Founded by Israel Melendez, smile131 is a media platform based in Northwest Indiana / Chicago, IL.

Summer 2020 opened up not just my eyes and the new way I see the world, but also an opportunity to depict that exact image back to it. Alongside a group of creatives, I helped kickstart a service for those looking for professional photos and videos. My work ranged from individual portraits, to events like graduation, dances and engagement, to video work including music videos and advertisements for small businesses. With time, I eventually took a more independent approach.

smile131 is still a very new idea that has yet to expand to something much larger. For now, this website is just a new, easier way to display my work to a wider audience.

More content soon…

- Israel

  • 4+ years of experience

  • Adobe Certified (Premiere Pro)

  • Nikon D5600 & Panasonic Lumix G7

    • *unless shot on film

  • All photos edited with Adobe Lightroom.