Today we’d like to introduce you to Zae Thao
Hi Zae, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a child I was always intrigued by my father’s old 35mm film cameras and played with them every now and then. I took a photography course back in high school with a Canon film camera of my fathers and was producing my own black and white film/photos in class and loved photography since then. In 2014 I finally got a job paying just well enough to buy a Nikon CoolPix L810. I used that camera for a year and upgraded to the Canon T5i and started taking photography more seriously in 2015. In 2015 I started going to car shows held around and in the twin cities just admiring cars and taking pictures of cars.
One day, I was thanked by a gentleman for taking a picture of his car and he had said he appreciated it as he knew what it took to become a photographer and a photographer in the Minnesota car scene. Little did I know, he is a published photographer and the photographer of TYC Photography who would become a great mentor throughout the decade of my photography career/journey. From 2015 to 2020, I went to back to back car events held by local groups and photography just seemed to boom from there. Who would have thought!? In my 10 years of photography, I’ve expanded beyond automotive photography and now am a well rounded photographer who does not like to have limits and does not like to turn down photo shoots or helping people capture and make memories.
I currently use what used to be my dream camera, a Canon 5D Mark IV and am on my way to getting a Canon R5. 2025 is a big milestone for me as I have been doing photography for a decade. I’m all about the m’s… Not the money, the memories. I’ve learned that money comes and goes but those who mean the most live on in memories and pictures. In the end, if a memory doesn’t last a picture will.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Photography has been a smooth journey for the most part but as any business or individual, you hit bumps along the way and you just have to climb those walls if you’re short like me. Just like any business or human being, you will get scrutinized and talked down upon but such is life. You just have to brush it off and continue being you and doing what you love no matter what others may say or think. One of the biggest struggles is people finding someone who will do photo shoots for cheaper. Covid was another big bump and struggle but photography is slowly rebounding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I try not to specialize on any specific area of photography as I love all kinds of photography and would love to take on any kind of photo shoot or project. I can and will do any photo shoot as long as I have the skills and equipment to succeed and help the customer/client get what they are looking for.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for someone who is just starting out is, don’t be afraid of what people think of you and your work because you are and will be your own and biggest critic. Just be you and stay true to yourself, your friends, your family and your morals. It’s easier said than done but in the end, make sure you are happy and don’t let yourself stress about something that doesn’t bring you joy or success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zae_thao_photography/
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Personal Photo: TYC Photography
