Meet Zach Hake of Waldo, Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Hake

Zach, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My interest in photography really started during college at Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes). I worked at the student newspaper during my time there, originally just writing as a reporter, but eventually started doing some photo assignments and shooting various sporting events on campus. I really enjoyed photographing sports, and I was able to travel to several states and venues to take photos of the OSU athletics teams. It wasn’t until my wife Josie and I started dating when I began to try out portrait photography. I took some senior photos for our friends, and I really enjoyed getting to capture such important moments in their lives. After college, I moved to Kansas City to start my career in corporate communications, and tried to keep up with photography a little bit. Once Josie graduated and moved to KC in 2020, she encouraged me to start Zach Hake Photography and start promoting my business locally. I’m so grateful to the families and companies who took a chance on me during those early days and allowed me to build my brand. Today I feel really proud of all the photos and events I’ve captured, and it really is all possible because of the encouragement from Josie. She’s also the best assistant I could ask for and often comes with me on my shoots to help with poses, fix hair, and spread good vibes. I truly couldn’t do it without her.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, I would say it was a smooth ride. I feel so lucky I was able graduate early in 2019 and move to Kansas City when I did. My heart really goes out to everyone in the Class of 2020 who missed out on so much due to the pandemic. When I moved here, I didn’t really know anyone except for my new coworkers. It felt a lot like those first few months after moving away for college, but I really fell in love with Kansas City. Once Josie moved up here after she graduated, it became even better, and we both feel so fortunate to have landed in KC.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer. I specialize in portraits, couples, family photos, and event photography. I’m really proud of how much I’ve grown as a photographer since those early shoots in college. I love being the go-to for my friends when they have a big event or life moment they want captured. I’m also proud of how well I treat my clients. I have several companies and organizations who have repeatedly booked me for their events, corporate headshots, etc., and I think it has a lot to do with how responsive I am and how quickly I’m able to turn finished photos around. I attribute a lot of that to my time at the student newspaper in college, and setting “deadlines” for myself really helps motivate me to get editing done.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zachhake.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/zachhakephoto
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/zachhakephoto