Member Spotlight: Margo Ramirez
Street photography is a dance between being a participant and an observer. How do you balance being present in the scene while remaining 'invisible' enough to capture candid, unposed moments?
It’s a game of rhythm! I try to move at the same pace as the crowd. I’ve learned that the more comfortable I am in my own skin, the less 'disruptive' I feel to the scene. I’m not there to take a photo of the moment; I’m there to be a part of it. When you stop worrying about being seen, you actually become invisible." With that said, I also love the human element, so I often just stop and engage. I’ll ask for permission or start a conversation first; once that initial wall comes down and we're just two people talking, they eventually forget the camera is even there. That’s when the truly candid, soulful moments happen—right in the middle of the connection.
Documentary work often requires spending significant time with a subject or a location. How do you decide when a single photo is enough versus when a story needs a full series to be told?
It usually comes down to the layers of the story. For me, a single photo is like a powerful punctuation mark, but sometimes when I’m reviewing my shots, I’ll see an image that hints at something much deeper. That’s my signal that there’s a larger narrative waiting to be told.
Once I feel that 'pull,' I’ll actually dive into some research to see how the subject has been approached before. I then start outlining the specific story I want to convey. If I’m still asking questions after that first click, I know I’m not done yet—that’s when a single moment evolves into a full documentary series.
As a member of the Camera of the Month Club, how has being part of a community of fellow shooters influenced your personal style or challenged the way you look through the lens?
The best part of this community is the diversity of vision. It’s influenced my style by forcing me out of my bubble—being surrounded by so many talented photographers with different perspectives, from abstract to studio work, has truly challenged me to look through my lens in a new way.
Beyond the art, it forces me to curate my work and stay organized with my shooting rather than letting images just live on my computer. It has helped me grow and learn, but most importantly, it’s given me a sense of belonging in a city that can sometimes make you feel like a lone soul.
We’d love to see a few frames from a project you’re particularly proud of. Could you walk us through the 'why' behind this series and share the story of one specific image that defines the collection for you?
I’ve selected my ongoing work from Coney Island. To me, Coney is more than just a destination; it’s where I go to exercise my skills and sharpen my eye. It’s easily one of the most photographable places in New York because of its unique landscape and that unmistakable 'Coney' energy.
I am fascinated by the mix of the urban and the natural. I love documenting the incredible diversity of people and seeing how they interact with a public beach in the middle of one of the world's busiest cities. It’s a place where the 'lone soul' of the city can find a moment of escape, and capturing those interactions is what keeps me coming back.
