Meet Carly Zavala | Photographer

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

Hi Carly, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I firmly believe that taking risks is essential for driving real change. Often, we cling to familiarity out of fear of the unknown, even if it means staying in situations that are detrimental to our well-being.

After working as a registered nurse for 13 years, I found myself in this exact position. Despite realizing that I no longer wanted to remain in that role, fear held me back. However, I eventually recognized that staying stagnant was no longer an option if I wanted to prioritize my own happiness and fulfillment.

In December of 2019, I made the decision to call my then boss and hand in my resignation. Although I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about what lay ahead, I never could have anticipated the global challenges we would soon face when the pandemic hit.

Despite the uncertainties, I was committed to pursuing my passion for photography. During the initial phase of the pandemic, I focused on self-portraiture, using photography as a means of documenting my experiences—a sort of visual diary. As restrictions eased and opportunities arose, I reached out to friends and proposed various photoshoots to build up my portfolio.

Fortuitously, I was accepted into a mentorship program, by NAL media, where I had the privilege of being paired with Photographer Elizabeth Weinberg, who served as a tremendous role model. Her work resonated with me, reflecting the type of photography work I wanted to do. At the end of mentorship, I took the initiative to connect with photo editors, hoping to showcase my work and potentially secure opportunities for collaboration.

Then, in November 2021, I received an email—I was offered my first assignment for the NYT Magazine. As I read the message, I kept thinking “Is this real?, this isn’t real…” The request was to photograph Rebecca Hall for an article spotlighting her directorial debut of the Netflix film, Passing. It was a moment true validation and affirmation of the risk I took.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Lighting is central to my work. I’m always experimenting with different approaches, often pushing the boundaries—whether it’s embracing harsh or minimal light. Being self-taught has its perks; it’s honed my adaptability and resourcefulness, skills I cultivated during my time as an ER nurse.

Freelancing currently, I’ve secured assignments with The New York Times through perseverance and commitment. It hasn’t been without its hurdles—I’ve faced rejections and learned not to take them personally. While consistent work remains a challenge, I’m proud of the strides I’ve made in a short span. Just gotta keep on keeping.

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?
For a week-long stay, my itinerary would involve a morning walk with my Australian Shepherd, Linus. Usually ending up in either Fort Greene or Prospect Park, where Linus can indulge his playful energy in the dog park.

When it comes to entertainment, we’d definitely catch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse, which surprisingly offers a fantastic selection of food options to enjoy during the film. Since I prefer immersing myself in the local scene rather than typical tourist attractions, I’d opt for exploring various neighborhoods across the city. We’d make sure to stop by local favorites like Cocoron in SOHO and Bunna Cafe in Bushwick for delicious meals.

Cultural experiences would also be priority, so we’d set aside time to visit renowned museums such as The Met. And of course, depending on the weather, leisurely strolls around my neighborhood would be a delightful way to soak in the city’s atmosphere.

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 owe much of my progress and growth in my work to my family, particularly my mother, Yamily, my sister, Ylimay, and my brother-in-law, Brendan. Their support has been instrumental in propelling me forward, especially during challenging times. Additionally, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity provided by NAL Media, who paired me up with photographer Elizabeth Weinberg during a mentorship program. Collaborating with Elizabeth and benefiting from her guidance and insights was a pivotal experience for me.

Website: www.carlyzavala.com

Instagram: @carly.zavala

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/carly-zavala

Image Credits
all images were created by me.