Avant-Garde Media Tailoring

Austin Smallwood, the Founder, and CEO of AGMT Studios (Avant-Garde Media Tailoring) is more than just a videographer and photographer. He is a multi-talented creative artist. In every shot, you can see his vision come alive to elevate his client’s visual portfolios. Austin is highly experienced at shooting music videos, film, and any environment photography including weddings, industry events, headshots, billboards, lifestyle, and more.  He sets himself apart from other photographers who tend to have their shots look like everyone else’s. Austin keeps a booked schedule because his target market wants that avant-garde style photography that Austin provides and executes with his experimental, radical, and unorthodox photography and videography. Those who believe and like his quality work stick with him because they see the dopeness, and passion that brings with AGMT Studios work. Austin Smallwood photography has been showcased in Sheen Magazine, The Hollywood Times, Spectacular Magazine, Enspire Magazine, and many more.

Austin Smallwood
(Photo Credit: Tyler Pratt)

Tammy: What inspired you to become a photographer and videographer?

Austin: I was inspired to do photography first. I saw how important It was to hold onto memories as we grow older. Memories are what keep us moving forward. Whether you are feeling sad or happy, you can bet that you have a photo album or photo you use to bring back a memory to laugh or reminisce about. We cannot ever let the good memories slip away. Photos are the best way to freeze that moment in time forever.

I’ve further become a videographer to take that photography philosophy and take it to the next level. To take that still frame and breathe into it life and movement. To create sounds and visuals together in harmony to tap into a world that is virtually forever.

Tammy: Describe your photography style in 3 words?

Austin: Passionate, Creative, and Disciplined.

Austin: AGMT stands for Avant-Garde Media Tailoring. That’s just a long way of saying everything we shoot has a creative lens about it that is just a little different than standard boring work. It’s 2021, you have to have eye-catching work. The same old commercial or music video isn’t going to stand out anymore. You have to be unique. To do that. You have to be yourself.

Tammy: What are you currently working on?

Austin: I am currently working on many extensive projects with clients. We are building new strategies to stand out in the music industry with unique promotions both visual and audio. Taking each step with discipline.

Tammy: What have been some memorable moments in your career so far?

Austin: Some of the most memorable moments in my career must have been getting one of my projects recognized by hip-hop artist Styles P on his Instagram. Another fantastic opportunity was working with the talented Tammy Reese on numerous projects. One of them being the HIV awareness billboard that I did the photography for the Syracuse Community Connections Agency.  Another memorable moment was the photoshoot I did for Syracuse Town Hall and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh’s family.

Austin: One thing I am looking forward to in 2021 is to bounce back and be more relentless than last year. To strive and grow. To become not only a better business but to be more in tune with our clients and deliver an even more tailored project to each one of them. 2020 was a great reminder to why we have to build better relationships to help one another.

Austin: If I had the chance to work with a celebrity it would be Action Bronson. I feel like Bronson would be an absolute blast to work with on a creative project as he not only has layers of talent but, has genuine care and respect for all life. He is still himself through fame and attention and I greatly respect that.

Tammy: What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?

Austin: What I most enjoy about the work that I do Is the expressions I get to see from a client when they see themselves through the lens of professional work. They see themselves in a new light. They see themselves as visually professional and have new confidence in themselves. At the end of the day, they see that nothing is out of their reach. It’s all about the visual statement you make.

Tammy: What advice would you have for aspiring creatives like yourself?

Austin: l have two words that I would like all other creatives to remember whether times are tough or amazing. Those two words are Passion and Relentlessness. Treat each project you do with passion and do that relentlessly. Do that EVERY SINGLE time no matter what. That is what it takes to be creative. Most importantly live life to the fullest and don’t ever give up.

Austin Smallwood
(Photo Credit: Tyler Pratt)