Meet Zee TheZhooter | Celebrity Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zee TheZhooter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, my thought process behind starting my business was a bit unorthodox. When I first picked up my camera I knew I wanted to pursue a career as a celebrity photographer and eventually establish myself as feature filmmaker, I just wasn’t sure how to go about it. One day while I was strolling on Instagram, I saw a famous rapper post that he was in need of a cameraman. That’s when I decided to use social media to my advantage. I began sending direct messages and emails to celebrities, artist, and labels everyday. To my surprise I started receiving responses immediately. It was then when I got the opportunity to come to Houston to work with Sauce Walka’s TSF label. From that point on I began to build my portfolio with photos of countless celebrities, I decided not to limit myself and started shooting music videos. Photography was only meant to be a stepping stone into my career as a filmmaker. It only took a couple weeks of me working as a celebrity photographer to know that I was on the right path.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a creative, nothing is easy or given. The journey I’ve been on hasn’t always been sweet, there’s challenges everyday. It’s up to you to keep pushing through. Of course I’ve wanted to quit, of course I’ve cried but I’ve also laughed, smiled, and enjoyed so much more of this journey that it’s impossible for me to give up. When I look back at the hurdles I’ve overcame working in the entertainment industry, I honestly don’t know how I was able to get pass a lot of the struggles. I can only say, that I know God has been with me the way. If anyone takes anything from my story I want them to know that, no matter where you come from, what you look like, who supports you and who doesn’t. None of that matters, take a risk on whatever it is you’re really passionate about and pour all of yourself into your craft.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my friends visit from Florida, I love introducing them to all things Houston. I always admired the culture and how proud the people are to be from Houston. Of course I love trying new food places, lounges, and bars. But I also enjoy going countryside to get away from the city. Riding atv’s, tubing, or hiking. Or even going to concerts, shows, to watch artist perform. The museums and art galleries are always fun as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to rapper El Train of the TSF label. He was the first rapper to give me an opportunity to pursue celebrity photography. When I sent El Train a direct message asking to be his personal photographer, I never expected a response. Not only did he respond, he agreed to give me a chance to be his shooter. I only had my camera for about two days at that point, I literally had no work to show him. He still believed in me and told me if I was serious about this that I had come to Houston to work with him. I was working full time for the state of Florida then, he wanted me in Houston the following week. I knew it was a risk, I quit my job, moved to Houston a week later to pursue my dreams. He promised to put me in position to meet and work with countless celebrities, that was 2020, today is 2024 and he did exactly what he said he would do. Shoutout to ZionsView, one of the biggest podcast host in the country. ZionsView took me under his wing in Houston and allowed me to help produce his hit show The After Zarty. This was a major push in my career, gaining production credentials in the Tv and Entertainment business. ZionsView always encouraged me to be my best. He has played one of the biggest roles in connecting me with most of the celebrities I have worked with today. I am forever grateful.

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Image Credits
@ZionsView