Passion-Driven Photography: Krista Zivcic Finds Her Space in the Sport
Krista Zivcic has quickly made space for herself within the sport of drag racing, and it doesn’t take much to find her photographs that are uniquely different. Open up social media or even pick up an issue of Drag Illustrated, and Zivcic’s work speaks volumes without having to write a single word.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #189, the Women of Power Issue, in July/August of 2024.]
Zivcic has taken a passion-driven approach to entering and thriving in the motorsports photography industry and the relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth. What started as a passion project soon became a full-time pursuit, especially after she was laid off from her healthcare job due to budget cuts.
The Ohio native will tell you that her career path wasn’t conventional, given her background in healthcare. From getting an invite from React 104’s founder Corey Michalek to take photographs at Summit Motorsports Park’s Night Under Fire to then getting swept up in a learning whirlwind with the fellow entrepreneur to working with a social media marketing company and eventually starting her own business, KZ Photography, Zivcic’s tale has been a “Cinderella story,” as she calls it.
Just a few years into her photography career, Zivcic’s photo of Funny Car driver Ron Capps, taken at the 2023 NHRA U.S. Nationals, was selected for the cover of the 2023 Drag Illustrated Photo Annual issue. Zivcic was shooting Capps’ Don “The Snake” Prudhomme tribute Funny Car, and while capturing this special moment, she was also recording memories of her own.
“That was super cool and really, honestly, one of my proudest moments so far,” shares Zivcic of her published cover photo.
The Capps photo evokes deep emotions, making the viewer feel the intensity of the moment captured. Much can be said about Zivcic’s images – they resonate with the viewer on a personal level, capturing raw, genuine emotions.
“The cars going down the track are the coolest thing in the world, right? But the emotions and the aspirations behind why that car is going down the track is what drives me the most,” explains Zivcic.
“People have their own lives and stories and their reasons for doing things, and I like to tap into that and really let the story come out through the photos,” she adds. “It’s not the same 30 pictures of the car taking off on the starting line. I want to hear why you’re here; why is it that you’re doing what you do? What is the driving force behind it? And why is it so important to you today?”
She is now full-time at KZ Photography, shooting clients who compete in the NHRA, helping React104 with various projects for the PDRA, and working on expanding her already established client list, which includes JCM Racing, Alex Laughlin, Buddy Hull, and Cody Krohn to name a few, while inspiring others.
“I love the sport, but I really love the people in it, and that’s what is most important to me, is getting to tell these people’s stories and document cool moments for them. I like to involve the fans and the kids. I try to be a positive influence that way and tell kids they can see the drivers walking around and say hi. Or I like to give them a little bracelet – it’s like a little memento of a good time they’re having with their family,” says Zivcic, who can also be spotted for her collection of friendship bracelets she’s sporting at any point during the weekend.
Zivcic also has a message for women looking to break into the space.
“Don’t take no for an answer,” she states. “This is a very male-dominated industry, and there are a lot of politics to navigate and a lot of hoops to jump through, but if you focus on the work, making connections with people, building relationships, the rest will shake itself out.
“I think that the most important thing is treating people well and how you would want to be treated, and a lot of times, people will go out of their way to help you if you need it,” she continues. “Especially for women because there have been times you walk into a media center and maybe you’re not the most welcomed. It really wasn’t designed for women in the beginning – it’s always been a male thing, and they all have their traditions and customs. But it’s learning how to take up space and not be afraid to advocate for yourself and go after what you want without worrying about who’s saying what or who has an opinion on how you’re doing something or any of that.”
As Zivcic navigates another year of busy schedules, she strives to continue to hone her skills and feels honored when fellow photographers ask her for shooting or editing advice. What’s more, she would love to branch out into other motorsports.
“I think there is space for everyone in this sport and in all aspects of photography that there’s no reason to gatekeep things or make people feel like they can’t get there because you want to get there first,” she says. “You don’t need to step on other people to elevate yourself. I think if everyone treats each other with kindness and encourages each other, it’s not only good for the media side, but it’s good for the sport as well.”
Lastly, Zivcic credits her success to the support of her parents.
“I want to thank my parents for their unwavering, relentless support and encouraging me to chase something that really is not the norm, not a normal nine-to-five, not a normal income,” she says, “and just going to bat for me again and again because honestly, without them, I would not have a chance to do this. They are my army and they take care of everything while I’m not home, and I love them very much.”
This story was originally published on August 7, 2024.
The post Passion-Driven Photography: Krista Zivcic Finds Her Space in the Sport first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
