Meet Zuri Stanback, Sr. | Lens-Based Artist & Marketer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zuri Stanback, Sr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zuri, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The creative entrepreneur bug bit me early. In college, I made a few extra dollars designing party and event flyers. From there, it was an unpredictable ride through the design world: websites in the dial-up days (who remembers those?), logos and e-newsletters in the age of flip phones, and even a stint selling my own custom artist merch as a painter in the 2010s.

Fast forward to 2020, and the world hits pause. Suddenly, I have all this extra time. Being the naturally curious soul I am, I started exploring my neighborhood with a camera in tow. These photo walks became my escape, and I eventually fell in love with urban landscape photography. Then it got a little crazy – 6 group exhibitions, a self-published photo book, even limited-edition prints – all within 18 months!

As I honed my skills, I discovered a newfound passion for portraiture. So, in early 2022, I decided to combine my love of photography with my entrepreneurial spirit and opened Stanback Studio, ready to offer lens-based artistry and branding expertise to my clients!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Stanback Studio focuses on helping individuals, entrepreneurs, and small brands tell their stories through captivating photos and videos. Think branding imagery that pops, lifestyle shots that sizzle, and documentary content that keeps people engaged. With over 20 years of experience in consulting, marketing, and user experience, I don’t just take pretty pictures (although I do love that part!), I focus on imagery that resonates with audiences. It’s all about storytelling.

Up until about 6 months before I launched the studio, I was solely focused on my fine art photography. Remember my self-published photo book I mentioned? Turns out selling them wasn’t quite the goldmine I envisioned (who knew, right?). But no regrets. You gotta start somewhere. There’s no magic formula for success. It takes hard work, a sprinkle of creativity, and the willingness to learn from every stumble (and believe me, there were a few).

I think of it as a family affair, in a way. My father passed in late 2021 which led me to do a lot of reflection on our family’s history. I was reminded of how my grandparents opened the original Stanback Studio in Durham, NC, in 1947, the same year my father was born. In addition to providing photography, my grandfather was also a photojournalist reporting on the inequalities brought about by racial segregation. It’s such a wonderful legacy to try to uphold, and I soon decided that’s exactly what I wanted to do.

Collaboration is core to how I operated Stanback Studio. We work with clients to craft a visual identity that’s as unique as they are. My goal is to create steady growth and ultimately take on more large, multi-faceted projects where we provide end-to-end services for photo, video, and creative direction.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I step out for some fun, I’m either eating, checking out art or shopping for sneakers. Since I follow a plant-based diet, I’m treating my best friend to a menu of Atlanta’s best offerings. Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe in the West End is at the top of the list. Personally I’m getting the Punany Wrap. Next up would be Bar Vegan in Ponce City Market for drinks, their Cheezesteak Eggrollz, and some Buffalo Cauliflower. And I couldn’t let him leave town without hitting up Local Green Atlanta for sandwiches, Chi Chi Vegan for tacos, and Plant Based Pizzeria for a slice or two.

When it comes to art, Atlanta has a great mix of events, galleries, and museums. In the Spring, arts and crafts festivals bloom like flowers. From the Sweet Auburn Springfest in the historic Sweet Auburn District to the Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park, there are tons of options every weekend in the city and the surrounding suburbs. The Summer and Fall brings some of the best annual events such as Art, Beats, and Lyrics, ARTiculate ATL, and Atlanta Art Week. And visiting the museums, galleries, and independent art shows are a win anytime of the year. Whether it’s the High Museum of Art or galleries like Zucot Gallery in Castleberry Hill and Buckhead Art & Company in Buckhead, there’s something to match anyone’s taste.

As far as shopping is concerned, I’m a sneakerhead always looking for something new, and I’m bound to find it somewhere in metro Atlanta if I search long enough. But if I only have a short amount of time, there are only two spots I hit up: A Ma Manier in West Midtown and Wish in Little 5 Points. They not only carry the latest in fashion-inspired kicks, they have the apparel to go with them.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My creative work wouldn’t be a reality without a whole squad of amazing people in my corner. It’s a big, beautiful web of support. From the wise mentors who dropped knowledge at just the right time, to the fellow artists who inspire me with their superb skills, everyone I’ve crossed paths with has played a part in this journey.

But if I had to pick a dream team, it would be my parents, wife, and kids. They’re not just my biggest fans (although, pretty sure my wife thinks every photo I take is a masterpiece), they’re also honest (thanks, Mom) which keeps me grounded and pushes me to grow. Plus, they’re the best test audience for my “interesting” ideas – let’s just say their patience is legendary.

Website: https://www.stanback.sudio

Instagram: https://instagram.com/zuristanback

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zuristanback/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZuriStanback

Image Credits
Zuri A. Stanback, Sr.