We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maya Perez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maya below.
Maya, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I find inspiration for my creativity through a dynamic interplay of art in art museums, other photographers and artists, and the beautiful wonders of nature and travel. I enjoy Immersing myself in the creative world of artistic expression, whether through visiting different art galleries, or exploring online platforms, or engaging with other fellow artists, it all fuels my passion and gives me new and creative fresh ideas. Additionally, spending time with nature’s breathtaking landscapes and unique environmental changes creates a huge creative outlet. Similarly, going on new journeys to unfamiliar places exposes me to new cultures, perspectives, and narratives, which allows my artistic vision to broaden my creative outlets.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Restarting this photography journey felt like I was stepping into a world where every moment became an opportunity to capture beauty, emotion, and a love story narrative. It all started with a simple fascination with capturing objects or things around me that I was inspired by, whether it was food, people, or just cool objects.
As I began to explore photography a little more, there was a natural progression from my basic beginner pictures to pictures that had a deeper understanding of composition, lighting, and storytelling. I can honestly say it’s a journey of constant learning,
The early stages of my photography learning progress involved experimenting with different genres and processes– landscapes, portraits, travels, foods, and more – cyanotypes, film processing, film printing and digital printing – all while trying to find a unique niche amidst a ton of visual possibilities. It’s a process of trial and error and of discovery. It’s also important that you go with what resonates most deeply and authentically, without having to try too hard.
Over time, the photography journey became more than just a hobby; it evolved into a passion and a way of life. I honestly fell in love with the rawness of human emotion, the quiet stillness of nature, the vibrancy of city streets, the movements of my favorite birds and capturing the unique love stories of all my clients.
Yet, amidst the technicalities and artistic pursuits, the true beauty of the photography journey lies in the connections that are made with your subjects, with other photographers, and within yourself.
And as the journey unfolds, there’s a realization that photography is not just about taking pictures; it’s about telling stories – stories that have it’s own language, culture, and time. It’s about capturing that moment and transforming it into a memory,
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Technical Proficiency : it’s important to have an understanding of the technical aspects of photography, such as exposure, composition, lighting, and post-processing. This includes knowing how to use your camera effectively, whether it’s a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone, and mastering editing software to enhance your images.
Creative Vision: To have a creative vision you should be developing a unique creative vision to set you and other great photographers apart. It involves showcasing your ability to see the world in a distinctive way, finding beauty and meaning in ordinary moments, and translating that vision into compelling images. Cultivating creativity requires experimentation, exploration of different genres, and pushing boundaries to discover your own style.
Communication and People Skills: Many genres of photography involve interacting with people, whether it’s portrait, wedding, or street photography. Building a good relationship with clients, understanding their needs and desires, and effectively communicating your vision are essential for creating impactful photographs. Even in landscape or wildlife photography, being able to convey emotion and storytelling through your images is crucial.
Advice for photographers starting out:
1. Practice Consistently: The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Dedicate time to regularly shoot and experiment with different techniques, subjects, and styles. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re valuable learning experiences that will help you grow as a photographer.
2. Study and Learn: Take advantage of the wealth of resources available, from online tutorials and courses to books and workshops. Study the work of other photographers you admire, analyze what makes their images compelling, and incorporate those lessons into your own practice. Stay curious and open to new ideas and perspectives.
3. Seek Feedback and Collaboration : Don’t be afraid to share your work with others and ask for feedback. Join photography communities, both online and offline, where you can connect with fellow photographers, receive constructive criticism, and collaborate on projects. Engaging with others in the photography community can provide invaluable support, inspiration, and opportunities for growth.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Sometimes being a busy photographer can cause a creative mental block. For me personally I stop liking my work and that usually means it’s time for a break. A lot of times you’re working with the client and what look they want to achieve rather than your own creative vision. I think it’s important to always inspire yourself creatively to stay creatively motivated. Doing projects you like and can direct creatively are always a good jump start to having more creative ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: azlynfotos.com
- Instagram: azlynphoto_media
Image Credits
Maya Pérez
