Meet Jeilys Santander | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeilys Santander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeilys, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m Cuban, and I thank my parents every single day for the sacrifices they made to bring our family to this country. Coming here at a young age opened so many doors for me. My parents have always been incredibly hardworking, and watching them taught me to keep pushing forward—no matter what—in order to reach my goals. That work ethic runs deep in me now, especially as a mom, a business owner, and someone who pours her whole heart into everything she does.

I think my love for color and greenery in my work comes from missing my childhood in Cuba.
My grandparents had a farm, and I spent so much of my time there. I still miss the natural curves of the land, the greeneries, the chickens and pigs running around! There’s a certain peace and beauty in those memories that I subconsciously pour into my art today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a portrait photographer! I capture couples in love and every season that follows after. My work is very candid and natural, I focus in capturing my couples and families as they are. My goal is to always let our sessions feel like another date.

What sets my work apart is my ability to connect with my clients. There are so many amazing photographers out there with gorgeous work. I choose to focus entirely on my clients being seen, loved, and celebrated. I think it’s fascinating that every single person carries an entire story of their own so being trusted to tell it in an artistic and meaningful way has been an honor. My editing style is natural but better! I love color and I’m naturally drawn to nature.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve built this business while also being a mom, a wife, and a full-time professional in a completely different career field. It hasn’t been easy, and I’ve had to grow slowly — learning to give myself grace, learning from my mistakes, and taking it one day at a time. But I think that’s also what makes this journey so special. Because when I show up for my clients, I really see them. I understand what it took to get there. And I don’t take it for granted.

I want the world to know that this is more than photography to me. My art serves as a reminder that life needs moments where we slow down and enjoy every single minute we have with our loved ones and accomplishments. It’s meant to be felt and remembered. That’s a gift I never stop being grateful to offer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh!! How exciting.

We would for sure start our day at Novela Social Cafe! Their Novela Breakfast and Mocha is a must! They have the most beautiful outside seating, perfect to catch up. After we’d head over to South Pointe, rent some bikes and tour Miami Beach and spend some time on the beach reading. We’d finish our night at Bachour in Coral Gables. Their food is incredible and the desserts are out of this world! We would spend the rest of the week exploring the Wynwood walls, grabbing a drink at The Sylvester, having a picnic at Deering Estate, or enjoying live music at Lagniappe. Miami has so much variety!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Haha! I am laughing reading this question as my husband stares me down across the room. He is 100% right. While I have always loved the art of photography, it was my husband Julio who pushed me to officially open my business. He believed in me long before the idea of even owning a business manifested! Funny enough, we happened to meet in photography class of all things when we were both in High School. It’s funny how things come around in full circles! Apart from my husband I am also so grateful to my parents who are kind enough to care for my toddler whenever I’m serving clients! I’m blessed to have them spoiling my son when I’m not around. I also thank greatly two special ladies and fellow photographers who have given me a safe space and community for everything mom and photography related.

Website: https://www.jeisantander.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeilyssantanderphoto