I know when I started down the path to becoming a professional photographer I had A LOT of questions. I wished there was just someone I could ask for advice who had climbed the mountain I was attempting to climb. Oh I guess Zack Arias heard my prayers, because on his tumblr that's exactly what he does.
Zack has dedicated some of his time in his very busy life to sit down and answer questions from those of us who aren't quite there yet. He answers everything from technical gear questions, to business questions, to lending his opinion when asked. I think it is really awesome that someone like Zack is giving back to the photographic community on such a personal level.
Now don't get upset if he doesn't answer you right away, I think last time I checked he said he had over 800 unanswered questions, but he has answered so many that a quick search of his blog might turn up an answer you are looking for. Don't have a tumblr account but want to ask a question? That's easy, he has made it possible for people to ask questions anonymously without a tumblr account. I would still recommend searching his blog first though before submitting a question, as there is a great chance he has answered it already.
Here are a couple of examples.
Thanks for the post.
Rodhttp://www.cityphotosandbooks.com/motor-city-head-shots
I'm a big fan of the blog and I admire Zack so much. He's rude sometimes, but he's "real". I think nothing helped me out with my career like "transform" video and some answers he gave on the blog. Zack, if you're reading this, thank you.
Never ever noticed the man being rude in all the years I've watched his video clips or read his words.
He is a very respectful person.
I can come across as an asshole in some of my answers. :) My heart in it though is to be honest with no sugar coating. I also sometimes push people's buttons to make them stop and think about what they are doing and WHY they are doing it. And sometimes... brutal honesty just seems mean. But... at the end of the day I just want to serve. Anything I can do to help. So many have and continue to help me. All I can do is pay it back/forward/sideways. :)
Cheers,Zack