Back From The (near) Dead ::
I have been tumbling slowly toward total burn out. Dad is still in the hospital. I can’t make that any better. Meg ended up in the hospital for a few hours this week as well. When it pours it floods.
In a final attempt to save my sanity, we lined up A LOT of shooting this week and I have barricaded myself in the studio to work, work, work. Not on paper work, not on filing crap, not on networking opportunities, not on the workshop, not on the branding, not on the web site, not on any of that crap that has nothing to do with pushing that big fat effing black button on my big black effing camera. I’ve nearly lost my mind because I have NOT been shooting. I’m a photographer damn.it.all. Not a bookeeper, web master, janitor, whatever. The studio is TRASHED and I love it because it is from shooting. Up first…. Tyrell.
Coming up shortly for blog posts of their own…. Justin, Daniel, and Liz.
I feel as though my pulse is returning. I’m a photographer. That’s not my entire identity but it sure is something I need to be doing with some part of my life.
More and more and more to come. I’m shooting. Need something? Hire me. I’ll almost pay you to shoot.*
Cheers, Zack
* Key word – “almost”
Sean said on February 7, 2009
good to see you back…
praying things work out for your family and the hospital situations
Courtney said on February 7, 2009
Wow, I am sorry to hear about your recent news. I am praying for you all! On another note: YOU ROCK!! These are all amazing! Thanks for posting on FB, for us all to see!!
You are such an inspiration!! Hope everything gets better soon and the flood gates close! 
~ C
Mart said on February 7, 2009
Good to see you back on form, the images are amazing as ever.
Hope every thing works out.
Mart
zack said on February 7, 2009
Thanks ya’ll. Feels good to be back.
Cheers,
Zack
gabe said on February 7, 2009
Sorry that it’s raining but glad to hear what you’re doing to pull through. I think I can relate.
I really enjoyed the new work.
Wes said on February 7, 2009
I feel I’m cruising the same ship
website, new investments, pricing, postcards, making backgrounds, commenting on other people’s post’s 
Thnx for sharing, great work !!
And I can’t wait to see more from the other models!
Wes
Nas said on February 7, 2009
Back with a vengeance! Luvz it.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched your dvd’s for inspiration. I’m waiting for the snow to melt before I can get back into my studio to start shooting.
Keep the posts coming Zack, you da man!
Wills said on February 7, 2009
Back with a great set of images, we are in the midst of the worst snow storm in 20 years.
Gordon said on February 7, 2009
Great series of images to start back with. Good to see you are on the case Zack. Sure cheered me up! All the best from UK
jonathan canlas said on February 7, 2009
holy crap zack that third shot (where he is punching) blows my mind. so freaking great. and glad to see you shooting again!
andy said on February 7, 2009
I love that in the first pic he’s wearing socks. Cold floor?
Press the big black button on the big black camera. It’s simpler than all the other things revolved around a photog’s life.
David Burke said on February 7, 2009
What a Comeback! Great to see it buddy. I have been praying for you all. God is good, even though it is hard to see in difficult times. You are so inspiring. When I see your work, it keeps me energized, because I have a long way to go! Thanks man. Give Meg a big hug!
Laurel Housden said on February 7, 2009
Welcome Back Zack!!! Didn’t you go to school to be a janitor?
Frances said on February 7, 2009
Beautiful images Zack.
It does seem that photographers now days do a lot more that just look through the camera see something great and click. The feeling of creating a great image is such a rush. It’s why I love it. Glad you got that love’en feeling back.
I pray things will continue to get better with your family.
sticky said on February 7, 2009
He’s effing back!
Totally smokin’ images and cheers to you and your family in these trying times.
Aaron Bailey said on February 7, 2009
I feel you. keep shooting and moving through it – awesome work.
Kevin said on February 7, 2009
Good to see you back in the studio. I look forward to seeing more of what you shoot in the coming weeks.
Kevin
Glyn Dewis said on February 7, 2009
Hi Zack,
Great to see you back in ‘the zone’ where you clearly belong.
Hang in there!!!
Best wishes,
Glyn
Dan said on February 7, 2009
Hey Zack, its Daniel. Pics lookin good! Cant wait to see the rest!
and remember, check out The Last Shadow Puppets. Youll love them!
and again, thanks for hookin me up.
Martin said on February 7, 2009
Rock it Zack!!
Glad you are back, and, hell, even better than ever. I see a lot more fire, passion, and anger/love/fear in these shots. And your work was full of that before. WOW…
matt miller said on February 7, 2009
awesome to see you back in action man! also, do i spy a new water mark on some of these images?
Rick in Cali4nia said on February 7, 2009
Hang in there Zack… Praying for you and your pops buddy…
Great and inspiring work as always!
cristina thornburg said on February 7, 2009
Yay! Zack is back! Love these new images! You guys are in our prayers! xoxo
Seth Floyd said on February 7, 2009
I second Matts questions….new watermark???
Henry said on February 7, 2009
w00t!
Nice to hear about you – excellent work
Still praying.
Best wishes from good old Germany.
Ghislain Leduc said on February 7, 2009
Wow, very nice comeback!
Work is good, time off is good, family is good. Always need to do a little of all, else you freak out…
I hope you stay positive!
Jimmy Douglas said on February 7, 2009
Welcome back Zack, your new post is amazing. The lighting is better then ever!
Janine said on February 7, 2009
so glad to see that you are back
sweet work you have posted here too, love it.
melissa said on February 7, 2009
I’ve been following your twits and thinking of you and Meg and your dad. Thinking positive thoughts for you and yours
good to see you shooting
JD said on February 7, 2009
Glad to see you back in the saddle, Bro.
Mike in Venice, Ca said on February 7, 2009
Welcome back Zack. We’re still praying for you, your dad and your family. Best, Mike
Stephen J. Zeller said on February 7, 2009
Great to see you back at it and I wish you and your family all the best in these tough times.
zack said on February 8, 2009
Thanks everyone! Yes… that is a new watermark. The new branding is nearing completion!
Cheers,
Zack
Zac said on February 8, 2009
I’m right there with ya. Having had a rough year with my dad’s health, (who is doing great today) and moving my studio after ten years, I’m finally getting to take pictures again! It’s good for you mentally, emotionally and spiritually, getting to go to that place where there is no time or reference…just whatever it is you’re working on.
I did think of you when I was recently in Vegas, with very minimal gear, and I was asked “since you’re here, can you shoot some beauty shots on white?” for a makeup company…I smiled and said sure.
On my knees brother.
Nathan Rodger said on February 8, 2009
Welcome back – glad to see you keeping your sanity with your photography!
Best wishes from all at Nathan Rodger Photography here in Sydney Australia to your dad, Meg – and YOU!
John Rowland said on February 8, 2009
Hey Zach, glad to see you back shooting, and my prayers and thoughts for your father.
Heather said on February 8, 2009
Good to see you here. The first set of photos of Tyrell are amazing: perfectly lit. What you do is truly art.
Your OneLight DVD has been an immense help to me and I put the bumper sticker on the back of my laptop. I tell everyone I know.
I am going through my own difficult period in life as well, where photography seems to either take a backseat or come to the immediate forefront and distract me – I hope things treat you well enough to make it through your days. My thoughts are with you and your father. I hope Meg is recovering well.
ty said on February 8, 2009
Zach,
You rock! Glad to see you working!
Nas said on February 8, 2009
Hey Zack,
Please can you share some tips on how you save your images / downsize them for posting on here? They always look so crispy compared to when I re-size mine in Photoshop/Lightroom.
Thanks
Harry said on February 8, 2009
These are fantastic ! So sharp. I sent you a message on your Facebook page. Let me know if that’s possible. Stay Strong, Harry
gary s. chapman said on February 9, 2009
Met you at a CIP meeting at your studio a long time ago. Been following your work. I have become a “stealth” prayer partner on your behalf. Know you are loved as a brother.
r. j. kern said on February 10, 2009
great shots… especially like the on-axis fill and ring flash… too bad i won’t be able to make the dubai trip. sounds like something not to be missed
Chad Pennington said on February 11, 2009
Zack Man – good to see you shooting again – I still pray for your dad in and out of church. Just wanted to ask can you again shre you white seamless stuff with the first guy
tony said on February 17, 2009
Wow. Life has a way of throwing curve balls at us. I hate it but somehow I know it has always made me stronger. Great photos and good looking model. Best wishes.
ebPic said on February 18, 2009
Great shots!
I actually think the first one is the best, with the simple “behind-the-scenes” background.
The background is interesting yet not to cluttered. Seems to have really humanised Tyrell.
Cynthia LaLuna | Rowboat Media said on February 20, 2009
Beautiful, beautiful work. So nice to see a lighting master – a brilliant shuttersmith with true talent instead of just marketing skills!
Keep being YOU.
raymond said on February 24, 2009
Just found your blog etc, and I’m an instant fan. Sorry to learn of your life difficulties of late. Your work is your therapy – what a blessing -for all of us. Keep on rockin’.
kristi said on March 5, 2009
zach,
I hope your burden is beginning to ease a bit. Watching your dad day to day had to be so exhausting….I’ve been there with both parents, so I know it was. Your heart will eventually heal, a bit anyway….keep the shooting going. It is the best therapy you will find. Still keeping you all in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Kristi