Meet Edward Ramirez, head photographer at Studio Kay
At Studio Kay, every image is a story and behind these stories, there is Edward Ramirez, the studio’s main photographer for several years. Born in Colombia, he found fertile ground in Montreal to express his vision: a photography that is both cinematic and human, deeply rooted in light.
From cinematography to photography
“I was born and raised in Colombia, where I studied cinematography. This training taught me to observe the light, to compose a scene, to feel the movement. When I arrived in Montreal, I wanted to condense all this narration into a single image: photography naturally imposed itself.
Twelve years later, Edward has multiplied collaborations and experiences, but keeps the same passion for composition and light, these two pillars that still structure his visual approach today.
Why the photo? Because it makes sense
“Photography, that’s what gave meaning to my creativity. It’s a balance between art and technique, between intuition and precision. Each project is different, and that’s what I like: you have to understand, observe, solve problems, on set or in postproduction.
For Edward, each image is a way to satisfy his curiosity, to connect with others and to give shape to an emotion. “I like being involved in every step. Sometimes it’s artistic, sometimes it’s purely technical, but it’s always exciting.”
Influences: between cinema and graphics
When asked which photographers inspire him, Edward replies without hesitation: Gregory Crewdson and Tim Tadder. “Crewdson is the epitome of cinematic photography. Every frame is a story, almost a film stopped in time. His way of shaping the light is incredible.
Tim Tadder inspires me with his sense of graphic design and the visual power of his advertising images. They both have a very emotional relationship to light and that’s what I’m looking for too.”
A pride above all collective
Being the lead photographer at Studio Kay is more than a role: it’s a responsibility that Edward carries with pride.
«What I am most proud of is having contributed to the studio’s growth. It is not a question of personal recognition, but collective. Knowing that my work contributes to building the studio’s reputation, to inspiring trust and respect, this is what motivates me every day.”
Photographing real life
Of all the types of projects he has completed, Edward prefers those that bring him back to humans.
'I love photographing in the field: people in their environment, artisans, workers, real faces. When you are there, you connect, you share, you discover. Sometimes you even become friends with the people you photograph.”
And this link, he also finds it on the clients' side: "Seeing their reaction when they discover the images is often a highlight. Some are moved, sometimes to tears. That’s when you realize that your work has a real impact.
The Studio Kay atmosphere: intense, but true
“The atmosphere at Studio Kay is intense, yes, but above all collaborative. We work hard, but always in a good mood. What I like is this feeling of a real team: everyone wants the project to be successful and we support each other.
Even under pressure, there’s always a laugh, a joke, and lots of creativity. That’s what makes the results so rewarding.”
For Edward, the key to success at the studio lies in the quality of people. " We found a team that shares the same vision, the same passion, and it shows in everything we do."
A work philosophy: pleasure above all
“Enjoy what you do. We spend most of our lives at work, so we might as well love what we do. Of course, you have to pay the bills, but you also have to find pleasure in creating.”
His motto sums up well his approach : curiosity, sincerity and pleasure.
“Stay curious, keep your sense of humor and be yourself. People feel when you are real and that’s what makes the difference.”
The anecdote of the photographer who almost lost his shoe
“I remember a shoot from a helicopter, over downtown Montreal. To be free of my movements, the door had been removed. I was tied up, obviously, but caught in the excitement, I put a leg outside to fit better. And there… my shoe almost flew away!
Edward laughs again while telling this story: « One second of inattention at 200 km/h, and I was leaving with only one shoe! It was crazy but that’s what I like: every shoot brings you its share of adrenaline and memories.
The last word
Obviously, “light”. It’s the heart of everything.
But if you ask my colleagues, they will surely tell you that my favorite word is “snoot”, this little lighting accessory that I love to use to direct the light with precision.
Edward’s portfolio
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