Today we’d like to introduce you to Maximus Adamson.
Hi Maximus, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As someone who has always been interested in art, I started to gravitate towards photography as a way of self expression in school. I went to Collin College, located right next to Dallas, and was able to create personal work and dive deeper into my photographic practice. I mainly shot in the Dallas area because of the vast range of creative resources such as studio spaces. Years later, I am currently living in New York City, going to a top art school (School of Visual Arts), and maintain my photographic practice in both New York and Texas.
None of this would have been possible without my experience in Dallas and the people I have met. The creatives and close friends I have made have helped me grow as a person and develop my artistic style. Whether it was through making friends who were models in my work or collaborating to create multi-media projects, I have always seen Dallas as the start of my career.
Also, wanted to note that the city was where I found my first job and found my first true friendships. The community I built in the city really helped me become the person I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely was not an easy ride! As someone who was coming to terms with their sexuality, I sometimes found struggle in finding a safe space to authentically be myself. Luckily, through making art about it and meeting genuine people at my jobs such as La La Land and Nordstrom Ebar (my jobs in Dallas), I was able to find my “chosen family”.
I also had applied to art schools for the first time after Collin College and got accepted to CalArts with a full ride. After attending for a semester, I realized it wasn’t the right place for me and came back home to take a break from school. I was out of school and working full-time as a barista for a year and a half before I went back to education. Even though I was mentally struggling as to what my career should be, being at home helped me center myself and understand what I needed… and that was to create art.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer who shoots in both analog and digital. I specialize in portraiture that has an editorial and modern feel. I have been shooting for around 4 years now and started freelancing around 2 years ago. With my work, I am typically responsible for every aspect– this includes styling, scheduling, location finding, posing for models, and overall creative direction.
I am currently most proud of getting into the School of Visual Arts. I was able to secure a half ride through the Silas H. Rhodes scholarship – a prestigious award given to students who show academic and creative prowess. I have around 3 years left and being in school gives me the ability to create whatever I want. Also, being in a space where I get to learn and have access to resources (like commercially-standard equipment) has allowed me to make work that goes beyond what I thought I could do.
With my fashion/editorial work and personal work, I am someone who dives into multiple aspects of photography (commercial and fine art). I am always someone looking to learn and grow with my work, so I am consistently experimenting with lighting and posing. I feel that one thing that you see in my work is that I am always seeking to do better. While it does skew on the end of perfectionism, it pushes me to do more.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe that my dedication to consistency is what has made me the artist I am today. While talent and creativity are important aspects to being an artist, showing up for yourself everyday and allowing yourself to mess up has allowed me to build a body of work I’m proud of.
An example of my consistency is regularly checking out a studio and practicing lighting. Whether I end up having terrible photos or incredible ones, I am always looking to brush up on my skills and learn more. Also, consistently doing personal projects has helped me develop my own artistic voice and vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maxadamsonphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxadamsonphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?viewas=100000686899395&id=100074263565009
Image Credits
Adding credits in the order that I submitted them.
1) Assistant: Lesley Pauli (@unknownart_)
2) Model: Clio Bildman
3) Models: Alejandro D. Caminos (@alech1ps) and William Claudius (@williamclaudiust)
4) Model: Keon Ohimai (@keonohimai)
5) Model: Maiia Maltseva (@mymlt)
6) Model: Maiia Maltseva (@mymlt)
7) Model: Hannah Nguyen (@hannahnguyen27)
Assistants: Alondra Hernandez (@lolaoves), Daisy Hernandez (@day1sii), Melanie Rivera (@melybrivera), Camille Cruz (@camii.crzm), Keon Ohimai (@keonohimai)
8) Sadie Jane (@saadiethomas)
All the @’s are their Instagram handles.
