You 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.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #191, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November / December of 2024.]
“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.”
This story was originally published on February 7, 2025. 
