Life & Work with Ramon Piquero of UNION CITY

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramon Piquero.

Hi Ramon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A VISUAL STORY TELLER
THE MAN BEHIND THE LENS

Greetings! I’m Ramon Piquero aka R54, a seasoned photographer and videographer who has been on a captivating visual journey since 2008. Through the lens, I’ve discovered the extraordinary in the ordinary, turning moments into timeless memories. In every frame, I place God at the forefront.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Grammy Award-Winning and multi-platinum producer E-A-SKI, Nipsey Hustle, ICE CUBE, W.C, Maylay, DJ Crazy Toones, Snoop Dogg, Tha Realest, Curtis Young, The GAME, Blueface, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, Shock G, Lady of Rage, Richie Rich, AP.9, Traxamillion and many more Music Artist. I also have to mention the Comedians I had the opportunity to work with Jo Koy, Tony Roberts, Bill Bellamy, Mike Epps, Eddie Griffin, Tommy Davidson, D’Lai, Lance Woods, Jay Reid, Aida Rodriguez, DeRay Davis and many more. Each experience has contributed to the artist I am today, and I am ever grateful and blessed for the opportunities that have come my way.

My photography and videography go beyond mere images; they encapsulate moments infused with purpose and meaning. I strive to bring out the significance of each moment, creating a visual narrative that resonates.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning your own business is never a smooth ride and it’s not built for everyone. Sometimes I would get a month or two and have only a few gigs not enough to pay the bills. Some people burn you and never give you money that was owed to you, they have the photos the videos but you never see that payment and then they ghost you. You learn from those struggles and learn how to fix the problem.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have my degree in computer graphics and web design since 1998 and I took photography and filming as another art form and have been doing that over 18yrs now.

I always cater to my clients needs so as far as specializing in I would have to say “THE MUSIC INDUSTRY” I’m best known for the album I did of THE GAME – YEAR OF THE WOLF all those photos in the CD are mine and then the famous photos of BLUEFACE that are in COMPLEX, WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES.

My most proud moment is when I was hired to do an event for Nipsey Hussle I got to speak with him for about 30min one on one conversation and before that I was on stage with him taking photos and video.

What sets me apart from others is, I NEVER GIVE UP and always GO FOR IT. I say I’m in Lionmode 24/7

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Go out there and talk to people. Don’t be afraid of rejection at times. Never take anything personal and learn from people who have made it. Learn that it’s not going to be easy.

What works well for me is I carry business cards on me 24/7 I don’t just relay on social media. I push people to my platform, my website remember you can get emails, numbers, all the contact information you can’t capture on social media.

Pricing:

• I alway find out what the scope of the project is before I set any type of pricing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.r54photos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialr54photos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ramon-Piquero/61560391770412/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@R54photos

Image Credits
I own all of the images – RAMON PIQUERO www.R54photos.com