A woman with curly brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a maroon turtleneck, standing with crossed arms in front of a brick wall.

Hey

I’m Candace

My love for photography began when a good friend gave me a camera in 2007.  I gained most of my skills as a photographer from well over a decade that I spent in front of the camera, modeling for brands, artists and photographers around the world. The best on the job training! You'd be surprised how much you can learn if you just listen. So I know what it takes to make a great photo from ALL angles.  I can confidently help guide you into flattering poses and help remove some of the potential stress of being photographed.  

I help leaders, rebels, and revolutionaries connect with a wider audience through bold, compelling photography that moves people. With over a decade of experience behind the lens, I’ve turned countless moments of “I hate being on camera” into “That was so damn fun!”

I’m not just here to take your picture, I’m here to transform the way you see yourself and how the world relates your brand.

Being that I spent over a decade in front of the camera myself as a world-traveling model, I know what it takes to make a good photograph from all angles.  And I know intimately well how easily it is to be uncomfortable when someone with that big lens really sees you.  I come with the care, dedication, and empathy of your bestie and the bold, unwavering belief of someone who’s already seen your greatness — and is here to make sure the world sees it too.

Your Brand Alchemist & Photo Ninja

Ready to be the face of your brand with confidence?

  • I’m a brand alchemist, a lens-wielding storyteller, and advocate for leaders with a bigger mission to create real change in the world. Your brand photos shouldn’t just sit on a website, they should speak, sell, and start movements.

Things I believe as truth:

  • We all have the inherent power to heal ourselves.

  • The love of a puppy can save a life.

  • Collaboration makes life in general much easier.

  • Beauty is all around us, treasure the little things.

  • Magic can be found in the simplest of places...

You bring the vision! I’ll bring the fire!

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING

  • I had a wonderful experience working with Candace! She immediately put me at ease...She asked me the right questions to help me tap into my inner beauty.

    Hélène B.

  • Candace Smith captured the disruptor, rebellious side of my brand and also captured the important moments and essence of my retreat for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.

    Meghan B.

  • Working with Candace is such a pleasure. Her work is exquisite, she has a way of capturing your essence as well as your brand beautifully.

    Vanessa R.

  • She was a hype woman, therapist and best friend rolled up in one. The shoot was not solely a photo shoot. It was an experience I will cherish for a lifetime. You will not regret working with Candace!

    Althea M.

  • Candace is really good at making people feel comfortable in front of the camera. I love these pictures so much, and the fact that I can always go back to them and enjoy them forever!

    Maya R.

  • I love the headshots I got with Candace! We got so much done so quickly, I was amazed. I appreciated her acknowledgments of me along the way and guidance about what makes for the best shots.

    Adam K.

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@THEESSENCEPHOTOGRAPHER

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY AND I'M FEELING GIFTY! It’s always a good time of year to look back on what I am grateful for and all the amazing humans that have made this year so amazing! It’s Leo season, and the big kitty energy is roaring. This i
If your brand does not communicate its value, someone else will define it for you. ~ Anonymous
Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make, but the stories you tell. ~ Seth Godin
We don't just take a photograph with a camera: we bring it to the books we've read, the music we've heard, and the people we've loved. ~ Answl Adams
A picture is worth a thousand words. A brand photo is worth a thousand sales. ~ Unknown