Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Cruz
Hi Andrea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Andrea Cruz, but everyone knows me by my middle name, Celeste. I moved to South Florida two years ago after spending my whole life in Puerto Rico. When I arrived, I was lucky enough to meet some of the most incredible and creative people I’ve ever known — musicians, painters, writers, all with so much passion for their craft. At my first job at a café in Fort Lauderdale, I made two musician friends who introduced me to their world. I started going to nearly every show they played, and at one of them, I met Matt Faciana (@exploding.lens), a talented concert photographer who became my mentor.
I had always been into photography, doing it for myself and as part of my college studies, but concert photography was something entirely new. After a few more shows, asking Matt tons of questions, and building up some courage, I finally started my own photography journey in April 2023 under the handle @harmless.croissant (a nod to the fact that I’m harmless and love all things French). My first show photographing was at Naomi’s Garden in Miami, which quickly became one of my favorite venues to shoot.
It didn’t take long for me to find my niche. I wanted to capture the abstract essence of both auditory and visual art in one frame — to show how music feels, but in a way that you can see and experience through a still image. I like to think of my work as capturing out-of-body experiences, moments where the energy of a show transcends and becomes something visual.
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?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. There are times when I struggle with perfectionism, which can make it difficult to release my work. I often find myself holding back, trying to make everything just right before sharing it with the world. Another challenge is the nerves I feel before photographing a show — sometimes I get so anxious that I literally shake. It’s something I’m still working through, but over time, I’ve learned to push through the nerves. And of course, there’s always that underlying worry about how people will respond to my work, whether they’ll connect with it or appreciate it. But I’ve come to realize that these struggles are part of the process, and they push me to keep growing as both an artist and a person.
One of the most challenging situations I’ve faced in my photography journey was when another photographer stole my raw images and created an entirely new page with them. It was incredibly frustrating, not just because of the violation of my work, but because it felt like all the time and effort I had put into capturing those moments had been completely disregarded. It was disheartening. But after taking a step back, I realized that this situation, while difficult, gave me a valuable lesson in protecting my work and standing up for myself. I took action, I reached out to the photographer directly and explained the situation. I asked them to remove the images, as it was important to me that my work was respected and properly credited. The experience also reminded me that no matter what happens, my unique perspective and voice as a photographer are mine alone. I’ve only become more determined to continue creating, staying true to my vision, and focusing on what truly matters — sharing the energy and emotion of live music through my lens.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m more known for my way of conveying music through visuals and capturing the essence of its creators and I’m proud of how far I’ve come in capturing the raw energy and emotion of live music. Concert photography is about more than just taking pictures; it’s about freezing a moment that tells a story, whether it’s the intensity of a performer on stage or the connection between the audience and the music. Being able to do that, to bring my unique perspective to life, is something I’m really proud of.
I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built with artists, fellow photographers, and the music community as a whole. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who share the same passion for art. I’ve learned so much from others, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that values creativity and collaboration.
Another accomplishment I’m grateful for are the milestones that mark real progress, like landing my first paid gigs. It was such a validating moment, knowing that people appreciated my work enough to pay for it. Getting booked for shows and starting to earn from something I’m so passionate about has been a breakthrough in my journey.
But what stands out for me is the support I’ve received from friends and the music community. I’ve had people who I photographed for free in the past reach out and offer to pay for the photos, just to show their appreciation. That kind of support means the world to me, and it’s a reminder that my work is making an impact, not just in the industry, but with the people who matter most to me.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is love — whether it’s the love I feel for my craft, the love from friends and family, or the love that flows through the music and art I capture. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about sharing moments with others, whether it’s through a photograph, a conversation, or just supporting one another. Love is the thread that connects everything I do, it’s the energy that keeps me motivated, creative, and grounded.
In photography, it’s the love for capturing emotion and energy — freezing a moment that feels alive and full of passion. It’s in the way I connect with the artists I photograph, the way music brings people together, and the shared experience of creating something that resonates.
On a deeper level, love is what keeps me going when things get tough. It’s the support from friends who cheer me on, compliments from strangers on my work, whether it be right there at the pit or online. It’s a constant reminder that no matter where I am in my journey, I’m surrounded by love in many forms — and that makes everything I do feel more meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @harmless.croissant
- Other: @petite.celestine
Image Credits
Andrea Cruz
“Celeste”
@harmless.croissant
