About Us

A 2017 EMMY-nominated filmographer and internationally recognized photographer known for his thought-provoking visuals and high-profile clientele, Sebastian Smith came from humble beginnings. Born in the back seat of a Cadillac in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1971, Smith was adopted as an infant and taken to Europe where he spent his formative years living in England, Italy, Austria, Germany, Iceland, and the city he considers home, Paris. He moved back to the U.S. at 13 years old and resided in Washington D.C. before attending university at the Art Institute and Carnegie Mellon. He went onto to join the Airforce spending time in Kuwait and Iraq where he subsequently discovered his love of photography.

Like all artists hungry for the next big thing, Smith moved to NYC in 2001. After a series of unfortunate events, he found himself homeless on the streets of New York before meeting a
woman on the subway who changed the course of his life forever. “I met a woman and we got to talking. I told her my story of how I became homeless and she gave me money to get back on my feet. I took that money and immediately bought new clothes, and for the first time in almost six months looked I respectable.” Portfolio in hand, Smith booked a meeting with Vera Wang and was hired on the spot. This led to contracts with brands like Saks Fifth Avenue and Valentino, and from there his career blossomed.

Smith was named as a top emerging artist in 2013 by Photo District News’ ​Emerging Photographers​ magazine. Today, his portfolio features a distinguished client list that includes
internationally respected fashion designers, high-profile magazines and A-List celebrities. His most recent work has appeared in advertising campaigns and magazines throughout the U.S. and Europe including France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, England, Portugal and Poland. His work is currently represented by two galleries: Happy Artist in Paris and Mitchell Hill Gallery in South Carolina.