We’re looking forward to introducing you to Maria Ramirez-Adams. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Maria, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When was the last time you felt true joy?
Luckily I can say recently. Living in Los Angeles near the beach has been great during the hot summer months. My husband & I go to Dockweiler Beach & we love body surfing the waves & playing catch in the ocean. It is also a great spot for planespotting departures from LAX. Planespotting is a new hobby of mine that has turned into series of short films that I share on my Sky Cantos YouTube Channel.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a fine art photographer & filmmaker. I preserve moments in beautiful fine art prints & films. Los Angeles is rich in culture & I love going out with camera in hand documenting events such as the Dia de los Muertos festival at Hollywood Forever Cemetary, Lady Lowrider Cruises & the Juneteenth celebrations at Leimert Park. As a filmmaker one of my photo/video essays on Lowriders won Best of in the All About Cities catagory in the New Wave Film Festival in 2024. I was happy to share the vibrant Lowrider culture to an international audience. I plan to produce, film & edit more short films on the many talented artists I know & share the story about their art for my Making Art | Los Angeles web series.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve learned a lot about work & building a business through Craig Parker Adams. I got to watch as he built his recording studio business, Winslow Ct. Studio & met many of the talented musicians he has worked with. I’ve listened to his stories & been able to document some recording sessions. I’ve seen how prepping & having the studio ready for talent helps set the mood. Patience plays a big part during sessions to let the talent feel comfortable & thrive. The same can apply to film sets & actors. The biggest tip from him is do a good job, go over & beyond & they will keep coming back & Refer, Refer, Refer.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You’re exactly where you need to be at this moment & have hope. Younger I was obsessed with building a photography career. I thought I was ready for the big gigs & opportunities but actually I just needed more life experience to develop as an artist. Don’t miss the lessons to be learned along the way & have more fun. Good vibes open doors.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends have watched how my life changed in 2017 when I flew to Houston to spend time with my parents in the twillight of their years & ended up becoming a caregiver overnight so family is what really matters to me. I have 2 brothers & 1 sister with Down’s Syndrome & since I was more present in Texas we became much closer & worked together looking after our parents. The hardship was like a gift since we got to reconnect on a deeper level.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
She was always taking photos! The photographs & films I’ve made are insights into my life. My portfolios are influenced by the places I’ve lived, the people I’ve met & what captures my interest. A print is like a gift. A moment captured in time, made into art that can be cherished. I hope people love the art I leave behind & appreciate the memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mramirezfineart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.ramirezphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-ramirez-adams-120794271/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeZgMdTpxdKexGb7c5qnKQ
Image Credits
Photos by M. Ramirez-Adams
