Life & Work with Aileen Smith of Oberlin, Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aileen Smith.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My photography journey began when I was a kid. I would buy dozens of disposable cameras from the local pharmacy and go through them all so quick. I just loved taking photos of my friends and remembering our times together. After college I did photogrpahy on the side just for fun and a way to make some money, and then eventually fell in love with it! Here I am 10 years later full time!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m really lucky that my photography journey has been mostly smooth. There have been a few bumps along the way, sure! I think something I struggle with the most is the pressure of getting everything done myself. I know we live in a world where AI can help get tasks done way quicker, but I feel this need to do everything myself. Communication, editing, scheduling.. I want it all to have a personal touch. I want to communicate and connect with my clients myself rather than having a robot do it for me. Its worth a little extra time to make sure they’re getting personal care from the person they’re hiring to capture their memories, instead of a robot who knows nothing about them.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in portrait photography, primarily weddings, couples, families, maternity, branding and boudoir. I do not take newborn sessions or seniors.

I am most proud of my ability to connect with people and make them feel comfortable. So many people have told me that they feel like they’ve known me forever. It’s such a high compliment, and it means a lot knowing my clients can be themselves when we’re working together.

I am also proud of winning Cleveland Magazine’s Best Photographer for 2024 + 2025. What an incredible honor!

What sets me a part from others is that I like to give back. I support local charities through my Christmas mini sessions, I volunteer to take photos of dogs at the APL to hep them get adopted, and I’m always supporting my clients small businesses (buying items, sharing their page, etc). I like to see and help my community grow.

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?
A huge way to support me, or any small business, is to follow on social media, like posts, leave a kind review and tell a friend. I know following on social media may seem meaningless, but these are our public portfolios. When we have people on our pages and interacting with us, it helps boost our work so others can see it. It’s simple, quick and free to do!

Pricing:

• Portrait sessions start at $400

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aileenelizabeth.com
• Instagram: aileenelizabethphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeenPics