SweetHeart Studios - photos by MaryJ has arrived!MaryJ got her start in freelance photography via guitar lessons from Chico's very own Sid Lewis, proprietor and professor of Acoustic College. Sid invited her to a CrazyGrass performance and she brought along her little 3mp digital camera to catch a few snapshots of the band.
Noticing that MaryJ had camera in hand; he requested a few of her photos for his website and encouraged her to take more.
Soon, she was at every CrazyGrass performance, snapping away, and became the band’s "official" photographer.
When other bands were on the venue with CrazyGrass, she photographed them as well, gained experience and crafted her art.
Before long, other bands, such as Doug Stein’s Puddle (now Inner Sun), the Chris Shadt Band, and several others, were interested in photos, and MaryJ was more than happy to oblige.
As requests for photos from various bands increased, Mary upgraded her photography equipment to more professional cameras and lenses allowing her to improve her technique and fully capture the mood of each band.
In the beginning, some bands were apprehensive as to who this little lady was, out there taking so many photos. But, once they realized that she could provide them with professional quality photos to use on websites, promo-packs, advertisements, announcements and CD covers, they were all too happy to put her on their guest list at performances.
Asking little in return, other than perfecting her craft and enjoying their music, they accepted her as one of their own and welcomed her into their musical family.
Her spontaneous smile and effervescent personality won her many close friends among the local Chico music scene and they are always pleased to see her, camera in hand, at a performance.
"I’ve never really had a bad experience", MaryJ will tell you, "All the bands treat me with affection and respect. I enjoy their music and I hope they enjoy my photos. I feel honored that they consider me a friend, as well as a loyal fan."
As MaryJ has expanded her horizons and the number of bands she photographs, other’s have taken notice.
On one photo shoot at the World Music Festival at Chico State, Alan Sheckter, entertainment editor of the Chico ER "Buzz" noticed her taking photos.
Having seen her at several other events, he approached her, and soon she was under contract and doing photos for the local paper.
Recently, she did a photo shoot for the "Buzz" at Sierra Nevada’s Big Room, shooting the Les Dudek concert. She was able to garnish unique lighting shots and really captured the mood of his performance.
After seeing the results of her artistic efforts, even Les, a rock legend, who has played with the likes of the Allman Brothers Band, the Steve Miller Band, and others, was very pleased and impressed with her work.
MaryJ continues to perfect her photographic talents, always looking for that unique, one-in-million shot that is more art, than just a picture, always putting her subjects first and displaying them in the best light.
But taking exceptional photographs is not all that MaryJ is involved in.
She is also President and CEO of her own company, Advanced Alternative Delivery Systems (AADS).
Being extremely inventive, she has perfected the world’s most unique, yet inexpensive vaporizing system for enjoying the benefits of vaporizing your favorite "herb". Nothing on the market even comes close in its efficiency or it’s price.
MaryJ is much more than a photographer and an inventor. She is a mother, and a true friend, always generous with her time and her talent.
The bands she captures have come to know and trust her photographic expertise, but more than that, they have come to know her as a trusted friend.
As MaryJ has so aptly put it, "I share my photos with them, and they share their music and friendship with me. I think we both win."
Promoting Positivity Through Photos... maryj2007
AUDIOTHERAPY
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