We were lucky to catch up with Zac Seewald recently and have shared our conversation below.
Zac, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
In the world of entrepreneurship, challenges are as common as opportunities, if not more so. As a photographer, these challenges seem to be waiting at every turn to strike just when you think you have things running smoothly. Often, the highest profile shoot of one’s career is balanced by the principles of these unexpected obstacles. Should that scare me, make me nervous, or compel me to quit? Fear freezes the brain, nervousness leads to small mistakes, and quitting, well, that’s just not an option. “Better,” my parents would say, “to truly identify the imbalance and balance it.” This perspective simplifies things, eases my mind, and allows me to focus in order to work the problem, especially in particularly stressful scenarios. This is one of those things my parents got really right.
My father was himself an entrepreneur, owning his own HVAC business from the 1970s through the early 2000s. My mother taught middle school for 30 years, and they both endured a struggling economy, loss of parents, raising a family, and much more. Despite all their many challenges, they taught me how to quickly and fully identify an issue, then find a way to balance it. They promoted the idea that facing your challenges pragmatically allows for clarity and focus without the cloud of emotion, which often leads to illogical and rash solutions that result in more challenges subsequently.
In practice, I endeavor to let whatever emotion I’m having run its course as quickly as I can. Then, for a sprinkle of clarity, I recite three unbreakable truths in my head. Things like “No matter what happens here, I am loved and wanted” or “I have a place to sleep tonight,” or whatever’s in my mind that grounds me in that moment. After that, logic eases back in, allowing the mind to evaluate the issue for what it truly is. Then, I can look at the cause, analyze the effects of the alternate steps forward, and reveal a path to success. Nothing in life is guaranteed. However, I have found this philosophy helpful more often than not.
For small business owners, the philosophy that every challenge has a solution offers a crucial technique for navigating the most difficult issues in the most extreme scenarios. Adopting this mindset cultivates resilience, adaptability, and innovative thinking when the pressure is on, ultimately turning challenges into some of the greatest triumphs. So, get out there, push your limits, and hopefully this philosophy will help you through.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Zac Seewald. I am a photographer specializing in architecture and design. “What does that mean?” you ask. Simply put, as a photographer, I specialize in creating award-winning photographs of office buildings, schools, hospitals, high-end homes, and much more. Generally, my clients include architecture firms, interior designers, builders, and occasionally advertising agencies. Over the years, I’ve developed the skills to translate the client’s creations from a three-dimensional space, highlighting the most important aspects of their story, into a two-dimensional format suitable for award submissions and publication.
My interest in photography began in high school with a black and white photography course. Following that, I spent my college years immersed in technical training, delving into the science of light and film processing. Shortly thereafter, I launched a custom home and remodeling company. When the economy crashed in 2008, I seized the opportunity to reignite my passion for photography. I began working alongside Chris Cooper, a prominent architectural photographer based in New York. At the same time, I continued to manage my construction company in Austin. In the years that followed, I developed my unique photographic style and brand, eventually undertaking projects here in the state of Texas. With time, I honed my skills as both a business owner and a photographer, shaping my company into what it has become today.
During the Covid outbreak, my company faced significant challenges. What truly fills me with pride is that despite the numerous hardships brought about by COVID, I’ve managed to continually advance and secure higher-profile projects and clients.
Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?
Title: “Benefit of a Phone Call – You never know what’s gonna work”
Back in 2010, I was beginning my efforts to bring in new clients. I was new to the industry and all though I had plenty of experience as a photographer and builder, all I had managed to pick up was real estate projects. The projects were small with minimal budgets so the volume I had to do was intense. Given that my goal was to be the very best photographer I could be and throw myself into every project as if it’s the most important work I have ever done, I quickly realized I needed more architects and designers as clients. It was time to level up.
I tried everything from mailers and email lists, to even hiring a company to rep me to possible candidates. In the end I never really got much traction from these efforts. Even though my work was top notch, the fact that I hadn’t been around very long made it impossible to break through. So one day, I decided to try calling an architect at random. I did a quick search and picked the first architect in the results. I dialed the number expecting at best a receptionist. But he answered!
At the time I wasn’t very good at cold calling and not even really that well versed in the lingo of an architect. So, I said something like “Hi Mr. Cusimano, you wouldn’t happen to be in the market for a photographer would you?” He replied “As it happens, yes I am. I have a project that needs a good photographer. I need to start building out my portfolio. I’m glad you called.” I didn’t know what to say, I had never gotten this far before. After the shock from that success faded away, we chatted for a bit about prices and schedules and the rest is history. We have been working together ever since, building him an amazing portfolio with his award winning work.
You might be thinking that this situation was a random thing. But I like to think of random as a pattern we don’t yet understand or can’t yet see. I defiantly don’t understand the patterns that lead us together. However, Not only have I enjoyed working with him, I cherish the friendship we’ve built over the years.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Title: “Power of Creativity – Built In Mission”
I was asked recently about my mission as a creative, and honestly, I haven’t really defined it in concrete terms. But I suppose deep down, my aim is for each creation to stand alone as the pinnacle of my own work. I am compelled to create, and built into that need is the force of perfection. I’m sure all fellow creatives can relate in one way or another – an almost compulsive need to bring something new into existence. It’s in our nature, like a cat captivated by its prey; it’s simply how we’re wired.
Growing up, I encountered the common belief that artists don’t usually make much money. Society seemed to suggest that those who do are either extraordinary or were born into privilege, or some other ridiculous nonsense. Despite these prevailing views, I am reminded of the advice of a close surfing buddy. “Stop fighting the waves and start riding them.” And so, I embraced my passion for photography. The urge to create had always been there, and photography offered a path to channel that into a career. After all, we all need to make a living.
In the end, it all boils down to authenticity and integrity. Building projects on this foundation has centered my work, improved client relationships and story telling overall. Every day, I have the chance to stretch my creative muscles and collaborate with incredible individuals, celebrating their remarkable achievements through my work. My mission as a creative isn’t complicated: to just continue on this journey, seek out new opportunities, and constantly push the boundaries of what I can achieve. The most amazing part? I get to earn my living while doing what I love. How cool is that?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zacseewaldphotography.com
- Instagram: @zsphotog
- Facebook: @zacseewaldphotography
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/zacseewald
Image Credits
Photography by: Zac Seewald Architecture by: Cusimano Architects; Marmon Mok Architects Landscape Architecture: Johnny Steel Design Interior Design by: Munger Interiors, Meg Lonergan Interiors, Marmon Mok Construction by: Bryne Construction, Bartula Brothers Construction