Meet this amazing human; actress, singer, producer, writer and friend, Ciara Reneé. I was blessed a few months ago to connect with her though her production company, Our Sky Productions. As she was preparing to get her short film entitled Reddy Records off the ground.

The company’s mission of inclusion, equity, equality, and representation was what drew me to connect and reach out to Ciara. It turned out that the universe wanted us to connect because she needed an artistically and graphic savy friend as well. haha. After collaborating on a couple projects and getting to know this gal, I joined the team for Reddy Records as a co-producer.

Before she moved to LA and I returned to Ohio, we had the chance for a photoshoot with a mission to highlight gender stereotypes. For this shoot we wanted to show equality between the dualities while also displaying a paradoxical shift in how we typically see the two. I had a blast in the studio capturing these shots, it definitely is one of my favorite shoots to date.

Check out Ciara here on instagram and twitter, as she shares her journey and voice. She is such a bright light and soul, speaking her truth on important topics of our world, she also is an unreal talent with a killer voice!

Lastly, check out and follow REDDY RECORDS! It is a musical fantasia about a woman who has to find forgiveness with her father, as well as face her fears and insecurities. This film features a diverse and inclusive cast and crew. After 3 months of hard work, through a crowdfunding campaign on SEED AND SPARK.. we are FULLY FUNDED. Now it is time to make this work of art.

I’ve been grateful for Ciara’s friendship and have learned so much through this process. I am proud of the work she has done and what we have done together, and cannot wait for the next step of the journey…

Enjoy these shots from our shoot… there were soo so many good ones!

XO. ZAFI

I have been doing so many shoots lately! It's been great to force myself to keep going... I can see my work improve with each photo. I've been doing photography since high school, but the potential for improvement hides behind my camera lens every time. 

I had so much fun on this shoot with Marilyn. We explored Soho's streets, and along the way we stopped by the Hotel Hugo. Luckily, we were able to shoot on the gorgeous rooftop and in the bar. Of course, this included perfect city views and amazing lighting shining in the lounge. It's always a blast shooting with Marilyn, laughing between shooting throughout. 

I've been shooting so much lately and have had bunches of great shoots ahead! Here is some fun with blogger Abstract Smile at the New York Public Library. She is always so fierce! 

Xo. Zafi

This fall has been so perfect here in the city. I loved capturing Cate, Austin and their little one Justin! We had a blast running around, and enjoying the leaves. This day it became colder than it has been, and we had to run inside. Thank goodness for the Museum of Natural History just down the street. We found the perfect area that was empty with plenty of gorgeous natural light. Overall a morning of smiles and giggles all around!