"I'm exhausted having to explain this to people" Zack, bro everything you are saying and doing is appreciated by me. ❤

I grew up not far from you, and around the same time. I am not black, I am not white; I am both. I've had to come to grips with a lot of the same things and I want to say thank you for taking ownership of how you felt. I know it's not easy. I think you've put out the first video I've seen where someone has owned what they said and what they did. Thank you for taking that first step, it's always a doozy. I also appreciate your refrain of "but I am not a racist." It reminds me of the speech from Julius Caesar by Mark Antony talking about Brutus being an honorable man. I'll happily walk side by side with you, as a fellow photographer, and as a person of color who had to deal with his own racism. Thanks again for the video, and the apology.

A coworker of mine blew me away when she just blurted out, "I can tell you've been around black people." She went on to say that other coworkers didn't know how to take her. I had a unique experience as after my parents divorce, we moved with my mom and when the money from the sale of the house ran out, we moved to the projects at the beginning of fifth grade. My best friend was black and after our apartment was broken into by white kids, I stayed the night at his apartment for most of the rest of the week. The first love of my life was the cutest biracial girl. When I was nineteen, I took a young woman out on a date, only to call her and be told by her grandmother that races shouldn't mix. It's disparaging what one generation will teach another about who their friends should be or who they should and should not date. I cannot tell you how it feels to be black, but I've witness racial disparities especially when it comes to the police. I was treated different because my friend in the car was black. I suggest two books to people from opposite spectrums. One is Ta-Nesihi Coates' Between Me and the World. One should read it first. The other is Thomas Chatterton Williams': Self-portrait in Black and White. Much of the problem with race has to do with segregation of ourselves. We view people from a very ignorant understanding, yet never talk with those who aren't part of the different race or different socioeconomic class. And I don't know how to get people to take on the effort to forgo the certainty of their ignorance and befriend someone different than them.

Bro....it's hard to express everything this video made me feel without typing a super long comment. So in short...I LOVE IT! And I, as a black man am proud of you for being able to take that hard look in the mirror and self ID. I could FEEL the sincerity in what u were saying....the by product of TRUE EMPATHY! Now that u have it i know u won't be able to keep quite around racial injustice anymore when u see it. Or around people who thought as you used to and are defensive. Your words truly mean a lot to me bro...you have taken a HUGE step in making right what has been wrong for far too long...and I thank you! Keep fighting cuz its far from over!!✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

I am black and I have followed you for over ten years of my photography life. I’d like to say I appreciate you.

It's been said that "life can be hard when you are white, but life is never hard BECAUSE you are white." The inverse is also true; life can be easy if you are black, but life is never easy because you are black. As a biracial person, who grew up in an entirely caucasian family, I have the distinct ability to see things from both sides. What you just did is how we all heal. I know many African-Americans who have become racists themselves, simply because they'd become convinced that there was no point in trying to understand the other side, because "whites" would never do the same for them. -Zack, you just proved them wrong. ❤️

Thank you for helping me to understand.

Hi Zack, you're the perfect example for the reason why racism is so incredibly hard to combat - 'nice' guys are racists, too - and not just mildly, just like you confirmed, but in a condescending and disgusting manner. The ignorance that modern racism among educated people is embedded in makes it impossible to have an actual conversation. And as a German, I am always stunned by the additional level of ignorance so many U.S. American people have towards how their country was 'built'. While I personally don't think that any Black Person or Person of Color will or should give you a pat on the back for making this video (this video is part of your personal journey, not ours), I do appreciate that you at least briefly touched on the White Gaze, and how wrong it would have been if you had seriously decided to make a project about the protests and in doing so to visually and economically exploit a culture that you never understood nor respected in the first place. I wish more photographers would be honest with themselves regarding this issue. We still have a long way to go. Have a good day.

I love how honest and vulnerable you were. This gives me hope!

You showed me, once again, why I have followed your career in photography and taken your advice time after time concerning our chosen art of photography. From Chase Jarvis to Transform to today...your caring heart and wisdom shine brightly. Thank you so very much.

Honestly Zack.... I know this must have been hard to make, but it's making an impact! Thank you for reminding me to take stock of my "but I'm not a racist" self. Respect for using the platform you have...it will grow with vulnerability like this.

Funny how things work, I found you this morning on Jared’s channel. For some reason your work and style caught my attention. And here I’m looking through your content and found this... I can’t express how much I appreciate your words and thoughts, how much you had touch my heart and how every single word clicked me in every single aspect. I would said something, I would continue to follow and support you, and the day we meet I would explain how you had just changed my life today. God bless your family!

That awkward moment you realise, he's talking about you.

I am going to turn 60 in one month and have had friends of all colors through my life...seriously have and I feel we all loved each other very much. I have been blessed to have had and to still have these friendships. I am now a photographer in the East Bay in California. I have been trying SOOO hard to get hired for jobs of photography. Online advertising...offering free images to graduates by going to open public locations where images are shot by families (parks, historical sites, etc.) because they so "deserve it" with all they have gone through this year of the Pandemic...missing formal graduation ceremonies, proms, even date nights with fellow students, just being able to HUG a fellow classmate and wish them well in college or wherever their lives may take them. I have screen printed my own advertisements for my self...damn near EVERY bit of clothing I wear has my business ad on it (front, back, sweats down one leg with my instagram page on it, etc. and have so many other wearing the same for me; the expense for the small qty. of work I could AFFORD was prohibited (I work full-time at the local school district in Hayward) and have tried social media for getting the quality of my work out there for people to see. Yet...yet...there have been only a very, very, very small body of work I have been hired to do. And only about 12 individuals in Hayward AND Oakland who have come to let me shoot them for FREE. San Francisco as well. So, I am trying...trying not to believe that my skin color has anything to do with it. Actually, I had not though so until watching this WONDERFUL video you have posted. I have hope, being an optimist that the ONLY reason I have not been asked much is because folks do not know of my work-yet or that perhaps I am going about wrong avenues for advertising. I have elevated my craft, but, not my marketing skills...working on that. So, to summarize, I have, for soo many years silently watched women, mostly white, clutch their purses as I would walk down the same sidewalk...looking non-threatning...smiling, jovial, but, I chose to CROSS to the other side of the STREET to help THEM feel more at ease and to make myself feel the same. I did NOT want to be seen to ME as a "bad" person....a person to feel threatened by. But, just a person of good intent, willing to put my life on the line for her and any other person-period, that was in danger of harm from anyone else. So, I apologize for this WAAY TOO LONG comment, but, wanted to say that I've followed your outstanding work and seeing this video has allowed me to feel so much MORE appreciative of your work and you. May our craft of photography continue to grow, as well as our income and make this work better than is was, for the future. Thanks again. Huie Dinwiddie

Man I normally don't watch things this long but I did and it was worth it. Been following you for years nothing but respect. I wish years ago while living in ATL I had gotten to shoot with you and RC when he was in ATL. I hope someone takes advantage of what you are offering. Love you dude.

Zack, thank you for your vulnerability over the years and the strength to share that with the rest of the world. Whether it's to let us know we're not alone or to put into words the truth of our perspective, I am extremely grateful. You're on to something - the more dinners I have with those different than me, the more I learn to empathize. While views change, I'll never know the depth of their experience, but it's a start.

Well said. Confronting our own prejudices is a start to seeing the real world as it is. A powerful piece.

Paradigms shift when we take the first step in the Light of Truth! ...

I appreciate you using your platform for honesty and self reflection. These types of post provide a glimmer of hope. I've been doing portrait work on the Black experience for over 10 years now, so its refreshing to hear others acknowledge the need for emphasis on our stories. Thanks Zack!

Latino here, so I know this video isn't for me, but still - thank you for both owning up to your past and admitting you only started listening to these conversations when it came from another white voice. I've never heard anyone admit that out loud, much less publicly unless they were "called out" or "cancelled." The only correction I feel okay with making is how you separated politics from racism - unless I misinterpreted you? - given how often racism has historically informed politicians and law-making. Virginia only legalized inter-racial marriages in 1967. Wells Fargo was sued in Philadelphia back in 2017 for "discriminatory lending" to black and latino home owners. Hell, if we're going to be really blunt and talk about racism in the photo community specifically, B&H was sued not too long ago - with documents alleging they were discriminating against black, female, and asian job seekers while paying minority employees less than their white counterparts. I mean, segregated bathrooms in 2016? WTF? Of course, they settled this case and have promised to fix these alleged problems, but still - this is all an intersection of race and politics which people of color find themselves wedged into regardless of how hard they try to be apolitical. I don't want to turn this into more of a rant then I already did, so I'll just abruptly end this here and say - great video and, again, I appreciate you speaking to the photo community about racism. Way too many people calling it a day after posting a protest photo to their Instagram.

Thank you, we can all learn from you, you put to words so many sentiments feelings and thoughts many of us struggle to understand or express, it’s humbling, it’s raw, and hopefully healing, thank you

Man, this one hits home. To be this honest an vulnerable in front of so many people .... Like Gabe said, you have taken a huge step. Respect! This is where it all starts, being honest with oneself. Have to do some thinking myself. Very much appreciate this video.

Zack, great words, great thoughts. I am from Colombia where racism is at the highest point. We have very serious problems, where the government is blind of everyday assassinations of indigenous and social leaders.

Your honest humanity is always so authentic and inspiring. Thank you.

Zack! Thank you so much for this. I'm tearing up watching this because it's so similar to the experience I've had trying to combat racism in my own mind and heart. You're a real one. 🖤

We met once many many years ago at the gulf photo event and I thought you were a nice chap but now I think you're an absolutely fantastic chap. Thank you for your honesty and bravery in sharing yourself so eloquently. I know a few people who have the same mentality you had and I hope they see your video.

Being honest about ourselves, to ourselves and others, is where it starts. I may have some soul-searching ahead of me myself. Was deeply touched by your video, Zack.

Thank you, Zack! Looking forward to seeing the projects from Atlanta people who use your studio for their photography and voices.

Zack, I've always looked up to you and admired you. Your work has always been an inspiration to me. The way you share your knowledge has always been something I've aspired towards. I've looked up to you as a photographer, educator, communicator, and as a person for a long time. Watching this has just confirmed to me why I've always looked up to you. Your honesty, self-awareness, and candor is incredibly admirable. We are on a parallel journey on this topic here and this spoke volumes to me and my heart. Thank you for being who you are, sir.

I appreciate hearing your story of self reflection. It helped me reflect on myself and take action to better myself

Thank you for sharing this Zac. Your vulnerability and honesty is exactly the approach I would love to see more white people take, myself included. A few of your moments hit close to home in ways I hadn't reconciled with yet. Clearly, I still have work to do as well. Your photography has resonated with me for awhile now but not nearly as much as your humanity did today. Truly appreciated.

Thanks for giving voice to such an important topic: how we as a privileged class struggle to face our own inability to listen and thus understand, and without understanding it's difficult to change not only the racism we see around us but also within us. Your message resounds with me own reflections the last couple of day. Still trying to learn.

Very powerful and courageous of you. This makes all the difference my man. Thank you for posting and sharing.

Wow! I was a little worried to watch this video. So worried I skipped it a few times being unsure what it was going to actually be about. Now I am ashamed that I didn't watch it sooner. Your videos always make me stop and think but this one, holy crap. I'm gonna be busy for awhile thinking about this one. I will probably have to rewatch it a few times maybe take some notes. You have made me realize I need to rethink my thoughts and ideas on the subject. I now realize I do not have a educated opinion to give. I now understand it is more important for me to listen than to give an opinion that "I" think is correct. Thank you for opening my eyes. I feel like I need to apologize to every black person I come across now. Your words will be on my mind for awhile. Thank you for having the courage to create this video and thank you for making me realize I have work to do on myself.

Thank you for being vulnerable and for sharing such a powerful testimony. It means a lot to me and I know it will help people. We need voices like yours in this conversation we're having about race.

Zack, I learnt so much from your descriptions of your explorations and your realisations. Thankyou for your insights. Very moving,certainly heartfelt and real!

I watched this video a few days ago, via my ROKU/TV, and couldn't comment. I had to get on-line to say that 100% agree. And the, larger than normal, thumbs down count shows how right you are. Awesome video! Keep 'em coming!

Offering your resources is an awesome approach to give others a way to be heard. It is about time change happens this can no longer be put on a shelf until something happens again and sad to say it will likely happen again which disgusts me. Thanks, Zack for putting it in perspective.

in any circumstance, it is hard to look at ourselves, to truly LOOK at ourselves and be honest. you accomplished that very difficult feat. as you were speaking, i was mentally turning the pages in my yearbooks, through my address books, through my contact list. it's good to have a moment of self-examination. thank you for the effort and the sharing. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.

many don't like doing it, but i am giving you props for sharing you story and appreciate your sincerity and understanding. your story is extremely important because it is extremely common in the USA and the world. you are speaking a perspective that can potentially help tons of white people rethink their existing views and become part of the solution. thank you

Heartfelt, appreciate the share, and your words were touching!

Thank you Zack ... wise words ... here in the UK we have this feeling that it's not that bad here, it's a US issue ... it's not the same ... I'm a nice guy ... but so much of what you said resonates and though we may FEEL we are ahead in some ways we are just as far behind.

Beautifully said. Your words have definitely opened up my way of thinking, as a "not racist, I have black friends" white man. With all that I see happening in our world, which seems to get worse year after year, I feel like I have lost most of my faith in humanity. The politics, racism, sexism, and so many other "isms", hate, hypocrisies and lies. I truly hope we can all rise above and become better people. Thank you Zack for opening up, being real, and showing that we can change, and there is hope for humanity.

Wow. Zack Thank you for opening up and sharing your personal story with us.

Thanks for posting this... helps me with my struggle!

So courageous... Thanks for this. Here in France, we have kind of the same issue: racism against people from Maghreb. Not the same place; not the same history. But your speech could perfectly be transposed. Almost literally.

I know you're not looking for pats on the back, Zack. But I'm giving you one. This is thought-provoking - and provoked thoughts are needed for real actions to take place. I can relate to everything you said. Thanks for your heart. Thanks for taking the time to create and share it.

Zack, You have really open my eyes, I have a not white wife and always told myself I do not see colour but a person. Yes I see my wife as a person... (because I love her), but I do not see others in the same way. Thank you for a truly inspirational lecture of life! this will change my thoughts...

Since picking up a Fuji X/GFX body, you’ve been one of my favorite ‘photography’ voices. After watching this piece I found myself seeing you as a human being and an advocate for dialogue and positive change. Thank you for demonstrating the courage we will all need to effect the change. “Stay Safe and Be Blessed.”, Chaps

Whoa! Nicely done Zack. I'm feeling a little like that light box behind you.

Zack - You hit home so hard with this video. WOW, I am so glad you were able to express all of these thoughts. I agree with everything you said. I had 1 black friend in high school. My son in law is black and I have never really understood, I thought I did, but I am so wrong. Thank you, thank you.

At first I was so pissed to hear about your closeted racism especially after so much of your work seemed to emphasize & celebrate black culture. I got through it and glad you had the sense not to exploit black pain, I can't say that about a lot of so called "big platform" photographers, which PISSES me off to no end. Thanks for your apology and repentance, I appreciate that you're a man looking for the truth in himself and weighing it against what's right. Keep the pedal down on that conviction, our natural bent is us vs them and our highest sensibilities will take constant intention to maintain. God Bless

This was the most eye opening take on the issue. Not a white or black here but an Asian but I see myself being as racist for not reflecting on my own ways of thinking. It really hit hard. Thank you!

You are a courageous man Zack Arias, and a role model of honest humanity not only in photography but also in life. Keep it up and know that your work here and elsewhere matters because it touches and inspires people. Black Lives Matter!

Thank you for sharing Zack, it's very appreciated 🖤

You just said what I should say but never have the courage to admit. Damn. I need to think about this. Thank you Zack.

Thanks Zack for sharing your thoughts and perspective. I appreciate it. I met you years ago at your studio on Dekalb avenue. I think it was a photography meetup.

Wow. That was powerful. Beautiful video Zach, and I do hope your platform can help to get some voices heard that may not otherwise have the chance.

Wow! Thank you, you managed to articulate nicely what I was only vaguely sensing. Thanks for sharing the hard work you have done with facing yourself. Who needs to go far places, when we have ourselves and our own lives to discover right here and now...

Super Shocked. Been following you since the one light days and never realized you were like that. You hid it well. Super proud of you for putting it out there and for the personal growth.

That took both courage and critical intelligence. Thank you hugely!

Thank you Zack. Thank you so much, you made me start thinking. I am deeply touched by your words. Yes, we all should listen way more than we possibly do, cos then we might understand. And understanding helps to prevent, reduce or even eliminate racism and prejudices. But there is more to do than listening. We need better education for our children. We need to bring people together so they can learn from each other. People were demonstrating against refugees here in Germany and many of them never even met one. They are afraid, because they don't know enough. Ignorance is the best friend of racism. So maybe we have to fight ignorance to make racism disappear.

Thanks for this Zack! I really admire your honesty and self reflection!

Zack. I’ve admired your work and followed you for a number of years. What you shared today takes great courage and I really appreciate you and what you shared on this video. I hope that other white people who watch this can dig deep and get into the space of listening, learning and growing the way you have. Thank you! 🙏❤️📸

That was hard for me to watch. Your comments embodied many of the thoughts I've been recently turning over about my own life experience. I have to agree that, not from any thought or overt action on my part, I have been granted privileges and opportunities based solely on my skin color. That is not what we _say_ this country is about. It's past time to clean up our own house and make what we said yesterday be what is true tomorrow for _everyone_ living in the USA.

So well said! Your gesture, offering the use of your studio is wonderful. I have hope, and with you 100% in support of Black Lives Matter with my heart and soul as well.

Thank you Zack for becoming an ally. All it takes is an open mind and empathetic ear. Love your work and will continue to follow your journey. I sense the best is still yet to come.

Bravo. I am white, been looking at this for a long time. It is refreshing to finally see a few folks are starting to look at this in an intelligent way. There is so much more work to do. Videos like this move the issues of privilege forward. My personal experience goes back before you were born. I was with my best friend who was black. He was kicked out of a diner in east Texas while heading home on leave before going to Vietnam. I went to the back to eat rather than staying in the diner. I was the only white guy to leave. We were in uniform headed to Houston to catch planes to go home before heading to Vietnam. He was killed right in front of me, 53 years ago, next month. The pain has never left me. It is far worse now as I see how little has changed since then. So, I sincerely appreciate what you posted. There is so much more to this story I have experience but it is apparent some real movement is finally starting to happen.

I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts. This video is powerful and from the heart.

Watched it all and that was one of the most heartfelt apologies ever. It was appreciated by this 52 year old black man. Thank you.

Zack, I never comment on KZfaq video, I focused from the start of the video to the finish. You're to me the B&W Fuji master, but here I see a truly good person that is really honest to himself. Total respect, I loved your message, your apology and I'm not black.

Very very well done Zack!… This is extremely important, timely, and I appreciate you and your honesty. WE shall overcome!… ✊🏿

I appreciate you putting yourself out there Zack. Yes, it is time for some soul searching and some long hard looks in the mirror. Much love from China...

Thanks for putting yourself in an uncomfortable position of self reflection. We all need to do that kind of soul searching hopefully to bring about a better world. In this day and age I pray you unburden yourself from a system you didn’t create or see ,but scars everyone’s soul.

Thank you so, so, so much for this. I cannot hit the thumbs-up enough times.

Actions like yours is how American will finally be able to live up to what it was ”founded on”. Thank you for taking the time to reflect and share. We respect you and value people like you Zack ✊🏿❤️

Thank you! I’ve learned a ton from your KZfaq and Creative Live teachings which have made me a better photographer. You’ve always seemed like the kind of guy who was thoughtful and approachable. I never once would have thought that some of your confessions would have been true, so I appreciate you calling yourself out and doing what you can to help others from a place of humility and the beginnings of understanding what life is like for black people. Hugs from Austin, TX. Hopefully one day we’ll get to meet. Also I think this would be great to put on IGTV. I’d love to share it there with my followers there. Keep doing what you’d doing man. You can’t fix it all but you can be a great example for others. Much love, Zack! ✊🏽

Im so glad for this video Zack i really appreciate you and how you broke this down it brought me to tears, i did a video its not that great but it was my way of putting my voice out there.

Thank you for helping us tell our stories, and thank you for telling YOUR story.

I can feel you, ur emotions.. what u went through... its always gr8 to introspect..

White guy here, with a very, very similar background as Zack. I have been saying "all lives mater" -- but I now have to say "black lives matter" because what the @#$% do I know about the black experience. I hope this video get millions of views, and changes a million hearts.

Powerful video, Zack. Hopefully will open a lot of eyes.

This is one of the ways we move forward to create a more perfect union! Those that just say America need to remember we are supposed to be the United States, US in America! Big fan of your work.

I appreciate you Zack!! Met you at PPA a few years back I believe.

Thank you for reminding me of all of my privileges - and what I can do about this.

Thank you Zack. Thank you for your honesty. It takes a brave man to live with an undefended heart.

This is such an important video, great job Zach.

You gained a follower. Found you because of your crop vs full frame vid, staying because of this. Extremely well put, and I'm sharing this big time.

Zack.... THANK YOU!! Thank you for speaking your heartfelt truth! I know that was not easy being transparent in a public forum. Much LOVE & much RESPECT!! We will heal........TOGETHER!!

God bless you Zach 🙏, You have freed yourself by doing this and I respect that. All of us can benefit by calling ourselves out for the prejudiices we have about others.

Well said Zack, It's true about human rights & war also, we preach about it without experiencing it.

Thank you and I appreciate this, Zack.

Zack, you have opened my mind on this problem. I live in Russia, and people here don't really understand this huge problem. Thank you, I will share this with all of my friends.

Now that’s what I call showing us your pits. There is some really hard truth in this video. Many of us are in the same boat and just need to sit down shut up and listen. Bravo.

I love the honest reflection, and perspective. In trying to figure how to contribute to changing things realize that one of the most important (and cheapest) things you could offer is actually your time. Your knowledge, and experience shared in a mentorship type capacity is a resource many of us don't have access to in our circles. I hope that you can help more minorities find their way thru this ever changing photography landscape just by being there for them to talk to, and share your experiences.

Telemachus. Nicely said. This has been heavy on my heart for quite some time.

I found you while I was searching for information on the Fuji x100v! I’d have never guessed your story seeing you in Cuba! I have two words for you! THANK YOU!❤️💔❤️🙏🏿✊🏿

Thank you making me understand and feel things....

Really appreciate this video. Worded greatly!

respect, this resonates all the way to europe... thx for using your platform well and always just be real/zack