Ryan Smith is a southern California native, who grew up surfing the coastline and immersing himself in the local music scene. Ryan’s love for music fueled a passion for photography when he began shooting bands with his “hand-me-down” 35mm film camera. Entirely self-taught, Ryan quickly turned his obsession for photography into a small business shooting album covers for unsigned artists.
After graduating high school Ryan moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a music video director. He directed his first music video for platinum artist Bone Thugs N’ Harmony while attending film school at Loyola Marymount University. This marked the beginning for what now has become a notable directing career.
Ryan has directed over 100 music videos accumulating an impressive roster of talent including multi-platinum selling artists Eminem, Duran Duran, Shinedown, Good Charlotte, Jason Aldean, Story Of The Year, Breaking Benjamin, Cypress Hill, Gavin Degraw, P.O.D, and American Idol finalist Bo Bice. Over a dozen of Ryan's music videos have earned numerous accolades from Billboard, Much Music and MTV Awards in Asia, Latin America, Europe, Canada and the U.S.
He has built a comprehensive client list over the years ranging from television networks such as TLC, Discovery Channel, Bravo, and Disney to advertising agencies like BBDO, JWT and McCann Erickson, as well as an endless array of major record labels including Universal, Atlantic, Sony, Warner Bros. Capitol, and Interscope Records.
Ryan’s distinct visual style combines a cinematic realism with the allure of a classic photograph. Each frame is embedded with rich takes on light, color, and texture.
His strengths as a visual storyteller have led to a natural transition into the advertising world. Ryan Smith’s commercial work showcases a diverse range of visual motifs, each tapping into the trends of today’s popular culture. Whether it is his on-air network promos for TLC's skin art series L.A. Ink, or his southern chic glamour spots for Ashley Judd’s boutique clothing line, Ryan’s commitment to capturing the essence of a brand always remains at the forefront. Other commercial credits include work for Bud Light, Levi's, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
With over a decade past yet still in his early 30's, Ryan’s discipline and attention to detail are apparent in every aspect of how he approaches his work as a director and photographer.
Ryan is currently developing a screenplay for his feature film debut.
After graduating high school Ryan moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a music video director. He directed his first music video for platinum artist Bone Thugs N’ Harmony while attending film school at Loyola Marymount University. This marked the beginning for what now has become a notable directing career.
Ryan has directed over 100 music videos accumulating an impressive roster of talent including multi-platinum selling artists Eminem, Duran Duran, Shinedown, Good Charlotte, Jason Aldean, Story Of The Year, Breaking Benjamin, Cypress Hill, Gavin Degraw, P.O.D, and American Idol finalist Bo Bice. Over a dozen of Ryan's music videos have earned numerous accolades from Billboard, Much Music and MTV Awards in Asia, Latin America, Europe, Canada and the U.S.
He has built a comprehensive client list over the years ranging from television networks such as TLC, Discovery Channel, Bravo, and Disney to advertising agencies like BBDO, JWT and McCann Erickson, as well as an endless array of major record labels including Universal, Atlantic, Sony, Warner Bros. Capitol, and Interscope Records.
Ryan’s distinct visual style combines a cinematic realism with the allure of a classic photograph. Each frame is embedded with rich takes on light, color, and texture.
His strengths as a visual storyteller have led to a natural transition into the advertising world. Ryan Smith’s commercial work showcases a diverse range of visual motifs, each tapping into the trends of today’s popular culture. Whether it is his on-air network promos for TLC's skin art series L.A. Ink, or his southern chic glamour spots for Ashley Judd’s boutique clothing line, Ryan’s commitment to capturing the essence of a brand always remains at the forefront. Other commercial credits include work for Bud Light, Levi's, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
With over a decade past yet still in his early 30's, Ryan’s discipline and attention to detail are apparent in every aspect of how he approaches his work as a director and photographer.
Ryan is currently developing a screenplay for his feature film debut.