Meet Michele Love Santoro | Actor, Filmmaker & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michele Love Santoro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michele Love, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I moved to Atlanta two years ago, I was seeking a strong community that I never found in Los Angeles. I settled in Inman Park, which has proven to be an incredible neighborhood. It’s been fun to meet folks from all backgrounds, including others who’ve made the LA-to-Atlanta journey. I travel frequently for my freelance work, so being able to connect with people here has helped me feel grounded and part of the community.
Starting my photography business, SantoroSnaps, felt like the right move to create a flexible yet fulfilling way to provide for my community when I’m home. Atlanta has a vibrant creative scene, and I’ve found there’s a real desire here for unique, high-quality photography. I saw an opportunity to use my creative skills and bring in extra income, all while staying connected to my community in the city I now call home.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
SantoroSnaps is all about capturing real, honest moments to tell stories through the lens. Photography is a beautiful way to connect with people. I focus on creating an experience where clients feel comfortable and natural, which allows their true and vulnerable self to come through. Especially with actor headshots, it’s imperative that they look like you – sure, maybe you on your best day – but also you on any given day. That’s what we, the audience, are most interested in seeing.
I’m especially proud of my ability to bring a storytelling approach to my shoots. My background in filmmaking has helped me understand how to capture emotions in a way that’s genuine and compelling, whether it’s a street portrait for social apps, a professional headshot, or a candid family moment. Being an actor and having been through countless headshot sessions myself, I have a keen understanding of the process and how to hold a creative, relaxed and fun space that allows for capturing your best, most authentic self in front of the camera.
I’ve never called or considered myself an entrepreneur but perhaps it’s about time to start owning that title. I was incredibly fortunate to get a full-time job early in my professional career at a company that was essentially my film school. Since then, I’ve managed to work for myself while staying fully dedicated to my creative path, which I consider to be my greatest accomplishment. MLS Films Inc was born from the opportunities I received to write and direct narrative projects and produce photoshoots for global brands.
I’m always evolving and SantoroSnaps is my latest venture that I’m ready to share with my local Atlanta community. My hope is that each client walks away with images that feel personal and true to their story. I believe everyone deserves a good snap, so let’s get yours!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My dad just came to visit for a week and I got to play tour guide in my new city! He stayed at the historic Cleremont Hotel, which has an incredible restaurant inside, called Tiny Lou’s, where I highly recommend the french onion soup! We got a glass of wine at Nine Mile Station so he could see the city views from the Ponce roof. The Atlanta Historical Center was a great place to walk around. I learned so much about the history of Inman Park and took way too many photos of the sheep in the farm and garden area. We also spent some time in Savannah and I got incredible shots of the moss covered oak trees – they are even more spectacular in person. I live on the BeltLine so I am partial to anything I can walk to! Harbor is my favorite local coffee shop and an almond croissant from Little Tart in Krog Market is also a frequent stop. Painted Park just opened up across from Delbar and they did such a great job, that’s definitely going to be the new hang! I look forward to exploring more of this wonderful city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shoutout everyone who has been on this journey with me. I’ve had so many incredibly creative friends help guide me along the way. From fellow actor pals sitting patiently while I practice a new set up to camera aficionados sharing their tricks of the trade, as the technical aspect is a steep learning curve! I’m so fortunate to have friends and colleagues who cheer each other on and grow stronger together.

Website: https://santorosnaps.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: @santorosnaps

Other: https://imdb.me/michelelovesantoro