Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Brake.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My life as a professional photographer started when I was a student at the University of Kentucky. During that time I was studying Print Journalism. On one of my assignments, my editor asked me if I wanted to take a camera to take some photos along with my written piece. So, I took the camera and went to do my story.
As I was reporting and snapping photos, it dawned on me that I was doing more than just taking pictures. I was curating a meaningful story through images. That had an impact on me. It was the best “try something new” that I had ever done and became I became enamored. I took steps to learn anything I could about making a good photograph.
I continued my studies, asked a lot of questions and challenged myself regularly. I branched out beyond photojournalism and gained versatility in the studio, on location portrait work, weddings and more. Picture making became a lifestyle for me and in turn allowed me to build relationships and share the stories of others.
Life continued and I worked for some incredible publications, including Sports Illustrated, along the way. When I reached the culmination of my college tenure, I discovered that the news industry that I had studied so hard to become a part of, was not going to be a place that I fit in with. So I had to revisit the things that I cared deeply about. I knew that I loved building relationships with people and making photo stories of life.
Also, I am a bit of a romantic, so there’s that too. Considering the experience I had accrued, and the fact that I had shot a couple love stories already, I came to weddings. I made the decision to pursue the industry and I started my business. Diving in, I put in even more hours to hone my craft. Along the way, I was also blessed with some beyond extraordinary mentors, to whom I will forever be grateful.
My parents taught me some very important things in life; care about people and when you work, do it with excellence. It is these two things that have driven me to where I am today. I have had, and have, some amazing individuals who welcome me into their lives, trusting me with their fondest memories to solidify through photography. This is the most humbling and inspirational reason for my doing what I do. Every day is a continual growing experience as the business evolves. There is always something new to learn and greater heights to reach.
Today, not only do I photograph weddings, I also create work focused on food and people.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey has definitely had its challenges. As every business owner will tell you, it’s not easy to create a living out of something you love. You have to really work your tail off to become something great. It requires sacrifice and an immense amount of trust in yourself. I even uprooted and moved my business from Kentucky to and replanted in Chicago in order to be in a place where I could exercise my full potential.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Zach Brake Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a portraits photographer specializing in people, food and marketing. The prominence of my reputation lies in Weddings, where I started my career. But over the years I have also become known for my portraits work with creatives/businesses and also my work in the food industry.
What I am most proud of as a business is that it started from a goal to create something meaningful through imagery and became a reality, one that has continued as a profession for almost seven years now.
What sets me apart from others?
Every person and every story is unique. My work focuses on who is in front of my camera and their story. So in turn, my work is different because each person is different, and I create reflections of who people really are.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have been very lucky, or rather blessed, in the years I have been in business. I was, and am, fortunate to have great people in my life to uplift me and lucky to have experienced, good and bad, that I can learn from to make my business stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zachbrake.com
- Phone: 276-356-4709
- Email: zach@zachbrake.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/zach_brake
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/zachbrakephotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/zach_brake
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/zachbrakephoto/
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