Meet Brandan Zachery of BJZ Images in Downtown LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandan Zachery.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got started as a photographer by being forced to take an elective class in high school. I wanted something challenging but something that would be fun at the same time. So, I took Photography at Nathaniel Narbonne High School in Harbor City.

I got to where I am today by honestly, never giving up on learning and seeing what can change in my skills. Starting out in 2006 by taking high school photography course classes at Nathaniel Narbonne High School in Harbor City, CA, I began this passion for photography.

Upon graduating from high school I went to Atlanta, GA to study in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University. While there, during my freshman year, I continued to collect images and films that inspired me to use my artistic side.

During the summer of my sophomore year, I made the decision to switch my major to Mass Communication with a concentration in Radio, Television and Film.

During that time, I submitted a television show, which changed my direction of life, to the student television department for consideration. It was then picked up and ran until I graduated in Fall 2010. My show was nominated for College Emmy along with getting me opportunities to do internships with Sony, Universal Studios and ESPN.

After graduating from school, I joined the military as an all-wheeled vehicle mechanic and later switched my job over to public relations. Having photos featured in the Dvids system, LA times and appearing on countless other sources I have used my journalism/public relations job vast and well during my time in the military.

After leaving the military, I have worked in New York, Florida, Georgia, Texas and California for multiple events and clients. I have been featured in magazines local and statewide. I hate getting comfortable in places in my life where I know I can go a little harder and get a little bit more education. I am nowhere near where I want to be but that line always keeps moving.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. Nothing worth having should be smooth. One of the many struggles in getting to where I am now is getting people to trust and value your work. You can advertise every day but until someone is ready to pay you for what you call your passion you are just hoping on a wish and a prayer.

Please tell us about BJZ Images.
My business is a fashion and portrait photography business. I specialize in shooting models, fashion and I would say, I am known for shooting African American models in fashion.

I am most proud of about my company is last year, we opened up our first studio location and are preparing to open up our second one this year.

What sets me apart is that photography is a passion and a teaching system. I can teach someone to love themselves or love what they have by just telling them to let themselves be free while being in front of the camera. Let the vision you told me to be captured without a fear.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood would be taking my camera to Mississippi to shoot for a school project and using the whole film on the wilderness shots.

My family house is surrounded by forest. Being able to see the deer early in the morning run through the woods and capture them was a crazy but beautiful sight.

Pricing:

• $175 includes (6 edited images, access to all raw, one hour shoot)
• $225 (12 edited images, access to all raw, one hour and thirty minutes)
• $275 (18 edited images, access to all raw, social media video and one hour and thirty minutes)
• $300 (20 edited images, access to all raw, social media video, two hours)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bjzimages.com
• Phone: 3107550469
• Email: Bookingbjzimages@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/zachshotme

Image Credit:
Lolo Woods, India Slayer, Cole Woods, Tiarra Pearson, Gabrielle Gage, Aixa Jahara, Tony Lanez, Kashay shann

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.