Hidden Gems: Meet Sergio Queiroz Santos of SQSPhotography LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sergio Queiroz Santos.

Hi Sergio, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The story of SQSPhotography is a journey of transition—a path that winds from the vibrant landscapes of Brazil to the bustling streets of New York City, and eventually to the heart of Marietta, Georgia. It is a narrative built on the philosophy that a camera shouldn’t just capture a face, but the character and story behind it.

It began in Bahia, Brazil, with founder Sergio Queiroz Santos. Growing up in the cultural heart of the country, Sergio developed an eye for color and light at a young age, turning a childhood hobby into a lifelong passion for capturing the world around him. However, the true professional transformation occurred in 2005 when he moved to New York City. Over the next fifteen years, Sergio honed his craft in one of the most competitive markets on earth. It was here that SQSPhotography was forged, shifting from general photography to a specialized focus on professional headshots and corporate branding. This era taught Sergio that a great portrait isn’t just about technical settings; it’s about the psychology of the person in front of the lens.

In 2020, SQSPhotography made a significant move from the skyscrapers of New York to the community-driven atmosphere of Marietta, Georgia. Despite the change in geography, Sergio maintained the same meticulous, high-end approach he developed in NYC. By late 2021, he officially opened a physical studio in Marietta, marking a new chapter of growth. Today, the studio is recognized as a leader in the region, with Sergio being named Member of the Year by the Marietta Business Association in 2023 and recently recognized as Best in Georgia in 2025.

The SQSPhotography of today acts as a strategic partner for professionals. The focus remains on a “relaxed” experience, where Sergio uses his trademark humor to remove the awkwardness of being photographed, ensuring the final image is both polished and authentic. From those early days in Bahia to a premier studio in Georgia, the mission has remained the same: providing a visual presence that builds immediate trust and authority for every client who walks through the door.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say struggles but lot’s of pivoting! LOL!

We’ve been impressed with SQSPhotography LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At its core, SQSPhotography is a specialized studio that moves beyond traditional portraiture to act as a strategic partner for professionals, entrepreneurs, and corporate teams. While many photographers juggle various genres, Sergio Queiroz Santos has dedicated his craft specifically to the art of professional headshots and personal branding. The studio is best known for creating high-impact visual stories that help clients establish immediate authority in their fields. Whether it is an individual executive looking for a career-defining portrait or a large company requiring cohesive staff photos for a team of dozens, SQSPhotography specializes in crafting images that look both polished and approachable.

What truly sets the studio apart is a unique blend of high-end technical precision and a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere. Having spent 15 years in the intense New York City market, Sergio brings a meticulous, “NYC-standard” level of retouching and lighting to Marietta. However, he balances this technical rigor with an “anti-awkward” philosophy. Recognizing that most people feel uncomfortable in front of a lens, he uses humor and specialized expression coaching to break the ice, ensuring that the final images capture a genuine personality rather than a stiff, forced smile. This consultative approach—where wardrobe, lighting, and body language are all aligned with a client’s specific professional goals—ensures a result that a standard retail studio simply cannot replicate.

Ultimately, SQSPhotography wants readers to understand that in a digital-first world, your image is your brand. The studio’s offerings are designed to be transparent and flexible, allowing clients to invest in a session and then select only the images they truly love. Whether working in their Marietta studio or traveling on-site to a corporate office to minimize disruption, the goal remains the same: to provide premium, storytelling imagery that turns a simple first impression into a lasting professional advantage.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Being Human and understanding the humans in front of my camera.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sqsphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sqsphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sqsphotography
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sqsphotography/

Image Credits
For my image: Gary Hughes

For my portfolio: Sergio Queiroz Santos