Zack Bradley was married before he began his career in the Greenville wedding photography business. There were many unknowns in the build-up, which caused some stress. The wedding itself was a blur. Zack looked at his wife, and said, “That was amazing!” This moment inspired Zack to provide his clients with peace of mind, and make sure that their most precious moments are captured.
Captured and preserved for future generations. Recently, we interviewed Zack to learn more about his experience as a professional wedding photographer. We wanted to give you a unique perspective on this competitive field. Zach’s website, Wedding Maps profile, and Instagram account are all great places to see more of his work.
The Photo Argus is proud to present the Featured Artisan Series, a space where we showcase the work and stories of amazing photographers around the globe. These features come from some of the top wedding photographers at Wedding Maps. We also showcase photographers from other genres. Please contact us if you are interested in having your work featured.
What is in Zack’s Gear Bag?
Dual Canon R6’s
Canon 5D III
Canon EF f/2.8 24mm + adapter
Canon RF f/2.8 70-200mm
Canon RF 100mm
Godox AD200 for use off camera (Flashpoint Version here).
Godox TT600 on-camera flash and fill (Flashpoint Version here).
Magmod – spheres (grids), gels and softbox
Manfrotto 1004BAC Light Stands
Jump right into the interview.
What is your favourite camera lens?
Canon EF 24-70mm lens is a real workhorse. It is my go-to lens for 90 percent of weddings or sessions. It is quiet, quick to focus and produces super-sharp images. This range allows you to get close up or even compress the image, especially when combined with the R6’s digital crop function.
What is your experience as a photographer so far? How did you get started?
Since about seven years, I have been working as a wedding and portrait photographer. It was more of a hobby for me to take photos of animals and landscapes. After a friend’s wedding, I spent a couple of hours in a pub talking to their wedding photographers. They offered me an internship. Since the very first wedding that I shot, it has been my passion.
What is your style of shooting and editing?
Canon EF 24-70mm lens is a real workhorse. It is my go-to lens for 90 percent of weddings or sessions. It is quiet, quick to focus and produces super-sharp images. This range allows you to get close up or even compress the image, especially when combined with the R6’s digital crop function.
What is your experience as a photographer so far? How did you get started?
Since about seven years, I have been working as a wedding and portrait photographer. It was more of a hobby for me to take photos of animals and landscapes. After a friend’s wedding, I spent a couple of hours in a pub talking to their wedding photographers. They offered me an internship. Since the very first wedding that I shot, it has been my passion.
What is your style of shooting and editing?
It’s being able to share in the happiness of someone else on their most important day. It is extremely rewarding to be able document my couple’s wedding, and then relive it with them as we create their album.
What do you find the most difficult about being a professional photographer?
Operating the business. Being a creative person, I can get lost in hours of editing images and helping couples choose the right location or outfit. While I’m supposed to be inputting receipts into my tax return or checking ad copies.
What are your favourite photographers?
- Chris Burkard is a great inspiration, even though he doesn’t specialize in wedding photography.
- KT Merry
- Ben Adams Style & Story
- Jose Villa
- Jeremy Chou
- Fire & Ice
Where do you get your inspiration for photography?
My work is heavily influenced by nature and architecture. Combining these two things can make an image stand out.
What are your key success factors in the industry?
Being an “always student” with an open mind and building strong relationships and friendships with other wedding vendors and photographers.
How would you advise someone who wants to learn photography?
Do not be afraid to try new things! You may not like everything, but eventually you will find what works for you and build on that. YouTube is a great FREE resource. Take advantage of it and experiment with as many different types of photography that you can.