Rising Stars: Meet Maria Puma Perme

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Puma Perme.

Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I became interested in photography as a teenager. My best friend and I would head out to the woods or a small town main street and find interesting people, places and things to photo capture. Back in the day, I worked with a Pentax and Minolta camera and film, learning the in’s and outs of lighting and composition through trial and error…taking pics of everyone and everything that brought interest to me. My favorite things to photograph were and still are to this day, nature shots, especially macro. The details and beauty of a drop of water on a leaf intrigue me.

I loved working with film for the sheer raw, unedited beauty only film can bring. There is something about the ‘feel’ of film, especially when working in black and white. Learning to develop film in high school was a highlight and a huge eye opener to details and process. Shooting with film is present moment….what you see is what you get.

I dabbled in and out of photography throughout the last 20 years, mostly taking pics of family events and unusual places when on vacations. Life happens….things change, my priorities shifted. I put my camera on the back burner…..It wasn’t until roughly 7 years ago that I picked it back up after running into a fellow photographer at a Blues Show. From that day forward, I again shifted. I picked my Canon back up.

Fast forward to now, I’m in love with capturing moments in time, whether it be a sunset, macro or portrait. Photography is a creative outlet of story telling.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Obstacles and Challenges…life happens and priorities shift. I feel that it is important to continue the creative process or outlet, whether it is photography, crafting, jewelry making, etc., whatever the passion.

For me, when challenges arise in life, the passion or the creative outlet is a way to move through the obstacle or challenge. It is a way to ‘dump’ or process the feelings that I am experiencing and moving through. These challenges can be internal about how I think about the quality of my work, personal challenges, etc. I’ve noticed that when I don’t create, I am not as fulfilled or happy in my life. Something is missing. Eventually, I come back around to picking up the camera and re-creating myself or my work. It’s important to honor the down time and re-new the Self so that the Self can regenerate and recharge. Then I can begin to create again, with a fresh, clean slate.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
There are 2 main categories of work I revel in and love: wellness and photography. The Wellness category is inclusive of many things and my specialities of expertise are yoga, meditation, movement, body work, and energy work. I am a certified 500HR-EYT, and a Shamanic Reiki Master, former yoga studio owner, reflexologist, Lomi Lomi Practitioner, and Thai massage bodyworker. I enjoy working with people that are curious and passionate about self healing and empowering themselves. My background as a sales rep in in the natural and organic retail industry supports my understanding of and the importance of living a holistic lifestyle.

Wellness: I specialize in holistic health and working with people whether it be through individual coaching or in group settings. I am known for my robust and welcoming personality, and motivating and inspiring others.

I am most proud of my former business, Puma Yoga. The studio opened August 2008 during one of the downtimes in our economy and prospered until I sold it in 2019. During that time, I launched a Yoga Teacher Training program in 2013 which ran through 2019. Over 40 people went through the training. It was amazing to see the transitions and shifts a movement practice made in people’s lives.

Photography: I am most proud of my ability to ‘see’ and connect with the subject I am photographing, whether it be people, plants, animals, buildings, etc. I have a keen eye for composition and love natural lighting. I am most proud of my ability to connect with others on many levels.

What sets me apart from others? My ability to listen, a flexible and open mindset, to empathize, to welcome in diversity, to meet people where they are at. I truly love learning about people and cultures.

All of these attributes fed into the photography category….and help me to be a better photographer.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
There are several characteristics that have contributed to my success. Listening: crucial when it comes to working with people. You’ve got to get out of your own way. Integrity: doing what you say you’re going to do. Compassion and empathy: listening, and going the extra mile to understand. Flexibility: being able to meet people where they are at.

Contact Info:

• Email: mpumapermeyoga@gmail.com
• Website: www.mariapumaperme.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpumapermephotographs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/M-Puma-Perme-Photographs-110306714559891 

Image Credits
mpumapermephotographs