Zai is a visual storyteller working at the intersection of cinematography and photography, where images are not simply captured—they are felt, remembered, and lived. Rooted in a black-and-white practice, his work strips away distraction to reveal something more enduring: truth in its most human form.
Guided by a documentary instinct and a cinematic language, Zai builds with his subjects rather than simply photographing them, creating space for honesty to surface and stories to unfold with depth and intention. The result is imagery that feels lived-in and deeply human—resonating across editorial and commercial spaces while maintaining a distinct, timeless point of view.
For CultureCon’s VIP Presentation, Zai presents works from three series: Tip of the Iceberg and Black Boy Fly, both series shot in Los Angeles and Untied, shot in New York.
ZAi
Free, Unrestrained, Comfortable at ease
UNtied
Every child inherits a shape before they choose one. For Kayra Theodore, hers was the bow — tight, tidy, correct. A way of being loved that doubled as a way of being contained.
Untied asks what's left when the knot comes loose. Through hair sculpture that bends genre and defies gravity, Kayra doesn't discard the discipline she was raised on — she transforms it, turning what once made her small into what makes her impossible to ignore.
GIve me ii
Give Me II is a documentary series that follows Nike run coach, Percell Dugger as he travels across the country, uniting communities through the power of movement. Each city reveals a new chapter—where running is less about miles and more about connection, resilience, and truth.
In Los Angeles, the journey begins with a powerful send-off, fueled by music, joy, and community. In Dallas, the story deepens through friendships forged on and off the pavement—survivors, builders, and everyday people offering love and support. And in New York, the run takes a turn inward, as a shocking health diagnosis forces a reckoning with purpose, vulnerability, and what it truly means to keep going.
Blending cinematic storytelling with real human connection, Give Me II explores how running can be a bridge across cultures, a spark for healing, and a reminder that none of us are moving through life alone.
Sartotial Reparations
Directed by Zai
EPK Artist & Lead Photographer
They Haunt Him
Personal Favorites
As a fine art photographer, I have been blessed with the gift of traveling across the world, hosting galleries, and creating the images my heart has always longed to see. Each journey has been both a pilgrimage and a canvas, guiding me to capture moments that balance memory with discovery. The following images emerge from a blend of personal and professional assignments—each frame leading me gracefully into the next, weaving together the story of where I’ve been and the vision of where I’m going.
“Where you currently stand is a reflection of your past thoughts ”
2026 - 2024 Resume
Embedded BTS / Chubbies x NFL / August 18, 2026
Creative Director - Producer - Photographer / Untied / Instagram / May - July, 2026
Leica 100 Phot Book Publication / Leica / May 28, 2026
Met Gala Photographer / Meta Watch Party / May 4, 2026
Director of Mini documentary / The Mercury Store Artist in Residence / April 6-10, 2026
Creative Director and Photographer / Gains Album cover / London, UK / March 13-15, 2026
Lead Editorial Photographer / Paris Fashion Week / March 1 - 12, 2026
Group Show / Her Story / Monad NCY / February 13 - 14, 2026
Group Show / Still Looking / GPG Gallery / February 10 - March 3, 2026
Solo photo Exhibition / Give Me II / GPG Gallery / February 1 - 7, 2026
Director / Sika / Always You Campaign / January 7 - 12, 2026
Magazine feature / Vogue / December 23, 2025
Solo photo exhibition / Miami Art Basel / Scope / December 2-5 2025
Director / Give Me II / Documentary / June 1, 2025 - November 12, 2025
Lead Photographer / RaleighWood / August 30 - September 1, 2025
They Haunt Him / Lead Unit Photographer and EPK artist / August 9 - 12, 2025
CLI Conservatory / Lead Photographer / June 29, 2025
Leica 100 Year feature photographer / May 3, 2025
LA Times / Creative Director / May 23, 2025
Mt Sac Relays - Nike / Lead Photographer / April 18-19, 2025
LA Times / Creative Director / April 9, 2025
Arcadia Track Meet - Nike / Lead Photographer / April 8, 2025
Salty Retreats - El Salvador / Lead Photographer / March 7-15, 2025
Elinchrome NY - BMX / Creative Director & Lead Photographer / March 2nd - 6, 2025
USC Keynote Speaker / February 25, 2025
Sloan and Bennett - Sartorial Reparations / Director & Cinematographer / Feb Feb 15-21, 2025
Slyf / Creative Director & Lead Photographer / January 30-31, 2025
Ax and the Hatchetmen Concert / Lead Photographer / December 5, 2024
Drew League x Kobe Bryant Tournament / Lead Photographer / December 4, 2024
LA Lakers Jersey reveal / Lead Photographer / November 21, 2024
USC Keynote speaker / November 20, 2024
Bloom Nutrition YouTube / Creative Director / November 11-16, 2024
MNTGE x Sweet Greens Campaign / Video Creative Director / November 8-10, 2024
National Lampoon x Canada Dry / Lead Photographer / October 30, 2024
Freedom Riders Documentary / Director & Cinematographer / September 19 - October 1, 2024
College Football Michigan State vs FAU / Lead Photographer / August 30, 2024
Peru World Athletic Championships / Director & Cinematographer / August 26 - 29th, 2024
“The Master” Documentary of Keke Palmer / Camera operator & Unit Photographer / August 10th - December 2024
Florida Atlantic University Hardknocks reality show / Camera Operator & Lead Photographer / July 22 - August 30, 2024