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

Hi Zack, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Do Good Work. Stick Around. Be Nice To People.

This is a quote I have lived by since I don’t know when, and always tell it to young creatives around me. This philosophy continues to be a driving force in my creative and business life.

Do Good Work: Always strive to evolve your talents behind the camera or whatever you do. Never settle for where you’re at, as there is always something new to learn from someone who wants to share it with you. No matter how small or big the job is, make it your primary focus to do your best work. This skill becomes a habit, and doing anything less than your best just feels OFF after that…

Stick Around: Your community is your strength. The circle you commune in, the town you live in, the city and market you create for is your source of growth. Invest your time in learning about and caring for the community you service. That trust will serve you well.

Be Nice To People: So simple. No explanation needed.

What should our readers know about your business?
I feel most proud of the relationships and continuing clients I have been honored to grow with over the years. A majority of my business is telling the story of other business’s. The people behind a successful business in any industry have a story and they need photography and video to help tell their story. I consistently work on my listening skills and focus very hard to practice empathy when learning about someone’s passion. I do think that this intangible is why I am able to enjoy a growing continuing client base as well as trust in national brands to help with their headshots, video stories, and marketing photography.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If one of my best friends was visiting the New Orleans area for a week I would concentrate first on the music and taking them to see some of the staples. We would visit Preservation Hall for an early show and then catch some local or touring hard rock or experimental music on St. Claude or at the Zeitgeist in Arabi. I am very proud of the town I live with my family and raise my kids in, so I would take them on a tour of St. Bernard Parish and the amazing food and characters that live there. I would take them to eat at some of my favorite restaurants like Daily Beet, Cafe Aquarius, Crave, and St. Roch Market.

Coffee is my fuel so I would make it a point to swing by Mammoth Espresso, Church Alley, CR Coffee, Pond Coffee, and Cherry Espresso.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have always felt that the most valuable creative and business training I got was from mentoring and assisting other creatives. Phillip Gould, Mary Lou Uttermohlen, Victoria Ryan, Owen Murphy, Greg Miles, and most notably photographer Herman Leonard deserve my ultimate shoutout for helping me along my path to who I am today as a photographer, listening, and creator.

Website: https://www.zacksmith.com

Instagram: zacksmith_photography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zacksmithphotography

Youtube: @zacksmithphotographyandvideo

Image Credits
@Zack Smith Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.