Meet San Fernando Valley Photographer, Makeup Artist, and Designer: Afsoon Zizia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Afsoon Zizia.

Afsoon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was studying illustration at Art Center College of Design (Pasadena, CA) and grew incredibly lonesome and isolated from the world from working in the studio all day. I had to shoot my own work to paint most of my pieces. The more I was behind the camera and having deep conversations with my models, the more I felt this is what I wanted to do. I put down the paint brushes and picked up a Canon. I figured that makeup and painting portraits were in the same ballpark which led me to do makeup for my own shoots. It’s been a fun journey discovering how things go hand in hand and lead to you endless possibilities. The best part of my job is getting to meet awesome creative people that want to make cool work with you.

Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing in life is easy and getting to where I am today wasn’t a piece of cake. It took a lot of hard work and perseverance to overcome many struggles. Not everyone supported my transition into photography and makeup, let alone pursue art. It got financially tough at times, but I just kept working hard trying to see past the temporary state I was in. I was (and am) lucky to have my extremely talented boyfriend be there every step of the way and constantly motivate me to work harder and be better at the tasks at hand. If you have a goal in mind, nothing should get in your way to achieving it.

How would you describe the type of kid you were growing up?
Growing up, I was always into art and creative things. I was lucky enough that my mom to encouraged me to explore and push the boundaries of working in a fun and imaginative environment. Although I thought I’d be a doctor, in the long run, the artistic part of me was too strong so I pursued it.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Funny enough my favorite memory was making mini volcanos at home with chalky dish soap, watercolor pencils, glitter, and toilet paper. I was obsessed with making things, whether they be beautiful, explosive (literally), or weird. Little did I know all this would lead up to making images on the daily.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
It’s always hard for me to think of what I’ll be doing in the future because I just go with the flow of things. I believe every project leads to a better and inspiring assignment. I never stop learning and I constantly look for techniques to improve my work. I’m definitely looking forward to meeting more creatives in the industry and listening to their stories of how they got to where they are today. It’s all about hustle and keeping a good humble head on your shoulders.

Pricing:

• Engagement shoot $300-$600
• Portrait $200-$400
• Editorial shoot $DOA
• Makeup $150 – $DOA

Contact Info:

• Website: afsoonzizia.com
• Email: hello@afsoonzizia.com
• Instagram: @afsoonzizia

Image Credit:
Photography/Makeup: Afsoon Zizia,
Gaffer: Joe Lee,
Models: Hassie Harrisson, Jack Moll, Corey Chi, Erin Rea