Meet Darius Smith | Videographer and Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darius Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darius, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Flint, MI., and being from a city like Flint I was exposed to a lot of different things early on in my life. I grew up with both of my parents working a lot and at times working two jobs to make ends meet, so I learned early on that hard work and sacrifice is mandatory if you want to make it in this life, and that mindset has helped me start and continue with Syndicate Productions. I was also fortunate enough to grow up with a lot of people from all sorts of different ethnical backgrounds, which helped cultivate my love for people and storytelling. But over everything, the greatest impact that helped me become the man I am today has to be my godmother. She pushed me to dream and to go after anything and everything I want and to give it my all!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Videographer and Photographer, mainly focusing on social media content creation and portrait photography. I think something that sets me apart is my process and how I really like to make it feel like a collaboration between me and my client. I’ve been able to grow and find new success from a lot of networking and exceeding client expectations wherever I can. It’s not always the easiest but I believe that anything worth having is worth fighting for. That mindset along with a mix of a lot of perseverance has helped me keep going, even in my slowest months.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For my tour of Phoenix, we’d have to start on my favorite mountain with the best view of the valley, South Moutain. After our long exhausting drive up (It’s not that bad of a drive and it’s super cool actually) we’d head downtown where I’d give a grand tour of my favorite murals on Roosevelt Row and stop at my favorite cafe, Jobot. As nighttime comes around and we’re ready to party our first stop is my favorite bar, Cobra. This place is the best arcade bar in the entire valley and their micheladas are legendary! Finally to end the night we’d have to get some late night snacks and that’s where my favorite diner comes in, The Welcome Diner. Their Pork Fries? Legendary. Their Chicken Sandwiches? Godly. Honestly I’m not exaggerating when I say this place is heavenly and has such a laid back vibe. also really good drinks too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Godmother Sheila, My Father Darius Smith, My Brothers Jason, and Robert, My Cousin Mike Dunn, My Mentor, and teacher Jamie Nicholson.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raizouchiha/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RaizoUchiha/featured

Other: https://anchor.fm/darius-smith2422