I was fortunate to be given professional art lessons at Roberson Art Center for the Arts in Upstate NY, (Binghamton) at a young age. The classes were adult level, but at the insistence of my art teacher, my family relented. I began producing and selling paintings in Middle School. After receiving my degree in Art Education and Advertising, I began working as a Photographer. Shortly after college I became an International Flight Attendant based out of Chicago. As a model and representative to the Miss USA World Pageant, I became familiar with the film and photography industry and started designing sets. In Chicago I had an opportunity to work as a Graphic Artist and Special Products Manager. Traveling and working in Europe as an illustrator, I also coordinated International Trade Shows for a Chicago Graphics Company. My work as a Commercial Artist and Photographer continued when I married and raised my family in Barrington Hills, IL. There I also taught art and had several businesses. I began studying Art Therapy at the Art Institute of Chicago before my moving to SC, and have worked as a line and behavioral therapist with Autistic Teens. I hope to complete this certification. The move to SC in 1990 gave me the opportunity to work in the Feature Film Industry as an Art Coordinator and Art Director, work as the Executive Director of the Chapin Area Chamber of Commerce, and open two art galleries. In my time between film projects in SC, I began my painting and photographic series of manipulated photographs. I have been fortunate to have had my work sold all over the world, published and reproduced in books, and represented in galleries. I have also been the recipient of many awards. After my retirement from the film industry in 2011, I traveled the state of SC as an Artist in Residence, and opened a gallery in Columbia, SC. In 2013, I was offered a position at the University of New Mexico, and opened a gallery in Albuquerque. Home is now Tucson, AZ where at the University of Arizona as a Director for Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. My new manipulated Photograph and painting series will be Desert Mirage Glass Work.
Your Photo Session begins with discussion of a location, concept and theme with Artist Val Zaba. Each Session is unique as we work with you to create the illusion or concept you have imagined, as we allow the location and light to make its magic. Every session is a one of a kind experience! You may choose to be photographed in the water or on land. Body Airbrushing, and the use of individually designed props, is included in your styling. The medium used for airbrushing is an alcohol based body paint which is easily removed with a wipe or body oil. A soft stream of air distributes the colors and designs onto your body. The Styling is completed onsite for one hour before your session. You will be directed on how to prepare before your session. We offer this unique experience in body airbrush and styling to prepare you for your Photo Session. You will travel to the location of your choice in the Tucson area for a 2 hour session. Other locations are available at an additional fee. We welcome pets or additional people in your session by quote. A series of 100-200 images will be taken onsite. Images are then edited, manipulated and painted into. Fine Art is available from your images. Additional photo prints can be ordered to be printed on a selection of surfaces including glass, metal and traditional canvas. You are under no obligation to buy additional prints. Edited and unedited images remain under the copyright of Val Zaba Productions.You are welcome to use the images from your session on social media or to share electronically. Each Participant will receive a 20 page color photo book of edited images from their Session. We look forward to working with you as each photo session is an experience in itself!
