Meet Zeeshan Khan | Director of Photography

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

Hi Zeeshan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, I always had an innate love for the arts. Whether it was listening to music, watching films, or admiring paintings, I was always drawn to the way in which art could evoke emotions, tell stories, and communicate messages in a way that words alone could not.

As I grew older, my passion for the arts only intensified. I began to see how art could not only be a form of entertainment or self-expression but also a powerful tool for social change. I saw how art could challenge the status quo, give voice to the marginalized, and inspire people to action.

It was this realization that ultimately led me to pursue a career in the arts. I wanted to be a part of this world – to create something that could make a difference, to inspire others to see the world in a new light, and to make a positive impact on the world through my work.

Of course, pursuing a career in the arts is not an easy path. There are countless challenges and obstacles to overcome – from financial struggles to creative roadblocks to the constant pressure to produce something new and unique. But for me, the rewards far outweigh the risks.

There is something deeply fulfilling about the process of creating something from scratch – to lighting a frame and bringing something new and beautiful into the world. And when that work resonates with others, when it inspires them or challenges them or moves them in some way, it makes all the struggle and hard work worth it.

At the end of the day, I believe that art has the power to change the world – to bring people together, to break down barriers, and to make the world a better place. And as an artist, it is my privilege and responsibility to use my talents and abilities to contribute to that change in whatever way I can.

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.
As a new cinematographer, I am constantly discovering the intricacies of this art form. Cinematography is the art of capturing moving images on film or digitally, and it is a medium that provides immense control over how emotions are portrayed on screen. Every shot, every frame, and every movement of the camera can contribute to the overall emotional impact of a scene.

What I love about cinematography is that it is a highly collaborative job. As a cinematographer, I work closely with directors, writers, actors, and other crew members to bring a story to life. Through collaboration, we create a visual language that transports the audience into new worlds, evokes powerful emotions, and communicates complex ideas.

Every day on set, I am learning something new from working with other cinematographers and going on different shoots. I have discovered that there is no right or wrong way to approach a scene, but rather, a myriad of creative possibilities that can be explored through the lens of a camera.

Coming from Bangalore, where most people pursue careers in engineering or medicine, it was difficult for me to pursue my dreams of becoming a cinematographer. However, I knew deep down that this was my passion and my calling.

Through my experiences, I have come to appreciate the power of cinematography as an art form. It is a tool for storytelling that can transport viewers to new worlds, evoke powerful emotions, and communicate complex ideas. And as a cinematographer, I feel grateful to be able to contribute to this art form in my own unique way.

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?
If my best friend were visiting LA for a week, I would want to show them all the best spots in the city. Of course, there are the classic tourist destinations like Universal Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but there are also some hidden gems that I love to share with visitors.

First, I would take my friend to Al-Watan Restaurant for some amazing Indian cuisine. It’s one of my favorite spots in LA, with some of the best Nihari I’ve ever had. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the staff is always so friendly.

For something a bit more off-the-beaten-path, I would take my friend to the Last Bookstore in downtown LA. It’s a huge and beautifully curated bookstore with a really cool vibe. They have all kinds of books, from classic literature to graphic novels to vintage editions, and there are even some hidden rooms and installations to discover.

If my friend is up for some outdoor adventure, I would take them to Griffith Park for a hike and to see the Griffith Observatory. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while also taking in some of the natural beauty of LA.

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 here in Los Angeles, pursuing my dream of becoming a cinematographer, and it’s all thanks to my parents and my unwavering belief in my own abilities. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including financial struggles and social pressures, my parents always believed in me and supported me in following my passion for film.

It all started when my father brought home a film camera and I became fascinated by the idea of capturing images that could be preserved for a lifetime. Although I initially pursued an undergraduate degree in commerce, my love for photography and film never waned. I participated in various photography festivals and even started my own fashion photography page on social media.

However, it wasn’t until I spoke to my parents about my desire to learn cinematography and work in the film industry that things began to change. Although they initially couldn’t envision their son working in this industry and having a stable life, they soon recognized my seriousness and dedication towards film. Eventually, they even allowed me to travel to Los Angeles to pursue my dream.

I am grateful for my parents’ unwavering support and for my own belief in my abilities, which have allowed me to pursue my passion and follow my dreams. I am excited to see where this journey will take me and to continue creating art that inspires and moves people in powerful ways.

Instagram: instagram.com/zeislab

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14092562

Image Credits
Krish Nihalani