Hi! :)

I'm MC, AKA Maria Clara Dantas. I’m a dedicated Visual Arts Educator specializing in Photography and Filmmaking, with over 11 years of professional experience and 9 years in teaching - having worked in Brazil, USA, UK and Japan.

During this time I have gained experience in both teaching and producing film/photography. I’ve accepted prizes for my work; held a solo Exhibition; and was featured in magazines. I’ve received my BA in Cinema Arts & Science at Columbia College Chicago (Magna Cum Laude), and my MA in Art Business at Kingston University in London (with Distinction).

My passion is helping students uncover their creative voices through accessible, engaging, and personalized education.

Work with me

Have an upcoming project? I'd love to collaborate with you! 

Get in touch with me using my contact form to discuss rates, scheduling and more.

Co-founder and Professor

{Crisálida Photography School | Mar 2021 - present}

- Developed comprehensive online courses in photography, visual storytelling, and creative exploration;
- Spearheaded social media strategies, boosting student engagement and expanding online presence through creative content and marketing initiatives;
- Managed all aspects of course development, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring content is accessible and impactful for diverse learners;
- Facilitated personalized mentorship programs, guiding students in developing their artistic voices through practical projects and constructive feedback.

Skills: Social Media Marketing · Social Media · Art Education · Image Manipulation · Video Editing · Distance Learning · Photography · Online Teaching · Teaching · Communication

Photography BA (Hons) Lecturer

{University Centre at Blackburn College (Blackburn, UK) | Jan 23 - Aug 23}

- Led the redesign of the BA Photography program, creating a more streamlined and functional curriculum tailored to current industry needs;
- Conducted engaging lectures and hands-on workshops that emphasized visual storytelling, technical skills, and artistic expression;
- Developed assessment materials and provided individualized feedback to enhance student performance and foster creativity;
- Built strong relationships with students and faculty, creating a supportive and collaborative educational environment that prioritized student growth and innovation.

Skills: Art Education · Image Manipulation · Video Editing · Photography · Communication

Video Editor

{JellySmack Studios Jan22 - Nov23}

- Adapted video content through diverse platforms, specializing in optimizing videos for social media algorithms (YouTube and Facebook);
- Collaborated with content creators from various fields (food, beauty, sports) to produce engaging visual narratives that resonate with target audiences;
- Improved video engagement metrics by tailoring editing styles to the preferences and expectations of different social media demographics.

Skills: Social Media Marketing · Social Media · Image Manipulation · Video Editing · Communication

Freelance Filmmaker/Photographer

{Sep 2017 - present}

- Provided end-to-end photo/video production services, from concept development to post-production, for a diverse range of clients across multiple industries;
- Specialized in creating visually compelling narratives that aligned with client goals and audience expectations;
- Adapted creative approaches to suit various project requirements, ensuring a high standard of quality and client satisfaction.

Skills: Social Media Marketing · Social Media · Image Manipulation · Video Editing · Photography · Communication

Teacher of Filmmaking with Smartphones

{Instituto Candela (Recife, Brazil) Aug17-Sep17}

- Designed and executed a full curriculum focused on filmmaking basics, including camera operation, composition, lighting, and editing;
- Delivered dynamic, hands-on classes that emphasized practical skills and creative storytelling, leading to significant student improvements within a short timeframe;
- Created tailored instructional materials to meet the needs of diverse learners, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Skills: Art Education · Video Editing · Photography · Teaching · Communication

Teacher of Analog Photography

{Instituto Candela (Recife, Brazil) Jan16-Sep16}

- Taught foundational courses in analog photography, including film processing, darkroom techniques, and photographic composition;
- Encouraged experimental approaches to photography, allowing students to explore creative expression through hands-on projects;
- Provided mentorship and support, enabling students to develop technical skills and artistic confidence in their photographic work.

Skills: Art Education · Image Manipulation · Photography · Teaching · Communication

Video Production and Assistant Lecturer

{Instituto Candela (Recife, Brazil) 2015-2017}

- Led video production projects, balancing creative freedom with institutional guidelines to produce engaging promotional and educational materials;
- Collaborated with the course leader to revamp the photography curriculum, analyzing structure and schedules to improve program functionality;
- Provided mentorship and additional classes to students, fostering artistic growth and confidence in their storytelling abilities;
- Supported institutional operations by managing content creation for social media and maintaining the equipment inventory.

Skills: Social Media · Art Education · Video Editing · Photography · Teaching · Communication

Filmmaker

{HealthyTOKYO (Tokyo, Japan) July 2019}

- Produced high-quality video content tailored to the company’s branding and messaging strategies.
- Worked closely with client and team to conceptualize and deliver video projects that effectively communicated their vision and objectives.
- Ensured smooth execution of all stages of production, from planning to post-production, maintaining quality standards.

Skills: Social Media Marketing · Video Editing · Communication

Editing Assistant

{Cutters Studios (Tokyo, Japan) June 2019}

- Assisted senior editors in preparing pitch edits and creating engaging visual materials for high-profile client presentations;
- Gained valuable insights into the creative and collaborative process of professional video editing in a fast-paced studio environment;
- Supported client meetings and provided technical assistance to ensure smooth communication and project alignment.

Skills: Video Editing · Communication

Photographer

Scientists for Tomorrow (Chicago, USA) Fev15-Aug15

- Documented classroom activities, conferences, and special events, including the STEAM Conference and educational field trips;
- Edited and prepared photographs for promotional use across the organization’s website and social media platforms;
- Collaborated with event organizers and educators to create visually compelling imagery that highlighted the organization’s educational impact.

Skills: Photography · Communication

MA in Art Business

Kingston University | 2021 - 2022

• Full-time Masters course in London, UK;
  
• Graduated with Distinction;
• Having a research base, this MA demanded the research, analysis and evaluation of data and report writing, especially for its major project

Skills: Communication · Art Education

BA in Cinema, Arts and Science

Columbia College Chicago | 2015 - 2021

• Magna Cum Laude (with high honors);

• Five consecutive semesters with 4.0 GPA;

• Presidential Scholarship for portfolio excellence and achievement.

Skills: Photography · Communication · Image Manipulation · Video Editing