Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Smith.
Hi Christopher, 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?
Started my journey in photography at the age of 5 when my father bought a cheap little camera for me.. My father was a part-time wedding photographer and I took an interest in his love of photography, so really his gift was my door to a life-long career.
My original career path was in aviation, I trained as a Pilot in 1983 but a lifelong career it was not to be. I returned to education, learnt photography and moved from amateur into the scary world of professional photography. This was my beginning, January 1990 in England. I worked, like all artists, chasing the dream doing what I had to do to built up my business – everything from a to z in the photo world and later specializing in Real estate and Commercial shoots, stock photography and travel. In 2011 I met my American fiancee and in late 2012 “jumped the pond” and moved to Sarasota FL.
Married my beloved Jennifer on Anna Maria Island Beach, received my green card and set up csfotoimages, shooting Real estate and commercial projects. In 2016 I took to the skies with drones gaining my Part 107.
In 2018 we moved to Tucson and a year later became a U.S. Citizen. I have built up my business here in Tucson to become one of the top 5 photographers in the City. When I am not shooting photos for clients, I am writing books. I have just finished my 45th book, a travel guide to London which you can find at redfrogbooks.com..
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Can anyone say “my career path has been a smooth road”? Its the bumps in the road that define you and defines your success or failure.
I have done all sorts of jobs in the early days in England… heavy landscaping, a bit of plumbing, bricklaying and shooting photos of pets, people and cheese ha! When covid was in full-fling, I was printing posters, but after the lockdown was lifted, things didn’t get back to normal straight away. I needed money and so took a part-time job with Enterprise as a driver… As worldly confidence grew, I able to go back to full-time photography.. In the 36 years as a pro photographer, I have made my way with little deviation – stayed true to my calling.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer, videographer and drone pilot. I specialize in Real Estate Photography for residential and commercial projects, I also focus on Short-term rentals for Airbnb and other companies providing STR solutions.
My skills are also shooting walk-thru videos and aerial videos for clients.
I am known for quality work, consistency, reliability and being a man of my word.
Pride comes before a fall. I am happy to say I have achieved the American dream in 14 years, house is paid for, cars are paid for and we money in the bank.. I would say successful. I am just sad to say my parents never saw my success.
What sets me apart from others? I am English. I have a sense of duty to my clients. A duty to provide the best and to show an interest in the person I am working with… I like to take time to get to know my clients.. it’s not all about just money.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Be Humble. You are only as good as the life you have created thanks to your clients…. Be grateful for what you have and be grateful for every day..
Pricing:
- 15 standard pics – $100
- 20 HDR Pics for $175
- 45 HDR Pics – $325
- Drone 15 pics $100
- Commercial Projects – $150hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.csfotoimages.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/csfotoimages
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/csfotoimages
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/csfotoimages
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/csfotoimages
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/csfotoimages
