OU SENSE Krista Zivcic has arrived on scene before you see her . A joyful , exuberant energy precedes the petite young woman , and when her characteristic broad grin cracks , one cannot help but be drawn in . Zivcic ’ s buoyant charm has made her an exceptional visual storyteller . Her talent behind the lens fuses with an ability to see and share

the heart of her subjects , be they monstrous race cars or the brutes and beauties that drive them . Zivcic is skilled — not just as an individual cataloging history as it happens , but also as a human connecting and inspiring others .

“ I was always involved in art , in some form or fashion ,” says Zivcic of her childhood . “ I was a fine-art kid throughout middle school and high school , but I wanted to be a teacher or a veterinarian . Once I graduated , I was kind of lost

until I found an occupational therapy program . There are a lot of ways that you can incorporate the arts into the medicine , and that was a big pull for me .”

Though Zivcic enjoyed the work to a great degree , her life took a surprisingly different path . During the COVID-19 pandemic , she bought a camera to pass the time . Eventually , a small hobby grew to include covering the 2021 Night Under Fire at Summit Motorsports Park — her very first drag race — and that was a pivotal point . Zivcic received encouragement , positive feedback , and an invitation to cover more events from respected cinematographer and racer Corey Michalek , who would become a mentor and friend . Eventually , it came time to make a decision : continue to pursue a career in healthcare , or go all-in with drag racing .

Zivcic chose racing , and Michalek , recognizing her talent and drive , brought her in to assist at React 104 , his growing business centered around capturing spectacular moments forever through stunning cinematography . The opportunity sent Zivcic into projects involving high-level clients such as Kalitta Motorsports and Ron Capps , and the experience brought even more opportunity as she was hired to work with Innovative Creation Experts , a social media team serving the NHRA community at the national level . Today , Zivcic has a business of her own , KZ Photography , and holds a reputation as a gifted photographer making her way in a sometimes-tough industry with kindness and connection .

“ Connection is a big thing for me ,” she says . “ I ’ m pretty goofy ; I don ’ t take myself too seriously , and I ’ m not afraid to really be myself . I think that ’ s why I ’ ve formed such great relationships with the people I ’ ve worked with , and even other photographers and media . I ’ m not afraid to have conversations and open up . That creates a space for others to do the same .”

While Zivcic says she still has plenty to learn , she ’ s grateful that she was able to launch her own business in drag racing with no previous experience in the arena . What she came with , though , was a ton of support and encouragement from her parents , Vlado and Chachi .

When she ’ s not at the racetrack , Zivcic works at 1922 Coffee & Brew . The example of owners Brian and Lori Richards were instrumental in setting the tone for how Zivcic handles her own business .

“ Lori makes a big deal about creating experiences and about customer service ,” shares Zivcic . “ How that translates for me in racing is , I pour my heart and soul into every race I go to . I form relationships with teams and drivers , and I learn their ‘ whys ,’ what makes them passionate about what they ’ re doing . I think it would be a disservice not to . It ’ s more than just cars .”

Her curious , thoughtful nature produces remarkable imagery , but it also encourages others to step more confidently into the chaotically wonderful world of drag racing .

“ A big part of this year has been fostering new photographers , where this is their dream ,” says Zivcic . “ In my case , it ’ s a whirlwind Cinderella story . That ’ s not the norm , so any opportunity I have to help someone , I take it . I invite them to sit next to me and I answer their questions . This is a crowd of experienced , tenured photographers and videographers , and it ’ s an intimidating room to walk into — but there is room on the wall for everyone .” – KELLY WADE DI

134 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 191