Selected: ZUMA Pictures of the Month
For twenty years, my work has been syndicated by ZUMA Press.
This month, one of my photographs was selected as part of ZUMA’s “Pictures of the Month” for February 2026.
ZUMA represents more than 2,100 photographers worldwide. Established in 1993 as the world’s first digital news photo agency, it is now the largest independent press agency and wire service.
The image selected shows firefighters advancing on a fast-moving brush fire here in Palm Springs — palm trees silhouetted against flame columns, a vertical stream of water cutting upward through smoke. A moment measured in seconds, documented.
There is no commentary in the slideshow. No explanation. Just the photographs.
You can view the full February 2026 selection, and see my work here:
https://thepicturesofthemonth.com
After two decades with ZUMA, it is still meaningful to see my work included among photographers covering events around the world.
Ian L. Sitren
SecondFocus
My Photograph Featured in The Guardian and on the ZUMA Press Blog
On August 10, 2025, The Guardian published an article covering a Southwest Airlines incident in which two blind passengers were left behind during boarding. Alongside the story, they used my photograph of a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max passenger jet landing in Palm Springs.
The image, taken on February 21, 2025, captures the aircraft on final approach under clear desert skies. It was distributed worldwide through ZUMA Press, where I have been a contributing photographer for more than two decades.
The publication was also highlighted on the ZUMA Press blog, which regularly showcases the work of its contributing photographers featured in major media outlets.
You can read the Guardian article here: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/10/southwest-airlines-apologizes-blind-passengers
Protestors Target Tesla and Elon Musk
Hundreds of protestors lined Perez Road in front of the Tesla dealership in Cathedral City, California, today, March 23, 2025. The demonstration targeted Elon Musk, Tesla, and broader political issues, with participants holding signs and calling for the defense of democracy, free speech, and corporate accountability. I photographed the event for syndication through ZUMA Press, the largest independent press agency in the world.
Remember Where You Parked
Monday I went on a photo excursion around Palm Springs for weather related photographs. This is usually a dry river bed in the Araby Cove neighborhood. The rains have made an actual rushing river out of it and cutting off one of only two roads in and out of the area. And you wonder why it is needed to actually post “Road Closed” signs and barriers. I guess someone did’t get the memo.
SecondFocus Blog 