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

Zack, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is an ongoing documentary about the sport of Flowboarding and the dedicated community that surrounds it.

I was first introduced to Flowboarding when I was 13. It’s a unique sport where riders perform tricks on a manufactured wave machine called a FlowRider; blending elements of surfing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and skateboarding. While many people may have seen or briefly tried the FlowRider at a waterpark, few realize that there’s a passionate, tight-knit community of athletes who train regularly and push the limits of what can be done on this wave.

Early on, I was lucky to meet some experienced riders at my local FlowRider who took the time to mentor me and help me progress. After years of dedication, I eventually podiumed in the pro division at a contest in Utah. Around the same time, I had just entered my sophomore year of college and was beginning my major in Television Production. That’s when I had the idea to combine my passion for Flowboarding with my love for filmmaking.

I started shooting the documentary last summer at the National Flowboarding Championship in Oklahoma City. Through filming, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with riders from all over, capturing their stories and perspectives on what the sport means to them. A particularly meaningful aspect has been highlighting the voices of women in this male-dominated sport, in hopes of encouraging greater inclusivity and visibility.

This project continues to be deeply rewarding. It’s allowed me to give back to a sport that has shaped so much of my life, while using my skills in storytelling to bring greater awareness to a community that deserves more recognition.

Zack, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Zack Schuster, I’m a Photographer, Filmmaker, and Professional Flowboarder from Seattle, Washington. My work lives at the intersection of creative storytelling and action sports.

My love for photography and filmmaking started when I was a kid. I was always drawn to the idea of telling stories, whether through video, photos, or even just creative concepts, that would spark a reaction in others. Whether it made someone laugh, feel inspired, or simply pause and think, I was hooked on the emotional impact of visual storytelling.

As I got older, I fell in love with horror films, mostly because they got big reactions out of me. That emotional response drove me to want to become a director; someone who could create work that truly moves people. When I went to college at California State University, Northridge, I took a photography class that changed the way I saw the medium. My professor helped me realize just how powerful a single image can be, and how much emotion, information, and story can be conveyed in picture.

Alongside my creative journey, I’ve also built a career as a Professional Flowboarder, which introduced me to an incredible community of athletes involved in other board sports like wake-surfing, wakeboarding, surfing, and snowboarding. While I love participating in all of them, I found a different kind of joy in documenting these athletes; capturing their talent, movement, and style through my eyes.

What sets me apart from others is the unique blend of being both an athlete and a creative. I don’t just document the action, I live it. I know what it feels like to be in the middle of a trick, the timing, and the energy of a competition. That firsthand experience gives me a deeper understanding of how to capture action sports in a way that feels real, immersive, and impactful.

I’ve recently expanded my photography work to include Weddings, Concerts, and Graduations, each offering a unique story that I can share. These experiences have taught me so much about capturing meaningful moments for people.

Concert photography, for example, feels a lot like shooting board-sports. The environment is unpredictable, the energy is high, and you’re constantly anticipating the perfect moment, It’s fast-paced and instinct-driven, and I love the challenge.

Weddings and graduations, on the other hand, are more emotional and personal. My goal with these events is to create photographs that feel like memories. I love the vintage, natural, timeless look. I want people to look back and not just see what happened, but feel what it was like to be there.

These diverse experiences have helped me grow as a visual storyteller. I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for working in different environments, experimenting with various styles, and connecting with people from all walks of life.

I offer a wide range of photography services that I hope people find both valuable and engaging. I enjoy collaborating with clients to bring their ideas to life in a way that feels authentic, personal, and meaningful. Looking ahead, I hope my photography continues to make people smile, create lasting memories, and help shine a spotlight on underrepresented communities and sports, like Flowboarding, that deserve more recognition and visibility.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

There have been many times when I’ve told someone I’m a photographer, and they respond with, “But do you have a ‘normal’ job?” That question has always confused me. I think a lot of people still see creative work, whether it’s photography, music, or art, as something that’s just for fun, or something you grow out of. To them, it’s a hobby, not a career.

What I think non-creatives often struggle to understand is that being a creative professional isn’t about avoiding “real work”, it’s about choosing a different kind of work and prioritizing a different kind of lifestyle. We value connections, and the ability to build something meaningful from an idea. That’s not always easy, and it’s definitely not always a stable job, but it’s incredibly fulfilling.

I’ve always known I wanted to stay in the creative world because, to me, it’s the most honest and rewarding path I could take for myself. It takes persistence, patience, and a lot of self-belief. So while it may not look “normal” to some people, it’s exactly the kind of work I was meant to do.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing people connect with my work, especially when they’re excited enough to share it with others. One of the best feelings is showing an athlete a photo I took of them and watching their reaction, whether it’s awe, excitement, or pride. When they repost it or use it on their own social media, it might seem like a small thing to some, but to me, it’s a huge affirmation that my work resonates.

I also find a lot of reward in pushing myself creatively and trying new things. A recent example: I got a water housing for my camera as a birthday gift, and it completely changed how I approach photography and video. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I can now get up close to the action in the water without worrying about damaging my gear. That kind of growth, where experimentation leads to new creative breakthroughs, is one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zack-schuster.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zack.schuster/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-schuster/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zackschusterr

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