About the Photographer

Zach Stoddard Photography was launched in 2020 during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it was started as and continues to be, more than a photography business. On March 13, 2020, Zach was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). AS is one of many forms of rheumatoid arthritis that affects different joints and parts of the body- especially attacking the spine. This diagnosis came after many years of injury that sidelined him from hockey and lacrosse. Photography filled the gap as his new passion and focus away from sports. After the diagnosis in 2020, Zach began to realize that AS, and rheumatoid arthritis in general, is not very well known. Many people see it as the "lazy" disease, only the elderly have it, or just so common that it's shrugged aside. However, as he was sitting in the Stollery Children's Hospital, as a healthy, active 15-year-old wondering how the rest of his life would look, Zach saw an opportunity to help others learn about the condition as he did.  About 1/4 of people are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in America, and it is quickly becoming the most commonly diagnosed condition in medicine. However, there is no known cause, and there are only treatments- not cures. Zach saw an opportunity to use his photography and business as a tool to help advocate for those who suffer in silence. Zach has been very fortunate to have a world-class medical team at the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton that has helped him manage his medications and lifestyle over the past few years. As a way of giving back to the community that has helped keep him, and so many other kids in his community, continue to do the things they love, a portion of each sale gets donated to the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation. Since the launch of ZSP, more than $3000 has been donated!