Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Ramos.
Jose, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Jose Ramos, and I’m originally from Carolina, Puerto Rico, but I’ve been living in Orlando, Florida, since 2017. In 2008, I faced a difficult personal situation, and photography was my way to escape and deal with my feelings. Thanks to a close friend, I started taking pictures in the San Juan Hotel, and from there, I began networking, had access and got accreditation to take pictures at various music concerts. Various people supported me in starting this photography journey. However, three special people believed in me and my potential. First, Oscar Mena, whom I admire and worked with different music Latin artists such as Yandel, Jhay Cortez, Daddy Yankee, and Jowell and Randy. Second, Joan Isabel was the first person who assisted me in getting press accreditation at the events at Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum (Choliseo) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Finally, Marivel Ortiz, who is a public relations consultant, always allowed me to cover different events on the Island. My webpage, photopartypr.com, reached many people, and I began to get contracts for weddings, Quinceañera’s, baptisms, and anniversaries, among others.
In 2017, when I moved to Orlando, many people started to look through my social media pages, and I started contacting me for diverse events. It wasn’t until July 31, 2021, that I got the chance to cover a Latin music event in Orlando called Vibra Urbana. Then, I was contacted by the Friends of Friends Agency to take pictures at the Vibra Urbana Event in Miami. In Miami, I reconnected with Guillermo González (Menol), who is part of the staff of the Latin urban duo Jowell and Randy, and since then, I’ve been taking photos of them. My last job with the duo was at the Bad Bunny Concert at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando. I love fireworks, landscaping, concerts, and sports photography. All three inspire me to hold a moment in history for future generations, and I find it a privilege to share significantly shoot with the world. Through my work, I connect with the people while telling a story by freezing time. In the time to come, I would like to be part of those photographers who will take pictures of the future baseball team, the Orlando Dreamers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe that the photography industry faces some challenges to overcome. Any photographer will find it difficult to stay current with IT changes. Some IT advancements may threaten the industry by providing alternatives to photography services. In the entertainment business, most of the times, you will need a contact person to get a contract. In addition, some customers could overestimate our work and ask for a low cost for our services and exchange services. On the other hand, getting accreditation for concerts and sports could be strenuous for independent photographers like me. Professional Sports Leagues, such as the NBA and MLB, don’t allow independent photographers to cover their games. However, a few universities have approved my request to take pictures of their games. Though, one of my frustrations is when someone shows interest in your services, gets your contact information, and doesn’t reach out to you. Finally, the biggest challenge is to find the appropriate clients to buy your photos.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Photography is one of my passions, but also engineering. For 21 years, I have worked with Honeywell. I’m an Advanced Application Engineer in charge of designing the HVAC controllers, engineering, drawings, programming, and startups.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I haven’t had a person who served me as a mentor in photography. I’ve been learning different strategies to take high-quality pictures through social media. Since I’m a visual learner, YouTube has been one of the best resources to discover and develop my skills in photography. In addition, I have subscribed to diverse Lightroom and Photoshop online courses. In the future, I would like to obtain my Drone professional license to expand my business. I would also like to take this opportunity to show my gratitude to all my family, especially my wife. They supported me and always inspired me to be a better person and professional.
Contact Info:
- Website:photopartypr.com
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/photopartypr/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/fpphotopartypr
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/photopartypr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jramospr
- Other: https://jramospr.500px.photography
Image Credits
Jose Ramos
Rafael Rosario
September 6, 2022 at 5:38 pm
De los buenos de Carolina, muchas felicidades