Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnie Wayne Smith.
Donnie Wayne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My background is actually in music. I picked up a guitar at a young age and never really put it down. Eventually, that passion turned into a career — I toured the world as a full-time rock guitarist, playing for bands like the ’80s legends Winger and the former lead singer of Bad Company. It was loud, wild, and full of unforgettable experiences.
Photography, on the other hand, wasn’t part of the plan. It started when my wife Kerry and I were just looking for something creative we could do together when I wasn’t on the road. I found a couple of Canon kits on eBay, we dove in, and — true to our personalities — we went all in. We studied, practiced, and learned everything we could, with zero expectations and no business plan to speak of. It was “just a hobby”
Then, as often happens, life threw us a plot twist. A friend asked us to shoot their son’s senior portraits. One thing led to another — that mom showed those photos off at a salon, someone else saw them, and suddenly we were being asked to photograph a wedding. We bought a course on CreativeLive, used the bride’s retainer to buy the gear we needed, and figured it out as we went.
Soon after, someone from the city government noticed our work and asked us to shoot a couple of ad campaigns. That’s when we decided to make it official — got our EIN, a business license, and dove headfirst into the world of photography. It’s been a strange, fun ride ever since.
Now, we have 5 fulltime employees and two part-time employees. All helping us keep the machine running.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, it most certainly has not been a smooth road. I had no mentor, no guide — just a lot of trial, error, and late-night Googling. My “education” came from making mistakes and learning the hard way. I tried to do everything myself: running the business, managing the books, editing, marketing, social media, CRM systems, taxes — the whole circus. Eventually, it burned me out.
When I finally admitted I needed help, the next challenge was finding the right help. I wasn’t just looking for a warm body — I needed someone who could catch the vision, grow with it, and cheerlead the brand right alongside me. That kind of person isn’t easy to find.
It took years — and I mean years — to build the team we have now. And while we still hit the occasional bump, I can honestly say we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without this group. They’re the backbone of the business, and I’m grateful every day that I stuck it out long enough to find them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Honestly? We do a bit of everything — and I’m not even sorry about it. Over the years, I’ve heard many photographers preach about “niching down.” And while that might work for them, I get bored way too easily for that. So I did the opposite. We photograph weddings, high school seniors, high-volume schools, product photography, real estate, boudoir, pets — if it involves a camera and a challenge, I’m in. And truthfully, I think we do a damn good job at all of it.
That variety has also made us more resilient as a business. When one revenue stream slows down, another picks up. It keeps things balanced — and keeps me sane.
But I don’t stop at photography. I also own Smith Artisan Woodwork, where I design and build handcrafted furniture. On top of that, I write and record music for networks like CBS Sports and Discovery Channel with a writing partner in Florida. We work remotely and have built a great creative rhythm.
I also run a YouTube project called Separate Studios Together, where I collaborate with musicians from all over the world. Each person records their parts from their own studio, and I mix everything into a finished track. It’s one of the coolest things I’ve done — it really proves how connected creativity can be, even across thousands of miles.
I’ve never been big on labels, but at some point I just had to accept it — I’m a creative. And whether that means picking up a camera, a guitar, or a table saw, it all comes from the same place.
As for what we’re “known” for? Maybe a little bit of everything. We’ve been named one of the Top 10 Portrait Photographers in Memphis a few times and picked up a few other awards along the way. But what I’m most proud of is the business we’ve built — from shooting in our two-car garage to running a full-sized studio, and now planning a custom studio build in Marion, Arkansas. That journey means more to me than any title.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The easiest way to work with me? Just reach out. I’m always up for a good conversation — whether it’s about photography, music, business, or figuring out how to balance all three without losing your mind.
One thing I’m especially passionate about is teaching and mentoring. When I started, I didn’t have anyone to show me the ropes — no mentor, no guide, just a lot of trial, error, and caffeine. So now I try to be that person for others. I’ve mentored students who are now award-winning photographers, and watching them thrive has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been part of.
If you’re looking to collaborate, learn, or just talk shop, I’m here for it. I believe in building up the next generation of creatives — whether you’re just picking up a camera or pivoting mid-career.
And if you’re wondering how to support what we do? That part’s easy too:
Hire us for your photography needs — senior portraits, branding, events, school photography, the whole nine yards. Tell a friend. Share our work on social media. Sometimes the simplest support (a tag, a comment, a kind word) goes further than you’d think.
We’ve built this business on relationships — and the people who’ve believed in us from the start. So whether you’re booking a session or just cheering from the sidelines, it truly means the world.
Pricing:
- With such a wide range of services, pricing can vary quite a bit — but if you reach out, we’re happy to talk through what you need and build something that works.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SmithArtisan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smith_artisan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmithArtisan/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DonnieWayneSmith
