We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Liz Zorn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Liz, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My parents always told me to never give up on my dreams and to work hard to achieve them…I knew from the time I was very young that I wanted to do something with cameras. It seemed obvious to me; always had. But it wasn’t the route that a lot of people in my life wanted me to take or supported me in. And it’s risky – I knew that. I had to start fighting for this career from a young age. I went through some really hard times in my life over the last handful of years, including the loss of a close family member, and that really changed a lot of my perspectives about life. I realized that nothing is guaranteed and we only have this one life to live – and it’s not a whole lot of time. Why not do what makes you happy? Why not go for it? Especially if it’s your dream… Just because others are telling you you shouldn’t? Because it’s harder? I knew that choosing this path wasn’t going to be easy, and it’s not, but I believe in myself so deeply that I have no doubts I can do it. These beliefs in myself have carried me immensely through the doubts and discouragements of those around me. Going through really hard things in my life has made me pretty resilient, and it’s just made me want to prove everyone who doubted me wrong!!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a model and a photographer!
I do mostly lifestyle and commercial modeling, but I have experience in many other sub-areas, too. I’ve walked in a variety of runway shows (including NYFW), I’ve done really cool editorial and high fashion shoots, and lots of fun stuff in between! I mostly do photoshoots for brands and clothing companies, and work for photographers who have a specific vision in mind for a concept. I love getting to be involved in something unique and creative!
I am a portrait and landscape photographer. I started off doing mostly nature and landscape and that was my main focus, especially when I was younger. I’ve been taking photos of things since I was a kid! As I got older I fell in love with portraits and photographing people. I do mostly couples and lifestyle/beauty right now, but I also love photographing families and events! I’m currently booking for 2023 spring and summer!! Family, portrait/lifestyle, creative, couples, and senior sessions available! Pitch me your idea and I would love to bring it to life!!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I’d say the 3 most important qualities or skills that helped me the most were: determination, marketing, and practicing outside of working. Photography and modeling are obviously a part of the same industry, so these skills apply to both.
Determination is basically believing in yourself and not allowing yourself to give up. Remember why you want it. What it’s going to feel like when you succeed and achieve your goals. Remember what the alternatives that you don’t want to do will be if you give up. Believe in yourself and your abilities.
Marketing is huge in this industry and in a lot of others. Your success may stem greatly from connections and people you meet that can bring you further. Reach out to everyone and stay connected with those that you do meet. This may require you to put yourself outside your comfort zone – you gotta do it! Market yourself as a brand. You’re advertising yourself like you would a product you are selling.
Practicing is obvious I feel. The more you practice the better you will get at your skill. Practice your runway walk even if you don’t have any shows booked – and practice often! Practice your model poses in the mirror and find out which look good and which look stiff or don’t flatter you. Practice with your camera settings! Take pictures of your friends or family to get better with your angles or lighting… practice is so important! You can NEVER be too good at something. There’s ALWAYS room for improving! And the better you get with basics, the more room there is to be creative and have fun!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
It’s so common to feel overwhelmed in this day and age. A lot of us struggle with mental health and anxiety, myself included. It’s very important to slow down and care for yourself when you are stressed or overwhelmed. Put your phone away for an hour and do something that relaxes you (take a bath, go for a walk, meditate, stretch, etc.). Make it a date with yourself and let yourself relax. We’re always on the go in this society and our brains and bodies NEED rest. Give yourself some time with as limited mental stimulation as possible and it will really go a long way. Remember to be grateful for all that you have, too – gratitude makes a big positive difference!
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/lizorn
- Instagram: instagram.com/lizorn
- Other: Photography Instagram: lizornphotography & lizornphotography2 instagram.com/lizornphotography instagram.com/lizornphotography2
Image Credits
Hien Nguyen Josh Shanks James Long Frank LeBouf
