When Wes was 14 years old, he used the money he made mowing lawns
to buy a Pentax Camera at Sears. At age 16, he was the yearbook editor at
school and yearbook photographer. After graduating high school in 1983,
Wes photographed his first wedding at age 18. But with college interests
and working, photography was put on the shelf and the old black and white
darkroom was mothballed. By age 21, Wes was promoted to Unit Manager for
McDonald's Corporation and managed a restaurant operating with $1.5 million
a year in sales.
College would have to wait.
At age 24, and finding new found freedom as a divorcee', Wes worked one
year with American Portrait Studios as an assistant manager. Unfortunately
the pay was horrid and Wes re-entered the restaurant business as a Unit
Manager for McDonald's corporation.
Working weekdays, Wes began photographing weddings on weekends for friends
in 1990. After three weddings, betterImages by Wes was born in 1991 in the
spare bedroom of his home in Huber Heights and photographing in the one
car garage. The studio operated on two medium format cameras and two light
heads.
In 1996, Wes graduated from Sinclair Community College with an Associate
Degree in the Business of Photography Degree Program. In 1996, betterImages
by Wes moved to 4984 Nebraska Ave in Huber Heights. But to keep afloat financially,
Wes left McDonalds and worked a night shift at the Postal Service in Downtown
Dayton from 1995-1998. In 1998, studio business was adequate to leave the
employment of the Postal Service and become a Full-time studio. With 800
sq. feet the studio was quickly outgrown and moved to it's present location
at 6163 Brandt Pike in the Marian Shopping Center.
After a hefty investment the studio re-opened, focusing on high school seniors
and weddings. Event photography, quickly became the new focus of the studio
and wedding services were no longer offered after 2001.
In 1999, the studio expanded to 6159 Brandt Pike and added and additional
1000 sq foot
second camera room, and 800 sq. foot photo processing facility.
In 2000, the photo lab began offering digital printing capabilities, quick
turnaround and accuracy have been the mainstay of the photo lab business.
The photo lab now has a steady customer base of over 30 regular and part-time
studio photographers. As well as amateur and consumer film processing needs.
Visit the studio website at betterimages.us
The studio has been extremely successful and has been blessed over the years.
It is due to our event photography that we have grown to a level of increased
or sustaining sales 11 months of each year. A staff of six now operates
the business.
Wes is a member of the Professional Photographers of Ohio (appointed Trustee
2003),
Professional Photographers of America, Wedding and Portrait Photographers
International (WPPI), Professional Photographers of SouthWestern Ohio (Secretary),
PhotoMarketing Association (PMA), Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce, and
a member of the NorthSide Christian Church in Xenia, Ohio.
Wes resides with his wife of 12 years, Shelly and their daughters Kaela
(age 9) and
Lizzie (age 0) and Maddie (age 0) in Xenia, Ohio. Personal interests are
billiards, small cars,
And traveling. Someday, Wes would like to buy and restore a VW Beetle.
Personal goals are to receive his Masters of Photography through WPPI within
the next year and half, receive a Bachelor's Degree through Baker College
where Wes is attending on line, and open a ice-cream parlor in Summer 2004
or 2005. After receiving his Bachelor's degree, Wes would also like to serve
the community by running for public office (school board or community council).
BetterImages is located at 6163 brandt pike, studio hours are Monday
- Friday
10 am - 6pm, where you may find either Wanda, Marilyn, or Maddie (not his
daughter) working.
The photo lab is open Monday - Friday 9 am - 6 pm. Lab personnel are Barb,
Judi or Jessica. Call toll-free at 1-800-903-9552
Be sure to enter the Fall Folio Competition this year at the Fall Conference
by PPO on November 9 and 10. For detailed rules, visit PPO's website at
www.ppofohio.org or call Wes Smith, Fall Folio Chairperson at 937-233-4042
or email at wsksmith@aol.com
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Congratulation
PPA Award winners
