StudioOneRemote

I'm Michael Smith, the owner of Studio One Remote, a US-based remote photography service. I have had a lifelong fascination with the art and science of photography, having started when I was 13 with a simple Kodak camera and a roll of 120 film. I've had a long, rewarding, and diverse career, from serving on active duty with the US Army in the Republic of Korea, through years of graduate study leading to my Ph.D. to serving as a DoD Supervisory Personnel Research Psychologist for 25 years, to owning a B2B rental photo studio after my retirement in 2005. The studio opened in February of 2009 as the first commercial rental photography studio in the Pensacola, FL, area and grew in popularity for 13 years. 

Unfortunately, The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown beginning in April 2020 forced me to suspend my commercial studio business for several months, with a partial re-opening in late September 2020.  Only three months later, in late December 2020, I experienced a sudden, total, and irreversible hearing loss in my right ear and a temporary effect on my sense of balance. It may have been COVID-related, but I was never sick. Unfortunately, this caused me to close the studio in late December 2022.  I met many wonderful folks during my 13 years running Studio One and I miss them all..

As an accommodation for my new hearing disability, I began exploring remote photography from my home office/studio in Florida, using the internet to access DSLR-oriented rentals and home studios in the US. In early 2023, I discovered a new technology option: the Shutter App™ for remote photography outside the confines and expense of a DSLR studio, using the ubiquitous and ever more capable smartphone as a camera to photograph clients or models.  I was initially skeptical, but after almost 2 years of experience, I can tell you - it works! In early 2024, I joined the UK-based PurplePort service to expand my remote photography network internationally, and I have met many incredible models and photographers here. I can now collaborate with models in photo sessions at any time and anywhere in the world using the Shutter App™ installed on their smartphones and the Shutter Studio™ web portal from my home office/studio in Florida, USA.

I have also started using Elixxier's Set.A.Light (SAL-3D) photography session planning and 3-D simulation system to plan my international remote photography sessions and help produce my digital art. With just a few measurements or estimates provided by the model or client and a snapshot or two of the session location, I can accurately simulate the positioning of the camera, lights, furniture, and other equipment, as well as provide themes and wardrobe in advance to make better use of the time available for the session. Because of this, I rarely need more than a one-hour session to capture the 200 - 300 images I want. This makes it convenient for the model to fit my shorter sessions before, after, or in between her sessions with other photographers, such as a last-minute cancellation or just killing time between sessions.

My portfolio showcases my work from past on-location, in-studio, digital artwork and my current remote photography sessions. To further connect with other members using the Shutter App™, I started a PurplePort discussion group, "Shutter App™ and Shutter Studio™ Users Group." Please join our discussion, ask questions, provide answers, and share your experiences. I've also included a link to additional Shutter App™ information in my signature block below. 

If you would like to work with me using the Shutter App™, please contact me, and I'll add you to my growing referral list of Shutter App models and photographers. I am available for remote sessions on weekdays, Monday through Thursday, from 9 AM to 3 PM US Central Daylight Time (1500 - 2100 BST London). Please remember to include the make and model of your smartphone and a link to your PurplePort or other online portfolio.

Thanks, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Michael Smith
Studio One Remote
All About Shutter App
A Shutter App™ Photographer
A Getty Images/Shutterstock Contributing Artist
USA (850) 399-9061 Text Only Please

Albums

Covers

Set - Studio A - General Commercial Studio

Set - Studio B - General Boudoir Studio

Set - Bay Window - Boudoir Studio

Set - Warehouse - Low Key, High Contrast, Mature Themes

Model - Sam

Model - Kristy (Kristy4)

Model - Brooke

Set - Bar

Location - Pool

Model - Deanne

Location - Bath

Location - Bedroom

Location - Bar/Restaurant

Remote - The Shutter App

Model - Melissa

Model - Willow

Photo Session Planning Diagrams Elixxier Set.A.Light (SAL3D)

Caressalyn

Castings