is there any way in hell i would be able to get them back?
When you say zero-out out the drive you mean delete the drive then install the OS on it. If thats the case thats exactly what i did.
I havent overwritten any files on the pictures folder. It is empty.
I have already reinstalled the OS. At this point in time can i do anything to recover?
... you can try Data Rescue.
... you will likely be able to recover your stuff with some data recovery software.
... use recovery software to get them back.