Photographer Maya Guez: Beautiful Stranger

“There is more than one kind of beauty and there’s more than one type of modeling. Find the right fit for you.” -Maya Guez

The talented and fearless Maya Guez knows what she wants. Even though she’s playing in a man’s game, this natural beauty is more than “a person with a camera”. With numerous high profile projects under her belt, Maya gives us a up close and personal interview about the woman behind the lens.

Leon: Please describe your creative style.

Maya: My creative style is very diverse. I shoot beauty, fitness, fashion and celebrity portraiture. The one thing all of my work has in common is its crisp and clean with attention to details and colors. I make my subjects look bigger than life which I think is especially important when capturing images for celebs. When shooting someone who has had so many images taken of them, you want your shot to be iconic, memorable and stand out.

Leon: Besides currently working on a new book, what other projects are in the works?

Maya: I’m always working on something new. I have a few ad campaigns that are coming up and I am patiently building the material for the coffee table book and this may take awhile. I can’t reveal the title or specific concept but in general it’s a retrospective that celebrates exotic beauty.

Leon: Being in this industry since a teenager, how does it feel to still be around doing what you love and being a success?

Maya: Hopefully I will be able to do this for many years to come like Bruce Weber and Steven Meisel. My 20′s are very productive thus far but I can’t wait to see what creative juices my 30′s will bring. I started early but I feel it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Photography is something you can develop and be successful at until old age.

Leon: What is your greatest fear?

Maya: My greatest fear is to not being able to do what I love. Something health related; going blind or something. The other thing I would say is fear itself. Many people are afraid to really put it all on the line. They are afraid of the exposure and responsibility that comes with success and risk of failure that comes with putting yourself out there – your abilities to the test. Being fearless, win or lose, is a goal of mine.

Leon: With the fashion industry ever so changing, it seems that everybody is now a model. What do you think are the traits of a real/professional model?

Maya: Although there are some exceptions but generally you need first fit the industry standards as far as height, look and size. There are different types of modeling. If you can’t do fashion maybe you can do fitness or commercial. You have to know what the client and/or agency is looking for and what market is right for you. I don’t like when models try to force themselves into a body type that is not naturally theirs just to fit a mold of what the industry considers fashionable or beautiful. There is more than one kind of beauty and there’s more than one type of modeling. Find the right fit for you.

Leon: Do you feel that being a woman in this industry has been a challenge for you?

Maya: Photography is a male dominated industry and sometimes I feel they don’t take you serious when they see a female especially if you cute…LOL! It’s almost like you have to play as “one of the boys” to be taken seriously. My work SPEAKS for itself and that’s what ultimately matters. I am not part of the cool “Click” and I’m still successful. The truth is you can sit around all day and complain about why you’re not successful. At the the end of the day, crying about it is not going to change your situation. Your life is in your own hands and making smart choices, being persistent and dedication goes a long way.

Leon: Who would you love to photograph?

Maya: I would like to work with Models: Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Esther Canadas. Actor/Actress: Charlize Theron and Brad Pitt. Recording Artist: Madonna. Reality TV Star: Kim Kardashian. Presidents: Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

Leon: If your life story were to be made into the movie, what type of movie would it be and who would be cast as you?

Maya:It would be a Cinderella story. My dream cast would be Monica Bellucci playing me and have the
curvy Kim Kardashian as my body double!

Leon: I know you have shot numerous male celebrities, who was your favorite to photograph?

Maya: I can’t choose! I’m a big supporter of Boris Kodjoe, I had the pleasure of working with him, he is not only a talented actor but also a great role model and devoted family man. Another great shoot was with R&B recording artist Trey Songz, the images from the shoot got overwhelming responses, 250,000 hits in hours, to be exact.

Leon: What is your definition of sexy?

Maya: My definition of sexy isn’t the physical. You don’t even have to be “beautiful” to have sex appeal. Its how you carry yourself and what you project from within that takes it from being physically attractive to SEXY. The words that come to mind are: confidence, power, self awareness. Being able to know how to utilize all the “weapons” in your arsenal to the fullest mentally and physically.

Story by Leon Christian, Entertainment Editor. Photo of Maya: Self Portrait