Styling a Photo Shoot with Disco Balls

STYLING A PHOTO SHOOT WITH DISCO BALLS. When it comes to adding a touch of magic and whimsy to your photoshoots, few props can match the dazzling effects of disco balls. These reflective wonders can transform a plain white seamless backdrop into a sparkling spectacle of light and color. In this blog post, I’ll share […]

Best Ways To Use Your Professional Photos To Enhance Your Brand

BEST WAYS TO USE YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS TO ENHANCE YOUR BRAND  Now that you have a folder filled with stunning images let me help you make the most of them. Here are a few ideas on using your professional photos to elevate your brand and take it to the next level. Create a Killer Email […]

The Perfect Hand-Painted Canvas Backdrop

THE PERFECT HANDPAINTEDCANVAS BACKDROP As a photographer known for my colorful and saturated work, working with a neutral backdrop was an unexpected yet delightful adventure. Recently, I got my hands on a handpainted Gravity backdrop that has become an indispensable part of my photography toolkit. This backdrop, with its distressed soft olive and beige tones, […]

Last Minute Photoshoot with David Terry

LAST MINUTE PHOTOSHOOT WITH DAVID TERRY. When it comes to photography, I’ve always considered myself a meticulous planner. I spend a significant amount of time creating mood boards, designing light diagrams, sourcing props and wardrobe, and carefully considering storytelling and posing. But there’s a thrill in the unexpected, in the spontaneous. Like the last minute […]

Creative Session With Zurii

CREATIVE SESSION WITH ZURII. My photography studio is my creative laboratory where I experiment with lighting and photography techniques. It’s a space where I refine my skills and explore new elements to grow as a creative. Recently, I invited Zurii to collaborate on a photography project. We began with a minimalist white set, I styled […]

Creative Portrait Photography Session with Emerson

I’m Gilmar Smith, I’m a creative portrait photographer based in Orlando, Fl. It is not secret that I love photography. More than a job for me is my obsession, my therapy, my happy place. So whenever I find myself in the studio I try my best to enjoy every second of the creative process by […]

Creative Personal Brand Session with Shena Field

There’s nothing more flattering than a client traveling from another state just for a photo session. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Shena, who flew all the way from South Carolina for a personal brand session. This experience was a true testament to the power of vision and creativity in photography.  THE […]

Personal Brand Session with Jesse Rottinghaus

As a creative portrait photographer based in Orlando, Florida, I strive to infuse every photo session with a unique touch that truly captures the essence of my clients. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Jesse Rottinghaus, a real estate agent who wanted to showcase his personal brand in a way that stands out […]

Creative Personal Brand Session with Dr. Lyly Nguyen

CREATIVE PERSONAL BRAND SESSION WITH DR. LYLY NGUYEN. In the heart of Orlando, Dr. Lyly Nguyen stands out as a leading figure in plastic surgery, renowned for her expertise, dedication, and compassionate approach. As a photographer specializing in creative portraiture, I recently had the honor of capturing Dr. Nguyen’s essence through my lens. Our photoshoot […]

Personal Project: Floral Harmony.

PERSONAL PROJECT: FLORAL HARMONY.  Personal projects provide a unique opportunity to explore new ideas without the constraints often imposed by client briefs. They allow us to experiment freely, creating work we want to create in the style we want to be known for. This not only helps in refining our skills but also showcases our […]

Styling Your Next Photoshoot With Dot Stickers

STYLING YOUR NEXT PHOTOSHOOT WITH DOT STICKERS! As a professional photographer, I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries and to create truly special images for my clients. It’s important to me that each photo session I do is an absolute success, with creative images that capture the moment while also pushing both myself […]

Wide Angle Lenses for Portrait Photography

MASTERING WIDE ANGLE LENSES FOR UNCONVENTIONAL PORTRAIT ARTISTRY.  As a photographer, you may have heard a billion times that you should never photograph people with a wide-angle lens because of the distortion they create, and man, you can find so many trolls policing these rules all over the internet. But to me, rules are only […]

Black and White Photography Studio SetUp with a V-Flat.

THE PERFECT BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY SETUP WITH A V-FLAT. BLACK & WHITE Headshots are a way people introduce themselves to the world. It’s the first image people see of you on a resume, or social media account such as LinkedIn, and the image people usually attach to their business cards and brochures. While gray […]

Mastering Tabletop Portraits. Part One: The Wooden Table.

MASTERING TABLETOP PORTRAITS PART ONE: THE WOODEN TABLE. By incorporating a table into your workflow, you can effortlessly create compelling images that tell stories, establish a comfortable environment for your subjects, and unlock a treasure trove of creativity. Join me as we embark on a journey filled with tips, tricks, and technical insights to elevate […]

SIMPLE WAYS TO STYLE YOUR NEXT PHOTOSHOOT WITH SEAMLESS PAPER!

SIMPLE WAYS TO STYLE YOUR NEXT PHOTOSHOOT WITH SEAMLESS PAPER! One of the greatest challenges that we encounter as studio photographers is providing our clients with a wide range of options while minimizing time and financial investments and time assembling different sets during a session. An effective technique I employ to elevate my sessions is […]

Artistic and Creative Ways to Frame Your Shots.

ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE WAYS TO FRAME YOUR SUBJECTS.  Framing is a fun way to direct the viewer’s eye toward the subject. It creates a sense of context and perspective by incorporating elements that enclose or surround the subject, effectively creating a frame within the frame. This technique not only adds aesthetic appeal but also enhances […]

RGB LIGHTING: Colored Shadows.

RGB LIGHTING COLORED SHADOWS. Photography is an art form that thrives on creativity, and one of the essential elements photographers utilize to craft captivating images is lighting. While natural light is a favorite choice for many, artificial lighting techniques can add an exciting dimension and control to your photography. In this article, we’ll explore the […]

Monochromatic Portraits.

MONOCHROMATIC PORTRAITS. HARNESSING THE VISUAL IMPACT OF A SINGLE COLOR. Photography has the remarkable power to capture the essence of a subject and evoke emotions in the viewer. By utilizing a single color in the background, clothing, and props, we can create visually striking images that leave a lasting impact.   Through monochromatic photography, we can […]

Exploring The Artistic Potential Of Props.

EXPLORING THE ARTISTIC POTENTIAL OF PROPS. Props are my favorite elements to enhance the visual appeal and storytelling potential of my pictures. Props not only add interest and help to tell a story in a photograph but also help subjects feel more at ease, allowing them to pose naturally and create captivating images. In this […]

Unveiling the Magic of Projectors in Creative Photography.

UNVEILING THE MAGIC OF PROJECTORS IN CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY. Experimentation is key to unlocking new levels of creativity. One technique that has gained popularity among photographers is using projectors as a versatile tool to enhance their images. By projecting light, patterns, or images onto subjects, we can create captivating special effects, unique backgrounds, and even project […]

The Magic Of Themed Family Sessions.

THE MAGIC OF THEMED FAMILY SESSIONS. Through the years I have worked as a photographer, I have witnessed firsthand how themed family sessions can create unforgettable memories and allow families to embark on exciting adventures together. By incorporating themes that reflect each family’s unique dynamics, tastes, and hobbies, we can turn a photo shoot into […]

Personal Brand Sessions FAQ

Personal Brand sessions FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Can I have a consultation before I book my session? Of course! I offer 15 minutes phone consultations, where we can get to know each other, discuss ideas, locations, usage of your images, and the date and time of the session that works best for you. You can […]

The Most Epic Christmas Cards

THE MOST EPIC CHRISTMAS CARDS. One of the reasons I love Christmas is that it is the only time of the year when we still get paper cards in the mail. I know, I know, many people send their Christmas by email. I’m guilty of sometimes doing it, too, because I run out of time […]

Preserving the Magic: Unique Children’s Photography That Captures Imagination

PRESERVING THE MAGIC: UNIQUE CHILDREN’S PHOTOGRAPHY THAT CAPTURES IMAGINATION. During childhood, our imaginations run wild and free, and dreams take flight. That creative treasure needs to be preserved. As children, we embark on countless imaginary adventures, exploring worlds beyond reality’s grasp. What if we could capture those fleeting moments of wonder, transform them into something […]

What To Wear On A Personal Brand Session

WHAT TO WEAR ON A PERSONAL BRAND SESSION. A personal brand photography session is an opportunity to make a remarkable first impression and communicate your brand’s story visually. By selecting the right wardrobe, embracing authenticity, and connecting with your audience, you elevate the impact of your personal brand imagery. Let your clothing choices reflect your […]

Personal Brand Sessions With Rachel

PERSONAL BRAND PHOTO SESSIONS: RACHEL ALDERMAN. Since 2019, I have had the privilege of being Rachel’s Personal Brand photographer, and together, we have crafted a remarkable collection of images that authentically capture her vibrant and bubbly personality and contagious enthusiasm. It is truly remarkable to witness how Rachel’s personal brand imagery consistently resonates with her […]

Family Photo Project: The Indy-Inspired SetUp

FAMILY PROJECT: THE INDY INSPIRED SETUP.  It had been quite a while since I embarked on a thrilling photography project with my kiddos. So when they approached me asking what I wanted for Mother’s Day, my heart skipped a beat. “A photography project together,” I blurted out with joyous excitement.  To me, it is not […]

Personal Brand Session Giveaway 2023

PERSONAL BRAND PHOTO SESSION GIVEAWAY! I am super excited to announce my annual Personal Brand Photography Session GIVEAWAY!. This prize is perfect for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to level up their online presence and stand out from the competition.  To enter, participants must complete the form below. The giveaway will close on […]

When Was The Last Time You Updated Your Headshot?

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU UPDATED YOUR HEADSHOT? If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you probably don’t think much about your headshot. After all, once you’ve got one that you’re happy with, what’s the point of changing it?. But here’s the thing: as your business evolves, so should your headshot. Think about it this way – […]

New Photography Class – White Seamless 11 Creative Ways to Use it.

THE SETUP. What if I tell you, you can utilize a white seamless in 11 different ways in no time to make the best out of your photography sessions and provide your clients with a wide variety of results that will convert into more income for your photography business?  In my newest class, now live […]