Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryrose Richards.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am a first generation Filipino-American. I came to the US with my mom from the Philippines when I was 5 years old. My mom was a single mom and worked so hard for my future. She was a nurse and wanted me to follow her footsteps, but I knew that the medical field wasn’t for me because I was a kinesthetic learner and loved making and creating things. Photography wasn’t always my passion and if you asked me growing up, I would’ve never said I wanted to become a photographer. To be completely honest, having that mindset from my mom of having a stable job (like nursing), 9-5, with benefits, a steady income was the goal, so becoming an artist or a photographer was not even on my radar. As I was in college, I picked up a friends Canon DSLR and took their engagement pictures because I loved taking pictures, whether it was with a disposable camera or on our phones, I took pictures of everything. It wasn’t until then that I realized how much I really loved photography. I never took classes or majored in photography, I just liked capturing moments that would last a lifetime. My biggest struggle was being a broke college student, so I couldn’t afford my own camera, so I was just borrowing cameras until I purchased a Nikon Coolpix from a relative. It wasn’t really meant for professional photography, but I had to start off somewhere. From there, I just took free pictures of my friends, playing around with the camera, learning, watching YouTube photography tutorial channels, etc. When I had saved enough money, I bought my first Canon 7D and I fell in love. I started off small with grad sessions, portraits, engagement sessions and then I booked my first wedding by myself in August 2017. That was a huge milestone for me, since it was just a hobby and I had no idea if this was going to anywhere or turn into a career. I eventually stared booking more weddings and doing more sessions, so I quit my day job and I get to do what I love for living! I still can’t believe it, I can’t believe people like my work so much that they trust me to capture such important days or moments of their lives. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and I love creating beautiful tangible moments that tell stories. 🙂
Please tell us about your art.
I do Photography. I specialize in Weddings and couples, but also do lifestyle photography, so Maternity/Newborn/Family/etc. I love, so being able to capture a couple’s love story or the love between a mother and her newborn, I want to capture it all and to tell their story through my images. I want to take them back to that time or place, to remember how it felt in that season of their lives. If I have done that, then I did my job. It’s not always about taking the “perfect” photo, to me, it’s about capturing their true, raw emotions.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Honestly, I have met and made some of my great friends through social media. It’s a scary thing at first but put yourself out there. Be honest, transparent and real. Who you are will attract your tribe and I firmly believe that. In my posts I will usually talk about the couple and their story, but sometimes I will talk about things I’m going through (good and bad) and just who I am and why I do this. On Instagram stories, I will show my face, do interactive things like those questions, polls, etc. to get to know my followers and other professionals as well. I found joining other photography groups or even reaching out to the photographers/creatives in your area really helps. Everyone else is looking for those connections, so don’t be scared, just go for it! 🙂
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
www.maryroserichardsphotogrpaghy.com
But, 99% of my clients find me on Instagram. It is the biggest platform for me because someone, somewhere maybe looking for my style and through hashtags, features, etc. they can find me on there. Social media is HUGE and I am so thankful for it because I have met so many amazing clients and other creatives through it.
www.instagram.com/maryroserichards.photo
Contact Info:
- Address: 977 N. Glendora Ave. Covina, CA 91724
- Website: www.maryroserichardsphotography.com
- Phone: 9095766077
- Email: maryroserichardsphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/maryroserichards.photo
Image Credit:
Maryrose Richards
Maryrose Richards Photography
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