Name:
Zusha Goldin
Occupation:
Photographer
Bit of bio:
Meet Zusha Goldin.
Raised as the youngest of ten in an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish family in Brooklyn, Goldin arrived in Los Angeles at age 20 with nothing — no money, no connections, and no reason to believe success was inevitable. Within two years, he was working alongside names like Bryan Cranston, Ben Stiller, Selena Gomez, and Austin Butler.
Today, his lens captures some of the world’s most influential founders, CEOs, and public figures, with his work featured in Forbes, Deadline, and Variety.
How do you define a guru?
An individual who has expertise in a specific sector or industry and shares it with the masses
What does a normal workday look like for you, starting from the moment you wake up?
Every day looks different, but I’ve found that having a consistent morning routine is vital for feeling grounded and staying productive. I begin with gratitude and mindset work — practices that help me start the day with clarity and intention.
In Judaism, there is a tradition of saying a prayer upon waking, thanking the Creator for another day of life. I begin each morning with that prayer, which helps set the tone for the day and reminds me to move through life with awareness, unity, and purpose.
My routine is simple but intentional: five minutes of sunlight, five minutes of “I Am” identity journaling, a cup of water, three minutes of exercise, and putting on my Tefillin — a meaningful daily prayer ritual. These small actions help center me before the day begins.
Once I’ve eaten and prepared, the rest of my day depends on what’s ahead. If I have a photo session, that requires its own focused preparation. On days dedicated to marketing, branding, prospecting, or editing, I usually head to my favorite café, sit down with my task list, and get to work.
I can work for hours because of how much I love what I do. I feel incredibly grateful to create art and collaborate with inspiring founders, CEOs, artists, and creatives. It truly feels special — and remains a dream come true.
What time do you wake up?
Every day looks a little different for me, and truthfully, I’m a natural night owl.
What do you have for breakfast?
Sometimes it’s three eggs, toast, and a salad. Other times, it’s two cheese sticks, a protein shake, or yogurt.
Ben Stiller, photographed for Deadline, through the lens of Zusha Goldin.
Do you work out?
I make a point to work out at least three times a week because of how vital it is — not only for mental clarity and energy, but also for preserving muscle mass later in life.
Do you have a special routine to get you in the zone? Meditation type, maybe?
I like to stand near trees and take a few quiet minutes to experience reality through my five senses — really tuning in to the world around me.
What time do you get to work?
It varies every day based on my workload. If the first thing on my calendar is a meeting, that’s where I begin.
Bryan Cranston, photographed for Deadline, through the lens of Zusha Goldin.
What do you have for Lunch? Do you even eat lunch?
Lunch can be difficult. Haha. I can’t say I always eat lunch.
Are working lunches something that works for you?
I don’t typically plan formal working lunches — most days, I just keep moving through my schedule and eat when I can.
How much time do you take for yourself during lunch?
Not much time, to be honest.
How much work are you hoping to achieve in your working hours?
As much as I can when I’m focused. Locking in and maintaining focus is the most important part of being productive.
Do you take a break in between?
It depends. Sometimes I’ll work for ten hours straight. Other times, I’ll work for ten minutes, scroll for five, and then get back to it.
