Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramon Christian.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m from Liverpool, England where I trained as a professional dancer, then I moved to London when I was 20. I then worked full time as a dancer for ten years in Europe. Then, in 2007, I came on vacation to California, fell in love with the place and also fell in love. I decided it was time for a life change and moved out there in 2010, three years in, I had given my dance career my all and was finally satisfied with what I had achieved. So, it ended along with my 6-year relationship. I needed a rebirth so I moved to the other side of the city got a day job and then began to assist in every creative field I could think of, styling, art department and photography. They all interested me and I felt I was pretty competent at all three. But something just happened when I picked up a camera. It felt like my first dance class. No idea what I was doing, no training but just felt like home. So, for the past four years, I’ve not put my camera down and decided to shoot anyone I could possibly shoot, it simply has given me nothing but joy. I’d say in the past year, I’ve started to make some of my income from it. But honestly, the best part about this whole experience is the connection with who I choose to shoot, getting to know people from all walks of life, from different places and different backgrounds. It brings me so much joy to capture someone at this moment, make them feel special and beautiful for exactly who they are. I’m beyond excited to see where this takes me, but if it stays right the way it is, then that’s just fine too.
Please tell us about your artwork.
I mainly do portraits of people, specifically focusing on men for the past 12 months. I wanted to explore what it’s like to be a gay man in 2019, shooting many different types of guys with very different definitions of masculinity. I wanted to be open and show vulnerability in different forms. Sometimes naked, sometimes not and sometimes outside in front of strangers. I like to push people out of their comfort zone. My goal is to have an exhibition before my 40th birthday in April and to invite everyone I’ve shot to attend, to meet, connect and appreciate the wholeness of themselves despite all our “flaws”. But the ultimate would be to turn all of this into a book. (I have the name already!) Ssshhhh. 😉
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Once you find a passion, something that gives you a spark regardless of whether you want it to be a job or not, DO NOT STOP DOING IT. It’s where I find peace and presence, I never ever check my phone or look at a clock. I’m just right there where I want to be with someone. It gives me a purpose. We all deserve that.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
The main most accessible way to see my work is Instagram and my website. That’s also where I will make my announcement for my exhibition in the spring of next year. Also, I have just done my first editorial for Crotch magazine which comes out on the 21st of this month, which will be 26 pages of my work.
Contact Info:
- Website:Â www.ramonchristianphoto.com
- Phone:Â 6263194598
- Email:Â [email protected]
- Instagram:Â @ramonchristianphoto
- Facebook:Â ramon christian photo
Image Credit:
Ramon Christian
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
