We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zach Galarza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zach below.

Zach, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started from square one 5 years ago. I had no industry knowledge, no experience, no contacts, no mentors, no community, no particular direction, and a very limited skillset. What I did have was the curiosity and drive to hone my craft and develop a skillset that would grow and support a career in commercial photography. I took knowledge from many different avenues; from dissecting work from photographers I admired, assisting others, and testing. I did not go to school to learn photography. I have learned myself and from others in the industry to grow a skillset that is my own, and importantly one that would be commercially viable. As my experience grew, I focused in on still life photography. I have a special connection to this particular genre since it feeds both my creative and technical aspects of my brain.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Zach Galarza, I started TIMEZAC Photography that specializes in still life. The majority of my work is still imagery as well as select motion work. I focus on creating outstanding quality images that elevate a brands marketing. I love the process of working collaboratively with clients from the first creative call to delivering the final images and seeing them in use. I work client direct and with ad agencies.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

The journey as a creative is sometimes difficult to fully understand if you haven’t attempted it yourself, and understandably so. There is no proven path, there are set rules of what to do and when. What you have to rely on is your vision, your self drive, and your willingness and patience to put in the time. In the end of the day, I might be considered a “creative”, however I see myself more of a skilled technician that solves image based problems for clients. At the end of the day, it’s a business, and you are competing in a niche industry.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing and maintaining a clientele has been multifaceted. Communicate, be genuine, provide great work that has value, and keep pushing. Follow-up with people, grow relationships, be relevant. Also grow your skillset, keep it up with personal projects that push the envelope of what you can produce.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://timezac.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timezac/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timezac

Image Credits
All Images copywrite of TIMEZAC Photography.