Photographer, music producer and artist manager

Based in Los Angeles and working everywhere

Man holding and examining a strand of his curly hair, dark and moody photograph, wearing a long-sleeve shirt.

Hi, I’m Malachi — the heart behind SMQ Productions.

My journey began long before I ever picked up a camera. It started as a baby, listening to Stevie Wonder’s Don’t Drive Drunk on repeat — so many times that my sister eventually broke the record to get some peace! That early love for music has shaped my entire life.

I come from a rich Aboriginal American heritage — Cherokee and Biloxi — and that connection to culture, soul and spirit is present in everything I do. My work is about capturing essences, telling real stories, and helping people see themselves the way they were always meant to be: powerful, radiant and worthy.

Photography for me is like composing a song—I listen before I shoot. I study people like melodies, capturing their real-life movements and personality with a moody, colorful and luxurious visual style. I use BTS-inspired flash techniques to freeze meaningful, soul-filled moments that feel alive and timeless—like your favorite song captured in a single frame.

I’m a proud graduate of the Musicians Institute where I studied Audio Engineering and Independent Artist Development. With twenty years in music production, five years in photography and a strong background in artist management, I’ve worked with artists from all walks of life—guiding them not just sonically, but visually and spiritually as well.

Whether you’re a brand, artist, family, or child stepping in front of the camera for the first time, my goal is the same: to help you see yourself in a new light and walk away with images that feel like monuments — visual memories that last forever.