Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Love Santoro.
Hi Michele Love, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I moved to Atlanta, I was searching for a sense of community I never quite found in LA. Inman Park quickly felt like home—warm, walkable, and full of creatives and kind strangers. I travel often for work, so feeling grounded when I’m home matters deeply.
Starting SantoroSnaps felt like the right move: a flexible, fulfilling way to connect with people and contribute something meaningful to my new neighborhood. Atlanta has a vibrant creative scene, and I saw a need for honest, high-quality photography—not only for my fellow actor pals and their headshots, but also for my neighbors and their dating or work profiles, my friends and their growing families! I adore capturing meaningful moments and particularly, the beautiful little moments in between.
My background as a filmmaker and actor shapes everything I do behind the lens. I know how vulnerable it is to be in front of a camera, especially for headshots, there can be pressure to get it just right. I create a relaxed, collaborative space so people can show up as their authentic, best selves—not a version filtered beyond recognition, but a version that feels true and uniquely you.
Despite the constant lure of a full-time job with—gasp!—benefits, I’ve been working for myself for ten years, creating space for both artistry and sustainability. MLS Films Inc gave me my foundation; SantoroSnaps is my way of building something here, now—for my neighbors, for fellow artists, for anyone who wants to be seen and celebrated for who they are.
I truly believe everyone needs—and deserves—a great snap!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business in a city where you don’t have deep roots can be challenging. I didn’t arrive in Atlanta with a network—I built it one conversation, one coffee, or one BeltLine walk at a time.
The biggest challenge wasn’t technical—even though photography very much is—but learning to trust my eye, my experience, and my skill set, both learned and inherent. It’s been about letting go of perfectionism while constantly aiming to improve my craft.
And then there’s the reality of freelance life: inconsistent income, learning to market yourself without cringing, the tug-of-war between creative integrity and paying the bills. But over time, I’ve come to see those things not as obstacles, but as part of the gig. You get clearer on your “why.” You stop waiting for permission and just keep showing up.
Every hurdle has made me sharper, scrappier, and more connected to the people I work with. That’s the greatest reward—connecting with clients one-on-one. No one person or one day is ever the same, and I love that.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
SantoroSnaps is a photography brand built on connection, authenticity and a sprinkle of something cinematic. I specialize in both natural-light and studio-lit portraits, actor headshots, lifestyle content and corporate photography. Whether it’s a solo portrait, a couple’s session, brand content, or a moment between family members—I’m focused on capturing real people in real moments.
What sets SantoroSnaps apart is the experience. When clients walk into my studio they almost always comment on the energy of the space. I’ve created a container that feels relaxed, collaborative, and comfortable—because the best photos happen when people feel like themselves. My background in filmmaking and acting means I understand how to direct gently, capture small, truthful moments, and frame a shot through my personal and acutely sensitive lens.
I’m especially proud when people tell me it’s the first time they’ve actually enjoyed being photographed, or that a headshot finally feels like them. That’s what it’s all about—capturing people in their best light, literally and figuratively. My hope is that when people work with me, they walk away with more than just beautiful images. I want them to feel seen, celebrated, and like they’ve just created something with someone who truly cared.
Offerings include actor and professional headshots, creative and corporate portraits, lifestyle branding sessions, and special occasion/documentary-style shoots. My studio loft, with floor to ceiling windows, overlooks the East Atlanta BeltLine in Inman Park. I truly believe everyone deserves a good snap—so let’s get yours.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
You don’t have to wait to be “ready.” Start anyway. The hardest part of any new venture is often just taking that first step. I’ve had so many conversations with friends who have incredible ideas but feel paralyzed by doubt: The market is too saturated. What do I have to offer that hasn’t already been done? Impostor syndrome creeps in, and suddenly action feels impossible.
Surround yourself with people who believe in you—who cheer you on when things get tough or the voices of doubt get loud. Your community is your fuel. Be conscious of who you allow in your corner.
You don’t need thousands of followers, just a few core fans who believe in your work and shout your name from the rooftops. When you’re good at what you do and pleasant to work with, the work speaks for itself—and one job leads to your next.
Also—your style is in your story. Lean into what makes you different! I’ve come to realize my style might lean a little cinematic, a little gritty, a little romantic. Ask yourself: What makes you complicated, and how are you using your art to make sense of it? For me, that might look like being a woman who notices the micro-moments most people skip over. It might be the way I see the world—and you in it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.santorosnaps.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santorosnaps/
Image Credits
The two photos of me holding a camera were taken by Jake Paque.
All other by me.
