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

Hi Margherita, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Photography has always been my passion. From a young age, I gravitated towards both digital and film cameras. After college, I decided to pursue it full-time. My journey began in 2012 with my first camera, and I haven’t stopped shooting since. In 2020, I joined a studio, which was an incredible opportunity to learn firsthand about studio photography. It expanded my skills and portfolio significantly. Soon after, I felt empowered to launch my own photography business. Creating a specific atmosphere and capturing my subjects’ essence through my lens is what truly drives me. I’m incredibly fortunate to call this my job.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Surrounded by artists, singers, musicians, and actors at my performing arts high school, I was exposed to a vibrant, creative community at a young age. Capturing their talent sparked my passion for photography and honed my eye for detail. I relentlessly practiced photographing my friends until I felt confident enough to showcase my work on a public website. This led me to join a photography studio, connect with a photography community, and ultimately build a client base that allowed me to pursue photography full-time.

Word-of-mouth recommendations have been instrumental in growing my business. From the very beginning, I focused on creating a seamless and welcoming experience for every client, from communication to photo delivery. This dedication resulted in a steady stream of client referrals. By prioritizing each client’s experience and adopting a friendly, genuine approach, I was able to attract my ideal audience.

Starting and running my own business has definitely been challenging. It can be isolating, daunting, and downright exhausting at times. However, I’ve learned effective time management to prevent burnout and ensure I continue to enjoy the work. Allowing myself downtime is crucial for maintaining my creativity and bringing my best to every project.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a full-time photographer is to conquer self-doubt. It’s easy to be your worst critic, especially in such a creative field where every shot must meet your high standards. However, reminding myself of my initial passion and the journey that led me here helps me overcome these moments of insecurity.

If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say: Never forget where you started and what you began shooting with. Look how much you’ve accomplished with so little. Keep experimenting and never stop learning.

My photography brand is built on a deep commitment to capturing moments rich with emotion and depth. Through my images, I strive to reveal the unique beauty of every subject. This applies to everyone who steps in front of my lens. Capturing the inherent beauty in all of us and empowering people to see their own is incredibly fulfilling and the essence of why I love what I do. My brand is about creating a comfortable space for my subjects to embrace their authentic selves and recognize their inherent beauty.

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.
I absolutely adore New York City, and its energy never ceases to amaze me. The diversity of the people here is truly inspiring. If a friend were visiting (which happens often!), I’d plan a fun-filled itinerary: thrifting in Brooklyn, exploring Chelsea, attending a musical, grabbing drinks at the Panorama Room, indulging in cannolis from Settepani Bakery, and capping it off with a movie night at a dine-in theater. There’s nothing quite like a Friday night in NYC!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A massive shoutout to my incredible clients and subjects who trust me daily to capture their unique beauty.

Website: www.margheritaandreani.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/imacheesecake

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

Image Credits
Models: Keanna Faulkner, Edwina Ray, Phairy, Brenna Gates, Giulia Zurlo, and Gabrielle Hamilton.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.