Today we’d like to introduce you to Maia Tharp.
Hi Maia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My photography journey started with me taking a photography class senior of high school as a way to just take an art class I hadn’t already. I began to get a lot of praise from my teacher and loved going out and doing my own photos around Dallas and any cool architecture I could find. After graduating, I bought a cheap studio setup and started asking all my friends to come model for me with all my crazy concepts I came up with. I was doing 5-7 shoots a week just to create everything I was thinking of. I realized I loved taking portraits and working with others artistically. Before getting into photography, I wanted to be in the music industry in any way. Music has been a huge part of my life, for about my entire life. I started reaching out to local musicians I knew, to work with them in any way, whether it be concert photos or personal promo. After working with enough people, I realized that concept photography was my favorite. Working with colors and unique props, I loved creating vibrant and chaotic photos. Working with musicians is mostly where I’m at currently, and I couldn’t love it more.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I feel that the support from my parents and my friends that were willing to let me use them, did put me at an advantage and I don’t take that for granted ever. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s been a smooth road, but a little bumpy. Starting your own freelance business from no proper education or training will always add some extra barriers, but it was worth it to me. I chose to do this all on my own, teaching myself how to edit and create what I want to. Starting from scratch will always be tough, but loving what I do and my passion for it helps me stay hopeful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer and I specialize in concept portraits/photography. I think my style of photography is distinct, at least that’s what a lot of people tell me! I personally feel I stand out from others because I don’t keep my ideas in a box and don’t play into traditional photography and editing. I am most proud of how I have been able to find myself through this creative outlet and connect with so many amazing people.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters to me most is expression and creating connections. My whole life I have had trouble being my true self and expressing how I feel in terms of art. Editing how I want and creating an image how I think looks intriguing and interesting, gives me the power of self-expression. Meeting other artists and talents through my photography matters so much to me as well. Working with other people with similar creative mindsets is so empowering to someone who has always struggled to be their authentic creative self. Having the ability to influence and inspire others will always be so important to me, whether it be self-expression or creative expression. I would just love to make a difference with my art.
Pricing:
- $100 an hour
- 20-25 edited images included
- Yes you can share it!
Contact Info:
- Email: maiafoxx@gmail.com
- Website: maiartmedia.com
- Instagram: maiartmedia
- Twitter: maiartmedia
