Meet Andrew Werner

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew Werner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Andrew, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

Optimism, for me, is rooted in both legacy and perspective. Both sides of my family, going back generations, were entrepreneurs who built businesses from the ground up. They relied on ambition, resourcefulness, and resilience to succeed, often against significant odds. Growing up in that environment, I learned that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones. Watching my family turn ideas into thriving ventures instilled in me a deep belief in the power of persistence and creativity. That entrepreneurial spirit has been a guiding light in my own career, reminding me that success comes from seeing possibilities where others might see limitations.

As a photographer, that mindset fuels my work. Every image I create is an act of optimism, capturing not just what is but what could be—the emotion, the connection, the untold story waiting to be uncovered. Linked to my heritage, I’ve faced moments of uncertainty, particularly in the early days of my career—and, to be transparent, even in the past half-decade with the rise of technology and AI. However, the habit of reframing obstacles as opportunities and refocusing has become second nature. Photography has taught me to embrace imperfection, adapt to the unexpected, and find beauty in the smallest details.

That same spirit of optimism inspired me not only to build my photography business but also to create Fleur’d Pins, my line of lapel flowers. They are more than just beautiful boutonnieres or accessories — when someone wears a Fleur, or a cluster of Fleurs, it makes them feel special, confident, and seen. There’s a spark of pride and positivity that’s contagious.

Whether through a photograph or a carefully handcrafted floral pin, my work is about highlighting the beauty around us and helping people carry a little optimism with them. That sense of joy, both in what I create and what I capture, keeps me motivated and hopeful every day, connecting me to the people and moments I have the privilege of documenting.

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

I’ve always been drawn to the power of communication, and photography has become my way of conveying emotion—capturing moments and connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. Based in New York City, I’ve been fortunate to work across a wide range of genres, from celebrity packed events and red carpets to high jewelry, fashion editorials to family portraits, commercial and hotel interiors to food and beverage with up-and-coming restaurants. What excites me most is each project brings its own unique energy and challenges, but what excites me most is the opportunity to connect with people and highlight the beauty in their stories; preserved in a single frame.

Initially, I never sought out to become a photographer, it’s naturally evolved into the transformative force, purpose and incredible journey it is today. While studying musical theater at the University at Buffalo, I discovered my knack for connecting with people and my passion for capturing moments that resonated with them. Post-graduation, photographing the NYC nightlife scene opened doors to the city’s vibrant social world, leading to red carpets, galas, and relationships with incredible friends and clients who’ve shaped me as both a person and a photographer.

In 2014, preparing to photograph a black-tie gala at Cipriani, I couldn’t find a lapel pin on the market that spoke to my vision or standard. Anything I came across was plastic masquerading as fabric, mass produced overseas. So, I made one myself — a bold red flower crafted from painted burlap. That single piece sparked interest and soon became the foundation of Fleur’d Pins.
Fleur’d Pins is a line of fashion-forward, luxury lapel flowers that are handcrafted in New York City. Ranging from the most opulent fabrics to leathers & suede, these striking boutonnières are symbols of success & sophistication – propelling the lineage of the boutonnière into the 21st century, for everyone. But these pieces go beyond mere style—they embody confidence, individuality, and joy. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone light up when they wear one; it’s as fulfilling as capturing the perfect shot with my camera.
Both my photography and Fleur’d Pins share a deeply personal mission: to make people feel special, seen, and celebrated.

This year, I plan to expand the next phase of my series Places Without Faces, a passion project born during the Spring of 2020—a time when the world was at a standstill. This series, which captures New York City at its most vulnerable moment, became a journey of self-discovery and beauty. It’s incredible to see how much it resonates with people. It is the ultimate VIP pass to explore the magic of Manhattan, unobstructed. It invites everyone to experience the city’s glories and stories, just as I’ve been privileged to do through my lens.

Building something that connects with others, whether through photography or Fleur’d Pins, is incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to continue this journey and see where it leads next!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to build connections.

Curiosity has driven my passion to explore different facets of photography and expand my skill set. It’s what led me to experiment with various genres, from events to fashion and portraits to interiors. For anyone just starting out, I’d advise embracing that curiosity — don’t be afraid to try new things, take risks, and learn from every experience.

Adaptability has also been crucial. The creative industry, especially photography, is constantly evolving, and being able to pivot when necessary has helped me stay relevant and grow as an artist. I’ve learned to adapt to new technologies, trends, and even different client needs. I suggest to focus on developing a flexible mindset. Be open to learning new techniques, embracing change, and understanding that the journey may not always be linear – in fact, it rarely is. And sometimes, the best part, the most exciting part, is being on an unknown path of adventure.

Finally, the ability to build and nurture relationships has been key. Whether it’s with clients, collaborators, or mentors, connections are vital in this industry. Early on, I focused on establishing trust and maintaining strong communication with those I worked with, which has been invaluable. My advice here would be to invest time in networking and cultivating genuine relationships, because in any creative field, people are often just as important as the work itself.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that it’s okay to take a step back and reset. In a world that’s constantly pushing for more and there’s constant pressure to keep up, I’ve learned the power of pausing and finding my center. One of the most powerful strategies I rely on is leaning into the community and relationships I’ve built. Surrounding myself with people who uplift and support each other reinforces that we’re all on our own unique path. Comparison? It’s human nature but I’ve learned to refocus it from a negative connotation to a positive. It’s not about measuring up to others — it’s about standing out for who we are and what we want to be. Healthy competition fuels progress, but what truly matters is recognizing and celebrating our individuality.

In those moments when everything feels heavy, I remind myself that my differences are my greatest asset. What makes me unique is exactly what others notice—the lasting impression left after a portrait session, the excitement when event photos come back stunning, or that feeling of confidence when compliments roll in. These emotions have the power to shift someone’s perspective or even change their day. Confidence isn’t just about showing up—it can ignite change in others, too. When we embrace our individuality, we not only strengthen ourselves, but we also become a spark for growth in those around us.

So, here’s my advice: Own who you are, unapologetically. Surround yourself with a community of people who lift each other up. Let healthy competition inspire you, but never forget that it’s your differences that make you stand out. Take pride in them—they’re your greatest strength. And when things get overwhelming, remember: you’ve got everything you need to push through, and you don’t have to do it alone

Contact Info:

Image Credits

photos courtesy of Andrew Werner

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your