Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Ramirez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello,
My name is Martin Ramirez. Id like to consider myself as mainly a landscape photographer. I also do water photography and wildlife photography. I am currently transitioning to get into the cinematography world with all 3 of those. I picked up myself camera when I was about 12 years old. I grew up skateboarding and would always enjoy filming myself and my friends. It was this little jvc camcorder. I would carry it with me everywhere. I couple of times I would remember I would film the storms coming into town from my backyard. I was always fascinated by creating a story with the videos I would get. I would end up losing that camera and would get another one until 2018. I went on skateboarding trip to LA in 2018 and purchased a Sony mirrorless camera to use to film and take photos on that trip. The winter of 2018 I had a couple of buddies I went to high-school with who invited on a little trip to Minnesotas North Shore. It was during that trip that I was completely hooked on landscape photography. The next couple of years I would take so many trips up north. I met a guy who is pretty well known for his stellar work in the photography world. He was the big inspiration for me to get into water photography, His name is George Ilstrup who is also known as ” George Duluth.” I would eventually purchase a wildlife lens and go on many trips that would include all 3 types of photography. Now i am trying to do all the same but with video.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s always a challenge when it comes to photography or cinematography. The right conditions is something that doesn’t always go according to plan. Weather is a big factor. Wildlife I would say has been the biggest struggle of all of them. I live about 4-5 hours away from moose habitat. I’ve gone on about 25 plus trips to find a moose to photograph and film. I still have yet to find one. My first trip going out for one was in 2020. Getting started into water photography was bumpy road. I do a lot of my water photography in Lake Superior during the winter time. The best time to do it is also during the coldest times. Finding the right gear for cold water conditions was a bit difficult at first. The struggles of cinematography is a whole other world. The story telling is something I struggle with still. Just like everything I feel like it’s something that will come with time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work for families restaurant. Marias Mexican Restaurant. We have two locations, one in Howard Lake, the other is Glencoe. I also help shoot weddings and quinceaneras for my brother’s media company,” Ramirez Photo and Video.” My brother and myself are the main videographers for the company. Although I do enjoy doing those gigs. It’s not something I can get out of bed to do for work. I am doing my best to have self growth in what I do so I can someday I can make a living at what I love to do. Not in the sense for selling pictures. I would say the cinema side, as far as story telling goes. I currently just had one of my photos published into the magazine of my favorite lens company. To me that has the been the highlight of my career.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The patience. Patience is the most important thing to have in this field I believe. Taking your time and not rushing things. Always expect the unexpected and knowing what to do when things don’t go your way. Staying positive and always striving for the end goal.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Martinjrmn
- Facebook: @Martinjrmn
- Youtube: @Martinjrmn
Image Credits
Portrait of me in wetsuit: John Keefover
Portrait of me with cine cam: Angel Ramirez
