An admirer of media and the arts from a young age, Caleb Smith ’22 is using what he has learned in the classroom to build his own videography business while at Oglethorpe. Camera in hand, he works with businesses, venues and artists to tell unique stories using video and photography. Through his work, he has already built an impressive portfolio, made connections in and around Atlanta and fostered his passion for film.
Caleb Smith performing in an OU Theatre production
A film major and theatre minor, Smith has taken as many classes as possible to support his vision of working in film, including web design, photography and experimental video for artists, saying “they all have something to offer,” when it comes to expanding his professional tool belt.
He is also grateful for the community at Oglethorpe for helping him develop his craft. The small, engaged student body gives him access to business opportunities, collaborators and expedient reviews of his work. Just recently, he prepared promotional content for Glossy and Bossy, a student business started by Amina Sahovic ’21 that won the most recent Shark Tank business idea incubator competition held by the Hammack School of Business.
From attending classes and participating in theatre productions, Smith says he has built a “tight-knit circle of like-minded people who are uncomfortable with complacency.”
“They push me,” says Smith.
Caleb Smith with social media influencer Jayda Cheaves
Studying in Atlanta — the Hollywood of the South — also has its benefits, and Smith has tried to take advantage of every opportunity he can. After the launch of his company Avery Media in early 2021, the opportunities to expand his business have rolled in. He has been invited to use his talents of videography and photography to shoot music videos, photograph concerts and capture VIP experiences — all of which he promotes through his Instagram, @averymedia.
“Atlanta is a great place to network, and everyone has their own form of hustle, which motivates me,” shares Smith.
Just recently, Smith traveled to New York Fashion Week in September 2021. While there, Smith was able to shoot runway shows, fashion designers, and life and culture of the city.
Sharing a key factor in scoring such exclusive events, Smith notes that it is important to “prioritize personal relationships with people through networking and know your work’s value.”
Following graduation, Smith eventually wants to pursue launching his own studio for creative directing and consulting to continue creating and following his passions.
Artists captured on camera by Avery Media.
