Zai

Ain’t nobody playin…

Schomburg Centennial Gala

Master hand • • • I just saw a video of @cam speaking to a group of people about the competition of life. For a moment, it felt like I was back in the closing huddle of football practice. The sweat from my helmet cleansed my ears as they flared like nostrils taking a deep breath, and my eyes vignetted like a horse at the Kentucky Derby. “Normalize competition.” It’s that simple. Normalize learning. Normalize leading. Normalize adrenaline. Normalize awareness. Normalize strategy. Normalize adversity. Normalize standards. Normalize mentorship. Normalize fighting like it’s your last meal. The fight only ends when you fold like a lawn chair at Coachella. So until then, prepare yourself to go the distance. Just keep in mind that people are here to connect with one another. Like today—I ran into my brudda @hartbreak while trying to clear my mind. A connection more rare than a 1999 PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator being pulled. I didn’t anticipate being humbled before walking into a meeting. These images serve as a reminder of how fragile life is, how large your footprint can become, and the unforeseen places a connection can carry you. Life is merely Smash Bros. Choose your character...

God is good • • • Just got word that I will be published in a photo book alongside 36 other @leicacamerausa photographers. The 9 year old version of me who spent 16+ hours in a 5 seater car with 5 other people - is smiling from ear to ear. A dream of seeing not one but THREE of my images in a book no longer exist, BECAUSE a goal was fulfilled. THANK YOU @renaissanceman @leicagalleryny for advocating for this project. I know I don’t fully understand the hurdles you had to run over to make this happen, but damn I’m so grateful for your efforts and giving me a seat at this table. When I tell you it’s UP!! I mean it!! We will be dancing ALL NIGHT! For those who have been supporting my journey, THANK YOU! Not a day goes by where I don’t give this sh*t my all. And for those who have been watching & following along, hello. If you and a loved on are in New York on May 28th please join me in a moment of celebration. Bring your camera, meet my people, and say what’s up. I can’t wait to bask in this moment with you and my family over at @leicastoreny Check the link in @leicastoreny to RSVP Peace, Zai 🤞🏾🔒🥷🏽

District 3 • • • #metgala2026

Still breathing… Still coloring Still bothered Still listening Still analyzing Still shifting Still loyal Still feeling Still reaching Still scouting Still leading Still learning It feels good to make it this far. Thank you for loving me, holding me, guiding me, and when I don’t deserve it - considering me. The air in my lungs runs wild each and every breath. I can’t believe the possibility of making it can feel like snow in the 80s. To all who have been along the journey, thank you. I had to soak this one in today. However, I will reach out to you soon. Life has been on one for every reason under the sun. 🤞🏾🥷🏽🔒 30

Texture on Set • • • #DTM

Challenge accepted 😤 • • • #devilwearsprada2 #worldpremiere #redcarpetfashion

Power stays hidden in the shadows • The Devil Wears Prada 2 World Premiere styling: @nokyap images: @zaitoldme makeup: @misstheodore hair by me @repnyc dress: @rvng.couture jewelry & clutch: @alexisbittar shoe: @houseofatana @20thcenturystudios #devilwearsprada2

Took over LAX • • • In 2023 I moved to LA with little to no direction. Each day felt like I was a war veteran jumping out of a plane to an uncharted location. Most days of my days were spent alone, until I connected with someone over the smallest detail. These conversations quickly evolved into creative brainstorms, which later amounted to moments like this. I met @jamespatchris at a mansion real estate shoot I was assisting on. No one was getting paid, just more so honoring your friend’s goals. Patrick kept to himself, I thought he was a bit anti social but little did I know he was on day 10 of a water fast. I knew when I introduced myself I needed to stand out but be honest. So I told him I appreciate his suit, and that he also resembles Mr. Bubbles from Lilo and stitch. He had no idea who I was talking about until I showed him a picture, and in that moment we shared a laugh. Prior to Pat leaving in his 64 Mercedes, aka Lucy, I stopped him one last time to inform him that I’m a black and white photographer and would love the chance to create a photograph with him. To my surprise he’s the owner of @sloanandbennett & would like to chat at Ora cafe in Leimert park.So we connected the next day and spoke like two old friends catching up over several years of absence. One thing led to another and he agreed to create some images. I had no plan, no location, no real idea that I wanted to pursue. But! I did recall the last time I took a walk was near @flylaxairport and the view was mesmerizing. I had searched through Google Maps if there was a small section of grass that I could take over during sunrise. One that welcomed inbounding planes from distant lands. Sure enough I found my plot of grass, sent Pat the location and we got to work. None of this would have been possible without my friends. @kevinsavagery for filming the session, my friends over at @leicastorela @paris.chong and @visualsbychern for allowing me to take the @leica_camera Q2M out for a spin. Beyond blessed for moments like this, for an enriching community, and for the ability to navigate discomfort. The full behind the scenes of this session lives on my YouTube @zaitoldme

Flow state • • Full video on my YouTube: @zaitoldme • • Thank you @jamespatchris @kevinsavagery @visualsbychern @paris.chong for the support and introducing me to the world of @leica_camera & @flylaxairport for the love • • First time photographing a fashion line First time working with aviation First time working with Patrick Christopher Firs time ever shooting on a Leica camera First time using a camera that only shoots black and white First time ever having someone document a photoshoot This shoot and creative expression is the first of many, and I am happy I get to share my creative process with you. May this be an entry point to many more shoots around the world . Quick shout out to my Leica LA family Chern and Paris for setting me up with the Q2M Shout out to the creative visionary Patrick Christopher for being open to creating after meeting just the other day. Lastly, shout out to my cam op Kevin for his time, resources, and skill set. Mad love brother.

👑’d by the 👸🏽 • • • First and foremost I need to give @kayratheodore her flowers… this style gave me a black boy joy moment. So if you’re not open for a story time feel free to step, you’re always welcomed back for when you’re ready to read. A feeling I never want to flee is the joy this session. Nothing short of a resurgence. You know what hurts more than betting on Tyson beating Holyfield? Sitting in the barber chair asking for a #4; Only to be hit with, “you don’t have enough hair.”Brother… At one point my mom would let me grown it out as long as I let up with it. But let me act up she’ll have me looking just like Major Payne. But If you knew me as a boi, you would know I lacked patience and all of her grace. So time moves on and I transition from Little to Black with enough coin to treat myself with @cecred shampoo and conditioner. Believe me when I say my wash and detangle time has improved significantly since adding them to my wash day. Anyways, I hit up Kayra to bless me as her canvas. At the time I was perusing my first ever solo gallery exhibition and wanted to feel my best. To no surprise at all @kayratheodore tapped into her infinite bag of creativity and COOKED!! Shordy had me feeling like MIKE ready to drop 69/18/6 against the cavs. This is what I imagine walking out of the chair with a #4 feels like. Unlimited confidence to tap into as you pursue the best version of yourself. I would do more than just roam around @target for an hour. I’d mow the lawn, cook breakfast, do facial, and change the smoke decor before 11 at the dmv. The confidence this style gave me carried my spirit this far. One momentum wave after another. It’s about time I tap back in for another one 👀