October 16, 2016

Meet Alpharetta Photographer: Zackari Xavier

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to the talented and ambitious Zackari Xavier.

Zackari, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was 13 years old, my father got me my first camera phone. I didn’t care too much about the phone, but I would take photos of absolutely EVERYTHING. I couldn’t go anywhere without taking pictures. As I grew a little older and went into high school I took some photography classes as an elective.

They provided us with a Canon Rebel DSLR camera. I had no clue how to use it so I would take photos on my camera phone at the time and transfer them over to the camera to turn them in. A few of my photos ended up getting voted into county and state art shows. I thought to myself “If I can make it into art shows with photos I took on my phone, I can do so much more if I actually learned how to use a real camera.” I ended up receiving a Nikon D3000 as a gift for my 16th birthday. Over the next year, I really got to learn about my camera and how it worked. Photography ended up becoming my passion, it was all I wanted to do. People would tell me that I should find something else because I need a career but my dreams were set on becoming a professional photographer.

After high school, I was accepted into a private art college in Nashville, Tennessee. While in school at Nossi College of Art I learned more than I ever thought I would. I was extremely inspired with all the talent and history of my professors who also worked in the field. Throughout my time in college, I had the honor to work with and alongside multiple celebrities, models, MUA’s, magazines, and record labels that pushed me to accomplish more than I ever thought I could. One of the greatest accomplishments for me was having my work shown at New York Fashion Week in 2013. As my college years came to a close I decided to open a photography business. I felt that I had more to offer than working for someone else. So I packed everything I could in my 2004 Toyota Celica and moved to Atlanta spur of the moment to chase this dream of working for myself and not just building a photography business, but a brand as well. It has been a long and tough road but I believe there is no way I can fail unless I give up, and giving up isn’t an option.

Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. I dealt with multiple people that told me I would never make it, that I won’t make enough money. People told me I needed to study for a career instead of chasing a dream. I struggled with homelessness and living out of my car when I first moved to Atlanta. But I much rather chase a dream and be happy rather than have a stable job that I’m unhappy doing.

Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
Growing up I kept to myself a lot. I would always sit back and observe things before I approached them. I was very friendly, I got along with just about everyone I came in contact with. I had a very wide range of interests from photography, sports, music, and art.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite memory as a child was always traveling and experiencing new places.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to keep ZackX Imaging based in Atlanta, GA and continue to build. I would love to make my business grow into a reputable name that people will remember and know as quality professional work. Nothing but the best. I have quite a few big dreams for ZackX Imaging but growth and building a good relationship with clients and the community are the main goals I’m focusing on at the moment.

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