Meet Sam Smutz | Couples and Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Sam, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Choosing a form of art as a career was never my plan. After I graduated highschool I traveled for a short time and worked a part time job when I was home. Photography has been a hobby and something I’ve enjoyed doing for almost as long as I can remember. My interest in photos and cameras is what prompted me to learn more and eventually start a business, but my love for people and getting to not only create with them but save their memories for them is what has made me continue to pursue photography as a career. There is nothing quite like the art of noticing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been pursuing photography as a career for just over two years now, and I would say this year has been the best and worse year so far. I have absolutely adored all of my clients and the amazing vendors I’ve had the privilege of working with, but I also had to learn some difficult lessons. With any job there are always mistakes you can make, lessons to learn, areas to grow in. I make plenty of mistakes and feel as if I have something new to learn every day, but no matter what happens I want to be truthful and humble. Whether I think I’ve done my job perfectly, or I fall short and make a mistake, a standard I have for myself and for my business is to have integrity and remain humble. I’ll never try to convince people that I have it all together, but I sure do care about my clients, and one of the ways I’ve learned to show that care is through honesty and being teachable.

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?
If my bestie is in town then we are going to all the coffee shops…Sidebar in Grand Haven is a favorite where I like to get the iced Honeybee latte with a banana and chocolate chip muffin. We might get our treats to go so we can walk down the street to Lemongrass where I love to spend money on all their cute clothing, especially all the neutrals! And in the fall I love to hike Rosymound park where there’s a beautiful overlook of the changing colors along with Lake Michigan.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Where I am now is thanks to both of my parents. My mom and dad were the ones who encouraged me to start a business and to try something new even though all the unknowns seemed scary at the time. They have always encouraged my sisters and I to do things afraid, and to not let our feelings or fears prevent us from growth and new experiences. They are my biggest supporters and best friends. Whenever I look back I know I’ll see them in my corner cheering me on.

Website: https://samsmutzphoto.com

Instagram: samsmutzphoto

Facebook: Sam Smutz Photo

Image Credits
Sam Smutz Photo