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On The Table Read, “the best arts magazine in the UK“, portrait photographer Zusha Goldin talks about his career and what inspired him to start taking photographs.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed photographer Zusha Goldin about his life and career, how he got into photography, and the work that goes into his portrait photography business.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
Hey, I’m Zusha. I’m a premium headshot and portrait photographer. I moved out to LA from NYC in March of 2020 to pursue my dreams of photographing celebrities and business executives. I’ve been blessed enough to be able to work with some of the top talents in the world.
What is the name of your photography business?
My first brand name was “Goldin Photography,” but after a few months, I decided that I wanted to rebrand to my actual name, “Zusha Goldin.”
How did you come up with that name?
My brand services high-end clientele, so I wanted my brand name to convey premium and upper echelon.
When did you first get into photography?
My photography journey began the first time I touched my first camera back when I was but 6 or 7 years old. I have this funny story where I photographed my brother’s wedding in Montreal, Canada, and then when I went to look at the photos I took, I realized I had forgotten to insert my SD card. I laugh about it now, but it wasn’t funny then.
What inspires your photographs?
Photography-wise, I really love the work of Richard Avedon, Luke Fontana, Sid Avery, Annie Lebovitz, and Greg Williams. They are people I look up to in my field. I just want to tell stories with my work.
Are you working on a particular series or do you go where the mood strikes?
I’m definitely a more spontaneous person. I believe that failing to plan is planning to fail, so I’m trying to adapt my mindset to create visions as opposed to letting all my creativity run rampant. There’s a time and place for both, I believe.
What lessons have you taken to learn your craft or are you self-taught?
I am self-taught via Youtube, with some assistance and practice. I did attend an Annie Lebovitz Masterclass.
How has your work changed or developed since you started?
I think anyone in any industry that repeatedly does the same thing, again and again, will automatically become better at what they do. After all, they say that a professional is simply one who practices 10,000 hours or more.
Do you work in a studio or do you prefer taking pictures outside?
Definitely natural light. There’s nothing like a good ole’ golden hour photo shoot.
What brand or equipment is an essential part of your photography work?
Sony is my go-to brand! I am a Sony loyalist, hahaha.
Is your photography business your full-time job or a side hustle?
I’m blessed enough to be able to support myself fully via photography, and I’m blessed enough to love what I do. It’s a full-time job.
Are your family and friends supportive of your creative work?
I don’t know what I did to deserve the friends and family I have. They are my biggest support, and I’m so thankful for everything and everyone who supports me.
How do you sell your photographs?
I usually retain the rights to my photographs, but I do syndicate my portraits.
How do you promote your photography business and find new customers?
At the beginning of my career, my marketing techniques were only word-of-mouth marketing, and I’ve since taken it to another level: social media marketing, in-person networking, etc.
Are you proud of your work and what you’ve achieved so far?
So often struggle with self-doubt and feelings of unworthiness, but I definitely need to be proud of where I came from and how far I’ve come. 6 years ago, I set out with a dream, and I’m damn close to accomplishing it. I’m incredibly blessed.
Do you have any goals for the future you can share with us?
Yes! I’m manifesting shooting the cover of Variety, Vogue, and GQ. I’m manifesting photographing all of the talents on my vision board. I’d love to one day start my own magazine.
Do you have any special career highlights you’d love to experience again?
Yes, my first ever shoot with some of my favorite people I’ve ever worked with. I absolutely adore them. The D’Amelio family.
Share all your work and social links so readers can find more:
You can view my work at www.zushagoldin.com or on my social media:
www.linkedin.com/in/zushagoldin
Twitter: @ZushaGoldin
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