Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Smyer
Hi Brian, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography wasn’t the plan. Not at first.
I’ve always been drawn to figuring things out—how light moves, how people interact, how stories unfold in a single frame. What started as curiosity turned into something bigger: a career, a passion, and a way to connect with people in ways I never expected.
At first, I was just trying to get good—really good. I spent years mastering lighting, composition, and the psychology behind a great image. But the more I learned, the more I realized that photography is about people more than cameras. It’s about trust. Vulnerability. The ability to make someone feel comfortable enough to show you who they really are.
That connection is what drives me. It’s what makes my work stand out—because I’m not just focused on taking a great picture. I’m focused on making people feel something when they see it.
That’s why I’ve started shifting my focus—not just on creating beautiful images but on sharing what I’ve learned. Through my newsletter, Behind the Lens, I take people beyond the photos—into the stories, the creative process, and the deeper connection that makes photography so powerful. Whether you’re a photographer, a business owner, or just someone looking for inspiration, my goal is to give you something that sticks. A new way to see, create, and connect.
Because at the end of the day, photography isn’t just about capturing what’s in front of you—it’s about seeing the world differently.
So here I am today—still learning, still pushing myself, and helping others do the same. Whether I’m behind the camera or in front of it, my mission is the same: to help people see their potential, step into confidence, and capture the moment—whatever that moment may be.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not even close. But I’ve learned that the hardest roads usually lead to the best views.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is separating my self-worth from my income. Photography is deeply personal—it’s not just a service, it’s a craft, a reflection of years of effort. So when business is slow, it’s easy to start questioning everything. Am I good enough? Do people still value what I do? Imposter syndrome loves to creep in during those quiet times, whispering that maybe I just got lucky, maybe I don’t really belong here.
Freelancing also means there’s no steady paycheck, no guarantee that the next project is right around the corner. There have been stretches where work was overflowing—back-to-back projects, clients excited to book. And then there have been times when the inquiries slowed, and I had to fight the instinct to panic, to wonder if I should be doing something—anything—else.
Another challenge? Learning to set boundaries with giving. Over the past decade, I’ve donated over a quarter million dollars’ worth of my time to charities and causes I believe in. And while that work has been incredibly meaningful, it’s also been a lesson in balance. Giving feels good—it’s why I do it. But when you give too much without refilling your own cup, burnout sneaks up on you. I had to learn that saying no sometimes doesn’t make me selfish. It makes me sustainable.
Through all of it, I’ve kept pushing forward, learning, evolving—not just as a photographer, but as a person. That’s why I started my newsletter “Behind the Lens”, to share the real, unfiltered side of creativity. The highs, the lows, the moments of doubt, and the moments that make it all worth it. Because the road isn’t smooth, but it’s one hell of a ride.
https://smyerimage.kit.com/7bb5855c2c
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At my core, I’m a storyteller. Photography just happens to be my medium.
I specialize in capturing people—their energy, their confidence, the way they move through the world. Whether it’s a branding session for a business owner, a headshot that makes someone feel seen, or a wedding day filled with unfiltered emotion, my focus is always on the feeling behind the image.
I don’t just take photos; I create an experience where people feel comfortable enough to let their guard down. That’s what I’m known for—helping people see themselves in a way they might not have before. So many of my clients walk in saying, I hate having my photo taken, and walk out saying, That actually felt fun! That transformation? That’s what I’m most proud of.
I’m also proud of the work I’ve done behind the scenes— Giving back through photography has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, but it’s also taught me some tough lessons. I’ve learned that generosity has to be paired with sustainability, that it’s okay to charge what I’m worth, and that giving should never come at the expense of my own well-being.
What sets me apart? It’s not just the technical side—though I’ve spent over 15 years mastering lighting, composition, and body language. It’s the human side. The ability to put people at ease, to find the shot that makes them feel something, to create an image that tells a bigger story.
And that’s exactly what I share in Behind the Lens, my newsletter. It’s not just about photography—it’s about creativity, connection, and the behind-the-scenes moments that don’t always make it into the final image. Because the best stories aren’t just the ones we capture—they’re the ones we live.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Absolutely. When COVID hit, I had 2020 lined up to be my best year yet. I had booked enough work that, even if I didn’t take on another job all year, I was set. Then, almost overnight, everything disappeared. Weddings were canceled or postponed indefinitely. The vendors and industry professionals I had spent years building relationships with had to find other work, and suddenly, my entire network was gone.
I didn’t just lose income—I lost momentum. And rebuilding? That’s been the hardest part. Starting from scratch, forging new relationships in an industry that had been turned upside down, trying to find my footing again in a world that had changed completely—it’s been a challenge I never expected to face.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that adaptability is everything. Photography, like any creative career, isn’t just about skill. It’s about resilience. About being willing to evolve, to find new ways to connect, to keep showing up even when it feels like you’re miles behind where you used to be.
I’m still working my way back, still rebuilding, still figuring out how to create something even stronger than before. But if there’s one thing COVID taught me, it’s that nothing is guaranteed—and that’s not always a bad thing. Because when everything falls apart, you get to decide how to put it back together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smyerimage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smyerimage/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.smyer/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-smyer/
- Other: https://smyerimage.kit.com/7bb5855c2c
