Today we’d like to introduce you to Judith Ann Warren.
Judith Ann, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I left Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 17 to pursue a career in music. I worked various jobs to pay the bills and was fortunate to have some talented friends pursuing creative endeavors themselves who from early on became my “new family”, my support system. While I enjoyed some success with my music, I came to realize that I had to find another creative outlet that would both provide an opportunity for self-expression as well as income. I had been shooting portraits of friends and family over time but I decided to take my photography more seriously. I “monitored” a night class for a year on beginning photography at USC. I also had the opportunity to manage a photography studio in West Hollywood with an incredibly generous photographer, Lee Varis who taught me a great deal and offered me an opportunity to use his studio and equipment for my own photography.
On occasion, I would be asked to be a hair and makeup model for my best friend and roommate, James Hajdukiewicz, one of the most talented HMUA’s that ever worked in the industry… or I would be asked to walk in fashion shows for local designers.
I also worked as an assistant to Kelly Kutsugeras at the beginning of her successful career as an LA-based costume designer/stylist, working with major artists and musicians on print shoots, video shoots, album cover shoots, etc. I learned a great deal from Lee, Kelle and James and owe them a lot. Lee was beyond generous, helping me rise to a higher skill level, unafraid of potential competition, wanting to see me love photography as much as he did.
Kelle’s knowledge of fashion had a profound effect on a girl from Arizona whose only personal wardrobe was jeans and a t-shirt. My friend James transformed me thoroughly and as a singer in a band, I fully embraced being his muse for hair and makeup experiments. All of these experiences were taking root in me, influencing me. Looking back at these people and others in my life I realize just how much their talents and generosity informed not only my photography but who I was personally.
In 2004, I was searching for something else and someone suggested to me that I try volunteering for something or someone. I went to the internet and researched volunteer opportunities. In my search, I found an LA-based non-profit organization doing disaster relief/response and development work, Operation USA. They were seeking volunteers for a fashion show fundraiser. I called and was asked to come into their offices. They were looking for someone to take tickets at the door. I was happy to do so but asked if I could bring my camera. Discovering that I was a photographer, they instead asked me to document the event. Next, I was asked to document their 25th anniversary with the likes of Blake Edwards and Julie Andrews in the crowd as well as Arianna Huffington, then Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown and other incredibly interesting people. Suddenly, on December 26, 2004, the South Asia Tsunami happened and my world as I knew it suddenly shifted in a huge and unexpected way.
I had never seen anything like it. The intensity of the disaster and the rapid and immediate response that was essential for the sake of thousands of people’s lives affected by the Tsunami; the humanity, the outpouring of goodness of others to give money, donate their time, to do what they could to help… in that small office of 9 people, I discovered an entirely new purpose and passion for photography.
I have enjoyed doing commissioned work for interior design jobs, worked as a “press photographer” for a local newspaper and continue to be passionate about and shoot portraiture. However, having had the opportunity to tell people’s stories or recording of events through documentary photography changed my life. I like to refer to this work as “Photo-Advocacy” and it is what I love most.
To date, I am currently working on a portrait series for exhibition purposes and continue to work with non-profits as well as providing location or in-studio portrait sessions and commissioned art for clients.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Film vs. Digital Photography:
I was a film photographer. Buying a manual camera instead of an automatic one was a huge leap for me. I learned the “Zone System”. Digital was just making waves when I began to work with photographer, Lee Varis. The amazing part of working with Lee is that he, unlike many of his peers, embraced digital and we had a fantastic time in the studio creating fun adventurous imagery using digital photography. So many photographers dropped out of the profession with the onset of digital. It was sad. I continued to shoot a film in 2000. Once, I began working in the field of disaster response and relief, digital was the most efficient & cost-effective way for me to shoot.
Defining Who You Are:
There are so many talented photographers and so many directions to go in photography!! I had to define what I loved most… what brought me the most happiness. I love the intimacy of looking through the lens at someone’s face. It’s a vulnerable moment for both parties. I love to document the stories of humanitarian issues or the innovations, strengths and determinations of others in order to survive the struggles and injustices life can often put in our path for others, hopefully, to raise awareness or inspiration. I guess for me, it’s about the connection to others and to life.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My husband and I have both generally lived/worked in industrial spaces most of our adult life & together have renovated three different spaces. We recently relocated to an industrial space in Monrovia, CA where we renovated it and built out a beautiful studio. I am most proud of the fact that whenever someone comes to work at our studio, they are instantly comfortable and always making comments to us about the beautiful energy of the space. I’d like to think that is a reflection of who we are as human beings.
While being outside of the “LA” environment, we invite others to check out our space for their various needs. Along with photography, its available for film/video production, art exhibits and meeting spaces as well. We are looking at hosting a “sound bath” in the near future and are open to those who might be seeking a space for starting a yoga, dance or any other type of class.
A couple of weeks after relocating to Monrovia, a Goldline station opened two blocks away which has been a fantastic plus in commuting either out to our studio or into LA.
What were you like growing up?
I am the oldest of five siblings. I loved music and dancing as a kid but mainly in the privacy of my own room. I found my personal power through sports. It was an easier avenue for building social skills and self-confidence.
I had long dark hair and wanted to be Cher. I graduated high school because I was good in music and sports, not for academics.
My best friend, Tony and I started a band as freshmen and were asked to sing at all the school parties, events, etc. We both were invited to try out for a nationwide musical group, “Young Americans In Concert” that would be representing the United States in a European tour. Tony and I both won a spot in the 250 voice choir. This was a defining point in my life.
I think all young people should be given an opportunity to travel to distant lands. Experiencing other countries and their cultures, languages, traditions, foods, art, etc. is not only educational, it is empowering. Once, I had the incredible experience of that European tour, I knew that I would soon be leaving Arizona & my family to begin a new life. The following year, I relocated to Los Angeles. Since then, I’ve traveled extensively and intend to see as much of the world as possible in my lifetime.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mpressproductions.net
- Phone: Studio: 626-359-0181 / Cell: 818.640.1391
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpressstudios/
Image Credit:
Duo from the “Amor” Series; “For the Children of Aleppo”, Isabella (Bella), Stacey & Harlow from the “Motherpiece” series, Disney Blue, “Wonder” from “AFFINITIES” The Henna Sessions – Henna art by Paula Broussard, Mothers & children of Santa Rosa village in Nicaragua, Zam Zam Camp
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
