We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tyler Smiley. Check out our conversation below.
Tyler, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me depends on the day actually.
Since I shoot real estate photos as my primary job, each day is different from the last based on where I’m going that day, how many shoots I have, and of course, what the houses look like.
If I had to describe a normal day, I’d say it looks something like this:
Each day typically starts off with delivering any media from any shoots the day before. Then I’ll work on some things in my business like administrative or marketing stuff if I have any of that I need to get done. If not, I’ll edit some landscape or wildlife photos that I’ve taken recently to share on my social media pages. Normally I don’t start my real estate shoots until 10:00 am, so I’ll leave my house to go wherever that is typically between 9:00 and 9:30, maybe a little later if it is close by. From then until I finish the last shoot – normally between 2:00 and 3:00 if I had to estimate – I’m out taking photos of real estate all day. Once I get home I upload all the photos from the day to get edited, and have my day finished normally by 5:00 or 5:30 pm.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
You bet!
My name is Tyler Smiley, and I’m a photographer based out of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I have a thriving real estate photography business that has exploded in size over the last two – three years, going from 125 properties photographed in 2023 to what will be close to, if not over, 500 properties photographed this year alone.
When I’m not working on a real estate shoot, I enjoy photographing life along the coast. From sunrises (because I’m definitely more of a morning person), to our diverse wildlife, going out into nature and capturing the scenes I see is a really relaxing experience and welcome change of pace.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I really like this question because there are so many different ways to answer it. The obvious ones would be parents and grandparents because of the work ethic they instilled in me growing up.
That said, I’m going to go a different route and say my high school calculus teacher, Mr. Chiofolo, was the one who taught me the most about work.
He was very clear about his expectations in how we were to present our homework to him, how we had to set up the worksheets we turned in with our tests throughout the year, and much more. He would always say, “You have to take pride in your work. By taking pride in your work, and putting out the best work you can, you are showing the world you care and that they should care too. Conversely, if you don’t put out your best work, you’re showing the world you don’t care and that they don’t have to care either.”
That really resonated with me, and I think has really made the biggest impact in getting me to where I am in my career and life right now. So, Mr. Chiofolo, if you’re reading this at any point in time, thank you for that.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely.
When I first made the leap into full-time photography I couldn’t help but wonder if I made the wrong decision a couple times. The first full year that I was in business for myself, I had so many weeks where I didn’t have any work at all that I found myself looking at job postings on LinkedIn and Indeed.
That said, I’m glad I chose to persevere. The freedom of being self-employed and joy I get from doing what I do couldn’t be matched by any other type of work. Self-employment is not for the faint of heart.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The better your gear, the better the photos you produce.
I’ve seen photos taken on entry level cameras that are better in every way than others that I’ve seen taken on expensive DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Upgrading your gear is not a guaranteed way to get better photos. The only way you can get better photos is to go out and shoot, learn how to dial in your camera settings, and work to ensure your photos are in focus when you take them.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I think my clients would miss the honesty, reliability, and flexibility that I bring to the table.
Several of them have told me about experiences with other real estate photographers that were less than stellar – the photographer completely skipped rooms or charged extra to shoot community amenities, etc.
Those experiences have definitely shaped my business, and I also act rather flexibly as far as what I do at each home – some light staging of the homes, hiding cords and cables, etc. – which my clients really appreciate as it helps ensure they get the best photos possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tylersmileyphotography.com
- Instagram: @tylersmileyphotography
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/tylersmileyphotography
Image Credits
Kevin Lynam (Portrait of me and my dog)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
