| How this all came about...... I’ve always had a tremendous passion for music, live musicians and performers, and there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing than to be around them as much as I can.. I love them all equally. Weather they are Famous, Original Bands, Tribute Bands or Cover Bands.. They are all musicians and are all gifted and talented. The passion I see in them as they play, makes me love what I do even more. I didn't start photography till the age of 42. It all started when I decided to bring a camera to see a band called The Machine a Pink Floyd Tribute, on May 8th 2004 at BB Kings. I got some compliments from those pictures saying I had a good eye and that I should pursue photography. And since I enjoyed it, I continued to bring my camera to every show. I sent my pictures to the musicians, made a portfolio and created this website. My career took a giant step forward when I photographed Almost Queen on Sept. 1st 2005. They took a serious interest in my work and introduced me to their manager Danny Stanton, (www.CoallierEntertainment.com) Danny gave me the opportunities to photograph most of the best shows in my short career, starting with Van Helsing's Curse. Immediately followed by Twisted Sister, Sebastian Bach, Yngwie Malmsteen, George Lynch, W.A.S.P., Eddie Ojeda photo shoot, Twisted Christmas, and Lita Ford. I am extremely grateful. Another amazing opportunity came along on March 14th 2008. Iron Maiden and Lauren Harris at the IZOD in NJ. (Thanks to Randy Gregg from Almost Queen) In August of 2007 I discovered Dexter’s Entertainment Complex in Riverdale, NJ. Two months later I became their House Photographer. Thanks to Lisa the Entertainment Coordinator and the club owner Robert Paige. In addition to the above, I've worked in many venues, theaters and large arenas shooting artists such as, Joe Satriani, Carmine Appice's SLAMM!!, Joe Lynn Turner, American Angel, Danger Danger, Kix, LA Guns, White Lion, The Outlaws, Fuel, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Vinny Appice, Nazareth, Dramarama, Dokken, Dickey Betts, Great White, Bo Bice and Trixter . And thanks to Robert Tuozzo at 22nd Century Rock Magazine, I got the opportunity to shoot one of my all time favorite and spectacular events, Trans Siberian Orchestra in Dec of 2007 and AC/DC in Nov 2008. Some of my other accomplishments include: Plays/publicity shots for Aida, Hair, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The National American Miss Pageant of 2005. I've shot many local Original bands, Tribute bands and Cover Bands, and my work appears on many websites. In May of 2008 I was added as a contributing staff photographer at www.RockEyez.com Thanks Brian. I'd like to thank everyone who in one way or another encouraged me through compliments and constructive criticism. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you for visiting my website. I look forward to meeting and working with you. Stay tuned.. I'll be working on my gallery page soon.. Maria Ventura / Lady Ace |
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| Testimonials...... "Seldom in life is one blessed enough to meet a true artist. Someone who's talent, vision , and inherant love for their craft, transcends all. I have never known a photographer as naturally gifted as Lady Ace. Her ability to capture, frame by frame, the passion, energy and intensity of a live performance, from both angles, ( audience and stage ) is second to none." Matt Buteux - Wally Pillow (Matt, thanks for this, it means alot.. I also owe you a huge thank you for telling me to bring a camera to see The Machine, and for nick naming me Ace.) "Photography isn't just taking pictures. It's an art. The ability to capture life,realism @ the right angles, to capture what an artist would draw or what would make a great poster. You have done that!! And so crisp. Great work. You're My Idol" John Soules "Maria Ventura has the eye of a true professional. Her uncanny ability to see a shot amidst the action on stage is evident in the beautiful pictures she has taken of Almost Queen and many many others. I really can't say enough about her talent and she continues to blow us away every time she presents us with her latest work. We swear by her and are proud to be a part of her portfolio!" Joseph Russo, AQ "Maria finds a way to capture that precise moment of photography greatness." Gary Pellegrino - The Cover-Up Band "Owning a camera does not make you a photographer. The ability to see the perfect opportunity to freeze a moment in time, make the subject look larger than life, and make you want to stare at its artistry for hours on end, does. Maria (Lady Ace) Ventura IS a photographer!!! I'm proud to know her work, be a part of her work, and to be her friend ... Keep knockin' em' outta the park kiddo!!!" Mike Bisulca - American Angel "Lady Ace's images are truly magical. She puts her love of music, her heart and soul into every image. Lady Ace is a superior photographer who's passion shows through her work." Lisa / Dexter's "Maria Ventura has an eye for "capturing the moment". Her photographs translate the intensity of the live performance. In the studio, Maria makes you feel so comfortable, which is so important in getting the right shot." Teri Avella Wolf "You really made us look like bona-fide rock stars!! You were able to perfectly catch the moments where we actually resemble KISS. See, as a member of the band, it's easy for me to see our faces and mannerisms through the make-up and costumes, but your photos made me step back and realize, WOW, we look DAMN GOOD!" KISS ALIVE "Maria recently was one of the photographers for the Joe Lynn Turner show we played at Dexter's in Riverdale, NJ. I was very impressed with how good the photographs were, both in quality and how many good shots there were. If she continues to put out quality work like this, she will do very well in this industry." Karl Cochran "Maria/Ladyace is an ACE photographer!!! She took some photos of me playing with Danger Danger and made me actually look good! That can’t be too easy!" Richie Ranno/Starz "Maria is not only an excellent photographer that has worked with well-known musicians, but she is very patient, friendly & comfortable to work with!" Dan Britt / Well-Known Drum Educator Thank you Lady Ace (Maria) "For all you do for us!! Your pics are by far the best quality we have ever had or seen!!! We look forward to continuing to work with you" TNA / The Noise Addiction |