Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlyn Smith.
Hi Carlyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started in photography back in college, initially just as a creative outlet. At the same time, I built my career in social media marketing, where I learned how to translate visuals into storytelling that actually connects with people. Over the years, I moved into a more product-facing role as a multimedia content producer, which gave me a deeper understanding of how content functions not just creatively, but strategically.
Alongside my full-time work, I was consistently creating photography and content for travel and hospitality brands. What began as something on the side gradually became a significant part of my career. After working with over 30 hotels and properties, I started to see a clear pattern in what resonated most with me and with audiences.
I found my niche in hotels that tell a story, and places with history, character, and a strong sense of identity, rather than spaces that are just generic luxury. I’ve always been drawn to properties that feel personal and immersive, where every detail reflects something deeper about the place. That perspective is what shaped the direction of my work today, blending storytelling, design, and travel into something that feels both intentional and emotionally engaging.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was learning to be selective with the types of properties I worked with. Early on, I said yes to a lot, but over time I realized that not every space aligns with my style or tells the kind of story I’m drawn to. I had to refine my eye and intentionally choose places that feel truly unique and special like boutique, design-forward properties with strong identity and character.
Another challenge was adapting to how quickly content has evolved, especially with video. I’m classically trained and was used to creating more thoughtful, longer-form content, so shifting into fast-paced, short-form video required me to completely rethink my approach. I had to learn new editing styles, work more quickly, and still maintain a sense of storytelling within a much shorter format.
Overall, it’s been a process of refining my voice, trusting my instincts, and learning how to balance creativity with the demands of a constantly changing digital landscape.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work sits at the intersection of travel, design, and storytelling. I create visual content—primarily photography and short-form video for boutique hotels and hospitality brands, with a focus on properties that have a strong sense of identity. I’m especially drawn to places that feel like hidden gems, whether that’s a tucked-away inn in Texas Hill Country or a thoughtfully designed stay that most people haven’t discovered yet.
I specialize in capturing the feeling of a place, not just how it looks. A lot of my work is rooted in storytelling, highlighting the details, textures, and atmosphere that make a property memorable. In Texas especially, there are so many unique stays that go beyond the typical hotel experience, and I love bringing attention to those spaces in a way that feels immersive and intentional.
What I’ve become known for is a very distinct, almost cinematic style that leans into mood, light, and emotion. My content tends to feel more like a narrative than a highlight reel, which resonates with people who are looking for something more meaningful than just aesthetics.
What I’m most proud of is carving out a niche that feels true to me. After working with dozens of properties, I’ve built a portfolio centered around unique, design-forward, and story-rich places, many of them right here in Texas. Being able to spotlight hidden gems and help people discover places they might have otherwise overlooked is something that feels really rewarding.
I think what sets me apart is that I approach every property with a storytelling lens first. It’s not just about creating beautiful content. It’s about understanding what makes a place special and translating that into something people can feel. That perspective, combined with my background in both marketing and production, allows me to create work that is both emotionally engaging and strategically impactful.
I also own a mermaid brand, and design mermaid tops, crowns, etc. I try to incorporate my mermaid aesthetic into the locations I shoot at and work with, which often ties in perfectly with the locations I work with!
https://www.carlynandrealuxurytravel.com/
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think that trying new things, having a unique eye, and chasing my own edge versus what’s “trending” makes my work unique from most other creators.
I’m authentically myself, shoot with my own style, and always incorporate some sort of mermaid aesthetic into every property I work with, even if the theme doesn’t seem obvious by the venue.
I also like to find unique venues and locations that are not the typical ones people post of photograph, I like to find my own angles, my own beauty in the specific places, and not follow the “grammable spots”.
My Greece photos are not like the typical influencers with the blue domes of Santorini, but I instead found my own views, unique angles, and avoid spots where I see other people photographing.
Pricing:
- Reach out for photography pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carlynandrealuxurytravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlyn_andrea/
