Today we’d like to introduce you to Matea Michelangeli
Hi Matea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Venezuela, where my passion for photography began early, inspired by my father, a talented photographer himself. From a young age, I was drawn to capturing moments; I became the person my friends turned to for portraits, and I loved being behind the lens, telling stories through each shot.
Though I chose education as my formal path, completing my studies in Venezuela and later moving to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in the field, photography remained a constant in my life. After relocating multiple times, I felt the pull to make a change, to turn my hobby into something greater. That’s when I made the leap, deciding to charge for my work and make photography my profession.
What started with family portraits and personal stories soon expanded. I found myself exploring new aspects of photography, drawn to the narratives that could be told through each image. Today, I’m passionate about working with business owners, helping them connect with their audiences by capturing the essence of their brand and their vision. Each session is a chance to tell a new story, bridging the gap between people and the moments that define them.
I also love to tell my family’s own story documenting our travels. Exploring the world and going on new adventures is a big part of our lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, every journey comes with its own set of challenges. For me, one of the hardest aspects has been relocating multiple times across different states. Each move meant starting over—rebuilding my client base, making new connections, and reestablishing my presence in a new community. It taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability, but it was undeniably tough.
Balancing my business while raising young children added another layer of complexity. Finding time to focus on my work was a constant challenge, especially without family nearby to help. My husband has been my rock through it all, supporting my passion and making it possible for me to continue building my business, even during the busiest phases of parenthood.
Each of these challenges has shaped me, making me more determined and helping me grow both as a photographer and as a person. These experiences have deepened my commitment to storytelling through photography—capturing the essence of perseverance, love, and connection in every image.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a portrait and branding photographer. I help business owners tell their stories and their business’ stories to reach their audience through images. I provide them with fresh and authentic photos of their brand, their life, their products, services and spaces . Photography that connects with their audience in a more intimate way. I believe that when people show who they are, people find things in common and connect on a deeper level.
I also love to tell personal stories through portraits. Let people’s personality shine through and show the world their authentic self.
I’m proud of my work and my ability to make people feel relaxed and have fun during the photoshoot, helping them leave their insecurities behind and learn to love themselves.
When people look at their photos they remember how they felt and love the result even more!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The COVID crisis brought its own unique set of challenges, especially as a photographer whose work depends on in-person interactions. The shutdowns forced me to pause and reevaluate how I could sustain my business in a world that had suddenly gone virtual. It was a hard realization, but I came to see the importance of diversifying my skills. Teaching has always been a passion of mine and, in fact, my first career, so I began exploring ways to bring that back into my work. Whether through virtual workshops, online courses, or coaching, I discovered new ways to share my knowledge and connect with people, even from afar.
Beyond the professional adjustments, I also learned an invaluable personal lesson in letting go. In times like these, you sometimes just have to ride out the storm. This unexpected downtime gave me the gift of slowing down and being present with my family. I embraced that period with my kids, knowing they’d be off on their own adventures in just a few years. It reminded me of what truly matters—family, resilience, and appreciating each moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mateamichelangeli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mateamiche/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mateamichephoto/
Image Credits
photos by me Matea Michelangeli Photography
Photos of me by: Ignacio Aguerrevere
