We were lucky to catch up with Maira Ray recently and have shared our conversation below.

MAIRA , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My grandmother was a black woman, and my mum has brown skin, so I grew seeing how the suffered with prejudice, racism and lack of representativity. I am a lover of arts, specially paintings. When I first went to the Louvre, 10 years ago. I was upset to see the lack of diversity on the individuals represented on traditional paintings.
So, after starting to have access to the photography studio at school I came out with the idea of create images in the same aesthetic as paintings from periods such as Renaissance but using model from diverse races, genders and backgrounds.
“Forgotten By The Renaissance” was aimed to capture the essence of individuals who, historically, were rarely seen as subjects in the Renaissance paintings adorning museum walls. These images feature minorities and people from diverse backgrounds, providing a fresh perspective on their significance and prominence in the tapestry of art and culture.
It seeks to challenge the traditional narrative by reimagining these overlooked individuals in positions of prominence and power, thus creating a more inclusive representation of history.
One of the photos of the project, “The Thinker” has received international recognition through many awards and I had many people come to me to say how touched they were to see people like them being represented as a tradicional painting.

MAIRA , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Maira, a Paris-based photographer with a passion for blending fashion and fine art photography. My journey into photography actually began not with a camera but through collecting photographs to decorate my room. I found inspiration in these images, each one sparking a fascination for capturing moments and telling stories through visuals.

When I moved to Ireland, I began using my phone to document my experiences as a way to share memories with my family and friends. This soon evolved into a love for travel photography, capturing landscapes and cityscapes from my journeys across the world. Five years ago, I ventured into portraiture, discovering a unique connection with my subjects that only portrait photography could bring. This connection drew me deeply into the art, and eventually, I decided to move to Paris to formally study photography and refine my craft.

My Craft
Now, as a photographer specializing in fashion and fine art, I offer editorial-quality images that are not only visually captivating but narratively rich. Influenced by classical techniques from masters like Caravaggio and Rembrandt, I aim to merge artistic expression with depth and emotion. My work spans portraiture, fashion editorials, and personal projects that blend fine art aesthetics with contemporary themes.
I provide high-end, editorial-quality photography services that extend beyond capturing images to creating cohesive visual stories. I also offer personalized shoots for clients who seek an artistic interpretation of their vision. My approach ensures that each project feels unique, with visuals that resonate deeply with audiences.

Solving Client Needs
I believe that what sets me apart is my ability to capture each client’s unique story, translating their vision into art. Whether it’s an individual seeking an authentic portrait or a brand looking to communicate its essence, I create images that connect on a deeper level, ensuring each project resonates. Another point is my commitment to depth, a rigorous work ethic, and an ability to blend fine art aesthetics with contemporary themes. This dedication ensures my clients receive work that not only meets but often exceeds their expectations.

Highlights and Notable Achievements
I am incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for awards like the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards in Portraiture, and I have exhibited my work internationally, from the Glasgow Gallery of Photography to ImageNation Paris. Being featured in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar and L’OFFICIEL has also allowed me to reach wider audiences who value art and storytelling in photography.

What I Want You to Know
Photography for me is more than a profession; it’s a journey that began with admiring photographs and has grown into a love for capturing beauty, emotion, and connection in each shot. I hope my work invites viewers to feel and see the stories behind each image, inspiring them to find meaning and wonder in the world around them.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing my work come to life, from concept to final image. It’s incredibly fulfilling to express myself through my art, knowing that each photograph is a reflection of my vision and the message I want to share. Photography allows me to communicate with a broader audience, transcending language and cultural barriers. There’s a unique joy in knowing that my work can resonate with others, evoke emotions, and perhaps even inspire them to see the world from a different perspective.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One of the most challenging things for non-creatives to understand about this journey is that it isn’t solely about financial reward. While there are obvious costs, like equipment and materials, the real investment runs far deeper. For creatives, the costs include countless hours of creative energy, personal sacrifices, and an intense emotional commitment. These intangibles—our inspiration, experience, and the time spent honing our vision—often hold as much, if not more, value than the tangible tools we use.

It’s also challenging for some to see the value in a creative career since it doesn’t fit into a traditional mold like medicine or law, with its well-defined path and predictable rewards. The outcomes in creative work can be subjective, less concrete, and often go unrecognized for the immense personal investment behind them. People may see the cost of a high-end camera but rarely realize the price of refining one’s craft, the vulnerability required to share a vision, or the courage it takes to pursue a non-traditional career.

Yet, for us, the reward goes far beyond finances. It’s about seeing our work come to life, expressing ourselves fully, and knowing that we’ve connected with others in a meaningful way. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create something that resonates, that communicates on a deeper level, and that maybe even inspires others to see the world a bit differently. This journey is one of purpose as much as it is a profession, and while the value might be hard to measure, it’s deeply felt by those of us who live it every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mairaray.com
• Instagram: @maira_ray25
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maira-ray-303784213/