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 big break came 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 most recently Lita Ford. I am extremely grateful.

Another amazing opportunity.
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, and including the above, I've worked in many
venues, theaters and large arenas shooting artists such
as, Joe Lynn Turner, American Angel, Danger Danger, Kix,
LA Guns, White Lion, The Outlaws, Fuel, Johnny Winter,
Edgar Winter, Vinny Appice, Carmine Appice,  Nazareth,
Dramarama
, Dokken, Dickey Betts,
and one of my all time favorite and spectacular shoots...
Trans Siberian Orchestra. (Thanks to Robert Tuozzo at
22nd Century Rock Magazine)



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



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
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
Wanna see my pictures on the cover of
The Rolling Stone
And I wanna buy 5 copies for my mother