Meet Svanna Andrada

We were lucky to catch up with Svanna Andrada recently and have shared our conversation below.

Svanna, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

my Papa, Jerry. He was a huge influence on my dad’s life. He never complained about early mornings or the brutal commute—sometimes three to four hours into the Bay Area. He took the role of provider seriously and carried it with pride. He provided for his family without resentment and went above and beyond, stepping fully into the role of father for my mother, who wasn’t his biological daughter but became his the moment he met her.

My dad watched that example closely. He already had a strong work ethic and a natural sense of hustle, but when he had a family to care for—four kids to feed—that influence from Papa became instrumental in shaping him into a provider too. Growing up, I watched my dad destroy his body for his work—broken bones, countless injuries, even electrocuting himself more times than I can count—all in the name of providing and showing me what real hard work looks like.

And then there’s my parents’ resilience. Both my mom and dad are incredibly stubborn in the best way. They had a tumultuous relationship—one that many people today would have walked away from—but they chose to work through hardship, addiction, and generational trauma together. That same “we will not fail at this” mentality was passed down to me.

Because of that, I don’t really believe in failure. I believe in learning. I don’t see difficulty as something that weighs me down or causes stress. Honestly, I get excited when things are hard. Hard means growth. It means I get to think, problem-solve, experiment, and push past my limits into something new.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I specialize in wedding and elopement photography, but at the core of my work is storytelling. I document every stage of life. Many of my couples first find me for engagement photos, then their wedding day, and now—years later—I’m photographing their pregnancies and the families they’re building. Being trusted to walk alongside people through so many seasons of life is something I don’t take lightly.

This work is deeply personal and incredibly connected. The best part of my job is documenting milestones and rooting for the couples and individuals I photograph. Every day, I’m invited into someone’s life and given a front-row seat to some of the most meaningful moments they’ll ever experience.

My brand is built on authenticity and the importance of a moment. I’m heavily inspired by film photography and the belief that photographs aren’t just pictures we take—they’re pictures we make. As photographers, we work with time, light, and most importantly, memory. My goal is to create images that feel timeless—images that can transport someone back to exactly how it felt to be there.

Professionally, I’m focused on refining my craft, elevating the client experience, and expanding my offerings in ways that stay true to my heart. I’ve been developing more film-forward and cinematic options for couples who truly value storytelling over trends.

At the core of everything I do is a simple belief: the most meaningful moments are often the quiet, ordinary ones—and they’re worth remembering exactly as they were. Because one day, that simple photograph may be the only thing that ties you back to now.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three things have had the biggest impact on my journey.

First, learning film photography. I joke that I’m a film photographer forced to live in a digital world—but the truth is, I appreciate the ease of digital. That said, I genuinely believe photographers should learn film before relying on digital. There’s something powerful about learning the old method first. Film forces intention. You’re limited—often to just 36 frames—to tell a complete story. That limitation trains your eye, sharpens your instincts, and teaches you to slow down and really see before you press the shutter. Once you understand that, digital becomes a tool—not a crutch.

Second, loving people. This work only works if you actually care about the humans in front of your lens. The reason I do this is because I love people and I love getting to know them. Connection creates trust, and trust creates honest photographs. You can learn all the technical skills in the world, but if you don’t care about people, it will show in your work.

Third, shooting constantly—on purpose. Not just when you’re being paid. Go shoot every day. Photograph everything. Grab a friend and tell a story about something as simple as going to get a cup of coffee. Look for unique ways to document ordinary moments. This is how you develop your voice. Repetition builds confidence, and curiosity builds style.

For anyone early in their journey: slow down, be intentional, care deeply about the people you’re photographing, and don’t wait for permission to create. The work gets better when you show up consistently and treat even the smallest moments like they matter—because they do.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed or stress there are two things I do. The first thing is get a hug from my husband and my daughter because they calm my soul. The second, I move my body. Working out is my reset — it clears my head, burns off stress, and helps me step out of overthinking mode and puts me back into my body. It grounds me and reminds me that I am capable, disciplines, and in control of how I respond to pressure around me. As a kickboxer, stepping onto the mat allows me to fully focus on myself, everything else fades away and it’s just me and my own effort.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://svannaandradaphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svanna.andrada/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090768267858&mibextid=LQQJ4d