@smirkvich is a California native who graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelors of Science in Journalism and a minor in photography. As a news photographer, he covered the 1998 Los Angeles Riots, The OJ Simpson Murder Trial, and numerous Academy Awards, Super Bowls and World Series.

He served as Editor in Chief and Director of Production of the start-up agencies WireImage and Film Magic, later sold to Getty Images. As a Reuters Editor-in-Charge for West Pictures, he managed staff and freelance photojournalists whose images fronted news websites and what’s left of the newspaper industry.

He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Journalism, Minor in Photography, Cal State University, Long Beach; and a Certificate in Graphic Design from Mesa Community College, Az.