Zach Parks - TAP Photographer Profile
We are super excited to get to show everyone the amazing work of Zach Parks!
One of, if not the very most important goal when starting The Archetype Process, was to create photography editing products that didn't fit into any particular genre of photography. Instead we wanted to create profiles that were true to film and looked great across all types of photography, just like film.
Zach's photography immediately stood out! A lot of skateboarding photography is shot with very wide angle lenses with a wide depth field and is shot in lighting conditions and locations that are very different than weddings, families and portraits. We just love to see such a cool style of photography mixed with profiles and editing that compliment it so well, like film. We are very pleased to present Zack Parks' TAP Photographer profile and hope you enjoy what he has to share!
Name: Zach Parks IG Tag: @zachparksphoto
Where you’re based
Spartanburg, SC
What camera gear do you use?
I’m a Fuji guy. Been using them for my digital work since I first grabbed an X-E2 whenever those came out. I’m using a Fuji X-T5 these days. My go to lenses are my 7artisans 7.5mm Fisheye and the Fuji 16-55 2.8. Those 2 tend to cover my bases. I do have a Fuji 56 1.2 that I love to break out for portrait work. I have been feeling the temptation to get into the GFX camera lineup. Medium format digital is the next move.
How long have you been shooting?
I picked up a camera in my teens to capture life. Just the goings on around me. I never took it too seriously. Fast forward to about 10 years ago, and I found myself with a camera in my hands once again. I haven’t put it down since.
What inspired you to shoot professionally?
Money! Haha. Jokes aside, it was a great way for me to make some extra money. Most of what I do is personal work. I do take on certain jobs from time to time though.
What is your favorite place to photograph?
That’s a tough one. I just love being out with my camera. I love getting “lost” in the mountains with my wife or skating around a parking lot with the buddies. I don’t think I could pick a favorite.
What place would you love to shoot but haven’t had a chance yet?
There’s a few National Parks on my list. Acadia, Glacier, & the Tetons. I’d love to make a trip around Europe, as well. The skate scene is amazing over there, and we all know the architecture/scenery is gorgeous.
What do you look for in a session?
Light and location are the two main factors. If it’s skate related, I have to keep the skater in mind. What kind of spot are they going to be stoked on? Everyone is different when it comes to their approach. That keeps it infinitely interesting and fun.
What is your Archetype and why?
I’m a big fan of the Portra 800 Noritsu profile for color work. The HP5 Pushed 1 Yellow profile is my favorite for B&W. Recently, I purchased the Yellow Pack IV. The Gold 200 has been taking a strong lead for my favorite color profile.
What are some of your editing techniques or tips and tricks?
I’m the worst! Haha. I hate editing. I’ve just never had the patience for it. Making the photos is the part that I love. That’s the thing that really drew me to these profiles. They make it so easy. I make very minimal adjustments after applying the profiles.
What are some of your biggest challenges in running your business?
I’m fortunate. I work a 9 to 5 that is centered around my camera. It is far from the most exciting job, but I get to play with my camera all day. It allows me to only take the jobs that I really want. Most of my photography is just personal work. I send the skate stuff to certain publications or sell the images to the skater’s sponsors sometimes.
Who are your creative influences?
I’m a big fan of Joe Brook, Anthony Acosta, & Matt Price when it comes to skate related things. My more “traditional” influences would be Fred Herzog, Robert Adams, Stephen Shore, Justine Kirkland, Robert Frank, etc. I could go on forever.
Describe your “Ah Ha” moment in photography.
Probably the moment I truly understood making a manual exposure.
What inspires you to stay creative?
My wife, friends, music, movies. Again, I’m a lucky dude. I’m surrounded by so many beautiful, creative people. They keep that fire burning, for sure.
What goals do you hope to achieve this year?
I’m already working towards a lot of really cool things this year. The one thing that I would absolutely love to see is one of my images used for an actual ad in a skate mag.
Is there anything you’d like to share about the creative process or editing that you feel would be helpful?
I really wish I had something to offer here. I do think photographers should absolutely revisit images after a while. I do that from time to time. It’s always interesting to see how or if my preferences have changed at all.
What is something you would have loved to have learned from another photographer early in your career?
Strobes! I was so scared of flash photography for so long. Haha. Fortunately, I overcame that fear quite a while back. It really did help add another lair to my photos.
