On entering the studio of Ron Smith Photography and viewing the large prints covering the walls, you immediately know you are in the presence of a creative photographer. Smith relocated his business to a storefront studio from his in-home studio three years ago.
In that short amount of time Clarkston residents have gained an appreciation for his work and are now realizing why the September 2002 issue of Shutterbug magazine labeled Ron Smith ‘an up and coming shooting star?.
‘There is a unique look to the photos I take here and on location,? said Smith, owner of Ron Smith Photography. ‘While there is always a market for traditional photography, I want to push the creativity to a new level.?
Smith says high school senior portraits have changed drastically in the last twenty years. ‘Today’s high school seniors are more fashion conscience and acutely aware of the trends in print media. That is the look they want. So, I have to walk that line between what mom and dad wants, traditional portraits, and what the senior desires. It is a challenge, but it is fun too.?
Smith’s studio has grown with his business. Almost like a birthday present to his the studio, Smith has added new sets and props each year for use with indoor portraits. ‘No one else in the area has the sets that I have,? Smith said. ‘I also have new design tools and lights to create unique pieces of art not only for my senior portraits, but all my final prints.?
Smith likes to give his customers choices ? some easy, some hard. ‘The hardest choice most parents have with senior pictures is limiting the number of final prints. The average senior walks out of here with 50 proofs and they usually narrow it down to 5-8 poses for final prints. You don’t know how many times I have heard parents say it was hard to choose because the proofs were all so good.?
But the choices don’t end there. Instead of trying to force customers into predetermined packages with catchy names, Smith allows his customers to custom design their final print package with his ‘create a package?. ‘I don’t force parents to order eight 8x10s just because they need 100 wallet size prints.?
Like high school senior portraits, weddings can be both fun and challenging at the same time said Smith. ‘Great customer service revolves around setting expectations. With weddings, the expectations begin with the wedding consultation.?
During the initial wedding consultation, Smith learns a bit about each couple, their wedding plans, and what types of photos they desire. ‘With most large studios, the photographer is assigned 72 hours prior to the wedding. So I have a distinct advantage over large studios in I know the couple and they know me.?
While traditional photographs are required at most weddings, Smith enjoys shooting in his own unique style. ‘The last thing I ever want to see is a picture of the groom and his groomsmen standing like they are lined up for a soccer penalty kick. I prefer to photograph the men like a promotional shot for a band’s CD.?
After the wedding, Smith quickly delivers printed proofs to the couple. They in turn decide which pictures are to be included in their final wedding album. ‘Again, I give them choices for their final prints. Do they want black and white, spot coloring, special effects, etc? Most couples decide on the final pictures but leave the creativity to me.?
Choices continue with the full complement of wedding albums Smith offers. He is however particularly excited about the new library bound style contemporary albums which have been well received. ‘These unique albums allow for me to break through some barriers that stifled my creativity with traditional albums. I can now use my whole arsenal of effects to artistically tell the story of their wedding day. For example I can flow multiple pictures across a two page spread.?
Although concentrating mainly on high school seniors, weddings and sports leagues, Ron Smith is available year round for other types of assignments.
‘I love my location. Not only do I have a large indoor studio to accommodate the sets, but I am also within 5 minutes of several parks and beaches.?
Ron Smith Photography is located in Gateway Plaza at 7044 Gateway Park Dr, on the corner of Andersonville and White Lake Rds. Hours vary by season, but Ron is always available by appointment. To schedule sessions, wedding consultations or for more information call 248-625-3686 (FOTO). You may also, visit www.ronsmithphotography.com or www.clarkstonphotographer.com for additional information or to see sample photos.

Ron Smith does not merely take snapshots, he preserves people’s lives. He does not have photo assignments, he immortalizes special occasions. He does not capture senior pictures, rather he creates unique pieces of art. He does not simply provide expertise, he infuses an artist’s touch into his work so all his customers come away with a unique gallery of memories and moments to cherish.
‘It is always fun to be able to photograph and create something, for 15 years as a project manager it was a step by step methodology. Now I am able to use that side of my brain for the business aspect and the other side of my brain creatively,? said Smith, owner of Ron Smith Photography.
When Smith shows off his work, his even-paced, somewhat faded, Texas accent starts to tumble from his mouth. The enjoyment he derives from his photography, shows in the quality of his work. And each project is approached carefully, with an acute attention to detail.
‘Something I like to do is sit down with the bride and groom and find out what their expectations are. If I’m going to spend eight hours with a bride and groom on their special day, all three of us have to be compatible.? said Smith. ‘The key to the wedding consultation is to get to know the couple. I don’t just walk in and say ‘Here’s my album. Here’s my prices. See you later.??
Smith knows that when he is photographing a wedding, the bride and groom want his pictures to make them feel exactly how they did at the altar.
‘I think I have an advantage over some of the bigger studios. With some of the large studios, a couple goes in for a wedding consultation and they look at all of the different albums, and they don’t know who their photographer is going to be for the wedding,? said Smith. ‘I like to be non-intrusive. The best compliment I’ve ever received, and I’ve gotten it twice now, was ‘Don’t take this the wrong way but we didn’t even know you were there.? That’s the way I want it to be. I want to put on my zoom lens, step back and shoot the first kiss, or a tight shot of the first dance and capture the emotion.?
After the wedding Smith delivers traditional paper proofs and invites the couple back to his studio to handpick the best photos for their wedding album. With his skills at the keyboard, Ron has been able to show brief windows into his subject’s thoughts on their special day. One of Ron’s creations shows a bride standing before a window in which she and her new husband are sharing their first kiss at the altar.
Smith’s philosophy of providing excellent customer service in a relaxed atmosphere carries over to work done inside his studio, which is located in the Gateway Park plaza at the corner of Andersonville and White Lake roads.
With the addition of a brand new set, Smith can simulate a variety of outdoor and indoor settings to provide individuality to senior photos or family portraits while maintaining traditional appeal.
‘I’m not going to push nine kids a day through my studio. I want to be able to enjoy my time with them. I want them to have fun. I’m not going to sit there and rush them through, that’s not my style,? said Smith, whose refreshing approach also carries over to his pricing. ‘I’m not going to say ‘The black and white session is 15 minutes, this is 15 minutes, this is 30 minutes.? and get you out the door. I don’t have a set package that I force you into. I have what I call ‘Create a package.??
Instead of trying to force square pegs into round holes with predetermined packages and strict pricing guidelines, Smith allows his patrons to mix and match, so as to custom design their own package.
‘If they want 100 wallets and four 8×10’s then they can get that package. I don’t make my customers pay for photos they don’t want,? said Smith.
Ron Smith is available year round for all sorts of photo engagements. He has extensive experience in shooting everything from sports to professional head shots.
Located at 7044 Gateway Park Dr., on the corner of Andersonville and White Lake roads, Ron Smith Photography is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment. Call 248-625-3686 (FOTO) to schedule any type of session. Also visit www.ronsmithphotography.com to see what dates are available for wedding ceremonies.