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an interview with Matthew Jordan Smith on reDefine

 

Tamara talks with beauty and fashion photographer, Matthew Jordan Smith, about shooting what you love, how to get out and make business happen, and his favorite photography “toys.”

 

 

About Matthew Jordan Smith

Los Angeles based photographer Matthew Jordan Smith has spent the past 20 years working with A-list clientele, including Oprah, Halle Berry and Jamie Foxx, as well as Pantene, L’Oreal, Revlon and Olay.

Officially sponsored by Sony and Microsoft as an icon in the photography industry, Matthew continues to seek new ways to advance the art and beauty of photography in both his personal and commissioned work. In addition to Matthew’s work behind the lens, he uses his talents to inspire others around the world through his speaking engagements, seminars, blog and personal projects.

129 responses to “an interview with Matthew Jordan Smith on reDefine”

  1. Msvanoort says:

    A neatly arched brow, a finely turned ankle; grace and sophistication in a trim package with a very shrill voice.

  2. Msvanoort says:

    A neatly arched brow, a finely turned ankle; grace and sophistication in a trim package with a very shrill voice.

  3. Rtclark621 says:

    Great interview!…Its kinda awkward that I’m the first to comment…but wish me luck! Thanks for the impromptu giveaway! 🙂

  4. Rtclark621 says:

    Great interview!…Its kinda awkward that I’m the first to comment…but wish me luck! Thanks for the impromptu giveaway! 🙂

  5. Gmfhoughton says:

    This marketing information is so timely.  Most people are struggling in this economy including myself.  I am looking for different way to recreate myself and my art.

  6. I loved your interview with Matthew Jordan Smith. So inspiring. I can’t wait till he appears on Creative Live as well 🙂

  7. Gmfhoughton says:

    This marketing information is so timely.  Most people are struggling in this economy including myself.  I am looking for different way to recreate myself and my art.

  8. I loved your interview with Matthew Jordan Smith. So inspiring. I can’t wait till he appears on Creative Live as well 🙂

  9. Katejosh09 says:

    Great interview!   

  10. Katejosh09 says:

    Great interview!   

  11. Gordon Jones says:

    Thanks for all the interesting posts.

  12. Gordon Jones says:

    Thanks for all the interesting posts.

  13. Mindy LeFort says:

    i loved this interview so inspiring! 

  14. Deedee71974 says:

    Thank you!!!

  15. Mindy LeFort says:

    i loved this interview so inspiring! 

  16. Deedee71974 says:

    Thank you!!!

  17. Joseph Gier says:

    I love the fact that he has a realistic approach to Learning his craft, doing the journeyman/yeoman work always with a eye to improvement and ultimately getting better and better. it speaks to his work ethic and to his wisdom in being realistic and focus on doing getting things done. I think too many artist do not get this; that talent can only get you so far. You need the experience and put in the hours to hone and master your craft. I like his positive attitude!

  18. Joseph Gier says:

    I love the fact that he has a realistic approach to Learning his craft, doing the journeyman/yeoman work always with a eye to improvement and ultimately getting better and better. it speaks to his work ethic and to his wisdom in being realistic and focus on doing getting things done. I think too many artist do not get this; that talent can only get you so far. You need the experience and put in the hours to hone and master your craft. I like his positive attitude!

  19. Fran says:

    One of my favorite interviews that I’ve seen on your show so far….

  20. I love watching your show 🙂

  21. Fran says:

    One of my favorite interviews that I’ve seen on your show so far….

  22. I love watching your show 🙂

  23. Great info, thanks for sharing! One thing I always question with people like Matthew, though. He said he started out just focusing on beauty and did photos for huge name brands such as Pantene, L’Oreal, etc… no one ever seems to mention how they *start out* working for such big companies. Starting a small business of my own, something like that seems unreal to do as a starting point.

  24. Manya Keseloff says:

    You are AWESOME!!!

  25. Alexis says:

    Matthew Jordan Smith is like an inspirational quote god and of course amazing photographer.

  26. elsa m says:

    I was so lucky to catch this interview live and felt Michael had so much useful information. I’m determined to go out and make business… No more waiting for business to come to me. Thanks Tamara and Michael! 

  27. Great info, thanks for sharing! One thing I always question with people like Matthew, though. He said he started out just focusing on beauty and did photos for huge name brands such as Pantene, L’Oreal, etc… no one ever seems to mention how they *start out* working for such big companies. Starting a small business of my own, something like that seems unreal to do as a starting point.

  28. Manya Keseloff says:

    You are AWESOME!!!

  29. Alexis says:

    Matthew Jordan Smith is like an inspirational quote god and of course amazing photographer.

  30. elsa m says:

    I was so lucky to catch this interview live and felt Michael had so much useful information. I’m determined to go out and make business… No more waiting for business to come to me. Thanks Tamara and Michael! 

  31. Steve Payne says:

    The “butterfly effect” by Mathew Jordan Smith finds inspiration in interesting places. 

  32. Steve Payne says:

    The “butterfly effect” by Mathew Jordan Smith finds inspiration in interesting places. 

  33. LondaElle says:

    Thanks for presenting helpful and interesting information. I enjoy watching.

  34. LondaElle says:

    Thanks for presenting helpful and interesting information. I enjoy watching.

  35. trudy montgomery says:

    love the interviews you get Tamara!

  36. trudy montgomery says:

    love the interviews you get Tamara!

  37. Monica says:

    Thank you for posting this video-I am doing some soul searching on what direction I need/want to go in my photography. I am in what I consider to be a bad habit-shooting a lot of different things, instead of focusing on shooting what I love. Matthew’s words about shooting what you love were so timely for me. Thanks again!!

  38. Monica says:

    Thank you for posting this video-I am doing some soul searching on what direction I need/want to go in my photography. I am in what I consider to be a bad habit-shooting a lot of different things, instead of focusing on shooting what I love. Matthew’s words about shooting what you love were so timely for me. Thanks again!!

  39. Another reminder to pick up the Carnegie book.  I loved that when asked for an example of how he turned an unpaid project into new business he had a concrete example (the Butterflies) and that he could likely establish a solid ROI for that work.  Great interview.
     

  40. Another reminder to pick up the Carnegie book.  I loved that when asked for an example of how he turned an unpaid project into new business he had a concrete example (the Butterflies) and that he could likely establish a solid ROI for that work.  Great interview.
     

  41. Thank you for sharing so much information!  Your reDefine interviews and CreativeLIVE workshops have been a huge help for so many!

  42. Thank you for sharing so much information!  Your reDefine interviews and CreativeLIVE workshops have been a huge help for so many!

  43. Raph says:

    This was so awesome to watch ! I especially liked “show what you love” ! – so true !

  44. Raph says:

    This was so awesome to watch ! I especially liked “show what you love” ! – so true !

  45. Kasey says:

    I loved your CreativeLIVE 2 day session on Photo biz. Thank you for giving back & helping teach the things that are so helpful to you & your journey in this business. 🙂

  46. jbzink says:

    It’s so great to see that a pro still does work for love and passion. Photography is fun or I’m done.

  47. Kasey says:

    I loved your CreativeLIVE 2 day session on Photo biz. Thank you for giving back & helping teach the things that are so helpful to you & your journey in this business. 🙂

  48. jbzink says:

    It’s so great to see that a pro still does work for love and passion. Photography is fun or I’m done.

  49. jbzink says:

    So great to hear a pro still doing photography out of inspiration from the heart, having fun.

  50. jbzink says:

    So great to hear a pro still doing photography out of inspiration from the heart, having fun.

  51. Kari says:

    You were fabulous on CreativeLive!!!!

  52. Kari says:

    You were fabulous on CreativeLive!!!!

  53. Ashley says:

    So glad I was able to catch this awesome interview on CreativeLIVE, lot’s of great information!! Thank you!!

  54. Ashley says:

    So glad I was able to catch this awesome interview on CreativeLIVE, lot’s of great information!! Thank you!!

  55. Hillary gardner says:

    Loooooved the seminar!!! I bought it too 🙂

  56. Rachel Allison says:

    Lovely! Thanks for sharing…been meaning to check out this site since you mentioned it on creativeLIVE glad you linked on twitter! Officially bookmarked 🙂

  57. this is a great interview Tamara! Thank you and thank you Matthew!

  58. Hillary gardner says:

    Loooooved the seminar!!! I bought it too 🙂

  59. Rachel Allison says:

    Lovely! Thanks for sharing…been meaning to check out this site since you mentioned it on creativeLIVE glad you linked on twitter! Officially bookmarked 🙂

  60. this is a great interview Tamara! Thank you and thank you Matthew!

  61. Tommyjphoto says:

    You Rocked my Face on CreativeLive! Airing your show simultaneously was a cool touch. Loved it! 

  62. Tommyjphoto says:

    You Rocked my Face on CreativeLive! Airing your show simultaneously was a cool touch. Loved it! 

  63. JamieHudsonPhotography says:

    Thank you so much for sharing these things with other photographers! It’s really inspirational and I love hearing about other’s work :o)

  64. JamieHudsonPhotography says:

    Thank you so much for sharing these things with other photographers! It’s really inspirational and I love hearing about other’s work :o)

  65. Kate DeCoste says:

    How awesome!  Love that  in only 10 minutes, I can be inspired.  Thank you!
     

  66. Kate DeCoste says:

    How awesome!  Love that  in only 10 minutes, I can be inspired.  Thank you!
     

  67. Diana Lundin says:

    Fantastic! Learned a lot from MJS as well as TL. And who doesn’t love Adorama?

  68. Adigitalcreations says:

    “Shoot what you love!” and “make things happen”  inspirational :o)

  69. Diana Lundin says:

    Fantastic! Learned a lot from MJS as well as TL. And who doesn’t love Adorama?

  70. Adigitalcreations says:

    “Shoot what you love!” and “make things happen”  inspirational :o)

  71. Hollydnc says:

    Thanks for sharing.

  72. Hollydnc says:

    Thanks for sharing.

  73. “put what inspires YOU into your work” Matthew Jordan Smith

  74. “put what inspires YOU into your work” Matthew Jordan Smith

  75. Lisa says:

    Great tips!! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  76. Lisa says:

    Great tips!! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  77. Photographybyjerryanddenise says:

    Watched this live last weekend!  Matthew’s such an amazingly real person. Him and you together Tamara is magical. So much focus and good advice in one day was really good timing. Hard to stay the course during such a tough time.

  78. Photographybyjerryanddenise says:

    Watched this live last weekend!  Matthew’s such an amazingly real person. Him and you together Tamara is magical. So much focus and good advice in one day was really good timing. Hard to stay the course during such a tough time.

  79. Jill says:

    I enjoyed the interview on CreativeLive and enjoyed watching it again!

  80. Susansuda07 says:

    Learning from other photographers, makes me a better photographer! Thanks Tamara!

  81. Jill says:

    I enjoyed the interview on CreativeLive and enjoyed watching it again!

  82. Susansuda07 says:

    Learning from other photographers, makes me a better photographer! Thanks Tamara!

  83. Shirley says:

    Great interview.  I’m thinking that I’d love to see a ‘bloopers’ reel of your interviews…But maybe you never have any bloopers:)   BTW, great show in CreativeLive.  Thanks.

  84. Shirley says:

    Great interview.  I’m thinking that I’d love to see a ‘bloopers’ reel of your interviews…But maybe you never have any bloopers:)   BTW, great show in CreativeLive.  Thanks.

  85. Kristin Cooley says:

    Awesome interview Tamara!! You’re amazing!

  86. Kristin Cooley says:

    Awesome interview Tamara!! You’re amazing!

  87. Sky says:

    I love giveaways, but now I’m hooked on reDefine!!! : D

  88. Sky says:

    I love giveaways, but now I’m hooked on reDefine!!! : D

  89. Barbminot says:

    I am so impressed! The conversation was witty, professional, educational and entertaining! Tamara . . Doing what she loves!

  90. Barbminot says:

    I am so impressed! The conversation was witty, professional, educational and entertaining! Tamara . . Doing what she loves!

  91. Jan D. says:

    Loved seeing this on CreativeLive…..awesome talent 🙂

  92. Jan D. says:

    Loved seeing this on CreativeLive…..awesome talent 🙂

  93. Andy Baker says:

    If your “Why” is big enough, you will figure our how.  andrewbakerphoto.com/blog

  94. Andy Baker says:

    If your “Why” is big enough, you will figure our how.  andrewbakerphoto.com/blog

  95. Tammy Williamson says:

    Here is my random comment….thanks for the chance to win!

  96. Tammy Williamson says:

    Here is my random comment….thanks for the chance to win!

  97. Kristina McCaleb says:

    Great interview! Thank you for allowing people to learn so much information.

  98. Kristina McCaleb says:

    Great interview! Thank you for allowing people to learn so much information.

  99. Amanda B says:

    Watched this on CL! Amazing interview and amazing class!

  100. Amanda B says:

    Watched this on CL! Amazing interview and amazing class!

  101. Barbara says:

    I love Matthew Jordan Smith.  I keep watching ANTM reruns hoping to see him!

  102. Barbara says:

    I love Matthew Jordan Smith.  I keep watching ANTM reruns hoping to see him!

  103. Nate says:

    Great interview. Just as good the second time around (cL). Thanks!

  104. Nate says:

    Great interview. Just as good the second time around (cL). Thanks!

  105. Younes says:

    this is the man !!!

  106. Younes says:

    this is the man !!!

  107. Carolyn Ann Ryan says:

    I loved this interview, especially the story of the butterflies. Shoot what you love. Also loved listening to his voice – such a great speaker and storyteller.  It was great to see it live, but very cool to watch again with his images to show context.

  108. Carolyn Ann Ryan says:

    I loved this interview, especially the story of the butterflies. Shoot what you love. Also loved listening to his voice – such a great speaker and storyteller.  It was great to see it live, but very cool to watch again with his images to show context.

  109. Caroline Lima says:

    Tamara, your class was so inspirational! And Matthew is this kind of person with such a good energy!  thank you both so much! 🙂

  110. Caroline Lima says:

    Tamara, your class was so inspirational! And Matthew is this kind of person with such a good energy!  thank you both so much! 🙂

  111. Bendcat says:

    Nicely done.

  112. Bendcat says:

    Nicely done.

  113. I absolutely LOVE how he emphasized that feeling those butterflies in my stomach and feeling weak in my knees is NORMAL and *part of the journey* toward project completion. Thank you so much, Tamara, for starting and continuing reDefine and for your creativeLIVE seminars – your insight is absolutely priceless!!

  114. I absolutely LOVE how he emphasized that feeling those butterflies in my stomach and feeling weak in my knees is NORMAL and *part of the journey* toward project completion. Thank you so much, Tamara, for starting and continuing reDefine and for your creativeLIVE seminars – your insight is absolutely priceless!!

  115. Photoqueen says:

    This was a great video…thanks!

  116. Photoqueen says:

    This was a great video…thanks!

  117. Kerry Mccarthy Photography says:

    As you know Tamara  I commented before the contest but now I’ll comment again “for the cash”! This was a great interview with many takeaways. For example as a photog you have to have positive energy, trust in your work and make things happen. Shoot, shoot, shoot and sell your visions. Be open to inspiration, it can come when you least expect it. Thanks to both you and Matthew for the great conversation!

  118. Kerry Mccarthy Photography says:

    As you know Tamara  I commented before the contest but now I’ll comment again “for the cash”! This was a great interview with many takeaways. For example as a photog you have to have positive energy, trust in your work and make things happen. Shoot, shoot, shoot and sell your visions. Be open to inspiration, it can come when you least expect it. Thanks to both you and Matthew for the great conversation!

  119. Magezi Mukandala says:

    This was a great interview and well placed within Tamara’s #CreativeLive workshop. It did a great job of underscoring the importance of having the faith to trust your vision enough to giveit a try. I have heard it many times said that the most successful people are those who fail the most, but keep at it despite outside and especially internal obstacles. What I thought came through and spoke to me from where I am with my photography is the importance of creating opportunities, but being prepared to take advantage of them. I believe the best sign of gratitude and humbleness when opportunity knocks goes beyond saying thank you bit making sure you can fully maximize on it.

    In a lot of ways I thought a part of the story left unsung was that infrastructure that was already in place to take full advantage of the “Butterfly” opportunity. There was a trusted team, easy ways for interested parties to get in touch with the creator as well I am sure good partnerships to help take this forward and to help spread it. I would love to see an expansion of this interviewakin to what I recently saw with Photoshelter and Carli Davidson’s viral “Shake” gallery (http://tinyurl.com/3fl7uh8).

    Thank you Tamara and CreativeLive. I have seriously re-examined my business since the workshop and have initiated strategies, plans and implementations I am very happy with. They will set me and my business on better ground moving forward to more consistently reach, collaborate with and bring value to my clients.

  120. Magezi Mukandala says:

    This was a great interview and well placed within Tamara’s #CreativeLive workshop. It did a great job of underscoring the importance of having the faith to trust your vision enough to giveit a try. I have heard it many times said that the most successful people are those who fail the most, but keep at it despite outside and especially internal obstacles. What I thought came through and spoke to me from where I am with my photography is the importance of creating opportunities, but being prepared to take advantage of them. I believe the best sign of gratitude and humbleness when opportunity knocks goes beyond saying thank you bit making sure you can fully maximize on it.

    In a lot of ways I thought a part of the story left unsung was that infrastructure that was already in place to take full advantage of the “Butterfly” opportunity. There was a trusted team, easy ways for interested parties to get in touch with the creator as well I am sure good partnerships to help take this forward and to help spread it. I would love to see an expansion of this interviewakin to what I recently saw with Photoshelter and Carli Davidson’s viral “Shake” gallery (http://tinyurl.com/3fl7uh8).

    Thank you Tamara and CreativeLive. I have seriously re-examined my business since the workshop and have initiated strategies, plans and implementations I am very happy with. They will set me and my business on better ground moving forward to more consistently reach, collaborate with and bring value to my clients.

  121. loracphoto says:

    Saw this last night, but couldn’t comment from my phone 🙁   He was awesome!  You can tell that this business still excites him – and it’s contagious! 

  122. loracphoto says:

    Saw this last night, but couldn’t comment from my phone 🙁   He was awesome!  You can tell that this business still excites him – and it’s contagious! 

  123. Eric L Smith says:

    Great workshop on Creative Live and a great interview.  I’ve always liked Matthew Jordan Smith’s work, but never heard him speak before.  It was great to hear that he is as excited about Photography as ever after many years in the business!  Thanks Tamara, Creative Live & reDefine for putting out great information for the photographic community!!!

  124. Eric L Smith says:

    Great workshop on Creative Live and a great interview.  I’ve always liked Matthew Jordan Smith’s work, but never heard him speak before.  It was great to hear that he is as excited about Photography as ever after many years in the business!  Thanks Tamara, Creative Live & reDefine for putting out great information for the photographic community!!!

  125. Faith Hovde says:

    I am making my way thru my Creative Live Show!  I have a feeling I will have to watch it a couple time for it all to sink in:)

  126. Faith Hovde says:

    I am making my way thru my Creative Live Show!  I have a feeling I will have to watch it a couple time for it all to sink in:)

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  128. Homer says:

    My first visit here and i liked it from the beggining

  129. Naughty Nora says:

    Hello from Melbourne, Australia. Thanks for the interesting content. It helped me a lot with my school internet research assignment 🙂

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