Today we’d like to introduce you to Laísa Mara Dos Santos.
Laísa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always been involved in art since I was a kid because my mom is an artist and a few family members are somehow involved in music and photography as well. My dad was the one who encourages me in taking photography classes and actually start working with it. I did my first photoshoot back in 2015 on the same year as I started film school in Brazil and everything changed after that. In college, I discovered how incredible Cinematography is and how much I love it. Since then, I have been working as DoP, 1 Assistant Camera and 2 Assistant Camera. I have worked in short films, music videos, film festivals and different concept videos. Even though photography is my passion, I also work with Production and I have done a few projects for Film and TV.
Writing is another passion of mine and I have been able to pursue it for the past three years. Since 2016 I work as a writer for a Brazilian entertainment magazine called Zint. During this time, I got in touch with so many amazing people inside the industry and was able to have a few texts published. Writing about film productions and analyzing them is something that I also love and I think it increases my attention for detail that definitely help my work as a cinematographer and producer.
I moved to Los Angeles in 2019 to focus on my career, so I started to learn more and more about Cinematography. I have met some incredible filmmakers and artists during my time here and I’m very proud of all the projects I was able to be a part of. I love Brazil but I have always wanted to travel the world, get out of my comfort zone and do what I love. Right now, I have some projects on post-production but I’m working in two short films, doing pre-production for a documentary series and one animated web series and of course, being a freelance photographer.
It has been a crazy journey but I’m very happy and grateful for everything I achieved and for every person who believes in me and my work. I know there is more yet to come and I am very excited!
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?
It hasn’t been smooth at all but I think that’s how it works when you are an artist. I have to prove myself everyday and get people to understand that Film and TV are my passion and that’s what I want to work with. Many people still don’t get how you can make a living out of art and what is the job or purpose on being a cinematographer but I don’t let these challenges affect me anymore. I used to doubt myself and always think “Am I good enough to actually make my dreams come true?” but now I’m on a place in my life where I just want to work hard and do the best I can to achieve my goals. I want to inspire other women to don’t be afraid to be themselves and work with what they like.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Being from Brazil has definitely made an impact on my work because all the references and background I got throughout my life are somehow included in all of my projects and are part of who I am. My style has changed within the past few years and I’m always trying new things but my core remains in every photo I take. Like I said I’m a Cinematographer/1AC that also works as a Producer for film and TV and a writer for Zint Magazine.
As a photographer, I think I have more freedom to put my beliefs and everything I fight for in what I’m doing. One of my goals as a photographer is to empower women in every way I can and showcase not just the battles they face but also their beauty. I want them to be seen and heard without any criticism. It is time for them to have a voice and I want to be part of this change.
I’m very sensitive and I think I express it well on my photographs. Every photo tells a story and has a true meaning and emotion behind it. This is something very unique about my work and how I’m able to tell the story through not only my perspective but also the person’s experience. I like real people, real stories.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I always think that it isn’t luck but actually hard work and determination to do every project in the best way I can. Even if there are many struggles along the way, we have to overcome them and make it happen. I’m very blessed that I was able to move to Los Angeles and work with what I like, so I want to be focused and give all I have to every single project. Like I said, the road hasn’t been smooth, there will always be good days and bad days. What matters is how you will deal with the situation and of course, every project will teach you somethings and make you grow as a person. That’s the beauty in it. I’m extremely grateful for everyone that has helped me throughout the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/laisamsantos
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @laisamaras
Image Credit:
Laisa M. Santos
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