Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Suky Pedemonte. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Suky, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

Before I took the leap into full-time photography and entrepreneurship, I had the honor of working at Baptist Health as a lead patient representative. It was a challenging but deeply rewarding role, one that taught me so much about empathy, patience, and the power of human connection.

During my time at the hospital, I often encountered patients who were nervous or anxious about their appointments or test results. Helping them navigate those vulnerable moments with care and kindness became one of the most meaningful parts of my job. I didn’t realize it then, but those experiences were shaping how I would later approach my work as a photographer.

Photography, at its core, is more than just an art form, it’s a way of seeing and connecting with people. Many of my clients come to a session feeling self-conscious or hesitant in front of the camera. My goal is always to create a space where they can feel at ease, seen, and celebrated. The same empathy and attentiveness I practiced in the hospital now guide me behind the lens. And I truly believe that when people feel comfortable, their truest selves shine through, and that’s where the magic happens.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

From an early age, I always felt drawn to photography. Whether it was snapping candid photos of my family with an old Minolta 35mm or spending hours in the high school darkroom, photography felt natural to me, almost like second nature. Still, it never occurred to me that it could become a career, at least not until much later in life.

I’ll never forget one of my first real photo sessions. I had been collaborating with a Christian music artist on her upcoming album and had shared some creative ideas for the cover. On the day of the shoot, everything was ready, the props, lighting, styling, but the professional photographer who had been hired didn’t show up.
Suddenly, someone on the team said, “It’s okay, we have Suky, she can shoot the album cover.”
I nearly froze.
I was nervous but something in me said, “do it anyway”. So I took a deep breath, picked up the camera, and photographed the album cover.
I had learned early on from watching my father, a businessman, that sometimes you’re not going to feel fully prepared or ready for the next step but that shouldn’t stop you from showing up and trying anyway.
That moment launched my first official photoshoot and it really set the stage for everything that followed as my photography career began to grow.

I currently offer photography services throughout the South Florida area, specializing primarily in weddings, ranging from intimate backyard ceremonies, elopements, and courthouse weddings to larger celebrations, as well as engagements, proposals, and special events. During the slower seasons, I enjoy photographing Quinceañera portraits and lifestyle family sessions. These shoots allow me to stay creatively inspired and connected with my community, while also capturing meaningful milestones and everyday moments for my clients.

My approach is rooted in a candid, documentary style that focuses on capturing real moments as they naturally unfold. I believe the most meaningful photos are the ones that reflect genuine emotion, quiet glances, bursts of laughter, and all the in-between moments that tell your story authentically.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy I’ve found for building my clientele has been nurturing genuine relationships. I take the time to truly get to know my clients, and in many cases, those connections naturally evolve into lasting friendships. This trust and comfort allow me to capture people at their most authentic, which always shines through in the final images.

Another key part of building my clientele has been developing genuine relationships with other vendors and fellow photographers. I believe in community over competition, and I often refer clients to photographers who specialize in areas outside my focus. This spirit of collaboration has created a beautiful cycle of mutual referrals and support,
something I truly value in this industry.

I’ve also been an active member of my local church for many years, and it has become a meaningful source of support and referrals for my photography business. I feel incredibly blessed to have such a strong and encouraging community behind me. The trust and kindness I’ve received from my church family and friends has played a big
role in helping my business grow.

Beyond any marketing plan I could create, I believe that all the success I’ve experienced is because of the grace and favor of God. He has opened doors for me that I could have never imagined, and I’m continually humbled and grateful for the opportunities He’s placed in my path.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe that consistency and a strong work ethic are essential to building a solid reputation in any market. Showing up reliably, delivering quality work, and treating every client with care and respect has been the foundation of how I’ve grown my business over time.

I’ve also found that integrity and transparency, especially when it comes to services, pricing, and turnaround times go a long way in building trust. Being upfront and clear with my clients has not only strengthened my reputation but is also one of the main reasons so many of them refer me to their friends and family. That kind of word-of-mouth support is something I never take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.photosbysuky.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbysuky/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosbysuky/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/photosbysuky/

Image Credits
Main photo of me taken by Adrian Sanchez