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

Hi Zachary, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The value that matters most to me is sharing knowledge. Whenever I learn something new, I dive right in and embrace the mistakes I make along the way. As I’ve grown on this journey, I’ve met many people who benefit from my experiences and what I’ve learned from others. It’s heartwarming to see how my nieces are curious about my work, whether it’s editing photos, making music, or creating films.

Recently, my 5-year-old niece asked to do a photoshoot with me as the model, and she directed me like I direct others in a shoot. It showed me the importance of creating with positive intentions and love, because others are watching and your passion influences them whether you notice it or not. It’s not just about being great at something; it’s about how your philosophy and heart impact your skills and bring joy to others. Seeing her copy me with pure joy and no stress reminded me of the true value of sharing knowledge both actively and passively.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from other artists is my passion for cinema. I engage with my clients, discussing their favorite shows and movies and what potential projects they think will come out in the future. This fuels my inspiration to incorporate current and potentially new styles and techniques into my work. Despite the challenges posed by AI and its integration into the industry, I focus more on creativity and the art of storytelling. The authenticity and value of human choices in directing actors and capturing those little moments can’t be replicated by AI images. Working through these challenges has taught me the importance of staying true to my artistic vision and intuition, as well as the value of my choices.

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.
Day 1 I would show all the touristic spots such as Venice beach during the day with a stop at Urth Cafe as we watch the sunset on the santa monica pier. Then go to Hollywood to see the boulevard and LA skyline at night before grabbing a drink and jazz at Black Rabbit Rose Magic.

Day 2 we go to downtown LA and check out the flea markets, Chinatown, and Arts District, ending the evening with sushi in Little Tokyo.

Day 3 We go to Echo park with a coffee at Stereoscope, some vintage clothe shopping and an evening swan pedal boat ride at the Echo Park Lake.

Day 4 We go to check out the Griffith Observatory via some trails, then end our evening with the free Shakespeare in the Park.

Day 5 We go thrifting and walking around West Hollywood and end our evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grill for a jam session.

Day 6 Start the day with volunteering with the Brown Bag Lady who helps the unhoused population in Los Angeles with food and clothing, then end the day watching the sun set from The Row.

Day 7 say goodbye with an easy morning at the beach to have breakfast, coffee, and to watch the surfers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to the incredible Bjoern Kommerell, whose mentorship truly transformed my visuals. He not only taught me the “cinematic” style, but also instilled in me the importance of trusting my intuition and eye when capturing moments. Learning to seize that perfect shot and infusing it with motion and action like a movie without losing its energy was an invaluable lesson. Thanks to him, I now have the freedom to develop my own unique extension of this style.

I also want to express my utmost appreciation for my family, who have been my unwavering support system. As a small business owner, I’ve faced numerous challenges, and their love and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me make important decisions. When I recently had a car accident, they stepped in to ensure I could continue working; volunteering rides to both the local airport and to my shuttle that takes me to Atlanta for my photoshoots. I’m incredibly grateful to have such a loving and supportive family by my side. Their presence in my life has made all the difference, and I cherish them more than anything.

Website: https://zenematic.com/home/headshots-with-zach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacharyismith/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2jyEZZBUsSO7Zx4CrqyY7A

Other: https://www.threads.net/@zacharyismith

Image Credits
Photo of Zach taken by Tim Coto All other images taken by Zach (©Photo by Zachary Iziah Smith at Zenematic LLC)

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