Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Zakaria.
Alyssa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started playing with cameras when I was really young, but I was always more interested in filmmaking- I went to school for producing and also studied writing and directing. I never pursued photography because I didn’t think I could do it professionally despite people telling me I took nice photos. I just never had any knowledge the technicality of how cameras worked, or the art of lighting a photo, or how to really do any post work on a photo. All I knew was that I had an eye for photography, but without any education or training, I didn’t feel qualified to offer services or pursue it and so I focused more on filmmaking. I would pick up on a few things over the years like what the term aperture meant or the difference in camera qualities but it wasn’t enough still, in my opinion.
When I graduated college, a friend’s sister connected me with a photographer who needed a freelance assistant since I needed other gigs while pursuing film as a writer/director. I started to learn so much from my photographer boss who has been very gracious in teaching me. She’s a fashion/beauty photographer and I’m constantly learning things beyond the technical aspects, such as the importance of hair/makeup and the importance of having a captivating model/location.
I started to practice my own photography (my style being quite different from my boss’) with all my newfound knowledge and am constantly watching tutorials online to learn more. I think I’ve been blessed to find that people really like my work- it’s led to some fun opportunities and I was able to start doing paid shoots quickly.
Has it been a smooth road?
So far it’s been so good! My biggest challenge, and only in the aspect of creating art, is constantly finding models/locations that elevate my work. I’ve shot some girls who are really great models naturally. They’re beautiful, and I’m lucky I have beautiful friends, but my portfolio can’t consist entirely of them. It has gotta have a lot of variety and I think as an artist, having fresh faces will help spur inspiration for new shots.
How would you describe the type of kid you were growing up?
I was quite introverted growing up but I had an interest in the arts and technology since I was young. I learned piano, theater, literature, and basic computer programs, and eventually I taught myself how to edit videos. I’ve always loved visual art especially, I would try to use my parents’ camera and camcorder whenever I could. Now, photography has not only given me another creative outlet, but it’s brought me new friends and helped strengthen certain relationships in my life.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
It might not be my favorite but I really enjoyed a particular missions trip to Mexico I went on where we volunteered at orphanages and built houses. I had so much fun traveling, experiencing a different culture, volunteering, and also documenting the trip with my camera and video and putting together a memory video after.
So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
My debut short film is going to be finished by the end of fall 2016 and my team and I are hoping for success with that. I’ve directed one music video, and I’m hoping to start directing more since I love music and film. As far as photography goes, I’m hoping to start expanding my photography to working with larger brands and companies while still shooting portraits/lifestyle with individuals. I’m learning Adobe Premiere/After Effects and would love to start creating lifestyle videos as well (my inspiration right now is Instagram user @jeffisy ).
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @breakingapathy
