Meet Zahria Clonts | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zahria Clonts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zahria, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Before last year I had zero work life balance, but you can only continue to burn your candle from both ends for a limited amount of time. Life has a way of making you re-evaluate what’s important to you. Now when I work, I only want to take on projects that make me happy and inspired. I want to be able to separate me from my work and not intertwine my worth with how many projects that I’m working on at one time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
A couple of months ago I would have had a very clear answer about what my art is. But the thing about art is that it is every growing and evolving and becoming something new. Right now, my art is a learning experience for me to interact with people from all walks of life and capture the emotions that come with that. I don’t know if anything sets my art apart from everyone. Just like every other creative person I am a chronic perfectionist and its hard for me to find the good in my art when I’m always looking to critique. I think that the biggest challenge that I have to overcome is my own mind. I have to constantly tell myself that I have a place in this world and that it’s ok for me to put myself out there. I think its really important to take breaks for your mental health and just do what feels right. In the end you know whats best for yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you different.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love the Georgia Aquarium, it’s my favorite place in the city. I’m also a sucker for museums, so anything about history or art is definitely on the list. Atlantic Station because nothing can beat the vibes there, and we would have to go catch a comedy show at Ponce City Market.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Mom and Aunt have always been vehemently supportive of any thing that I want to do and they always sheer me on until I reach the finish line. My. brother, Zion, and my best friend, Kelly, are my sounding boards and I would never be able to think through an idea if I didn’t have them.

Instagram: 4_zbear