Randy Smith (b. 1984) is a Brooklyn-based photographer, visual producer, and music creator working at the intersection of image, rhythm, and story. A graduate of Pratt Institute (BFA, Photography), Randy has built a career across editorial and commercial environments—from photographing talent at BET to crafting still lifes and documenting New York’s restaurant culture for The New York Times. His work is defined by technical precision and emotional awareness, with a focus on the small details that give people and spaces their presence. He approaches each project with curiosity and collaboration, drawn to the interplay between light, structure, and atmosphere that turns documentation into narrative. Whether on set with a creative team or developing a concept independently, he values clarity, intention, and craft. Music remains a parallel and foundational practice. As a first-generation Jamaican raised in a home where sound shaped daily life, Randy began playing guitar at ten. Today, as a multi-instrumentalist and producer, he creates textured, rhythm-driven compositions featured in documentary films and advertising campaigns. The same instincts that guide his photography—timing, tone, and restraint—inform his music. Outside of commissioned work, Randy’s creative life is grounded in family, community, and an ongoing commitment to growth. As a father, he is increasingly aware of the power of representation, memory, and legacy—ideas that quietly shape the way he sees and creates. For Randy, photography and music are complementary languages—two ways of shaping light and time into something lasting.

Randy Smith

Randy Smith (b. 1984) is a Brooklyn-based photographer, visual producer, and music creator working at the intersection of image, rhythm, and story. A graduate of Pratt Institute (BFA, Photography), Randy has built a career across editorial and commercial environments—from photographing talent at BET to crafting still lifes and documenting New York’s restaurant culture for The New York Times. His work is defined by technical precision and emotional awareness, with a focus on the small details that give people and spaces their presence. He approaches each project with curiosity and collaboration, drawn to the interplay between light, structure, and atmosphere that turns documentation into narrative. Whether on set with a creative team or developing a concept independently, he values clarity, intention, and craft. Music remains a parallel and foundational practice. As a first-generation Jamaican raised in a home where sound shaped daily life, Randy began playing guitar at ten. Today, as a multi-instrumentalist and producer, he creates textured, rhythm-driven compositions featured in documentary films and advertising campaigns. The same instincts that guide his photography—timing, tone, and restraint—inform his music. Outside of commissioned work, Randy’s creative life is grounded in family, community, and an ongoing commitment to growth. As a father, he is increasingly aware of the power of representation, memory, and legacy—ideas that quietly shape the way he sees and creates. For Randy, photography and music are complementary languages—two ways of shaping light and time into something lasting.

Available to hire

Randy Smith (b. 1984) is a Brooklyn-based photographer, visual producer, and music creator working at the intersection of image, rhythm, and story.

A graduate of Pratt Institute (BFA, Photography), Randy has built a career across editorial and commercial environments—from photographing talent at BET to crafting still lifes and documenting New York’s restaurant culture for The New York Times. His work is defined by technical precision and emotional awareness, with a focus on the small details that give people and spaces their presence.

He approaches each project with curiosity and collaboration, drawn to the interplay between light, structure, and atmosphere that turns documentation into narrative. Whether on set with a creative team or developing a concept independently, he values clarity, intention, and craft.

Music remains a parallel and foundational practice. As a first-generation Jamaican raised in a home where sound shaped daily life, Randy began playing guitar at ten. Today, as a multi-instrumentalist and producer, he creates textured, rhythm-driven compositions featured in documentary films and advertising campaigns. The same instincts that guide his photography—timing, tone, and restraint—inform his music.

Outside of commissioned work, Randy’s creative life is grounded in family, community, and an ongoing commitment to growth. As a father, he is increasingly aware of the power of representation, memory, and legacy—ideas that quietly shape the way he sees and creates.

For Randy, photography and music are complementary languages—two ways of shaping light and time into something lasting.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

First Assistant/ On-Set Producer at Freelance
January 1, 2021 - Present
Supported large-scale e-commerce and advertising productions from pre-production through final delivery; managed merchandise intake, shot lists, and production tracking for high-volume shoots; coordinated between stylists, photographers, operators, and retouchers to keep sets running efficiently; resolved on-set issues to maintain quality, creative consistency, and production timelines; served as primary liaison between clients and creative teams during live shoots.
Photo Editor, Music at BET Networks
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2018
Led visual content production for BET’s music platforms serving 2M+ monthly users; commissioned and managed photographers for artist portraits, live events, and editorial features; negotiated image licensing, contracts, and usage rights with vendors and agencies; maintained rights-cleared digital asset libraries for ongoing editorial and marketing use; directed on-site photography for concerts, festivals, and press events; partnered with editorial, legal, and marketing teams to ensure compliance, brand consistency, and timely delivery.
Photographer & Visual Producer (Freelance) at Freelance
January 1, 2008 - Present
Produced end-to-end photo and content shoots for Amazon Fashion, The New York Times, Diageo, and BET Networks; led pre-production, crew booking, shoot logistics, and post-production workflows for web, e-commerce, and social platforms; managed photographers, stylists, retouchers, and studios to deliver consistent, on-brand assets; oversaw COIs, talent releases, and rights management to ensure legally compliant delivery; built efficient digital asset management and client handoff workflows.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Photography at Pratt Institute
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2007

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail