We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rosa María Zamarrón. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rosa María below.
Alright, Rosa María thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.
In a field where photographers are often trained to remain observers, I’ve chosen a different path—one rooted in relationship, collaboration, and reciprocity. My documentary work isn’t just about capturing a moment; it’s about building trust and telling stories with people, not just about them.
The industry standard can sometimes feel extractive—parachuting into a community, taking what’s needed, and leaving. I don’t work that way. When I step into a space with my camera, I’m stepping into a shared experience. I ask questions, I listen deeply, and I invite those I photograph to co-create the story with me. Whether I’m documenting cultural traditions in San Luis Potosí or working on community projects in Detroit, the people I photograph are never just subjects—they’re collaborators, storytellers, and partners in the process.
One moment that stays with me is when a woman I had photographed during a community festival in Mexico asked if she could hold my camera. I showed her how to use it, and she ended up capturing some of the most honest images of the day. That experience reminded me that the tools of storytelling should be shared—not gatekept. That’s what sets my practice apart. I don’t believe in a single author of a story—I believe in many voices, layered perspectives, and shared authorship. That’s how we honor truth. That’s how we build something that lasts.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Rosa María Zamarrón: Amplifying Detroit’s Stories Through Photography
Rosa María Zamarrón is a Detroit-based documentary photographer whose work centers on community, culture, and food . Raised in Southwest Detroit, Zamarrón has spent her career using her camera to document everyday stories — from immigrant-owned restaurants and street vendors to neighborhood traditions — always with an eye for authenticity and human connection . Her images have appeared in publications such as Vogue, Bon Appétit, Saveur, and BridgeDetroit, bringing the people and places of her community to wider audiences . Beyond food and culture, Zamarrón’s work also delves into themes of cultural identity and reclamation, and she has exhibited her photographs in galleries across the U.S. and internationally . In all aspects of her work, Zamarrón strives to amplify underrepresented voices and share the resilience and richness of her community through powerful visual storytelling.
Early Inspirations and Journey
Zamarrón discovered her passion for photography early in life. She is, as one article described, “one of the fortunate few who discovers and accepts their purpose early in childhood” . Growing up, she was inspired by her father, an avid hobbyist who constantly photographed their family with the eye of an artist. Flipping through family photo albums — filled with creative, candid shots rather than traditional poses — taught her the emotional impact of a photograph . She also fell in love with documentary imagery by reading magazines like National Geographic, which further sparked her desire to tell stories through a camera lens . By the time she was a teenager, Zamarrón knew that photography was more than just a hobby; as she famously put it, “I’ll be doing this for the rest of my life… I breathe photography; it’s all I think about.”
Following her passion, Zamarrón pursued formal training in her craft. She earned a B.A. in Photography (with a focus on documentary photojournalism) from Grand Valley State University in 2011 . During her college years and beyond, she started honing her skills by photographing local events and communities, developing the storytelling approach that would define her style. Over a decade later, Zamarrón has indeed made good on her childhood promise – she has been working as a professional photographer for over ten years , dedicating herself to capturing real-life narratives with empathy and artistry.
Documentary Work and Services
Today, Rosa María Zamarrón works as a freelance documentary and editorial photographer, tackling a wide range of projects and creative works. She frequently partners with media outlets and organizations to provide compelling visual storytelling, lending her humanistic and captivating style to everything from articles on Detroit’s food scene to hard-hitting news reports . As a result, you might encounter her photographs in local journalism pieces or national magazine features – anywhere authentic imagery is needed to bring a story to life. Zamarrón is known for producing striking editorial portraits and candid documentary series that resonate with viewers. Whether she’s shooting a feature for a culinary publication or covering a community event, her goal is to create images that are both visually engaging and rich in narrative.
In addition to her assignment work, Zamarrón pours energy into personal documentary projects that explore the communities and causes close to her heart. For instance, one ongoing series titled “Decolonizing Spaces” reimagines public monuments by photographing Indigenous people in places where colonialist statues once stood . Through that project, she challenges viewers to consider who and what we commemorate in our public spaces – and she invites a dialogue about history and representation. This balance of client work and personal work means Zamarrón’s portfolio is diverse: it spans commissioned editorial shoots, photojournalism for nonprofits, fine art exhibits, and beyond. No matter the format, all her creative works are rooted in the same ethos of storytelling and social impact.
Furthermore, Zamarrón has expanded her role from photographer to community advocate and mentor. She is the co-founder of La Sirena Studio, a collaborative female-led studio in Southwest Detroit that provides much-needed creative space in the community . Through La Sirena Studio, she helps foster local talent – offering studio resources and support for other photographers and artists, especially women. Zamarrón has also partnered with youth organizations and nonprofits (such as Capture Belief and Young Nation) to teach photography workshops to young people in her neighborhood . By sharing her expertise with the next generation, she hopes to empower youth through photography as a form of self-expression and storytelling. This community-focused approach is a hallmark of her brand: not only does she deliver high-quality photography services, but she actively works to uplift others through her craft.
Mission and What Sets Her Apart
What truly sets Zamarrón apart in her field is her deep-rooted connection to the community she photographs and her unwavering commitment to authenticity. As a Mexican American woman who was raised in the very neighborhoods she now documents, she brings an insider’s perspective and cultural understanding to every shoot . This background helps her build trust with her subjects – whether she’s photographing an Indigenous activist, a family of restaurant owners, or local youth, Zamarrón approaches each person with respect and genuine care for their story. She often gravitates toward people whose voices are too often “left in the shadow of the spotlight,” giving them a chance to be seen and heard through her images . Because she shares roots and experiences with many of her subjects, Zamarrón is able to capture intimate, authentic moments that outsiders might miss. This personal investment in the communities she serves translates into photographs that feel honest, empathetic, and deeply human.
Another aspect that differentiates Zamarrón’s approach is her belief in photography as a tool for social change and representation. She is personally driven to challenge misconceptions and highlight the resilience of marginalized communities. (For example, as someone with Indigenous heritage herself, Zamarrón finds it important to show that Indigenous peoples are very much a vibrant part of today’s Detroit, not just figures of the past .) This mission to “decolonize” spaces and narratives informs her style and perspective. In practical terms, it means she is intentional about how she frames her subjects: her compositions often celebrate cultural pride, identity, and empowerment. Clients and collaborators who seek her out know that they are working with an artist who cares deeply about the impact of each photo. She isn’t interested in generic, one-size-fits-all images; instead, Zamarrón strives to create visuals that tell a story and honor the individuals in front of her lens. This unique blend of documentary realism, cultural sensitivity, and artistic vision is a problem-solver for clients who want more than a pretty picture – they want storytelling with substance. In Zamarrón’s hands, a photoshoot isn’t just a service or a job, it’s a chance to authentically represent a piece of reality and connect with an audience on a meaningful level.
Career Highlights and Achievements
In July 2020, during the wave of social justice demonstrations, Zamarrón captured a powerful image that would become one of her most celebrated works. The photograph depicts four Indigenous women in colorful jingle dresses, standing proudly on the empty pedestal where a statue of Christopher Columbus once stood in downtown Detroit. This striking visual – symbolizing “what should have been there the whole time” – resonated with viewers around the world. When Zamarrón shared it on social media, the photo went viral, garnering tens of thousands of likes and shares within days . It was soon featured by major media outlets, including a dedicated story in Vogue magazine highlighting the women’s act of reclaiming that space . Zamarrón later titled the image “As It Should’ve Been,” and it has since become an iconic representation of her mission to amplify Indigenous voices. She counts this viral moment as a career-defining highlight – not just for the widespread recognition, but because of the dialogue it sparked about history, identity, and empowerment.
Zamarrón can point to many other notable achievements in her career, and she remains humble yet proud of each milestone. Some of the accomplishments she is most proud of include:
Publishing her work in top-tier outlets: Seeing her photographs published in renowned publications (from local platforms like BridgeDetroit and Hour Detroit Magazine to international media like Vogue) has validated the impact of her storytelling . Each feature means that a slice of Detroit’s culture or a community story reached a broader audience.
Awarded a major creative grant: In 2021, Zamarrón was selected as one of only seven artists to receive a Radical Imagination Fund grant – an award supporting artists of color in Detroit . This grant is helping her continue and expand her “Decolonizing Spaces” project, underscoring the importance of her work in the racial justice and arts community.
Journalism honors: Zamarrón’s excellence in visual storytelling has earned her industry recognition. Notably, she was part of a team that won a National Edward R. Murrow Award (Excellence in Innovation, 2021) for the “COVID Diaries” multimedia project documenting resilience in Detroit during the pandemic . She also earned a First Place award in the SPJ (Society of Professional Journalists) Detroit Chapter’s 2023 Excellence in Journalism Awards for a series on early education, where her photos helped illuminate a critical community issue .
Community leadership: Beyond awards for her images, Zamarrón is proud of the impact of her community work. Co-founding La Sirena Studio and mentoring local youth are achievements that live close to her heart . Helping to create a physical space for creative collaboration in her neighborhood, and watching young photographers she’s mentored grow in confidence, are successes that she finds deeply rewarding.
These highlights demonstrate not only Zamarrón’s talent and hard work, but also how her values translate into tangible results. Each milestone – whether it’s a viral photo or a prestigious award – tells a story of dedication to her craft and to the community she loves.
Values and Key Messages for Clients and Followers
If there’s one thing Zamarrón wants potential clients, collaborators, and followers to know about her, it’s that she pours her heart into every project. Photography isn’t just a job for her – it’s a lifelong passion and purpose. “I breathe photography; it’s all I think about,” she says, and this intense dedication shines through in the quality of her work . Even when juggling a full-time day job in ophthalmic photography (medical imaging) to support herself, she makes time to pursue her documentary projects after hours – often pushing through exhaustion because “the only way I can keep my sanity… is to push myself to do this personal work that I find to be important,” she has explained . For clients, that means when you hire Zamarrón, you are getting someone who will go above and beyond to do your story justice. She brings a strong work ethic, persistence, and creative energy to each assignment, no matter how large or small.
Another key value Zamarrón emphasizes is collaboration and respect. She takes the time to understand the vision and context of her clients – be it a family-owned business wanting authentic photos for an article, or a nonprofit needing sensitive documentation of the community they serve. She approaches each shoot as a partnership with the subject or client. By listening and learning about the people she’s photographing, Zamarrón ensures the resulting images truly reflect their identity and message. Her clients often remark on how comfortable and seen people feel in front of her camera, which is a testament to her empathetic approach. If you follow her work, you’ll notice that she often shares the stories behind the images, giving credit and voice to the individuals in them rather than making it just about the photographer. This comes from her core belief that photography should empower its subjects.
Ultimately, Rosa María Zamarrón wants everyone who encounters her brand or imagery to know that her work is about more than just taking pictures – it’s about building connections and shining a light on stories that matter. She strives to inspire others to appreciate the beauty and value in communities like hers that don’t always get the spotlight. Whether you are a potential client looking to capture the essence of your project, or a follower admiring her latest photo series, Zamarrón hopes you’ll see the care, authenticity, and passion behind every image. Those are the qualities that define her brand. And as she continues her journey, she remains committed to using her photography as a force for understanding, representation, and positive change in Detroit and beyond.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect—deeply, honestly—with people through storytelling. As a documentary photographer, I get to witness lives, traditions, and histories that might otherwise go unseen or unrecorded. There’s something powerful about being invited into someone’s world and trusted with their story. It’s not just about taking a photo; it’s about building relationships, honoring truth, and creating images that reflect the dignity and complexity of real people.
What fulfills me most is when someone I’ve photographed sees themselves in my work and says, “Yes—that’s me. That’s my story.” That moment of recognition, of feeling seen and understood, is everything. It reminds me why I do what I do—not to speak for others, but to stand beside them and make space for their voices to be heard. That exchange, that shared humanity, is what keeps me grounded and inspired as a creative.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely. One of the biggest challenges I faced early in my creative journey was dealing with anxiety—especially around networking and putting myself out there. As someone who’s more introverted, navigating spaces that require constant social interaction was overwhelming. I wish I had known sooner that there are quiet ways to network—through genuine one-on-one conversations, online communities, or simply showing up and being present without the pressure to perform.
I also wish I had known about mentorship programs and creative support networks earlier on. For a long time, I didn’t have direct access to mentors who looked like me or shared my background, and that made it difficult to imagine certain paths or feel confident claiming space in the art world. It wasn’t until I found programs like Darkroom Detroit and community-led workshops that I realized how much mentorship matters—not just for technical growth, but for emotional support and representation.
Knowing those resources existed, and that there were people willing to share guidance without gatekeeping, would have made a huge difference. Now, I try to be that resource for others—especially younger artists in my community—because I understand what it’s like to need that encouragement and not know where to look for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Rosamariazamarron.com
- Instagram: @the_zamarron
