Meet Alexandra Masihy

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

Hi Alexandra, how do you think about risk?
I believe taking risks is necessary for living a fulfilling life. Without risk, you’re often just repeating what’s already been done. Checking boxes, staying comfortable, and following other people’s definitions of success, but real fulfillment, I’ve found, comes from carving your own path. That often means doing the scary thing, the uncertain thing, the thing that doesn’t guarantee a clear outcome but feels right in your gut.

For most of my early life, I followed the path I thought I was supposed to take. I went to college, got good grades, landed an internship, and then a full-time job. I was doing everything “right” by traditional standards, and I want to acknowledge that I was also incredibly lucky to have access to education and job opportunities that not everyone gets. I’m deeply grateful for that but even with those privileges, once I got into the real world, I started to realize how disconnected I felt.

What surprised me most was how human everything was. The people in charge made mistakes. They didn’t have all the answers. And I started to question why I was trying so hard to fit into a structure that didn’t feel meaningful to me. That realization gave me permission to wonder, what if I chose a different path?

So I took a risk. I left that job and traveled for a year. I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for, but I knew I needed space to figure it out. One of my first stops was Hawaii, where I went to volunteer on a small family farm. It was only supposed to be a three-month stay, but I fell in love with the island almost instantly and that short trip turned into six months.

When I eventually returned home, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Something about the way life felt there just stuck with me. Four months later, I made the decision to move back to Hawaii, this time with the intention of building a life there.

I was drawn to the nature, the community, the slower pace. Life on the island felt better for my nervous system. I felt calmer, more myself. It was the first time I truly felt in tune with life and with my own rhythm. I wasn’t trying to control everything; I was allowing things to unfold.

That’s when I found a babysitting job for a single mom who happened to be a wedding photographer. She ran a successful business while raising three kids, and I was struck by the freedom and creativity in her life, how she was able to do work she loved while still being present for her family. That’s a lifestyle I felt deeply drawn to. A slower, more intentional way of living where I could choose where to go, what to do, and how to show up for myself and my own future family.

That was a turning point for me. I started helping her behind the scenes with shoots and planning, and she eventually gifted me my first camera. From there, I followed what felt good and natural. I didn’t have a formal plan. I just kept saying yes to what inspired me and stayed curious.

That first big leap, leaving everything familiar to figure out what mattered, completely shifted my life. It gave me the room to build a career that feels aligned with who I am. Since then, photography has taken me around the world. I’ve worked with so many amazing couples, documented love stories in beautiful places, and created a life that feels like my own.

Another risk I’ve learned to take is just being myself. In business, in creativity, in life. It can feel scary to show up as your full self, especially when things aren’t perfect. But I’ve found that’s where the real magic happens. No one has it all figured out. We’re all just doing our best. So be real. Be weird. Be honest. And don’t be afraid to rewrite the rules.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
One of the things people tell me most often is how natural they feel in front of my camera and I think that’s what really sets my work apart. I care about the energy of the moment, how my clients feel, and how I can help them see themselves in the best light. My ability to connect with people quickly and make them feel comfortable is something I truly value, and it always shows up in the final images.

I’m incredibly proud of building this business from the ground up. I didn’t have a traditional path or roadmap, I just trusted myself and stayed curious. I figured it out one step at a time, and even when it was hard, I never felt like quitting. When you’re passionate about what you do, the drive to figure it out comes naturally. That’s what’s carried me through.

The challenges have definitely been real, imposter syndrome, comparison, fear of not being enough. At times, I struggled with the constant pressure to hustle or keep up. What helped me move through those seasons was learning how to slow down. My daily yoga practice, something I first embraced while living in Hawaii, continues to keep me grounded. And my faith in God has been my foundation. I’ve leaned into that trust so many times and always found clarity, peace, and direction on the other side.

Right now, I’m in a new chapter. I recently moved back to South Florida after living in Hawaii for years. Starting over has been humbling in the best way. I’m meeting new people, reconnecting with my roots, and building my business with a renewed sense of purpose and alignment. It’s exciting and I’m so grateful.

What I want people to know is this: if you can see something different for yourself, even if it feels far away or doesn’t make total sense yet, that vision is worth listening to. That’s already the start of your next chapter. You don’t have to have all the answers. Just take the first step and trust that you’ll figure it out along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to town, we’d basically live outside all week. I’m love being in nature, so everything would revolve around the beach, sunshine, and good vibes.

We’d wake up early to catch the sunrise at the beach. Then hit a hot yoga class at The Yoga Joint to sweat, stretch, and feel amazing. After that, grab some fresh fruit at a local farmers market then straight back to the beach.

One night we’re definitely grabbing dinner at Fuji Hana in Aventura. I found it after shooting a wedding nearby and I’ve never recovered, the pad thai is sooo good. After dinner, we’d head to Lagniappe for wine, live music, and cozy backyard vibes.

Midweek, we’re hopping on a seaplane or ferry to Bimini for a couple of days. Just floating in clear water, eating fresh seafood, and living our best lives.

To wrap it all up, we’d walk the Key Biscayne bridge to catch sunset, then head to The Rusty Pelican for dinner with the best skyline view of Miami.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, support, and guidance of the people who’ve shaped my journey.

First and foremost, my parents. They trusted me enough to follow my heart, even when it meant taking an unconventional path. They sacrificed so much, putting their own dreams on hold to give my siblings and me everything we needed. They taught me what it means to work hard, to love deeply, and to believe in yourself. I owe them everything.

I also want to shout out my hanai mom, Cyndee, who welcomed me into her life in Hawaii and modeled what it looks like to live with intention. She created a life rooted in family, creativity, and presence and watching her do that with so much love and grace had a lasting impact on me.

And of course, my mentor Emily, who I consider one of the guiding lights in my life. She graciously took me under her wing and shared her knowledge so selflessly. She didn’t just teach me about photography, she taught me about leadership, trust, and what it looks like to build a life and career with purpose. I’m forever grateful for her generosity and belief in me.

I truly believe that while we each walk our own path, we are shaped by the people who walk alongside us. I’m lucky to have had such beautiful examples of love, courage, and creativity around me.

Website: https://www.alexandramasi.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-masihy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandramasihyphotos/

Yelp: https://g.page/r/CVKK32PGEBQhEAE/

Image Credits
All photos were shot by Alexandra Masihy