$15,000 is how much The Fairmont rents out their Penthouse Suite a night.  With three large bedrooms, a living room, grand piano, dining room that can seat 60 people, full kitchen, two story breathtaking library with even a secret passageway, lavish, extraordinary, valued up to 8 million, was Sony’s to hang out and explore their new products for the past two days.

Matthew Jordan Smith, the face of Sony, has captivated the commercial industry by working with some of amazing faces in the entertainment industry such as Tyra Banks, Halle Berry, Opra Winfrey, and Singer and Actresses Vanessa Williams, and Whitney Houston (to name a few).  He has been on America’s Next Top Model numerous times, and is in the midst of creating his second book from traveling all around the nation.  Aside from being an amazing hero and inspiration to so many of us, he is amazing, kind hearted, down to earth, and one of the most uplifting, charismatic, wonderful people I have ever met.  He’s one of those people where the moment you walk into a room, his presence uplifts all spirits until your cheeks hurt from smiling too much.  We met at WPPI in Las Vegas two years ago (in 2011) through my photography mentor, Scott Robert Lim (he also collaborated with Scott and had a joint workshop in Japan, early 2010).  Since MJS was coming to San Francisco, I wanted to ensure he had everything he needed for his project.  There, we were able to hire Jen, from JT Artistry, a stylist (for Monday), Lexie from the elle tee, Assistants Adam Kurt Weidenbach, Scott Hermanson,  and so many more.

Over the span of two days, Sony held an event for twenty five journalists from all around the nation.  Based out of San Diego, Sony, flew in people from SLR Lounge, DP Review, The McNamara Report, and individual photographers who have a generous input on the photography industry. They had their cameras, such as the a99, NEX-5R, NEX-6, RX100, RX1, to name a few.  Sony began with excursions around San Francisco, and then that evening (Monday), h’ourdeurves in the Penthouse Suite, and MJS did a few test shots.  Tuesday morning, MJS showed everyone how he worked; why he did things a certain way; and had his amazing model, Misa there working the group.  We started off shooting in the pool table room, then headed to the two story rotunda library.

Here’s a shot taken by MJS, shooting through the voyeur.  I love the story.

Misa; Taken by Matthew Jordan Smith in the Penthouse Suite, Fairmont San Francisco CA.

After lunch, the Sony Press Event headed to Carmel, CA where they took imagery of windsurfers.

MJS and I hung out for the next several hours before he had to leave to SFO.  I showed him the Palace of Fine Arts (for the first time!), checked out the Golden Gate Bridge, Hog Island Oyster Co at the Ferry Building, then checked out America’s Cup.  We drove from one end of the city to the other, and walked all over the place.  It was such a beautiful day, and it was great taking the time to enjoy the weather and smell the fresh air.

Being there was more than amazing.  Learning and watching MJS work is always magnificent.  Matthew is one of the nicest, genuine, wonderful people to meet.

Through the amazing conversation topics and open ended questions about the future, Matthew, I hope you had a great time exploring San Francisco!  It was a pleasure, and I hope to see you back in LA when I come to visit.  Many many congratulations on your engagement 😀  From the bottom of my heart, thank you Matthew for having me there.

Visit Matthew Jordan Smith’s Website

Visit JT Artistry’s Website