Photographer and director Myriam Santos has worked with some of the most influential artists in the entertainment industry throughout her 15-year career. From legends like David Bowie to the latest chart-toppers like Fall Out Boy and everyone in between, she's shot for every major record label and worked on numerous ad campaigns. For her book David Bowie Live in New York, she was the first artist to photograph the rock icon backstage in two decades.
Originally from Argentina, she is a graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, her work has been seen in magazines like Rolling Stone, Spin, Alternative Press, Q, Maxim, Detour and Entertainment Weekly capturing the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, 30 Seconds to Mars, Porter Wagoner, Lisa Kudrow, AFI, Dave Navarro, Elijah Wood, Robert Smith, Tool, Marliyn Manson, Ben Harper, Perry Farrell, Willie Nelson and scores of others.
09.29.09
Random Lines from Random Songs
If you have a degree, in what field is it? A BFA in photography from Art Center College of Design.
What was your strangest assignment? I don’t really think anything is that strange; at this point, it’s all become part of the norm. I guess either the Megadeth CD packaging where I had to shoot rats and hairless cats (we had back-up trained rats just in case).
Which photographer would you like to meet? Richard Avedon.
What famous person (living or dead) would you most like to photograph? David Bowie—again. Can’t help it, he’s so inspirational.
Aside from your camera and lighting, what item could you not work without? Music. It’s the reason I wanted to get into photography and one of the reasons I stay in it.
Is there anything you would not digitally retouch? There are many things I would not digitally retouch. But, it’s not like I’m against it or for it; if it needs it, great, if not, great.
From where do your best ideas originate? Song lyrics, random lines from random songs. Music plays a big part in my visual creativity.
How do you overcome a creative block? I freak out for a minute. Then, I’ll get a job with some insane deadline and that’ll inspire me and I’m out of the block with out even thinking about it.
Do you have creative pursuits other than photography? Very inspired by directing. Just finished a commissioned installation piece for the Hard Rock Casino in Vegas. I love to work on my own props and backdrops. And I’m really getting into design as well.
What music are you listening to right now? Two White Horses and White Lies.
What’s your approach to balancing work and life? It’s all one for me; I don’t see a separation. I love my work, it’s a part of me. It motivates me. My son Ethan often goes to my shoots with me; I remember once when he was little he tried scaring Rob Zombie at his house, didn’t work, but Rob gave him some pointers.
What’s your favorite quote? "I don’t say everything, but I paint everything." And, "I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it." Both are by Picasso.
Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession? If you can imagine yourself doing anything else, you probably should. If you can’t, then this is the thing for you.
What's one thing you wish you knew when you started your career? That the reason I chose to photograph people is because I’m so incredibly scared of them and this way I can be an intimate voyeur. It took me way too long to realize that.