Ilan Zisso: GINGER LIGHT

Could you please provide us with a professional introduction about yourself and your photography work?

My name is Ilan Zisso, and I am a branding and portrait photographer based in Israel. My work focuses on capturing people as they truly are - not only how they appear, but who they feel they are. I believe that every portrait is a collaboration, a conversation, and an invitation to reveal something honest, human, and powerful.

Can you tell us about how you got started in photography?

My journey with photography began when I was seven years old. I took my family’s simple film camera to school and shot a few images - and I remember that moment vividly to this day.

Years later, after a long break, I returned to photography about eight years ago. Only then did I fully realize how deeply I loved it and how naturally it felt like home.

I started by teaching myself with patience, curiosity, and persistence - and later continued my studies in a professional photography school. The turning point came when I understood the emotional and creative power a camera holds. That realization made my decision clear: photography wouldn’t just be a hobby - it would become my profession and my purpose.

What was your passion driving you during your journey?

I am deeply drawn to photographing people. My purpose is to reveal their beauty, their truth, and their presence. Photography gives me a powerful sense of fulfillment - almost a sense of mission. When I help someone see the best and most authentic version of themselves, I know the work reached its meaning.

My teacher in professional photography school, Sharon, had a strong impact on my growth as a photographer. She opened new perspectives and encouraged me to evolve.

There was also a defining moment during one of my early projects - when I realized that photography is not just a skill, but a language and an art form. That recognition shaped everything that followed.

Could you walk us through your photoshoot planning process?

Every photoshoot begins with a concept. Once I have the idea, I create a detailed moodboard with visual references, directions, and possibilities.

From there, I match the concept to the person - and the person to the concept. The shoot evolves through dialogue, trust, and connection.

On set, the experience is a balance of professionalism and ease. I approach a shoot with the mindset of a championship final - prepared, focused, and striving for excellence - yet with warmth, humor, and a relaxed atmosphere.

After the session, I take 24 hours without looking at the images. Letting them rest gives me fresh eyes for selection and storytelling.

As a photography expert, what sets your work apart?

My work is defined by a balance between technical mastery and artistic intuition. I create an environment where people feel safe, seen, and uplifted - while also maintaining high precision in lighting, detail, and execution.

If I had to describe my work in one line:

I help people meet the best and most authentic version of themselves.

Where do you get your ideas for photoshoots?

My imagination is fed by literature - especially fantasy, science fiction, and mystery. Words ignite images for me.

Visually, I find inspiration in architecture, especially Italian architecture, forms, textures, and places rich in history.

In many cases, the final idea is born from the connection between the original concept and the person in front of me. The shoot grows and shifts with the interaction.

Your most memorable moment as a photographer?

One unforgettable milestone was the first time I worked with a full creative team - stylist, makeup artist, hair designer, and assistants. That day made me realize that everything was possible. I felt completely aligned - the right place, the right time, the right path.

It taught me to dream bigger, believe in myself, and aim for excellence both individually and as part of a creative team.

What makes a photograph extraordinary?

For me, an extraordinary photograph is one that tells a complete and honest story in a single frame.

Once technique becomes second nature, it stops being something you think about - it becomes instinct.

A photograph becomes unforgettable when it carries emotion and truth that cannot be staged - when something authentic reaches beyond beauty and touches the viewer deeply.

How do you balance your artistic vision with client expectations?

It begins with a conversation. After getting to know the person and their intentions, I blend their expectations with my creative approach.

During the shoot, we pause, look at images together, have coffee, talk, laugh - it’s a shared experience, not a transaction.

I know I succeeded when I see the client smile quietly - that subtle expression of recognition and pride.

Do other artists influence your work?

I am influenced more by eras, aesthetics, and stories than by specific photographers.

I love classical visual language - black and white photography, silent cinema - and at the same time, narratives about the future and worlds yet to exist.

Post-processing approach and secret to editing

I review the images multiple times before committing to an editing direction. I build a preset that reflects the story, then go image by image - yes, one by one.

My goal is consistency, natural beauty, and attention to detail, especially in light and tone.

My best advice:

Never rely on fixing things in post. Make the effort during the shoot - perfection begins in-camera, not in editing.

Most difficult photographic challenge

During the war, I photographed as part of the nonprofit "Angels of Eran." I worked under pressure, in difficult locations, with limited light and time.

To make it work, I learned to adapt fast - shooting and editing anywhere, sometimes even on a floor or inside a parked car.

It taught me resilience, flexibility, and the ability to create under any condition.

Tips for aspiring photographers

Shoot - a lot.

Don’t be afraid to ask real people to photograph them.

Don’t rush to buy expensive gear.

Learn from mistakes - they are part of the craft.

I found my creative voice by experimenting with styles, shooting endlessly, and searching for my personal truth.

Favorite work

One of my favorite images was taken during the war - a portrait of a woman holding a yellow ribbon for the hostages. It carries weight, meaning, aesthetics, and a moment in history that feels painfully real.

Upcoming project

I am currently working on an editorial shoot outside the studio - something I haven't done in a long time.

The idea is to merge the worlds of fashion and refined branding imagery.

The story behind the submitted photos

The starting point was simple: I wanted to photograph my favorite hair color - ginger - in a unique editorial context.

I built the concept first, then searched for the right model. Once I found her, the team came together. The final results reflect not only my vision, but also the remarkable work of my makeup artist, stylist, and creative partners.

Where to find more of my work:

Instagram: instagram.com/ilanzisso

Facebook: facebook.com/ilan.zisso

Website: ilanzisso.com

Photographer: Ilan Zisso @ilanzisso

Assistant: Racheli Revach @rachel_r_photographer

Model: Carmi Dick @carmi.d

Assistant: Niv Atik @elninofilms

Wardrobe Stylist: Tair Dinur @tairdi

Hair & Makeup: Ziva Madmon @beauty_ziv