We recently connected with Suzette Samour and have shared our conversation below.

Suzette, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The story behind my mission comes from something personal. I wanted to give other women what I felt was missing for me. I know what it’s like to not feel seen, to not have that safe space to just be yourself and feel truly beautiful. So, I decided to create that for others! Through photography, I’m here to help women step into their power, see their worth, and celebrate their uniqueness. It’s all about creating a space where you can focus on you, feel supported, and discover just how incredible you are!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My photography journey started because I wanted to create something that didn’t really exist for me, a space where women could just be themselves, feel strong, beautiful, and actually see it. Trust me, I know how tough self-acceptance can be, and I figured if I could help even just one person embrace who they are, that would be pretty awesome.

I’m all about capturing real, raw confidence in my photos. My thing is making sure that every session feels like a chance to just let go of self-doubt and feel like the amazing person you are. Whether it’s a portrait session, personal branding shots, or even boudoir, my goal is to make sure you leave feeling like a total badass, not just looking like one. I want my photos to show you at your most powerful, inside and out.

What really makes my sessions different is the vibe I bring. I’m not just here to snap pretty pictures, I’m here to give you an experience that’s fun, empowering, and totally safe. I get it, being in front of a camera can feel a little intimidating (trust me, I’ve been there). But I promise, I’ve got your back every step of the way. No awkward posing or stiff smiles here…just real moments and real connection.

And honestly, the best part of what I do is seeing the transformation. When clients look at their photos and realize how awesome they really are. That’s the stuff that makes it all worth it. Nothing beats hearing someone say they feel more confident or see themselves in a whole new way. That’s the magic I live for!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The best part about being a creative? Honestly, it’s those moments when I get to help someone realize they’re not alone in their journey. Especially when it comes to women in the postpartum period or anyone dealing with mental health. I’ve been there, feeling like you’re the only one struggling, so when I can create a space where people feel safe, seen, and free to just be themselves, that’s when the magic happens.

It’s not just about taking photos. It’s about showing people, especially new moms or anyone fighting self-doubt—that they’re way stronger, more beautiful, and more amazing than they think. Helping someone see themselves in a new light—like, “Oh wait, I am a total badass”—is honestly one of the best feelings. And when someone tells me my photos helped them feel better about themselves, that’s the real win!

The coolest part is when someone walks away feeling not just confident, but like they’re part of a community that’s got their back. If I can help even one person feel less alone in their journey and more empowered, then I’ve done my job. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little empowerment mixed with some good vibes and a lot of fun?

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Oh, I’ve definitely had my share of “what the heck is happening?” moments! One of the most memorable was during one of my very first family portrait sessions. Everything that could go wrong, did. My camera started acting up, my memory card was being all weird, and I literally couldn’t get anything to work right. I was starting to panic a little—okay, maybe a lot. I felt like I was about to throw my camera and call it a day.

But here’s where the resilience part comes in. I ended up talking it through with my boyfriend (he’s my unofficial second shooter and “calm my nerves” guy), and he helped me breathe through it and find a solution for the camera issues. It wasn’t perfect, but we made it work. The session turned out to be a huge success, and I ended up with some amazing shots that I was actually really proud of.

And to be honest, I’m still in my early days, so there’s plenty of trial and error going on! But that experience taught me a huge lesson: it’s not about having everything go perfectly—it’s about staying calm, finding solutions, and keeping that energy positive. Every time something goes wrong now, I just remember that first family session and think, “If I survived that, I can handle whatever else comes my way.”

The messy moments really are the ones that teach you the most. So yeah, I’m still learning, still figuring things out, but I’ve learned to trust myself, stay cool, and get back to work when things get tricky.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://samourlovestudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samourlovestudios/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/samour-love-studios-simi-valley?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits

Personal Photo: Jennifer with JTC Photography.