Editors CommentsGreetings Leilani Ent. Family:
"So many wonderful things are happening soon! .." click here
Danielle LewisPure Sounds Ministries/Optimus Entertainment Gospel Artist
"Cece Winans and Yolanda Adams truly inspire me.." God, and as ministers. click here
Easopmotivate, and be an example of faith and success.
"I've always loved music, especially hip-hop. My inspiration comes from my experiences.." click here
Curtis JermanyExperiencing MooD-ology Through The Eye’s Of GZ PhotoZ
" I try to make every shoot ideal! My goal is to produce images for clients that will really.."click here
Leilani: Blessings and how are you? CJ: Very blessed indeed! How have you been?
Leilani: Please re-introduce yourself to our audience and tell them what you do.
CJ: Well, I'm one of the hottest photographers in the bay! (Laughing) I own GZ PhotoZ.com Photography which is now part of GZ | Soulye Studios|Showroom|Gallery located in Oakland, CA. Also under 1 roof, my fiance Jowhari Trahan runs a photography studio, her corporate shoe showroom for Zarif Soulye and a photography art gallery, believed to be the only black owned photo art gallery in the bay.
Leilani: How long have you been into photography and how did you get started?
CJ: I've been a photographer for a little over 5 years now. I’ve had an interest that goes back to high school shooting for the paper and yearbooks. I started taking it serious when I published a magazine of my own and needed some photos taken for a concert we were backing for later inclusion in the magazine. After seeing the results I decided to take it more serious and the rest as they say is history.
Leilani: Whats an ideal photo shoot for you? Explain
CJ: I try to make every shoot ideal! My goal is to produce images for clients that will really wow them. I want to be the best photographer they have ever experienced and keep them coming back for more. I especially love doing music projects or anything thats to be published later, and the clients are able utilize a full team from makeup to wardrobe stylist. Thats the best way to insure a fully polished result.
Leilani: Whats a pet peeve for you when it comes to a session with you? Explain
CJ: I guess one of the main pet peeves would be hearing, "When I lose a little weight I will work with you" or something like that. I think a lot of people have had mediocre experiences with photographers who didn’t know how to properly capture them. It shouldn't matter how big or small you are. A good photographer should be able to pull out your best naturally!
Leilani: What can folks expect when they work with you? Tell us about all the services you provide.
CJ: People should expect to get a hot ass picture! (Big Smile) We provide makeup, wardrobe assistance and whatever else is needed to make sure you get an image you will love, be it in studio or on location. Much depends on your budget, but we offer a headshot special for as little as $150.
Leilani: What does photography mean to you? What’s signature about you that when they see picture’s they can identify that it’s your work?
CJ: Photography for me is about capturing the emotion of the moment. I call what I do MooD-ology, the practice of photographically capturing many moods. I think my overall signature is creative lighting or shadows in the right places.
Leilani: What type of picture(s) do you take?
CJ: I take all types from street editorials to wedding photos. Since opening the studio I've definitely done more portraiture, but I'm able do everything from corporate to product work.
Leilani: What projects are you currently working on?
CJ: I have a coffee table book on hold right now because I’ve been so busy with paid work. I look forward to working back on this project in the future!
Leilani: Is there anyone you would like to work with right now?
CJ: Not really. I want to work with everyone...as long as they’re paying.
Leilani: What other talent(s) or skills do you have? Explain
CJ: I also have a email promotion service that hits over 35,000 nationwide, but my primary passion is photography!
Leilani: Whats next for you?
CJ: I would like to start a neighborhood monthly art walk in the spring. We are located in an area of West Oakland which is currently undergoing its share of gentrification and nestled amongst a large number of artist studio spots. But what’s a trip is if you're just driving through, you would never think that there are maybe 300 plus artists within a 5 block radius.
Leilani: Tell us about your studio/gallery and the type of equipment you use, Where is it located?
CJ: GZ offers a space for other photographers & videographers to rent as needed and includes lighting instruction. The gallery is also available as a space for small events like fashion shows, book signings, etc. We currently host a monthly fashion industry networking mixer & live shoot each 4th Monday. Eventually I'd like to insure we have different types of arts or fashion related events every week.
Leilani: Photography has come a very long way. Many photographers use digital cameras. Will cameras with film die out? (Explain) Whats your preference, real film or digital and why?
CJ: I think film eventually will die out which could be a shame as some older cameras produce images that can be hard to mimic in Photoshop. I came into my own shooting digitally but I have a lot of respect for those who still use film. Photography can be very expensive to practice and for film users, you have to know how to get the right shot without the benefit of looking on the back of your camera to see if its right. Ultimately, you can't beat digital for the speed of capture and production to print in minutes rather than days.
Leilani: Whats been the hardest part about being in your line of work?
CJ: Hmmm, probably that everyone who has a camera thinks that they are a photographer. It's annoying to see the lack of quality shooters out nowadays. I want to continue to engage clients who desire and expect the best when it comes to photography.
Leilani: When a person see’s your work, what can they tell about you?
CJ: I actually want them to want to know more about the subject I captured. I'm just a behind the scenes dude determined to show you at your best.
Leilani: If a person or potential clients want to work with you or keep updated with what you’re doing, where do they go or what do they need to do?
CJ: For updates and latest images they should follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ gzphotozfans and Twitter at www.twitter.com/gzphotoz but of course I have my websites at www.gzphotoz.com, www.gzsoulye.com and for my wedding work www.aloveaffairphotography.com.
MAILING ADDRESS
Leilani Ent.
P.O. Box 15334
San Francisco, CA 94115
Telephone: (415) 209 5189
E-mail: leilanient@yahoo.com
