We had the good fortune of connecting with Sean Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sean, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor? That is a really great question. It starts from the beginning. When starting photography, I was escaping reality. I was 16, in a difficult space, facing myself in a new way. I found peace by picking up a camera and capturing the beauty of the world around me. I did a lot of volunteering at a church and ended up connecting with a famous photographer. She gave me my first professional camera because God told her to bless me. Her willingness to pour into me and her anchor in God is what gave me my start, and is, ultimately, the most important factor behind my finding success in this field. I was just a kid having fun expressing himself behind a lens. But receiving this camera showed me how much impact can be made when you’re listening to the Lord. Hebrews 6:19 says “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” This “anchor” in the Lord has become the theme and foundation of my business. If I can show a person how beautiful they are because of what I can see, how much more may that impact increase when they get a glimpse of how God sees them. Success can’t be measured in one event. For me, success is a process; a series of events, finding over and over how God sees you. I want my brand to embody the hope of that trustworthy anchor by encouraging an experience in my client’s sessions that ushers others towards the realization of their true identity in the eyes of God.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My photography is as natural as it gets. I want people to see reality. I want others to see the pureness of how fearfully and wonderfully made they are by not over editing, but still having a professional finish. Self-evaluation was my biggest obstacle. I struggled with self-sabotage, toxic traits, and unhealthy patterns. I was stuck in my own ways but have made progress towards identifying these things to further my business. Nothing worth having is easy, but nothing is impossible. Finding my purpose helped me come into alignment with overcoming setbacks. I have learned to have clear expectations and goals. so to anyone that doesn’t feel like you are worth it, trust me, I’m just a regular kid in warner robins Ga, but with God anything is possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Personally, I am a homebody and traveler, but I also do photography all over Georgia. I have favorites in multiple cities. Mornings at Taste and See in Macon, Ga is a must. Their chai tea latte is my favorite and I enjoy the peaceful vibe and worship atmosphere. If I’m in Savannah during mid-day, YATAI ramen + yakitori is my go-to for lunch. I am a fan of anime and their decor is nerd heaven, full of intricate anime art on the walls. My dish of choice is the tonkatsu with ramen and grilled chicken, extra noodles with a boiled egg. I am family-oriented and value a good homecooked meal at moms. I like to skateboard and use open parking lots as my skateparks. Sunrises on the beach in Savannah are a favorite as well. I like to go to bookstores and draw with friends in my other free time. By the time it’s over I make sure to gather all my brothers for some epic battles of super smash bros, Mario kart, naruto, and just about any multiplayer video games.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It would be impossible to thank just one person or entity for where I am today. It has been my entire community; my family, my friends, my clients, all those who have invested in me and trusted me to help them tell their unique and beautiful stories.

Website: www.seanalan.photography

Instagram: @seanalanphotography

Facebook: Sean Alan Photography

Image Credits
All photos are taken by Sean Alan Photography
My personal one was taken by my uncle, Matthew Whitsey

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