We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zoe Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Zoe, appreciate you joining us today. Is there a lesson you learned in school that’s stuck with you and has meaningfully impacted your journey?

One of the most important lessons that I learned from school was in a producing class back in art school. I remembered vividly in the first class that we had, our professor said “you need to know what type of lifestyle you want, because your dream might not match the lifestyle that you want for your future!” Which I found to be surprisingly true after graduating from school. I’ve always thought that I wanted to work in the film industry and becoming a Director, but I’ve never thought about the unavoidable lifestyle that comes with the dream. I have worked on several film projects, working 12 to 14 hours a day for several weeks, sometimes I even start my day at 3 pm and finish at 3 am… I knew that to make it in the entertainment industry is hard, but I never knew how much I actually have to sacrifice in order to fulfill this dream. Within two years after graduating from school, I realized that this lifestyle is not what I want, what I really want is a career where I can be creative, where I can have a normal life, a normal working schedule like most people do.

Zoe, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

How I became a full-time photographer and videographer actually comes from the lowest point of my adulthood. I lost my job and just got out of a two-year relationship. I didn’t have much savings, the money in my bank account would only allow me to survive one month without any income. I was depressed and my anxiety was all over the place. I basically spent my first week crying and lying in my bed. However, one morning while I was on the phone call with my friend, panicking about what I’m going to do with my life, he said to me “Zoe! You’re in LA, you’re living THE DREAM! Look around you, there are so many opportunities out there, you just need to find them!”
After the phone call, I sat in my bed and looked around my room, and I thought “what do I have here that can actually make me money?” And then I saw my camera lying in my shelf and my laptop on my desk, and I thought to myself… “Photography”

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to become an editorial photographer for magazines and private brands, where I can combine my passion for storytelling with visual art. I thrive on working with people, getting to know their stories, and capturing their authentic selves through my lens. Ultimately, I aspire for my work to resonate with audiences and earn recognition for the unique perspectives I bring to each project.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, my side hustle has transformed into my full-time career! I began by offering free photo sessions to individuals and local businesses, which allowed me to build my portfolio and gain valuable experience. I also made it a point to attend various events to network and connect with others in the industry.Over time, these initial efforts led to referrals and paid opportunities, helping me establish a reputation for my work. Key milestones in this journey included securing my first paid gig, collaborating with local brands, and eventually being featured in a magazine. Each step has contributed to my growth as a photographer and solidified my passion for this career path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zoeleefilmandphotography.com
• Instagram: Zoe.j.lee
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-lee-a47369180/