We recently connected with Zach Whitmore and have shared our conversation below.
Zach, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
When it comes to being an artist, I find myself much happier than if I were working a regular job. It’s not just about the freedom to set my schedule, but it’s about the freedom of expression. With that freedom comes reward. Of course, the risks are higher and the challenges are a little scarier. But I have to say, when you overcome those challenges and risks, the reward is much more fulfilling.
As an artist, you sometimes arrive at a crossroads. Your work might not be selling, the need for others to purchase your services might not be as common as it once was, or your creativity is lacking for whatever reason. It’s only natural that you begin to contemplate if it’s all worth it or if getting a regular job is something you’re willing to settle for just to make ends meet. I have had this thought more than once, but I remembered something, I wanted this. I wanted this career, I wanted this freedom, and I embraced the risk because the ultimate reward is happiness. Not just for myself but to help others achieve it as well.
Being a photographer, I can either help others physically move closer to the goals that will lead them to happiness. Or, the inspiration from my work helps give them clarity and motivates them to continue moving forward. The average employer may have bonuses and perks to try and motivate you but in the end, you have to ask yourself an important question. Do they care about me, my happiness, and well being? Regardless of where I am in life, I will do everything I can to stay away from the average employer because I’m focused on a dream. A dream I am reluctant to let go of or let someone else stand in the way of or take away from me. I strongly believe in myself and in what I am doing.
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
I discovered my love for photography in high school. I had a camera in my hand at some point throughout high school, learning various aspects of photography. When I graduated in 2009, I joined the military and didn’t touch a camera again for many years. One day I was deep in thought, wondering what my next big life decision was going to be. I remembered what I felt when I had a camera in my hand. It cut away all of life’s distractions and troubles. The only point of focus was what I saw through my viewfinder. Nothing else seemed to matter.
I sought after the education I would need to become successful. Researching schools all across the country. I discovered Nossi College of Art, located in Madison, TN, just down the road from Nashville. A city that is booming with creativity and opportunities. So I chose to enroll at Nossi. Now, I am a Junior working towards a Bachelor of Graphic Arts in Photography.
How I got my start in the industry was through Country Singer Clayton Q. He reached out and offered me the opportunity to shoot an event, Bo’s Extravaganza with John Schneider one weekend. It gave me the opportunity to network with so many in the industry and put my skills to the test. There I also met Jesse Kramer who also opened a few doors for me in Nashville. These two showed me how deep their passions were for their art. Once I worked with them and took on the same want and drive, more doors continued to open. I can honestly say that they are now friends that I’m proud to have met.
My passionate areas of photography are Concerts and Events as well as Fine Art Portraiture. I personally am drawn toward Black and White Photography, but that does not necessarily apply to everything else I shoot. I also shoot, Standard Portraiture, Fashion, and even Photojournalism. What I like about black and white is the emotion you can capture. By creating photographs in black and white you strip away all unwanted distractions. You’re able to isolate your subject while amplifying the emotional story within the image. Photographs tell stories and I want to make sure that story is told in the most efficient way possible.
By creating deep, emotional, and meaningful work, I’ve managed to connect with people on another level. Whenever I’m approached by someone about my work, they say they are drawn to the feeling and connection. They see that there is more to my photographs than trying to appeal to everyone for likes. They see a motivation that comes from the most basic elements. Why complicate things and create something that isn’t moving or original?
What seems to set me apart from others is my attention to detail and my desire to create something that is different from everyone else. I’m not a fan of fads or trends. In fact, I despise them for everything they’re worth. Sure, sometimes it can gain you more attention, show that you’re able to reproduce what everyone else does and that you can adapt and learn something new. But in the end, what is the value in that? Does it really do anything for you? Of course, we all have our influences and inspirations, but the goal is to put them all in a jar with your own ideas, shake them up, and make something that’s unique and powerful. That is true art. True art is something that truly inspires others and is something you can be proud of.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being an artist, for me, is the impact my work has on other people. It’s leaving something behind that is everlasting. Creating and capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments from the irreversible continuum of time. There is something about touching others through my photographs that makes me feel good. When I produce photographs, it is not only a healing process for myself but for those in the photos as well. We all seem to walk away feeling better about ourselves. My goal is to not only satisfy my clients by capturing what they want and telling their stories but inspire them.
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
What drives me is the want to be different and leave a mark on the lives of those who see my art or those who are the art itself. I have a strong desire to make it solely as a photographer. I don’t want to fall back on anything else. I am a photographer! This is who I am and this is what I want to do for the rest of my days. Photography is also a healing tool for me. If I can satisfy, inspire, and simultaneously heal, then that’s what I’m going to do. It’s as simple as that. If my clients and I can walk away smiling and feeling better, then I have done my job right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zwhitmorephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zach.whitmore_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zwhitmorephoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-whitmore-5607561a3/
Image Credits
Image 01: Mara Ferguson Image 02: Clayton Q. Image 03: Kenzie Clark Image 04: Jesse Kramer Image 05: Sarah Johnson (Marshall) Image 06: Clint Maine Image 07: Shasta Wells Image 08: Tami Wilder