We recently had the chance to connect with Macie Torres and have shared our conversation below.
Macie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Some of the most meaningful moments I’ve experienced recently in my photography business have come through launching my Strength in Every Frame sessions. This project is especially close to my heart, as it is an application-based photography experience created to honor and support individuals within the cancer community. Through these sessions, people have the opportunity to share their stories, reflect on their journey, and capture powerful images of their current season in life. My goal is to not only preserve their strength and resilience through photographs but also to provide a space where their voices and experiences are heard. Another highlight from this year was traveling to Washington, D.C. with Leia’s Kids this September. While there, I had the privilege of documenting families who are courageously navigating the challenges of childhood cancer. I was able to capture their moments of strength, listen to their stories firsthand, and stand alongside them as they rallied at the Capitol to advocate for change. It was an experience that reminded me of the power of storytelling, both visual and spoken, in bringing awareness and amplifying the voices of those impacted by cancer.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Macie, a 23-year-old photographer with a passion for preserving the moments that matter most. Photography, to me, is more than just taking pictures; it’s about telling stories, capturing emotions, and creating memories that can be cherished for a lifetime. I specialize in a variety of sessions including couples, families, seniors, and weddings, each with the goal of reflecting the unique connections and milestones that make life so meaningful.
One of the most impactful areas of my work is capturing cancer stories. These sessions hold a special place in my heart, as they allow me to document resilience, strength, and love during some of life’s most challenging seasons. It’s an honor to provide images that not only serve as keepsakes but also as reminders of courage and perseverance.
Outside of photography, I find joy in the simple things, spending time with my dog, enjoying moments with my family, and finding inspiration in the everyday experiences around me. These pieces of my life continually remind me of the importance of connection, which is exactly what I hope to bring into every session I photograph.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a scared little girl carrying more trauma than I knew how to process. During my time in a religious cult, I discovered photography, not just as a hobby but as a safe place to escape. With a camera in my hands, I didn’t have to interact or be seen in ways that made me feel small; instead, I could quietly observe and create. Over time, photography stopped being just a shield and became a mirror. It allowed me to see beauty, resilience, and strength within myself that I didn’t know existed. Today, I no longer hide behind the lens. I use it as a tool to empower myself and others, capturing stories that remind us all of the strength we carry.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time I almost gave up… In 2024, I hit a season where everything felt like it was falling apart. My aunt died shortly after I moved to Fort Worth, and losing her led to me losing my job. I was swallowed up by grief, depression, and the heavy fear that cancer would touch people I loved. At the time, I was a full-time student also working full-time, so I was not booking sessions and felt disconnected from the work that used to bring me joy. When I finally found a new job, it was physically demanding, and injuries seemed to happen every day around me, which only made me wonder if photography still mattered.
I almost gave up. Instead, I gave myself permission to pause. That break became a turning point: I treated myself to a new camera, spent time learning and practicing, and slowly rebuilt my confidence. What started as a refuge became a way back to myself and to the work I love. Now, those hard months are part of my story, proof that even when you almost quit, you can find your way forward.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the photography industry is the belief that you cannot have both friendship and community because everyone is competing for the same clients or opportunities. At first glance, it may feel as though photographers are constantly in competition, and for new professionals, it can be challenging to navigate the balance between building a business and forming supportive relationships. This mindset can create unnecessary fear or isolation, leading some to believe that collaboration and connection are impossible.
In reality, the industry is full of opportunities to cultivate meaningful relationships. Photographers can support one another through mentorship, collaboration, and shared experiences, all of which can enhance both creativity and business growth. Genuine community and professional friendships not only provide encouragement during difficult seasons but also open doors to learning, inspiration, and joint opportunities that would not exist in isolation. Ultimately, the lie that competition must come at the expense of connection undermines the truth: thriving in photography does not require going it alone. The most successful and fulfilled professionals often find that building a network of trust, collaboration, and mutual support is just as valuable as the technical skills behind the camera.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only ten years left, I would stop stressing over the small details that so often consume my energy. I would stop obsessing over contracts, late invoices, or weekends without sessions booked. While these things feel urgent in the moment, they do not define the purpose of my work. My photography has always been about capturing stories and preserving meaningful moments, not chasing perfection or profit.
I would use that time instead to focus on what truly matters: relationships, presence, and living intentionally. I would spend more time with my long-term boyfriend, my family, and the people who bring joy and perspective to my life. I would embrace opportunities to slow down, appreciate the everyday moments, and let my creativity flow without unnecessary pressure. Ultimately, I would want to fully align my work and my life with the values that matter most: connection, storytelling, and truly being present.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://macieelizaphotos.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: macieelizaphotos
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macie-torres
- Facebook: Macie Eliza Photos
