Tony Zerga is one of the good examples of the many talents we have here in Hawaii that fly below the radar. I met Tony back in November 2010 when he stopped in our newly opened shop at Pearlridge with his daughter to check it out. I noticed Tony had a pretty expensive looking camera with him. Being that I know nothing about cameras but like to shoot photos I proceeded to ask him about his camera and what subjects he liked to shoot. He mentioned that he liked to shoot in macro and mostly liked shooting nature subjects. After talking story for a little while turns out we have alot of the same interest (skateboarding, music, art, Hawaii, etc.) and knew some of the same people. I was thinking that it would be pretty cool to showcase some of Tony's photography in the gallery area we have incorporated into the shop.
BHG: So Tony how have you been lately?
TZ: Im alive and kickin’! Life is good as it could be. Got my wife, little girl and family. What more could I ask for?
BH: Give me a little background history on yourself (where you from, what HS did you grad form/college?)
TZ: Born in Washington DC. Came to Hawaii when i was about 5 years old. Being hapa I blended right in. Raised in Waipio Gentry and went to Pearl City High School and UH. Recently just bought a place in Mililani Mauka.
BH: Did you grow up skateboarding and if so who did you skate with?
TZ: LOL, yeah grew up skateboarding. Worship Rodney Mullen/Caballero still to this day. I appreciate skateboarding but cant imagine pushing around anymore. Old bones don't mend kindly. Main guys I came up with skating were George DeMetropolis and Mike Nelson.
BH: What about surfing?
TZ:Bodysurfer since i was a wee gromit till this day. You could readily find me in South Shore waters on a regular. I try to get out every now and then when baby permits.
BH: Any other hobbies?
TZ: Metal detecting(I know, its and old man hobby)!
BH: What bands/musicians are you into right now?
TZ: Still love my oldies but goodies. I found myself listening to The Strokes, Bravery & Bloc Party.
BH: Which musician/band would you say your photography draws a similarity to?
TZ: Not sure why but I think De La Soul would fit this question. Whenever I would go out and shoot I would listen to them.
BH: So how did you get into photography?
TZ: I have alway appreciated art and the concepts behind art. Problem was that sucked at painting, drawing, etc. The only format for me to express my appreciation for art was with photography.
BH: What was your first camera?
TZ: In high school i used the Minolta Maxxum SLR and an old Poloroid. To this day I still use Minolta lenses that are over 20 years old.
BH: Who’s photography inspired you the most or had some type of influence on you?
TZ: That’s a hard one. So many great photographers out in the world, most of which I don't know their names. I always check out Flickr and see thing that are just simply amazing.
BH: Why do you like shooting in macro?
TZ: I love little details. I love to find beauty in places most people would never think of. For instance, the macro of the spiders face. Some may find this hideous but other find it beautifully fascinating. Also, I find that this type of photography has a weird knack of bringing on emotional responses. Macro photography opens up a beautiful world that most of us never get the opportunity to see. This type of photography really forces you to settle down and pay attention. It can be very calming on the mind.
BH: I noticed you really like shooting nature especially flowers, why is that?
TZ: Yeah, that is a good question. Nothing about my personality really says “Flowers” yet I find myself shooting them all the time. I think the biggest factor is that it stress free. It does not require me to run around franticly unlike wedding and photo journalism.
BH: Do you shoot anything else?
TZ: I recently started to work with nature panoramic which i am enjoying tremendously. I think on my website this will be an area I concentrate on. Since I got my daughter and two pups, i also do portraits and pet portraits.
TZ: Yes! I am happily married to my beautiful wife and have a beautiful baby girl. We are coming up on 4 years now. So blessed to have two wonderful girls in my life.
BH: What does your wife think about your photography?
TZ: She has been a huge supporter of my work. Never once have I ever heard a negative from her.
BH: So what types of different cameras do you have?
TZ: I currently cameras are the Sony A900 full frame SLR, Sony A700 DSLR, Sony A55 SLT, Canon S90 and Fuji X100 Rangefinder. My lens line up mostly consists of Zeiss and Sony G lenses. Think my next venture into cameras in medium format.
BH: What is it that you would like to accomplish with your photography in the future?
TZ: As cheesy as it sound, a huge goal of mine is to get some of my work published in a major publication. My photography is still a progressive thing. To this day I still don't understand about 80% of techniques used.
BH: So I met you while you were cruising through Blue Hawaii was that your first time in the shop?
TZ: Nah, I have been an avid shopper for years.
BH: What brought you in?
TZ: Seen the local art being displayed and wanted to check it out. Plus I need new gear so Blue Hawaii was one of my first destinations.
BH: What do you like that Blue Hawaii carries (brands, product)?
TZ: The Hundreds, Diamond, and Vans. One really cool thing I saw was the Carley Simon portrait skateboard (Girl Skateboard) on display which I never seen anywhere else.
BH: Have you ever been to any of the art shows that we’ve had at the Blue Hawaii Kalihi Gallery?
TZ: I have never had the opportunity to check the gallery out yet but now that I know I will head that way. Would be awesome if I could get some work up one day.
BH: So do you sell your art or is it just purely for display?
TZ: Initially my work was for myself and family. I never really intended to sell my work. However, recently I have been contacted by private clients/companies to do work for them. So guess my work is now for sale although I want to really keep the productions limited.
BH: Anybody you would like to thank, mention, give props to?
TZ: My patient wife and daughter. My poor little girl has probably had about 50,000 pictures taken of her. She knows that it makes daddy happy.
BH: Do you have a website?
TZ: Yes!! AnthonyZergaPhotography.com
