We are so excited to be shining our photographer spotlight on Alexis of Buatti-Ramos Photography. Based out of Long Island, New York, Alexis primarily photographs families, theater productions for young audiences, headshots and special events. The staff photographer and graphic designer for The New Victory Theater in Times Square for over 10 years, she has a passion for working with nonprofits that serve children. Notable clients include The Gold Hope Project, Trusty Sidekick Theater Company, Spellbound Theatre, Bluelaces Theater Company, Beautiful Together and Kids Run Long Island. Alexis has continued to hone her craft by studying with world-renowned photographers Tamara Lackey and Peter Hurley, and of course, with everyday practice! A people person and a people photographer, Alexis considers her work a collaborative process between herself and her clients to create images that showcase energy, connection and emotion. Her photography has been featured in The New York Times, Rangefinder Magazine, TYA Today, American Theater and numerous family publications.
How would you describe your photography? I would describe my images as emotive, vibrant and playful. I’m happy to say that since I started photographing professionally about a decade ago, my photography style has evolved to truly reflect my personality.
What made you want to join The Gold Hope Project as a volunteer? I would like to think that there comes a point in every creative person’s life when they start searching for ways to give back using their skills and talent. In 2014, I started a search to find ways to give back using photography. I knew that I wanted to help kids in someway and found many organizations to donate money to. However, there was only one that was utilizing the talents of photographers around the nation and that was The Gold Hope Project! Right off the bat I knew it was going to be a great fit!
What is your favorite thing about being a Gold Hope photographer? It’s hard to choose just one thing and my answer changes based on the situation. When a child is currently going through chemo or radiation, my favorite thing is getting to know that child and interact and play with them. For a few hours during our session they can feel like a kid on a playdate rather than a patient. When I’m working with a family where their child is a survivor of pediatric cancer my favorite thing is being able to celebrate how awesome they are with their whole family! And if I am ever paired with a family who may only have a few years, months or even weeks left with their child my favorite thing would be knowing that these images will mean more to them than they could have ever imagined.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life? I’ve become more aware, not only of how AMAZING kids are but of the community that has been built around finding a cure for pediatric cancer. Everyone has their own hardships and it’s natural to be unaware of hardships that others are faced with until it affects someone in your own life. Working with children with cancer has opened my eyes to the devastating statistics that come with pediatric cancers, the numerous types of pediatric cancers and the many many ways we can help find a cure!
What is one thing you hope the families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience? I would say exactly that, an experience. Many people feel that having photographs taken is about the end result, the printed product. Yes, of course that is correct but it’s also about so much more. In all my sessions, including those I photograph for The Gold Hope Project, I hope that families get to walk away having had an experience that they will remember for a long time, and then an even longer time after that thanks, in part, to the photographs I’ve created for them. Family bonding happens when they are laughing, playing and just being together, which creates inside jokes, strengthens relationships and inspires creativity.
Be sure to follow Alexis online!
Buatti-Ramos Photography | Facebook | Instagram
A big thank you to Alexis for choosing to give back with us. Want to follow her lead? Apply to be a volunteer photographer here.