Meet Zachary Toth | Owner+Operator @ Zachary Toth Photography (@ZTothPhoto)

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

Hi Zachary, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has always excited and intrigued me! Undeniably so, high risk = high reward and low risk = low reward. I always craved a high yield for my risks and the adrenaline fueled me. Ive moved to many different cities on the East Coast and each time I moved it was scary; starting fresh all over in a city where I didn’t know anyone had its pros and cons. Overall, this decision making and risk taking has led me to places I would’ve never been otherwise. From life, friendships and finding love to my career taking off in so many different directions that I ever had planned. If you stay safe in your comfort zone and never play with risk, you will find yourself positioned as so.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Ive been a creative for as long as I can remember. When I was young I was coloring, drawing and painting. When I got older I refined my skills in illustration and design. I was a writer of poems and music and vocals (have a whole catalog of music that most people who know me down know about it, shout out the HEC Crew). I took my efforts into graphic design, web and marketing platforms. Had an entire career as a graffiti writer and muralist. One thing that I can honestly say is that I have many different skills that all come from the same place artistically.

My goal artistically was to always create something impactful and memorable. Through outstanding color choices, or witty wording, or unique style. I was always just me in my approach.

My career as an artist has not been an easy one. Most times I would find myself defeated and/or craving more. More success, more opportunity, more more more. I will say that now looking back it has been a very fulfilling journey to become a self made creative professional and artist.

Ive learned that it takes time to become anything, lot of time and dedication. If your not investing your time into your craft than you will more than likely never get noticed, never be taken seriously, and ultimately never make it.
Its important to find out what your passionate about and just flipping run with it! I did and never looked back.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have showed my best friend around Atlanta a few times: I live in the historic Old Fourth Ward and historic Cabbagetown so we can start there for a little arts, history and culture. This place is rich with history and lots of really cool buildings, architecture, neighborhood vibes and art/murals. A real melting pot of Atlantas diverse community. Probably hit up a bar/lounge afterward to play a game of pool, darts, etc and then a fired chicken/fish spot.

From there we can jump to Midtown for more arts and culture and big city vibes. Sky scrapers, the metropolis, hustle and bustle of the streets. High Museum to see more arts and culture and then again out to drink and eat. I like places that are not too fancy but where you can be yourself. Midtown got some swanky spots so check some of those out just to get the feel for it.

From there probably visit my local friends around town in their areas. East Atlanta Village, Grant Park, West Side, College Park. You know the neighborhood spots and do some backyard chilling with a fire and some drinks.

Got to make a stop at Smiths Olde Bar (you know to rep my home town Pittsburgh Steelers) and then that about wraps up what we would be doing.

I would’ve added a visit to the Apache Cafe for some music and culture and vibes. but…it is no longer RIP Apache Cafe. When this place was still running I would go in their every Thursday for their open mic night and show love by shooting photos and video of the artists performing. (made a lot of connects in the music industry in ATL this way)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was always really inspired by graffiti writers.. local and famous ones. Saber from the MSK crew always got me juiced up with his amazing feats he would pull in his street art. From the famously massive LA River bed painting of his name, to his countless other bridges and walls to his amazingly detailed canvases and gallery art. A lot of other graffiti writers from Canada and in my home town of Pittsburgh also really inspired me. Freight train art always amazed me. Its their raw approach and grittiness that is. just like no other.

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