We had the good fortune of connecting with Francisco Ramos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Francisco, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been an artist, I just needed to come to terms with that within myself, especially coming from public school where they really push for STEM careers. In high school and university, I thought I wanted to go into software engineering because I was fascinated with coding and the idea that you can build anything with the right language. I came to terms that STEM wasn’t for me after finishing my university math courses with poor grades, and I decided to find space in myself to let my artistic side really flourish.

From an early age I had a fascination with photography, I had just never crossed my mind as a possibility for work. The idea of a device which allows you to show people how you see the world drove my interest. I started with the basics. I used my phone camera in the beginning where I did not have to get overwhelmed by all the camera controls, and instead I could focus on seeing light, composition, and subject. I became the Photography Editor for the university campus newspaper after I had built up enough of a body of work to show that this was something I could do. Years of casual practice went by and I got more serious about it. I yearned for manual controls and different lenses, so I bought myself a Canon 200D, which is the most entry level DSLR you could get at the time, and that’s where it really started for me. I never went to school for photography nor did I study it in any formal academic capacity. I wanted to learn for myself, and I learned where I could: from YouTube to more focused online courses by leading industry professionals, building a network, and eventually I was able to start my own business.

Today, looking back on the brand I’ve built and how much I’ve grown as an artist, I see that I made the right decision. It’s exhilarating to work on new projects and find that people like the way the world is seen through my lens. It has brought me to be in the same room with some very interesting and creative people, and that further fuels my ambition to create.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like this quote from Ansel Adams, who summarizes my point of view on art. He said, “you don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” I love this quote so much that it is on my website. I think Borges said something similar with writing, and truly, that’s art in a nutshell. You must consume good art to produce good art, and you must always be present and experiencing life to the fullest. This is a reminder to sometimes step away from the camera or from my editing bay, and allow myself to be an active participant in life; to learn and grow so that when I pick up my camera again, there is new excitement and a more refined point of view to explore.

Art is really fantastic, but I would not be able to do what I do without having to learn to use my community, Your community is going to determine the strength of your business, so you must find a way to form a relationship and remain active within that community. Look for ways to remain engaged and give back. For example, not too long ago, a client of mine launched a new book and I showed up to the launch at a local art bookstore. Soon afterwards we started working together on a new project for an art residency that she is getting off the ground, and I am excited about the opportunities that this will present. Support others and they will support you. Don’t become greedy because that’s is how you stop growing.

I would like my brand to stand for art that exuberates my world view and tells stories of the world that live in. There is so much beauty to find in front of us amongst the backdrop of everything going on in the world. I am happy that others find joy in the way I see the world, and I want to keep sharing that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston is filled a never-ending list of possibilities for fun, so this is my definitive itinerary. I would start the day by going to Catalina Coffee, which makes the best coffee, period. Then we would go to Menil Park for a walk, visiting all the museums around there. My favorite is the Rothko Chapel. For a late lunch and drinks, chef Hugo’s Oaxaca inspired restaurant Xochi is a must. Everything there is an adventure to the palate. In the evening, a show at the Alley Theatre, and afterwards for dinner we would walk to Frank’s Pizza. That’s an ideal day. For the rest of the week, I would try and catch some more theatre productions, especially anything by Dirt Dogs, Stages, or 4th Wall. More museum visits are always fun, such as the Blaffer Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Museum, or local smaller galleries such as the ones run by Adam Marnie (F Magazine) or Stinson House. I would also try some more coffee spots as there is a never-ending list of interesting spots to try.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Vladamir Ambía (www.ambiaphotographyhouston.com) and Sean Fleming (www.smfleming.com) are two very talented photographers that have been instrumental to the growth of my business and my development as a photographer. Their generosity and their craft are top tier, and I don’t think I would be where I am without their wisdom and help. I also want to shoutout my friend Christiano Dionisio who runs the fashion brand CristianoD. From the beginning, he has supported me by allowing me creative opportunities that I would have only dreamed of when I was starting out.

Website: https://www.franciscophoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francisco_photo_

Other: Prints: https://francisco.darkroom.com

Image Credits
BTS photos by Maria Ramos.
All other photography is by Francisco Ramos (www.franciscophoto.com)

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