Life & Work with Zach Mendez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Mendez.

Hi Zach, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Fort Worth, TX. I developed a love for performing at a young age and went on to study classical singing at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. My love for opera and classical music grew during my time at CMU and led me to pursue a Master of Music at UC Santa Barbara. Upon moving to California, I fell completely in love with my new home. During my graduate studies, my passion for music began to fade, and I found a new artistic outlet in photography. By the time I finished my graduate degree, I had a job at Opera Santa Barbara in Admin but was also the staff photographer. This position led to a successful photography business, mostly in portraiture and nonprofit arts. As I expanded my business, I eventually made my way into the wedding industry. I left my full-time job in 2022 to pursue my business full-time, and I’m happy to say that it has been extremely successful. My partner, Dune, joined my business this year, and we recently rebranded to Zach + Dune, a photography + cinematography duo specializing in luxury weddings and events.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road was not extremely traditional, but I do feel there are many parallels between stage performance and wedding photography, as odd as that might sound. I think the most important thing for me has been a passion to continue moving forward, but also a determination to constantly refine my craft.

One challenge that I struggled with a lot in the beginning (and still do) was imposter syndrome. It took me so long to confidently call myself a “photographer.”

It was a bit of a risk to make the leap to running a full-time business, but it has truly paid off in the best way. I think it’s important to prepare yourself as much as possible before taking a risk like that. I think I was prepared, but it was a lot of work along the way to get there.

For me it has been a constant balance of learning, finding inspiration, networking, refining, etc.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As we move into 2024, I am thinking a lot about branding and client experience. I love understanding business practices including marketing and administration, and I’m always trying to learn how we can improve.

I am beyond excited about our 2024 clients and the weddings we will get to be a part of. We have a few destination weddings next year, and would love to continue growing the destination arm of the business.

I’ve also been thinking about how to grow other parts of my business. One area I am very interested in is education. I started a photography YouTube channel in 2020 and really enjoyed being able to position the channel as a way to promote education and build community. As we move into 2024, I really hope I can invest more time in building this part of what I do.

I can’t wait to see where this career will take us.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If there is anything I can offer, I hope it is an encouragement to anyone with a dream and a passion. I never would have thought that I would be a wedding photographer, and more than that, so in love with what I do. I always dreamed of owning a creative business or being successful as an artist, but for most of my life, I imagined I would find success through music. But somehow photography is more fitting for me and more fulfilling.

If you have a dream and a passion, follow it. It might lead you somewhere you would have never imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: zachanddune.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezachmendez
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thezachmendez
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thezachmendez
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/zachmendez

Image Credits
Ali Beck