Ethan Smith is a Los Angeles–based director of photography known for emotionally resonant, cinematic visuals. With roots in vérité documentary and global concert filmmaking- he brings instinct, resourcefulness, and a strong technical prowess that lends itself to the position.

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Approach

Hailing from a small town outside of Phoenix Arizona- Ethan approaches each project with a strong sense of practicality, and a sentimental touch. 

Growing up in the American Southwest, he developed a deep love for the outdoors. The landscapes of the Sonoran Desert and the Rocky Mountains were his original muse; inspiring his foray into landscape photography. Which in turn, led to his pursuit of cinematography and filmmaking. ​​

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Ethan provides a unique approach to problem solving with strong resource management skills, and the ability to adapt on the fly. And despite his introverted nature, has the ability to connect with almost anyone on a deeply personal level.  

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Ethan is internally driven and strives to be resourceful under any given circumstance. And he is no stranger to reinventing himself.

After graduating high school in 2016, he studied broadcast journalism at Utah state university. 

He worked nights and weekends to put himself through school. 

Including waiting tables, stocking shelves, manual labor, tech support for an ISP conglomerate, and corporate videography for the university.

In 2018- Ethan was nominated for a Rocky Mountain Student Emmy for “Craft Photographer” for one his documentary course films. 

Then in the summer 2018- Ethan pivoted once again. An unexpected opportunity arose…doing door to door pest control sales in Charlotte, North Carolina. Commission based. 

So, after an unprofitable 4 months as a door to door salesman- Ethan pivoted again. He did not return to University. Instead, he took a job offer at a startup company as a corporate videographer in Arizona. 

He moved back to Arizona and worked the position until the Pandemic hit. That’s when he moved to LA and hit the ground running. He started out couch surfing and making music videos. And eventually found his way into the camera department community. 

Ethan has been freelancing in Los Angeles ever since.