Today we’d like to introduce you to Zuzu Valla

Hi Zuzu, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

My journey into photography began quite unexpectedly. Fifteen years ago, my siblings and I moved from Slovakia to the UK. We deeply missed our friends, so we started posting images of our new surroundings and lives using my phone. Back then, phone cameras were of poor quality, and I went through three phones before my sister suggested I buy a proper camera.

After purchasing my first DSLR, I kept it under my bed for a month because I was intimidated by all the buttons (laugh). Once I finally picked it up and started using it, I never looked back. Initially, I focused on flowers and animals, waking up at 4 am to catch the sunrise. However, I felt unfulfilled and kept searching for what I truly wanted to photograph.

The turning point came when a friend asked me to photograph her in a beautiful bathtub in the middle of a room. I was fascinated by how much emotion and feeling could be conveyed through the human body. This led me to start photographing women, but only those with unique features that captivated my attention, such as freckles or larger ears—something that set them apart from the ordinary.

For many years, I was passionate about capturing the beauty of people who looked different. Then, about three years ago, I discovered another passion: working with disabled individuals. This happened by coincidence when I emailed Zebedee, an agency, while looking for a model for an editorial. They sent me a portfolio of disabled models, and I was immediately captivated by their looks. I fell in love with this new direction and have been dedicated to it ever since.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The beginning of my journey was quite enjoyable. I loved the intimate moments between just me and the model during shoots. However, the road hasn’t always been smooth. As I started working more in the fashion industry, I encountered more challenges. The industry can be highly competitive, and I witnessed things that sometimes made me a bit sad.

You really need to have a thick skin to survive in this field, which has been a struggle for me. I tend to live in my happy bubble where everyone is happy, loving each other, and enjoying what they do. But the reality is that people can be very difficult for various reasons. Despite my efforts to always see the best in people, there are times when the challenges posed by others make me want to give up.

However, every time I receive an excited email with a new project offer, I’m drawn back in (laugh).

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am a self-taught portrait and fashion photographer based in the UK. I specialize in photographing disabled models, but I have also worked with celebrities and influencers. My work focuses on helping people build self-confidence and challenging traditional standards in the fashion industry and magazines.

I am most proud of being recognized by prominent magazines and winning the Portrait of Britain Vol 6 award last year, organized by the British Journal of Photography, among 100 other amazing photographers. The winning photograph featured a beautiful model named Lauren with Down Syndrome. After the announcement, Lauren’s father sent me a message expressing how proud he was of his daughter and how much this recognition meant to their family. It wasn’t always easy for them, but this made them very happy. Moments like these are what I live for and drive my passion for photography.

What sets me apart from others is my commitment to showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of individuals who are often overlooked by the mainstream fashion industry. My work not only celebrates diversity but also aims to inspire others to see the beauty in differences.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

Something surprising that most people who know me or my work might not know is that I have read the entire Bible and the Quran. I wanted to understand the reasons behind religious conflicts and gain a deeper insight into different belief systems. I am also religion myself and all I gain so far was trough manifestation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zuzuvalla.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zuzu.valla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZuzuVallaPhotography/
• Twitter: https://x.com/VallaZuzu