We were lucky to catch up with Maria Elisa Cevallos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maria Elisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

South Breeze Photography” is an homage to my roots and a cherished family memory. When I was young, my grandfather called me “Breeze,” a nickname that conveyed warmth and affection. Adding “South” was a way to honor my heritage, as I come from South America. Together, “South Breeze” represents who I am and where I come from, blending the essence of my past with memories of love and youth. Through my photography, I aim to capture the same warmth and nostalgia the name evokes, creating images that convey a sense of place, connection, and timelessness.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not know me, I am the founder of South Breeze Photography, a photography business deeply rooted in my personal and cultural background. I studied photography in Argentina and recently graduated as a filmmaker with honors from CCAC in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. My passion for photography began in my teenage years and has blossomed into a fulfilling career. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to work in a field that I love.

At South Breeze Photography, I offer a variety of services, including event photography and projects for nonprofit organizations. I have had the privilege of working with the Andy Warhol Museum for over three years, capturing the essence of their events and initiatives.

What sets my business apart is the genuine love and care I put into each project. I believe in building connections with my clients; I engage in meaningful conversations and listen to their needs. This approach allows me to capture not just images but the spirit of the individuals and organizations I work with. My goal is to create photographs that resonate deeply and tell a story.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built through my work and the positive impact I’ve made within my community. I want potential clients, to know that at South Breeze Photography, you’re not just hiring a photographer; you’re partnering with someone who is passionate, dedicated, and committed to reflecting your unique stories through my photography .

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

Absolutely. Resilience has been an essential part of my journey as a photographer, especially coming from South America, where traditional gender roles are still deeply embedded in many industries. In my early career, I faced significant challenges breaking into the field. I started out as a wardrobe designer on commercial TV sets, always with a goal of becoming a Director of Photography. But because of the machismo that still permeates the industry there, I was never allowed to touch the camera simply because I was a woman.

This experience taught me a lot about resilience, as I had to continually find new ways to develop my skills despite the obstacles. When I moved to the United States, I found a more open and supportive environment where people valued my skills and vision. With the guidance of generous professionals who were willing to mentor me, I was finally able to take on projects as a photographer and learn the ins and outs of running a business.

Today, I’m proud to have built my own photography business and to be living my dream as an independent, self-employed photographer. It’s been a journey that required patience, persistence, and adaptability, but those challenges taught me how to overcome adversity and stay focused on my goals. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about pushing forward; it’s about finding ways to thrive even when circumstances seem stacked against you

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

Certainly! Running a business as a photographer brings a lot of excitement and creativity, but it also comes with the practical pressures of managing finances and administrative tasks. One memorable challenge I faced was almost losing a large payment due to an invoicing error. I accidentally used the same invoice number for two different clients, which led to a delay and confusion in payments. The process of sorting it out with the client’s accounting and administration team was stressful and frustrating because I knew it was my error.

That experience taught me a lot about the importance of double-checking the details in my administrative work. Since then, I’ve developed a routine to review all invoices carefully, verifying the client name, dates, and invoice numbers to avoid similar mistakes. Now, I’m much more organized and have a more structured approach to invoicing, which has helped me prevent close calls like this one.

It was a valuable lesson that, although challenging, made me a more meticulous business owner and showed me that resilience isn’t just about handling creative challenges; it’s also about handling the logistics that keep the business running smoothly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.southbreezephotography.com
• Instagram: @southbreezephotography
• Facebook: southbreezephotography
• Linkedin: Elisa Cevallos
• Twitter: no
• Youtube: no
• Yelp: no
• Soundcloud: no
• Other: no

Image Credits

The warhol creative, Literacy Pittsburgh, barrel & flow