Simple Chaos
By Michael Zikry
Asymmetric Magazine: Tell us about your photo series.
Michael Zikry: This photo series incorporates what most people think about when they think about LA. I tried to take photos that people see every day, and change the perspective a little bit. We’ve all seen the skylines and Hollywood sign, but I try to capture these shots differently, as I hope you can see from my series.
AM: What inspires you most?
MZ: Passion. I fell in love with photography at a very young age. Some people think it’s genetic, because my dad picked up photography as a hobby when he was in his twenties. He tried to capture every moment of my family growing up over the years. We have closets full of pictures…and I mean full. Thanks to him, I’ll be able to share these memories with family and friends.
I picked up my first DSLR last summer. I slowly began taking it with me everywhere. Taking pictures of random things, streets, buildings, people you name it. Not one shot I have is exactly the same. That’s what I love about photography. No matter how many times I revisit the same location, I look for a new perspective. I want to share my passion with the world, and show them the beauty that surrounds us. Passion is what drives me.
AM: What is your favorite thing to photograph in LA?
MZ: Everything! There is so much life and beauty in this city and I want to capture it all.
AM: What themes and styles do you pursue in your work?
MZ: I’m still trying to figure that out. I’m still new to photography, and am learning every day. Each day I end up pursuing something different based on my current mood. Some days are a lot more chaotic and busy than others, so I try to incorporate that in my photos. You can see that in my “Bleeding Blue” photo. Other days are more calm and simple, so I try to capture something like my “Curves” shot.
AM: We love your mix of color and black and white photography. Do you prefer one over the other?
MZ: I don’t have a preference. I enjoy taking vibrant, colorful pictures, but also love shooting in black and white. Each has their advantages over the other. I love shooting architecture in black and white. It tends to bring out the details of the building. Whereas, I must take sunset photos in color. I used to work for an office at nights, and would rarely see the sun setting. The sunset looks so different each day and I try to capture every detail of its warmth and color.
AM: What else can we expect to see from you?
MZ: The unexpected.
Michael Zikry is a Los Angeles based photographer. He recently graduated with a B.S. in cellular and molecular biology from California State University, Northridge. You can find more of his work on his Instagram.
