ABOUT

FROM LENS TO LEGACY

Julia Zave is an internationally published photographer, storyteller and experiential marketer who translates creative vision and drives measurable growth. With more than twenty years of experience, she is based in San Francisco, California and available for assignments and commissions worldwide. Her work spans quiet, intimate moments and grand adventures alike, finding beauty in beginnings, endings, celebrations, and heartbreak.

Whether through brand imagery that captures your essence, event photography that documents everything from small gatherings to large-scale experiences, or lifestyle photography that tells your story, Julia approaches every frame with intention and care. Her work reflects not only what happens but why it matters.  Influenced by culture, film, music, art, sports, dogs, and every person she meets along the way, Julia brings empathy, vision, and a deep understanding of human connection to every project she takes on.

SELECT AGENCY, BRAND, PUBLICATION + CLIENT LIST | (A-Z)

Billboard, Broadcasting & Cable, CoachArt, CIROC, Deutsch, ECom Dept, Entrepreneur, Focus Features, Forbes, Metroland, Modern Luxury, Mother Jones, MKTG, Netflix, NIKE, NVE Experience Agency, NPR, Penguin Random House, Random House Speakers Bureau, Photo District News, Paramount, Popsugar, RUNNA, Seagate, Smirnoff, The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Times Union, US News & World Report, USTA, United Talent Agency, VOGUE, WILSON, Women's Wear Daily

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

1. Hiking and fundraising for Westside German Shepherd Rescue .

Every mile I trek through California’s trails and parks helps give big dogs the care, food, and safe homes they deserve. It’s a chance to enjoy nature, connect with fellow dog lovers, and turn each step into a second chance for these gentle giants. This year marks my third coordinating the Team Run For Westside Shepherds 5K as an official charity partner of the McCourt Foundation and LA Marathon, raising vital funds for Westside’s lifesaving work.

2. I like to run in the rain.

There's something about the mud and the trails. Just the smell of wet pavement reminds me of weekend road races and cross-country trails in the fall. I started running marathons when I was 24 and. With 3 NYC Marathons down, hundreds of 5k + 10k’s, plus a few halves, I’m slated to keep going until my legs stop working.

3. My photography is part of New York history.

In 2011, while on assignment for a local newsweekly at Albany City Hall, I captured the first queer marriage performed in New York State. I also wound up taking a few photos for a sweet couple who didn't have a wedding photographer. We've been friends ever since.

4. The first photograph I ever printed was also my very first assignment in high school photo class.

It was of the tree my cross-country team would meet at every day before practice. I'm happy to report that both my photography and my running skills have improved since then.

5. I was a music photographer for a decade.

Shooting live performances was my passion for nine glorious years. I love music but, let me tell you, shooting live performances wasn't always something to sing about. There were crowds, mud, downpours, big security guys keeping the peace. Still, it was worth every minute.

6. I’m Russian-American.

My mother and I moved to the United States on April 1, 1992. Unfortunately, we had to leave behind most of our belongings, including family photos. That's something I always regretted. So, in 2007, I snuck back into the country to retrieve them from my grandmother. Shhhh!!!

7. CoachArt has a piece of my heart.

I fell in love with CoachArt while working at the Children's Benefit in San Francisco and immediately joined their volunteer program. During training, I created a very classy drawing in answer to the question, "What does art mean to you?" Sharing my love of art allows me to connect with others, giving a piece of my heart to help enrich their lives. Beautiful, meaningful and memorable - that's the key to the work I want to bring into this world.

8. I have a slight obsession with MIT.

Ever since Good Will Hunting (one of my all-time favorite movies), I've loved the idea of attending MIT. And I'm proud to say I've been able to make that dream a reality through online classes offered via MIT OpenCourseWare. From classes in negotiation to quantum physics, not only are they blazing the way in tech and science, they're also pioneers in free online education.

9. I love the ballet...and ballet flats.

Both hold a special place in my heart. As a child, I was obsessed with becoming a ballerina. At one point, my mom even got me pointe shoes from the same store the prima ballerinas from the Bolshoi Theater got theirs. I spent countless hours practicing at home and even attending dress rehearsals at the Bolshoi Theatre as a guest. Today, the closest I get to ballet is wearing Tieks at every photo shoot. They are easily the most adorable and comfortable ballet flats on the planet - so I can twirl about gracefully, pretending all of life is a stage.

10. Bradley Cooper digs my work. And I dig Bradley Cooper.

I was hired to photograph a movie premiere and blew Bradley away with clear direction, quick and efficient pace. I believe his words were, "This obviously isn’t your first rodeo.”