We had the good fortune of connecting with Zachariah Schmitt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zachariah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business really came down to the fact that photography was something I genuinely enjoyed. I started out just shooting photos of my friends on my phone for fun, and they were the ones who encouraged me to start charging people for it. At the time, I thought, “If I can make some extra money doing something I love, why not give it a shot?”

Before I started charging for my work, I decided to test the waters by putting an ad on Facebook and Instagram. A few people reached out, and that’s really when my photography journey began. About a year later, I reinvested in myself, bought my first camera, and started taking photography more seriously. What began as a side hobby slowly evolved into a business that I’m incredibly proud of today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is all about capturing people at their best—whether it’s through headshots, creative portraits, weddings, or boudoir photography. What sets my headshot photography apart is my ability to create images that truly capture the essence and emotion of the actor. I specialize in creating cinematic and dynamic photos that pop off the page or screen, ensuring each shot feels alive and impactful. Beyond the technical side, one of my top priorities is making my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. I know that being in front of the lens can feel vulnerable, so I work hard to create a relaxed and supportive environment where people can be themselves. When my subjects feel at ease, that authenticity shines through in the photos.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. When I first started, I didn’t have a studio, or professional camera or any formal training, just a passion for photography and a willingness to learn. I built everything from the ground up, often figuring things out through trial and error. There were moments when I questioned if I could make this work, but I’ve learned that persistence, adaptability, and a genuine love for what you do can take you further than you ever imagined.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process and not compare my journey to anyone else’s. Challenges are inevitable, but they teach you resilience and help you grow. Whether it was pricing my services, finding the right clients, or managing the business side of things, I’ve faced each challenge with the same creativity and determination I bring to my photography.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable experience. As far as restaurants go, we’d definitely hit Salsa and Beer on Sherman Way in the Valley—it’s one of my go-to spots for amazing Mexican food. Of course, I’d also take them to In-N-Out Burger because you can’t visit California without trying it, and we’d hunt down some of the best taco trucks in my area for that authentic LA street food vibe.

For activities, I’d mix some touristy fun with unique local experiences. A Hollywood bus tour is always a hit—it’s surprisingly fun, informative, and a great way to soak in the city’s history and celebrity culture. At night, we’d check out karaoke at The Good Nite in North Hollywood or enjoy some live jazz on Monday nights at the Sofitel Hotel. I’d also make sure we caught a comedy show at The Improv in Hollywood, because there’s nothing better than laughing the night away.

On Sundays, we’d definitely head to Leimert Park. It’s a vibrant cultural hub, and there’s always live music, local art, and a great energy in the air. It’s the perfect spot to experience a different side of LA, with a mix of history, creativity, and community.

Throughout the week, we’d explore different parts of LA. A walk along Venice Beach is always a great way to spend a day—taking in the street performers, the skatepark, and the funky shops. I’d also bring them to Griffith Observatory for the incredible views of the city, especially around sunset. My goal would be to give them a mix of iconic LA spots and local gems that really capture the vibe of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shout-out to my choir teacher, Ms. Lawson, and my parents for encouraging my creativity, even during the times when I was too shy to share my gifts. Ms. Lawson had this incredible way of nurturing the talents of her students, and she helped me see the value in expressing myself artistically. My parents were also a huge part of my journey. They supported me unconditionally and gave me the confidence to pursue what I love.

Website: https://Zsweddings.com

Instagram: @zachariah_shoots @zachariah_official

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachariah-schmitt-53b025125?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zachariahshoots?si=nEFAHMgDj_g3psTH

Image Credits
Photographer: Zachariah Schmitt

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