Ron Smith’s passion for photography shows from every wall in his studio.
Out front, senior portraits push beyond the standard, stiff grins and reveal a student’s true personality; a display of traditional and candid wedding shots capture the flood of emotion before, during and after the ceremony.
For Smith, in his fifth year in the studio’s current location, a successful career as a professional photographer is nothing short of a dream come true.
‘I couldn’t have done it without the support I’ve received from the people of Clarkston,? he said.
‘Word of mouth is absolutely the best advertising, and I’m extremely grateful for it.?
Smith’s success comes first, of course, from his talent and skill as a photographer.
But, he said, high-quality customer service comes standard, too.
Smith knows today’s customers are sophisticated shoppers who research and make comparisons, and he’s worked hard to earn loyalty and trust in the community.
For example, Smith is committed to providing every single client with quality pictures at a fair price’period.
? I don’t play games with people,? he said. ‘They have a right to know, up front, what the costs are.?
It’s for that reason, he said, a published copy of his price list is available both in-studio and on his website.
And, a recent website update allows busy customers to view his calendar, set an appointment and receive immediate online confirmation.
The website also features a number of galleries showcasing Smith’s wedding and senior photography.
For seniors, Smith spares no expense equipping his studio with cool backdrops, unique props, photo-enhancing software and state-of-the-art equipment.
But he encourages students to bring personal items as well’athletic equipment, musical instruments, anything that says ‘this is who I am.?
And’as a photographer who understands teenagers and makes a point of creating a casual, fun atmosphere’he also encourages seniors to bring music to play during the shoot.
‘I don’t rush anyone through here,? he said. ‘When the customer is relaxed, personality comes through and you get better images and natural portraits.?
‘Cheesy smiles,? he said, are definitely not included.
But Smith doesn’t take his comfortable, easy rapport with the younger generation for granted.
‘One student came in and told me ‘you have a good reputation with the kids at school,?? he said. ‘That meant so much to me.?
Smith also provides all-inclusive prices, parent albums and proofs with his wedding packages, and encourages couples to schedule a consultation.
‘I’ll do the traditional shots like the cake cutting and the first dance, of course,? he said. ‘But there’s also the creative aspect and the romantic poses to think about. I don’t ever use a predetermined form’I want to find out what your desires are.?
But while professional photography is Smith’s passion, it’s also his career.
‘I don’t do this part-time from home with a bunch of other projects going,? he said. ‘This is my fulltime profession.?
Smith also attends at least one conference every year and makes a point of networking with other photographers, keeping up with the industry and staying on top of trends.
It’s a long, long way from his days as a corporate-America project manager.
‘Today, I can work a 15 hour day and the time just flies,? he said. ‘I’m not stressed, there’s no grind. It never feels like work’it’s always fun.?
Curious? Smith is planning a spring open house, where he’ll offer specials for early booking. Want some free Tiger tickets? He’ll have those too.
Ron Smith Photography is located at 7044 Gateway Park Dr. on the corner of Andersonville and White Lake Road. Hours vary, but Smith is always available by appointment.
To schedule sessions, wedding consultations or for more information call 248-625-3686 or visit www.ronsmithphotography.com

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.