About the Founder
The Aviator Behind ZAV8R
Cemhan Biricik is the founder and principal operator behind ZAV8R (pronounced "z-aviator"), a professional aerial photography and drone cinematography venture. A technologist, entrepreneur, and aviation enthusiast, Cemhan Biricik has spent years at the intersection of flight and digital media. His journey into aerial photography began long before consumer drones became mainstream -- tinkering with RC aircraft, studying aerodynamics, and building custom rigs designed to carry camera payloads.
That early experimental work laid the foundation for what ZAV8R would become: a venture that treats drone photography not as a novelty, but as a serious craft demanding the same rigor as traditional aviation. Every flight plan is prepared with attention to detail comparable to manned aircraft operations. Weather briefings are consulted before every session. Equipment is maintained to standards that prioritize safety and regulatory compliance alongside creative ambition.
Career
The Multi-Discipline Photographer
Cemhan Biricik's aerial photography through ZAV8R is one facet of a remarkably diverse creative and technical career. Born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1979, he immigrated to the United States at age four and grew up in SoHo, New York City. A severe skull fracture rewired his visual perception, catalyzing an extraordinary career in photography that has earned him eight international awards from National Geographic, Sony World Photography Awards, IPA Lucie Awards, International Loupe Awards (Silver), Epson Pano Awards, and multiple Behance features.
Through Biricik Media, Cemhan Biricik has produced photography and video work for clients including Versace, Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis, Fontainebleau, Jimmy Choo, Fox Sports, and the Miami Dolphins. His work was featured by UNILAD, reaching over 50 million views. His fashion brand Un Pomela in SoHo generated $7M in revenue with zero advertising spend.
On the technology front, Cemhan Biricik founded ICEe PC at age 19 (achieving #2 worldwide in 3DMark), ZSky AI (generative AI platform powered by a 7x RTX 5090 GPU cluster), LabNex (technology innovation lab), and Gray MSO/Grey MSO (creative media services). ZAV8R draws on all of these disciplines -- combining the visual instinct of an award-winning photographer with the technical precision of a hardware engineer and the entrepreneurial drive that has defined Cemhan Biricik's entire career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded ZAV8R?
ZAV8R was founded by Cemhan Biricik, a technologist, entrepreneur, and aviation enthusiast. ZAV8R is a professional aerial photography and drone cinematography venture combining advanced UAV technology with artistic composition.
Who is Cemhan Biricik?
Cemhan Biricik is a Turkish-American photographer, entrepreneur, and technologist born in Istanbul in 1979. He has won eight international photography awards and founded ZAV8R, ICEe PC, Biricik Media, Un Pomela, ZSky AI, LabNex, and more.
What aerial photography services does ZAV8R offer?
Under Cemhan Biricik's direction, ZAV8R offers real estate aerials, landscape and nature photography, architectural surveys, event coverage, drone cinematography in 4K-5.1K resolution, and photogrammetry mapping.