Tyner Middle High Academy junior Gaige Smith is rarely without a camera. Also known across the city as “ShotBy2c,” he works in both photography and videography, documenting high school athletics with a unique and recognizable style.
Gaige began viewing photography as a serious career path around two years ago, after his basketball season ended while attending Chattanooga Preparatory School. He had already been interested and versed in media work from helping at Pneuma Christian Center, and once his basketball season ended, he made a decision. “I picked up a camera and I decided that this is going to be a full-time thing. I want to do this,” he said.
That decision led him to his transfer to Tyner Middle High Academy, where his work quickly became part of the school’s athletic culture. Football coach Christian Mainor said Gaige stood out immediately. “Everybody was telling me we got a kid from Chatt Prep that does phenomenal video work, and he does. He’s talented,” Mainor said. “To see how much he’s grown in basically a year and a half, it’s just crazy.” Mainor added that Gaige’s work helps elevate the entire school. “What he does also makes us look very marketable as a school, not just in athletics. We are definitely very, very blessed to have him.”
Now, Gaige regularly covers Tyner athletics, while also working with schools both in and out of Hamilton County Schools. Along with his work at Tyner, he has also created “11:59″, a docuseries that highlights Tyner basketball, offering an inside look at the program. Boy’s basketball coach E’Jay Ward said Gaige’s presence has become part of the team’s rhythm. “Walking out of the locker room and seeing Gaige, it just makes everything official,” Ward said.
“Those moments out there don’t last long, but memories last forever, and he’s been able to capture those for us.”
Photos by Gaige Smith
For every game or shoot, Gaige focuses on building relationships as much as he does the content. “I start talking to the players or the coaches so they don’t just see me with a camera,” he said. “I’m more than just the guy with a camera. This is Gaige, it’s ShotBy2c, and we trust his work.”
Gaige’s approach to photography and videography is intentional. “I never want to get regular shots,” he said. Instead, he looks for high and low angles, wide perspectives, and up-close moments fans rarely see. His favorite moments often come before tipoff or kickoff. “Right before the game… before any ball bounces, any whistle blows, they have all that energy and they’re ready to channel it all into one team. That game day energy,” he said.
His editing style is also distinct. “I never want the audience to come back and think my shots are normal,” Gaige said. “I want them to be like, ‘Wow, I didn’t see it like this.’” His individuality and consistency has helped shape his brand name, “ShotBy2c,” a nickname that started during his time at Chattanooga Preparatory, and has followed him from teammates to the wider community. “If anybody’s asking who’s the best camera guy in the city, everybody says 2c,” Coach Mainor said. Coach Ward agreed, “The players definitely look for him, I look for him, everybody looks for him. He’s made a name for himself. He’s the man behind the lens, which is powerful.”
Tyner has also recognized the growing interest in media among students by adding an AV Production class, giving students the opportunity to learn video, photography, and editing skills, an initiative inspired by Gaige’s work and influence.
Beyond sports, Gaige has worked with Dynamo Studios, photographing events including ONE MusicFest, where he shot artists like Usher, Ludacris, and Tyler, the Creator. Looking ahead, he plans to study film or creative media in college and hopes to take his work beyond Chattanooga. “I want to make my mark here first,” Gaige said, “and then bring the city with me and impact the world with what I do.”
Gaige Smith’s dedication and creativity have not only elevated Tyner athletics but also inspired the next generation of student media makers. With his unique perspectives, professional work ethic, and drive, Gaige is leaving a lasting mark on Tyner Academy. As he continues to expand his craft through projects like “11:59” and media day shoots, the future looks bright for Gaige “ShotBy2c” Smith, behind the lens and beyond.
Keep up with Gaige’s work on Instagram here
Watch “11:59″ and other videos on YouTube here
