Inspiration for a beautiful portrait can strike anywhere – even at the local grocery store. The moment Leticia Andrade saw Desorell working at her local grocer, she could see her portrait in her mind’s eye. Because Desorell was young and shy, Leticia was cautious when she approached her. She introduced herself and her daughter, who was also on the shopping trip, and asked if she had been professionally photographed. Leticia shared all her information and offered her a free photoshoot. Desorell, who had never had portraits taken before was very excited and contacted her later that same day to book the shoot at Leticia’s natural light photography studio.

Portraits That Empower Women 

Leticia, a native of Brazil, had travelled back and forth between Brazil and the US with her famly before settling in the Atlanta area and opening her portrait studio in 2016. She’s a natural light photographer who has also studied architecture, interior design, and art history.  

Around 2013, she became interested in photographing landscapes and places, and in 2016, she went to Imaging USA. There she became inspired by photographers like Peter Hurley, Lindsay Adler, and Sue Bryce. She was particularly moved by Sue Bryce’s presentation. She says, “It gave me courage,” and it made her think, “I want to do something for women, [too].”  

The Perfect Flow 

The day of the shoot, Leticia picked up Desorell and brought her to her natural light photography studio, which is on the second floor above her friend’s doctor’s office. She told her not to worry about a thing. She had also picked up fresh roses and had set aside headbands, a few dresses, and some lengths of fabric. She says, “My goal was to photograph her in the simplest way, technically and stylistically, to allow her to be herself and feel safe.”  

When they arrived, Leticia’s makeup artist Raydeen was set up and ready to do Desorell’s hair and makeup. Everything felt peaceful and welcoming, and Desorell, though quiet, was very excited to be pampered and photographed.  

Leticia says, “The rest of the session was magical. I gave her very little direction. She moved with ease and felt so comfortable in front of the camera. Raydeen and I followed her energy, and the shoot had the perfect flow.” 

A Welcoming Space 

Leticia says, “Creating a safe and welcoming space for my clients is essential for fostering trust and allowing them to feel comfortable and appreciated during the portrait session.” She involves them in the creative process, empowering her clients to express their personalities and preferences. In this way, their photos are meaningful and authentic.  Throughout the session, Leticia provides gentle guidance and encouragement while allowing her clients to express themselves naturally, always striving to make them feel valued and respected.  

When she welcomed Desorell to her studio, Leticia was still discovering her aesthetic and style. During the shoot, she “wanted to emphasize natural light and soft tones to create a timeless and flattering look.” The results fit perfectly with her current style, which she describes as “a blend of elegance, femininity, and empowerment.” Her shoot with Desorell will always be one of her favorite shoots. 

Networking Tips for Photographers 

Leticia recently joined Nikki Closser on The Portrait System Podcast to talk about the development of her portrait business. As a longtime member of The Portrait System (since 2016 when it was called Sue Bryce Education), Leticia has been deeply influenced by Sue’s style of posing, lighting, and styling.  

In addition to talking about how she converts headshot clients into portrait clients, Leticia talks about how she found her natural light photography studio and goes into detail about the special touches she makes in her client approach that make her business uniquely her own. She also shares insight into how her ongoing commitment to networking brings her steady business – much of it from referrals. Here’s how Leticia Andrade networks by staying active in her community. 

1. Helping out with local nonprofits, including silent auctions. This is a great way to build one-on-one relationships with people. 

2. Attending events her audience goes to. Leticia loves to go to events where entrepreneurs, coaches and artists congregate. She loves meeting new people and learning about them. 

3. 1 Million Cups. These weekly coffee meetings for entrepreneurs are put on by a networking group started by the Kaufman Foundation.  

4. She also attends a group for businesswomen in her county and Chamber of Commerce events. 

Leticia says she has never regretted going to one of these meetings or events, even if she felt tired and had to drag herself there. Networking doesn’t bring you clients over night, but making community connections is undoubtedly fruitful for the longterm. 

Hear Leticia Andrade on The Portrait System Podcast. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.