MEET SMIGGZ
PHOTOGRAPHER & FOUNDER
Hello
If you're reading this, it's too late. Curiosity brought you here, so you may as well get to know a little about me and what I'm doing here. You may have heard a lot about me through your peers and/or seen a lot of my work online via social media platforms. You may have heard mixed opinions about me, hopefully more good than bad. Allow me the privilege to tell you who I am as humble as I possibly can. I’m not just a photographer. Some have called me many things that I am very grateful for like a storyteller, a visionary, and a creator of moments that live far beyond any frame. Some have even called me the GOAT. As grateful as I am for these wonderful testimonies and opinions, please allow me to introduce myself the right way.
My name is Alton McCormick, but most people know me as Smiggz, the creative mind behind SmiggzArt Inc and the founder of 50 Shades of Melanin LLC, a multimedia brand built to celebrate culture, confidence, and the raw beauty of individuality. Based in Northeast Ohio, my work has reached millions, connecting with audiences through powerful visuals that speak louder than words.
What started as a passion for capturing moments has grown into something much bigger. It's a platform. A movement. A space where people feel seen, valued, and unforgettable.
The Vision
My goal has always been simple:
Create visuals that make people feel something everlasting.
Whether it’s a solo shoot, a group session, or one of my large-scale creative projects, every experience is designed to bring out something real. Something bold. Something that reflects who you truly are. Through projects like 50 Shades of Melanin, I’ve been able to highlight the beauty, strength, and diversity within our community, turning everyday people into unforgettable works of art. These aren’t just photoshoots… they’re experiences that bring people together and create lasting impact.
The Experience
When you work with me, you’re not just booking a session, you’re stepping into a fully curated creative process. From the concept to the final edit, every detail is intentional. I guide you through posing, energy, and presence to make sure you look and feel your absolute best. Even if you’ve never been in front of a camera before, I make the experience natural, comfortable, and most of all, fun.
Because the truth is…The best photos don’t come from perfection. They come from authenticity.
The Brand
SmiggzArt Inc represents precision, creativity, and premium visual storytelling.
50 Shades of Melanin is the heartbeat. A bold, culture-driven movement that celebrates Black excellence, self-love, and expression on a powerful scale. Together, they form a brand that doesn’t just create content, it creates impact.
Beyond the Camera
For me, this is so much bigger than photography.
The largest black media companies today thrive from pushing negative narratives 90% of the time you see a post from them. So I’m building a platform that expands into media, community, and opportunity—creating spaces where people can express themselves, connect, and even monetize their creativity. From large-scale themed productions to future digital platforms, the mission is to grow this vision across cities, states, and eventually worldwide.
Let’s Create Something Timeless
Whether you’re booking your first shoot, joining a project, or just discovering the brand... welcome.
You’re not here by accident.
You’re here to create something unforgettable.
