Capturing authenticity – Interview with Carly Zavala

Could you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m Carly Zavala, a portrait and fine art photographer currently based in Seattle, WA. Before diving into photography full-time, I spent over a decade as a nurse, which I believe shaped my approach to storytelling and connecting with people. My work focuses on capturing authentic moments and emotions, whether through portraits, self-portraits, or creative projects.

Do you remember your very first contact with the world of photography?
As far as I can remember, my first contact with photography was using disposable cameras, those windup ones. From there, I remember moving to film cameras as well as using a Polaroid. Back then, it was just taking photos of friends and family – I didn’t have a specific direction or style to it.

After working as a nurse for more than a decade, how did photography evolve from those first clicks into a lifelong passion? And at what point did you decide to pursue it professionally, leaving your nursing career behind?
Yes, I worked as a nurse for about 13 years, but I had been photographing well before that. While I was in nursing school, I took an introduction to dark room photography and that’s really where I fell for photography. The class was a 1-hour lecture and, if I remember correctly, 3 hours of lab time, and I used up every minute of it. My photography professor, Nick Klimaszewski, was really supportive and encouraging. He has suggested for me to submit one of my prints to a local art gallery, and I ended up being one of the 3 winners that night.

Moving to NYC in 2014 was when I started to get the idea of pursuing photography professionally, but it took until end of 2019 to decide to leave nursing to pursue it full time. Then the pandemic happened, but that experience ultimately shaped where I am at now.

Was that move a difficult decision? What makes you say, “Yes, it was worth it”?
It was a challenging decision to leave behind a stable career for the uncertainty of freelance photography. That second question is a bit tricky for me to answer, mainly because it hasn’t been easy career to be in and one I’m still navigating my way through.  Maybe ask me in a few years, and I’ll probably have a better response for you!

Among so many photography genres, why portraiture?
People are just so interesting! There’s so much to explore below the surface when I meet with someone to take their portrait. Ultimately, I think we just all want to be seen, and that’s something that I share and carry with me when I shoot. I want people to see themselves as they are.

What personal qualities do you think are essential for a portrait photographer?
Empathy and patience are essential. Being able to connect with people, put them at ease, and create an environment where they feel comfortable is key. Attention to detail and an openness to collaboration are also important.

Has your prior experience with film, including both 35mm and medium format, helped you learn to interpret light in any moment and situation and make the most of it?
Well, when I first started shooting, it was all about natural light or whatever ambient lighting was available. I think because I am self taught, I would just work with what I had, and that led me to be able to manage any lighting that I came across. Film really taught me to slow down and consider each shot since there is a limited amount of captures you can get. When you move to digital, you can easily get carried away by overshooting because of the almost unlimited number of photos you can get.

You’re a long-time user of the Fuji X system. When DSLRs ruled the market, what did you see in the Fuji X system that convinced you to commit to it?
The Fuji X system stood out to me for its overall look and intuitive and ease of use, reminiscent to shooting on film cameras. The other thing that I was hooked on was how well Fuji handles colors. I remember when I first started using it, I was so impressed by the richness in the colors of the images. The portability and versatility of the X-T1( which was my first fuji body) made it easy to integrate into both personal and professional work, even when DSLRs were the standard.

What cameras have you used since then, and what is your current camera and lens setup?
My first Fuji camera was the X-T1. My sister actually got it for me as a gift, and I still cherish it to this day. Aside from the sentimental value that it has for me, it’s a camera that continually delivers. The next one I got was the X-H1, then I upgraded to the medium format, GFX 50S. Currently, that’s the one I shoot with. I have in my kit the 63mm 2.8 and the 80mm 1.7.

Do you prefer shooting in a controlled studio environment with artificial lighting or doing environmental portraits outdoors?
I enjoy both, but environmental portraits hold a special place for me. Shooting outdoors or in meaningful locations adds depth and context to the image. That said, studio work offers precision and control, which can be rewarding for creative or conceptual shoots.

Among all the assignments you’ve completed and the personalities you’ve photographed, are there any you would like to highlight?
Photographing Vice President Kamala Harris for The New York Times stands out as a defining moment in my career. The experience was both inspiring and humbling, and it reminded me of the power of photography to capture history.

To wrap up, could you tell us a bit about the importance of your self-portrait series?
Self-portraits are a way for me to explore identity, vulnerability, and storytelling from a deeply personal perspective. They allow me to reflect on my own experiences and emotions while pushing my creative boundaries. Through these projects, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself and how to connect with others through visual narratives.