We had the good fortune of connecting with Vania Zask and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vania, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I am not your typical 9-5 worker I have always felt that this urge to do things differently. I am a firm believer that if you love something and are truly passionate about it. You should always nourish those parts of yourself. I know what makes me happy and I work towards the goal of going full time in film photography. Its very niche so I am freelancing at the moment but it has allowed to me fund and move me towards the direction I want to be.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My main work is film photography and old photographic processes. Many years ago, I set my digital camera on the shelf and haven’t looked back. I wanted to get away from the computer screen and work more with my hands. Film photography does this for me. I have grown more confident in my abilities by not relying on a digital I have had to trust myself when it comes to proper exposure, and that is very satisfying. I no longer sit in front of photoshop scrolling through hundreds of images. The more simplified approach to a roll of film embodies everything that I am envisioning in my work. I feel it feels more real in a world of so much manipulation and unrealistic perfection. I have set myself apart from most photographers in this way because I stick to what I love, and that’s film and historical processes. I have taken some big risks, like having a custom water housing made for my Pentax645N Which I shoot surf photography with 220 expired films. It doesn’t always come out perfectly, but it is always a special moment when I am able to swim in the ocean, smile at my friends catching waves, and feel the ocean energy as I swim through the waves. The most important lesson I have learned is to believe in yourself and what you do, and people will see your passion.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely love Palos Verdes all the hikes down to the rocky shores makes you feel like your not in Los Angeles and I really do enjoy showing all of Los Angeles’s sides. I was born in Hawthorne, California and have a special connection to LA it has nourished my family as immigrants in the 70’s my father started a business and worked six days a week for 40 years. I am thankful to both my parents for being great role models in my life and to not be afraid to challenge myself.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so thankful for my friendship with visual artist Alan Joseph Marx. I cant begin to recommend having a solid creative people in your inner circle. I love bouncing ideas off of Alan, taking photo day trips, visiting and appreciating art and sitting down for lots of coffee. As creatives we can all get stuck inside our heads so its nice to hear from people you care and trust. http://alanjosephmarx.com/

Website: www.vaniazask.com

Instagram: @surfmartian

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vania-Zask-Photo-109068688593610

Other: My podcast I co-host all about film photography. https://allthroughalens.com/

Image Credits
Photo Projects from Birdwell Beach Britches, Salt Seawear, and Brand Black. Portrait of me from @conspiracy.of.cartographers

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.