Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Salas.
Hi Zachary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My lifelong passion for photography began after borrowing my grandmother’s point-and-shoot camera when I was a kid. I even did a photoshoot in the backyard with my sibling!! Those early moments planted the seeds for my love of photography, which would eventually grow into something bigger, even as it took a back seat for many years while I focused on teaching martial arts. But my love for movies and visual storytelling continued to grow, largely influenced by films my father introduced me to. And in 2023, that pull toward visual storytelling brought me back to photography in a serious way! This is when I officially started my photography career.
Now, almost 3 years being a professional photographer, I’ve been very grateful to be on numerous film sets, work with festivals, and photograph incredible musicians throughout Austin.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t usually share this, but when I was a kid, I had to go to speech therapy. Sometimes I still feel self-conscious, like I might misspeak. But that’s never stopped me and the work I’ve done. Also when I first started documenting the Austin scene, it felt tough to put myself out there. Nobody knows who you are, so you kind of have to show up and put your name out into the world. Then you got to make your name mean something!! Making sure every gig gets my full attention and effort regardless of whatever it is. If my name is on it, It better look damn good.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I always jokingly say that the Austin area has so much going on that I just photograph whatever’s happening. A lot of music and film productions, along with festivals like ATX TV Festival and HAAM Day. I’ve also had the opportunity to cover SXSW.
My work has been displayed and sold at the Paramount Theatre in benefit of the SIMS Foundation, an Austin-based nonprofit that provides mental health and recovery services to musicians and music industry professionals. The silent auction was organized by the funk band “Grandmaster”, who I’ve been following and photographing at live shows for nearly 2 years since I’ve discovered them at Hotel Vegas during SXSW. Since then, I had gotten to know them a bit, so when they reached out if I wanted to showcase some of the photos I’d taken of them, I was truly honored.
I also had the pleasure of doing studio work for the incredible rock band “Quiet Company”. Fronted by Taylor Muse, the band has been a staple of the Austin indie and alternative scene since 2009. After taking a break in 2022, they returned following a three-year hiatus. Doing their latest press photos was truly an honor. Having a hand in helping jumpstart their return will always be a huge milestone for me. I absolutely love “Quiet Company”. They were literally my number 1 listened artist of the 2025. This band absolutely rips, im telling you. Go listen to their albums and then see them live!!
Most notably, I documented two music video productions for Austin’s punk rocking metal band Die Spitz!! “Punishers” and “Pop Punk Anthem (Sorry for the Delay)”. These music videos were released prior to their debut album “Something to Consume” that released on Third Man Records. It was honestly a dream working alongside the amazing crew and band on these music videos. That whole universe of Third Man Records and Jack white have been such a genuine inspiration since I was a teenager. So being able to be in that world with these music videos is so very exciting. What’s even more insane, is that “Punishers” is nominated for Austin Music Awards this year via the Austin Chronicle!! Go vote!!!
Outside of the Austin community, I’ve had opportunities to photograph artists and icons such as Conan O’Brien, Seth Meyers, Billy Bob Thornton, Molly Tuttle, and Jon Hamm.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I listen to music while editing. I often dip into the discography of the bands I’ve had the pleasure of shooting and working with.
A podcast I enjoy is “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zacharysalasphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacharysalasphotography/
Image Credits
Zachary Salas Photography
