Meet Zohar Varadi | Director of Photography

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

Hi Zohar, why did you pursue a creative career?
I grew up in an artistic family. My mother is a singer and songwriter, my brother is a musician, and my father was a surgeon but did some art on the side. Although, I wasn’t pushed towards the artistic world, I have been playing music ever since I can remember and art has always been a big part of my education. I think my first taste of an art that wasn’t music was when I got into extreme sports, especially Freeride skiing and BMX riding. It was a new way for me to express myself and my friends and I all had our own way of understanding the sport and our unique styles, When I first got into filmmaking and photography, it was through action sports at first, I discovered a new way not only to express my own style but to communicate other people’s art through my eyes.

In simple terms, I would say I got into a creative career because I see in that a way of communicating how I see the world and how I feel about things without necessarily having to put those thoughts into words. I also love the freedom and variety there is in the creative world, a bit of everything for various mindsets.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Despite having many passions and parts of the puzzle that make my “art” so to speak, I am first and foremost a director of photography. I have a passion for storytelling and I do love the narrative format but I see myself also going back to my beginnings in the documentary world and outdoors. I have an intrinsic need to tell people’s story, and the more real or true to themselves they are, the better I believe I can help tell this story.

I would say that what sets me apart from others in my art is my honesty, to people, to stories, and hopefully to myself. I am a strong believer, especially in our industry, that the best way to collaborate is when we are all honest with each other in every sense of the word. On the personal side, I think that honesty with myself has enabled me to realise that I am not yet close to having learned everything and still have a lot to gain from the people around me. This keeps pushing me and driving me towards getting better and working with fellow artists.

The hardest part of my path has probably been leaving my home, Switzerland, in order to be closer to the film industry and the people in it. Although I grew up with some english and knowledge of American culture, there is always some sense of uncomfortability when leaving behind your home and your life as you know it. While the road hasn’t been always easy, I have learned a lot through the sacrifice of my comfortability for the sake of pursuing my passion.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I don’t think I’m the best tour guide for the city, especially seeing that I myself am quite new to the area. However, I would probably prioritise the nature that surrounds the city. Maybe take my van and go to Joshua Tree for some climbing and just the beauty of the place. However, in the city I would probably bring them to Leo’s Tacos for some yummy food and perhaps get a beer and play some pool in Silverlake after that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In all honesty, this is a question I often ask myself. If there is one person to thank, who would it be? I don’t think I can easily say there is one person in particular. I have had mentors since I moved to the United States and started studying there that I have a lot to thank for. Classmates who have taught me an unfathomable amount and with whom I’ve been able to grow like I had not necessarily imagined I would prior to moving here.

However, if there is one “group” so to say, it would have to be my family. My mother, father and brother have played a huge part in bringing me where I am today. Watching my mom pursue a career in music and continue to push herself as she raised my brother and me has inspired me a lot. Now I see my brother following in her footsteps as a professional musician. My father’s work ethic and drive has taught me a lot on how to keep on pushing for your goals, even when it might get very hard. Since his passing, he has continued to push me through my need to make him proud and give my best to honour him.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoharvaradi/

Image Credits
Personal photo of me on the dolly: Allie Leichter