Anna Maria Lopez
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I help artists and brands big and small express themselves through photos. ”
I work with a variety of people. Mostly musicians and PR clientele. I as well photograph events.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
A lot of trial and error and learning how to accept every part of myself and every chapter of my life. I started photographing shows locally where I grew up in St.Louis and then went to school in Missoula Montana at Rocky Mountain School of Photography . I later moved to LA and began assisting and started freelancing. From then on it was just about continuing to learn about myself and how I fit into the world around me.
How do you stand out in your field?
I like to think I allow people to just be as they are and that's how I'd like people who view my work to feel. Every part of you and your journey that got you to where you are is beautiful. You're allowed to feel whatever is that you're feeling.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
An ongoing personal goal of mine is to work with more non-profits through my photography in Cuba that focus on empowering kids and growing community.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
A great representation of my personal style / aspiration is the photo essay on James Dean by Dennis Stock for Life magazine. The effortless beauty and stillness portrayed in the images speak to how I aim to capture my subjects.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
I'd like to focus more on documentarian and journalistic work through my own lens by creating images that evoke a sense of raw human existence and self-acceptance.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I have a hard time "branding" myself. It's easier for me to help other people express who they are. It occurs to me that we're living in a time where it's all about how things seem rather than how they are. Although perception is a reality I find myself feeling overwhelmed by the need to always seem relevant.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would hire a therapist.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would have encouraged my younger self to be more shameless and accepting of myself and not be afraid to talk to those around me who care. Self-expression at a young age can cause a huge ripple effect on the rest of your life and how you treat those around you and nourish healthy relationships.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking to work with more labels/ artists for PR and tour work. As well, work on more TV shows doing BTS and portraiture.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I recently had the opportunity to work on the most recent season of Drop The Mic, doing behind the scenes and talent portraits.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I charge $150/ hr for events with a 2-hour minimum
Other editorial / PR shoots fluctuate.
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Just shoot me an email here! :)
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Babies, breathing, comedy shows and coffee.
This member profile was originally published in March 2019.