READING TIME: 3 min 41 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/16/2025
Susana Santos is a wedding photographer based in Panama with a decade’s worth of experience translating human emotion into images that feel intimate and eternal.
“I’m passionate about capturing the raw beauty of human connection,” Susana says with a gentle certainty. “My approach is rooted in emotion, authenticity, and light — both natural and metaphorical.”
Her fascination with storytelling — long before she picked up a camera — has become the core of her photographic identity. Through her lens, she seeks to honor truth and tenderness: the unspoken gestures, fleeting glances, and quiet moments that make each love story unique.
“Photography, for me, is a way of translating feelings into timeless images that allow people to see themselves with honesty and wonder.”
Susana’s journey began over ten years ago, and each year has added nuance to the way she views and documents weddings.
“I want my images to feel real and alive,” she shares. Her style is best described as deeply emotional and truthful. Guided by a documentarian spirit, Susana doesn’t chase perfection — she seeks authenticity. She finds beauty in imperfect, unguarded moments, capturing weddings as they unfold naturally and truthfully.
“What matters most to me is capturing the truth of each story — the atmosphere, the relationships, and the honest beauty of life as it unfolds.”
Susana’s gear choices reflect her philosophy: versatile, intuitive, and capable of capturing life in motion.
Her trusted companion is the Canon R6, paired with a Canon 28–70mm zoom lens — a combination that lets her move effortlessly from wide emotional moments to intimate details.
“The 28–70mm has been a game changer — allowing me to capture both intimacy and atmosphere with incredible versatility.”
She also uses a Profoto A10 flash for subtle light enhancement when necessary, and has recently embraced analog photography as a playful and nostalgic addition.
Introducing analog cameras to my work has added texture, playfulness, and a sense of timeless emotion to my storytelling.
Susana’s editing style is as considered as her shooting — warm, emotional, and guided by her own carefully refined presets.
“My editing process is deeply personal.”
She gravitates toward a warm color palette and expressive black and whites she loves for their raw emotional weight. While she uses Photoshop for subtle refinements, it’s always with the intention of preserving what’s real and true in the moment.
Recently, she has begun exploring the use of AI in her workflow.
“It’s been an inspiring way to bring more flow and consistency to my editing while keeping the human touch that defines my work.”
What does Susana enjoy most about being a photographer?
“What I love most about being a photographer is witnessing life as it unfolds — the raw emotions, the beauty of imperfection, and the magic of human connection.”
She speaks passionately about how photographs become anchors for memory — not just how things looked, but how they felt.
“The real gift of this work is creating something that keeps love alive in memory.”
Susana believes that the best photography comes through collaboration and trust.
“Before every wedding, I spend time understanding who my clients are and what matters most to them.”
Her approach blends gentle direction with documentary observation, allowing moments to happen organically.
My goal is always the same — to create images that feel authentic, personal, and true to the couple’s essence.
Every love story is different, and Susana embraces that through custom offerings.
“Absolutely. Every couple and every wedding is unique, so I love creating custom packages that reflect their specific needs and vision.”
Whether adjusting coverage hours or adding extra sessions, she ensures each collection feels meaningful and personal.
If she could speak to herself at the beginning of her career, Susana has heartfelt advice to offer.
“I would tell myself to trust the process — to slow down and let life shape my art. Success doesn’t come from following trends, but from staying true to your voice and your heart.”
She encourages emerging photographers to focus on connection rather than comparison.
“Stay curious, keep learning, and remember that this work is not only about images — it’s about people, emotions, and stories that will outlive us.”
Susana also shares her top tips for clients preparing for a shoot.
“My biggest advice is to be present and let go of expectations. The most beautiful images happen when you allow yourself to feel — to laugh, cry, move, and simply be.”
She urges couples to wear what makes them feel like themselves and to surround themselves with joy.
“Trust your photographer, trust the process, and don’t worry about perfection.”
While based in Panama, Susana welcomes destination weddings with open arms.
Yes, I do photograph destination weddings, and I absolutely love them.
Her dream places to photograph include Japan, Mexico, and Africa — lands rich with culture and wonder.
In Susana’s work, every frame feels like a quiet confession — real, vulnerable, and beautifully honest. Her images don’t just document weddings; they hold space for what it feels like to be alive and in love. With a heart tuned to emotion and a vision grounded in truth, Susana Santos Photo continues to capture the stories that matter most — the ones we carry with us forever.
