Meet Zsuzsi Steiner

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zsuzsi Steiner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zsuzsi below.

Zsuzsi, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from the deepest places of love, loss, and gratitude. I’m a mom of three boys—one in heaven and two here with me on earth. That reality has shaped the way I see life. I know how fragile and precious each day is, which is why I do my best to live each moment to its fullest.

Losing a child changed me forever, but it also opened my eyes to the beauty in the everyday. I don’t take things for granted. I’m so thankful for my marriage, our home, and the family we’ve built. I try to stay rooted in the present, holding on to joy even in the middle of heartache.

My optimism isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about choosing hope, choosing love, and choosing to see the good. I honor my son in heaven by living fully for the two boys I get to hold, and by embracing the adventure of life with a grateful heart.

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

People often ask me how I manage to do it all—and the truth is, I don’t see it as “managing.” I see it as living my dream. I’m a photographer with many talents and passions, and I’ve built a career that allows me to do what I love in many different spaces, with all kinds of people.

I photograph everything from school fall portraits to sports, events, marketing campaigns, and social media content. Each project has its own rhythm, and I genuinely love the variety. I enjoy walking into a classroom and capturing a student’s real smile just as much as I enjoy the energy of a live game or the polished creativity needed for marketing shoots. Every job brings a new story to tell, and I get to tell it through my lens.

Alongside my school and event work, I run a thriving family photography business. It’s deeply meaningful to me to document the love, joy, and connection between families—those are the moments that matter most, and being trusted to preserve them is something I never take for granted.

I also freelance for Loyola Marymount University, where I’m part of visual storytelling for a campus full of energy, purpose, and growth. I photograph for the local LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce too, covering events like the Westchester 4th of July Parade and various community gatherings. It’s such a privilege to capture the spirit of a place I care about and call home.

Yes—I’m busy. But I love it. I thrive on the pace, the creativity, and the connection with people from all walks of life. Being behind the camera has given me not just a career, but a purpose. I get to freeze moments in time that people will treasure forever. And there’s nothing I’d rather be doing.

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

I believe the three most important qualities to have as a photographer are time management, organization, and the ability to truly listen and connect with all kinds of people. Time management is essential—whether I’m juggling multiple shoots in a day or meeting tight deadlines, being able to stay on schedule keeps everything running smoothly. Organization is just as critical, from planning shoots to managing files and client communication. But above all, being able to listen and work with people—whether it’s energetic kids, busy school administrators, or families in front of the camera—is what makes the difference between taking a photo and capturing something meaningful. Those personal connections are what bring my images to life.

If you’re just beginning your journey as a photographer, first of all—welcome. You’re stepping into a world that is creative, challenging, ever-changing, and deeply rewarding. Over the years, I’ve learned that success in photography comes from more than just having a good camera or a strong portfolio. It’s about how you carry yourself, how you treat people, and how you keep growing.

My first piece of advice: learn to manage your time well. Photography isn’t just about showing up to take pictures—it’s about prep work, editing, scheduling, communication, and follow-through. If you can stay on top of your calendar and meet deadlines consistently, you’ll build trust and professionalism that sets you apart.

Second, get organized. Whether you’re managing photo files, client notes, contracts, or marketing content, systems will save you. Find a workflow that works for you and stick with it. It may not seem glamorous, but being organized is what gives you the freedom to stay creative without falling behind.

Most importantly, learn how to work with people. Photography is a relationship-based business. You need to be able to listen, read the room, and connect with all kinds of personalities—from shy kids to high-energy sports teams, busy parents to university staff. The better you are at making people feel seen and comfortable, the more natural and meaningful your images will be.

Also, don’t be afraid to start small. Take every opportunity to shoot—volunteer for school events, second shoot weddings, or help a friend with headshots. Every job teaches you something, and word-of-mouth is still one of the best marketing tools in our field.

Lastly, remember why you picked up the camera in the first place. When things get overwhelming (and they will), come back to your love for storytelling, emotion, and human connection. Let that passion guide you, and you’ll find your own unique path in this beautiful, busy, creative life behind the lens.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

My largest challenge right now is my business growth. I know not everyone can report the same — but I am growing and growing. I am at the point where I am almost too big for myself to handle. That’s an exciting and sometimes overwhelming place to be. I am in the process of figuring out hiring others to help with the growth. It’s not easy to let go and let others be part of my success, but I also know that I will grow even more if I do take this next step.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zsuzsiphotography.com
• Instagram: photosbyzsuzsi

Image Credits

These are all of my own photos