knowledge and
skill refinement keep your work relevant and captivating.



PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN
Visual Storyboarding: Create a vision board using images
from magazines, Pinterest, or your previous work that reflects the
mood and style you want to achieve. Share your storyboard with
peers or mentors to get feedback before your actual
shoot.Lighting Practice: Use a simple lamp to practice
different lighting techniques, experimenting with angles and light
intensity. Capture the same subject under various lighting
conditions to understand how light direction and quality impact
your photos.Portfolio Development: Curate a collection of
your best work in a digital portfolio, focusing on a consistent
theme or style. Update your portfolio regularly, replacing outdated
images with your latest and best work.Networking and
Learning: Join photography forums, social media groups, or
local clubs to connect with other photographers and exchange
feedback. Attend photography workshops or webinars to continuously
improve your skills and stay updated on industry trends.Client
Communication: Draft a clear project brief outlining your
vision, the shoot's purpose, and key details to share with your
client. Follow up with clients post-shoot to get feedback and
ensure their expectations were met, reinforcing professional
relationships.

RESOURCES:
Visit Matthew Jordan Smith's Website -
https://www.matthewjordansmith.com/
Follow Matthew Jordan Smith on Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith/


Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/


Connect with Raymond!


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https://perfectcamerasettings.com/




Thanks for listening & keep shooting!