We had the good fortune of connecting with Zale McGee and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Zale, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Something many people may be unaware of about my industry is how much time and effort goes into it. Its not as simple as you take the pictures, slap a filter on them, and send them their photos. I spend hours of time coordinating times, locations, and needs and wants for the photo shoot. After the shoot, hours are spent editing and combing over every detail of the photo trying to make it perfect for my client. Not to mention, the amount of hours and money spent learning how to use my equipment and programs. So much goes into every single photo shoot but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want every client to be be happy with their results and to cherish their photos forever.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I take photos of families, individuals, and kids. I love capturing these special and important moments for people so they can look back and relive the special times in their lives. I personally try to stay affordable so everyone has a chance to have beautiful photos for their special moments in life, everyone deserves that. My journey has not been easy. It has taken a lot of work on my end to learn and practice and grow. My photos in the beginning are completely different from what I take now. In a way, I am so glad that being a photographer didn’t come easy to me because I think I appreciate my growth and where I am at so much more. I have had to learn not only technical skills but also about the business side of things and how to talk to clients. When someone is working with me, I want them to walk away happy with their photos and feeling like they had the most fun they have ever had taking photos.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, we for sure be enjoying all of the yummy food around town! Mexican food is a must so we would be going to Gecko Grill and Nandos. We would also be stopping by the yummy dessert places like Balboas, Chunk Cookies, and Dulce Churro Cafe because sugar is my love language. It wouldn’t be all about food though, I would love to go get pedicures, go to the movies, and just chill at home talking and playing card or board games. If we really felt like getting out there, I may take her to Top Golf or to Escape Rooms, those are always so much fun!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so grateful to every person who has helped me along my way. My family and friends have always been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders and they help in any way they can to make my business happen. A few people come to my mind who helped me with my learning process; Alisa McCormick taught me a lot and gave me a lot of mentoring along with Amy & Jordan Demos teaching me so much.
Website: https://zaleamayaphotography.wixsite.com/zaphoto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaleamayaphotography/
Image Credits
My personal photo is credited to the amazing Jynelle Hatch, all other photos are of my own work.