Lifestyle

With the help of his awe-inspiring and endearing photography, Gabriel Maia has emerged as one of the top photographers.

Published

4 years ago

August 20, 2020

His passion for photography has transformed him into one of the leaders in the vast industry.

All worlds is an art, that’s what people say, but to see and understand this, one also needs artistic eyes. For some people they find the art in anything and everything they see around them, in people, places, nature, etc. but some others have the potential to create art out of anything and everything. Such artistic eyes and a heart are rarely found today in the much competitive environment across all industries. The world of photography is no different. It has given birth to many photographers, but only a few have the ability and the potential to create art and weave around a story beautifully for each of their images captured. One such artistic photographer we came across is Gabriel Maia, who since an early age always had a knack for photography and gradually developed his career into the same, becoming one of the leaders in the industry.

Born in 1961 in Brazil, since his childhood, photography always attracted Maia. As he turned 17, he even purchased his first more advanced camera of that time – an Olympus OM-2. He started shooting football games at high school and also nature and national parks. With this, he had thousands of negatives captured with this camera. However, he loved to shoot at the Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Maia started using digital camera quite early when they were more expensive and had no decent quality. However, his skills in photography improved and he got serious about the art using Cannon and then Fuji cameras.

Art gets transformed into children easily, especially when they have a parent with artistic abilities and potentials. Same happened with Bruno and Rosiane, children of Maia, who learned to love photography. After spending some great time with her father capturing people and places, Rosiane later even became Maia’s model. In her teens, she would observe professional models and learn the art of posing. Today, Maia has about 1 million photographs in his lightroom portfolio. His daughter not only learnt the art in front of the camera but also behind it, where she learnt how to capture shots as well.

Although Maia and Rosiane have travelled to some of the best and the most exotic locations and have captured beautiful images while travelling, still they find Iceland and Indonesia to be the best and the most photogenic places.

The father-daughter duo even got their shot images approved by Photo Vogue Italia. It isn’t easy to get approved for portfolios to get approved by Vogue Italia editors, but Maia and Rosiane started by initially analyzing approved Vogue Italia portfolios and planned photoshoots to apply. They had planned a photo expedition in Indonesia, purchased the appropriate props and captured thousands of images on that trip. Maia edited the images after returning home and submitted them to Vogue Italia. His photography talent was identified and they got approved. They have today multiple of those shots and images at Photo Vogue Italia and Art + Commerce. His collection includes a variety of people’s portraits and also indulges in capturing most scenic and travel places.

Maia confesses that he never shoots in a studio, for him nothing beats a natural environment. Also, most of his city portraits have been successful and amongst the most appreciated shots.

With spending so many years into the world of photography, and learning through the process till today, has catapulted Maia as a successful and sought-after photographer.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.