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It's Not Wanderlust, It's Strategy

My First Travel Assignment Capturing the Heart of a Mission

Zac Small's avatar
Zac Small
Mar 18, 2024
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In a twist of fate, I’ve found myself leaving my home and family to capture memories.

Today, I’ve embarked on an expected yet unscheduled voyage as I’m flying from North Carolina out to Baltimore to cover my first event as a photographer.

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Despite harboring a low-key reluctance to travel, the opportunity and precedence set here can position me to be selected for future events, which will propel my photography goals to the levels I’ve set my sights on.

I’m flying out today to cover photography for a corporate client’s event that runs all of tomorrow. The prospect of being compensated for my craft in a setting far from the more local routines I’m accustomed to was an enticing proposition. It’s one I accepted because my goal is to take my photography business to a more expansive and profitable level; working with businesses and entrepreneurs is a faster way to achieve that aim without compromising the artistic side of the craft.

  • I hate leaving my wife and kids

  • I’ve never flown with my photography equipment before

  • I have an FoE retreat to lead from Wednesday to Sunday in Arizona

Still, this opportunity was one which I could not pass by because sometimes doors open, and when they close, another one doesn’t always open after.

Securing this job grants me the opportunity to showcase what I can do in an environment other than sports fields and modeling shoots. I use my camera to tell a story, and I want to show businesses and business owners how I am the right guy to capture their stories and those of their teams in photographs to be used on social media and through their websites.

Most corporate photography is bland and washed out, with photos that show as much character and depth as a cubicle.

- Zac Small

Bringing a more dynamic “street photography” look to corporate America will help these brands stand out from the crowd. In a world where more people are turning to social media and hand-selecting businesses, doctors, bakeries, fitness trainers, etc., shows the need to be different and to showcase the true you to connect better.

A Fate I’ve Accepted

It’s interesting, but once I’m in the air and away from the family, my mindset shifts. I accept that it’s happening, and so it becomes “Go Time.”

Just me and the Sony a7iii, my silent companion on this journey, witnessing the next saga of a photographer’s journey unfold.

Through my lens, my client and his employees will also witness a metamorphosis. The images captured during this assignment will not only reflect the excellence of performance in delivering the training and conference, but these photos will also showcase the story of the people who make the business work and let others see inside why this team performs so well and why anyone would do well to trust them with both their time and money.

As the shutter clicks and the moments are frozen in time, it will be evident to those who hired me that their potential customers have a better view of who it is they’re working with.

I’m in uncharted waters as far as my traveling photography goes, but one area where I’m 100% in my element is when that camera is in my hand. It doesn’t matter when or where I am; I’ll be looking to get the shot in a unique way, then edit so that the emotion behind the moment is shared without a word or movement needed.

- Zac

Photography IG

Photography Website

DM if you’re interested in having me cover your next event.


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By Zac Small · Launched 3 years ago
Your no-BS guide for purposeful living. Each issue delivers actionable insights, personal growth strategies, and straight talk on mindset, leadership, and accountability—helping you build a life that’s driven by clear goals and daily discipline.
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