ZERODEAN.com : My Official Web Site
Hey Everybody!
First things first, yes, Zero is my real name! ( You can read more about how and why here , if you want).
If you haven't noticed the pics yet, I'm a photographer.
At age 32, I took a leap of faith and left a decent paying and secure career in computer graphics to pursue my passion as a self-employed photographer in the highly competitive and unpredictable world of photography. And at age 34, I "started over" yet again by moving to LA in an effort to push my new career to higher level.
As I've only been based in LA since mid-summer 2006, I'm still working on building relationships and getting an awareness of my name (and my work, of course), out into the neighborhood.
Right now, I'm primarily focused on getting to the point where I can continue to make a living doing what I love with a greater sense of security, creative freedom, & fewer restrictions. And I am always seeking opportunities to work with amazing people.
If I sent you a friend request, then that's my way of saying "Hello", "Hi", or "How yoooouuu doin'?" (whichever you prefer). And if I haven't sent you a personalized message or comment yet, I will!
I think one of the main challenges in photography, much like acting (or any other creative field, for that matter), is that you can be very good at what you do, but still "fly under the radar" because there are so many other people in your field all attempting to do the same thing. And sometimes, success is more determined by who you know, than what you know. And right now, I just don't know many people out here.
For me, moving to LA was a conscious "career move", but I must admit that I was a bit unprepared for just how crazy & competitive photography really is out here and how difficult starting from scratch in this town really is! It seems like every actor I meet is also a "photographer" on the side. And some are actually quite good! Not to mention other full-time photographers!
Fortunately, as challenging as it's been, it's also been an incredible and rewarding experience so far and I'm glad to be here. I've had the tremendously good fortune of meeting an amazing array of wonderful and incredibly talented clients & individuals that could be found in no other place than here. And every one of them has helped me, in their own way, on my path to take what I do to the next level.
So to all those folks (you know who you are, and I've got the pictures to prove it), I'd just like to give a heartfelt "THANK YOU".
And to all the exceptionally awesome and creative people I haven't yet had the pleasure to meet or work with, DROP ME A LINE! :)
WHY I AM HERE:
1. To network, meet people, make friends, and build positive & mutually beneficial relationships.
2. To get an awareness of my name & services out into the world.
3. To invite opportunity in any form and to help create opportunities for others.
POPULAR BLOG ENTRIES
Announcing My Short Notice Free Photo Shoot Announcements List
Announcing Paid & Free Opportunities For Make-Up Artists
About This Guy Named Zero.
Photographer Marketing Tactics Exposed.
I'm Evil And I Want Your Money.
Frequently Asked Questions (Answered!)
Actor Headshots : Part 1 : Details
Actor Headshots : Part 2 : Photographers, Stylists & Make-up Artists
Actor Headshots : Part 3 : How To Prepare For Your Headshot
Actor Headshots : Part 4 : Headshot Printing Options
Actor Headshots : Part 5 : Reviewing Your Headshots
Actor Headshots : Part 6 : Retouching, What You & Your Photographer Should Know
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: ( More In This BLOG )
Q: What are your rates? How much do you charge for headshots? Do you have a web site?
A: Yes. My rates are on my website . Thanks for asking! There are a lot of great photographers in LA who provide a variety of different styles. I'm not here to push my services on anyone whose not interested. I'm just happy you know I'm here. Work with whoever makes you comfortable and whose style suits you the best!
Q: RE: Friend Requests - Who are you? Do I know you? How did you find me? Why did you send me a friend request?
A: You can read a litle about me above and on my web site. If you have to ask if you know me, then no, you probably don't. I most likely found you while browsing myspace affiliations or simply surfing profiles. I probably sent you a friend request because I like to network with creative and interesting people or we share a common interest. Please consider it a compliment. And if you don't feel inclined to accept my friend request or if you only keep your friends to people you know well, no worries. I respect that. Just consider my friend request a friendly "Hello". There's nothing you need to do and I'm not trying to sell you anything.
Q: RE: Free Photo Shoots? Everyone wants one. How can you get one?
Helping people achieve their goals with whatever skills I can provide is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. Which is why I am happy to give away my services as often as I can afford to, but unfortunately, I'm not at a place where I can do this for everyone who asks and still make a living at what I do.
So if you inquire about a free shoot, and I'm unable to provide one, please don't be put off. I receive a lot of such requests, but only have a very limited amount of availability to fulfill them.
I recently created a " short notice photo shoot announcements list " which allows me to utilize any free time I have by providing free shoots to folks who are available at short notice. Getting on that list will immediately increase your chances of a free shoot.
Outside of that, you're still welcome to come right out and ask for one, but if you really want to make an impression, better than just asking me for a free shoot is telling me a bit about your goals & aspirations and what a shoot would mean to (or for) you or how collaborating could be a beautiful thing that benefits more than just one person. In fact, if you just ask without making the effort to provide any additional information, the answer will most likely always be "no".
Q: RE: TFP
Although I no longer provide "TFP - Time For Prints", I do ~occasionally~ provide testing for models, actors, or anyone interested in having professional photos taken, though as I mentioned, I most enjoy collaborating with ambitious & creative types. Folks who are determined to "make it happen" (which, despite being my business motto, it's also a mantra I live by).
Q: Do you work with [noun] (ie. men, animals, bands...)?
Yes. But it's important for folks to keep in mind that there is a particular "style" and "look" to my work. Although I am always working on stretching and trying new things, if you're looking for a particular look that is the polar opposite of what you see in my gallery of images, then it may be better for you to work with a photographer whose style more appropriately fits the look you want. With that said, don't be afraid to talk to me anyway!
Q: Are you looking for make-up artists?
Yes. I'm always looking for additional make-up artists and stylists to add to my "go to" list.
See More Questions & Answers In My FAQ Blog Entry Here
ARTICLES BY ZERO DEAN FOR MODELS & ACTORS:
Yes, I've written some articles to primarily help out aspiring models & actors, though I've been told that they've been of help to experienced folks, too.
Headshots Advice:
Some Things Every Actor & Model Should Know
Modeling Advice & Tips For Models
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I'm based in Santa Monica. If you know where Santa Monica College is, then you're getting warm.
ON COLLABORATING:
I love meeting and collaborating with positive, highly motivated, and creative people. I truly love that kind of energy and just can't get enough of it. So if that's you, no matter what you do, please say "Hi".
OTHER PLACES TO FIND ZERO DEAN:
Zerotopia.com : My Official Web Site
ActorPhotographer.com : My Blog
Zero Dean at Model Mayhem
Zero Dean at OneModelPlace
