He’s photographed some of the most elite and prominent people in Savannah. His name is well known. His photographs are admired. His work is respected. He is John Zeuli…

He’s the local Rockstar photographer of the Southeastern coast. His portfolio reflects images of numerous authors, poets, models, actors, actresses, a Hollywood Film producer, spiritual & social activists, community leaders and even contestants for American Idol & American’s Next Top Model. I could go on & on & on about his accomplishments, but lets just say he has achieved fame among other photographers.

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to meet John for coffee. I was feeling very intimidated as I drove for our meeting. With “Coldplay” jammin’ in the background as I drove, I called a friend. I was screaming into the phone to my friend, “I’m going to meet with John Zeuli…John Zeuli…John Z-E-U-L-I !” I’m sure with all my excitement, I must have sounded like a teenager going to a Jonas Brother’s concert…ha ha. LOL. “What do I ask him? What should I say? Do I make notes or just sit and act cool?” (ha ha) Needless to say, I was overly excited and nervous, but I relaxed as soon as I walked in and saw him smile. He always smiles.

It was an amazing conversation about photography, clients, editing, his beautiful wife, Virginia and how she is a major factor in his business and his success. We shared information, opinions and talked about our love for photography. John is the first local photographer that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with and I must say it got me very excited. It was nice to bond with someone who is such a leader in the industry…someone who is “nice” and willing to share their knowledge, advice & opinions. John’s kindness has inspired me and I hope that I will be as gracious with my time and knowledge, if I’m ever approached by another photographer. I see alot of my blogger friends from other areas in the US, sharing their knowledge constantly. Sharing makes me happy, so next month I will be starting posts that are specifically geared to “sharing” information about photography. I’m not sure what I can offer, but I am sure if I look on my computer in my folder labled “photography stuff” I will find something that I spent many, many, many, many hours online researching. :))

To John…thank you for simply being a photographer who is willing to share…a photographer who is willing to help…a photographer who is motivated by his passion. You inspire me…You inspire me!

Click here to check out : John Zeuli Photography

One of my most favorite images of John’s is a portrait of “Johnnie” for the American Cancer Society “Relay For Life” and “Keepers of the Spirit” Exhibition.

All of John’s portraits are breathtaking, but the image above made an impression on me the first time I saw it hanging in a little book store in downtown Savannah. I love black & white photography…and this was much more than a photograph, this was art. I always say that there are a lot of people that can take pictures, but only a true master can use their camera to evoke such emotion. Only a true master can take a photograph with such passion that someone will still remember the image years later. This is the kind of master photographer that is “John Zeuli“. This is the kind of photographer I want to be.