Meet Santiago Almada | Lead Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Santiago Almada and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Santiago, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, my aunt had a camcorder that she would let me use, and I quickly became the one behind the camera at every family event. I’m actually not in a lot of our family videos because I was usually the one filming them. That early fascination with capturing moments only grew over time.

The turning point came when I was in college and helped a friend photograph a wedding. I had so much fun and felt so energized by the experience that it just clicked—this was what I wanted to do. From that moment on, I dove in headfirst, learning everything I could about wedding photography and what it takes to build a business around it. Starting Santiago Almada Photography was about following that spark, and creating something of my own that lets me tell people’s stories in the most meaningful way possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is all about capturing real moments with honesty and emotion. I focus on wedding photography because there’s something incredibly meaningful about being trusted to document such an important day. What sets my work apart is my approach—I’m not just there to take beautiful pictures, I’m there to tell a story that feels personal, timeless, and true to the couple. I pay close attention to the quiet, in-between moments that often go unnoticed but carry so much emotion.

Getting to where I am today has been a mix of passion, persistence, and a lot of learning. It definitely hasn’t always been easy. Starting a business means wearing a lot of hats—creative, marketer, accountant, customer service rep—all at once. There were times when I questioned if I could make it work, but I pushed through by staying focused on why I started: I love what I do. Every challenge taught me something valuable, whether it was about setting boundaries, improving my craft, or better serving my clients.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t happen overnight. You have to keep showing up, even on the hard days. I want people to know that Santiago Almada Photography is built on genuine connection and trust. I care deeply about every story I get to tell, and I approach each wedding with the same level of dedication and heart. This isn’t just a job for me—it’s something I truly love, and I feel lucky every time I get to do it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Friends from my hometown in Mexico visit pretty often, and I love showing them around. We usually kick things off in Downtown Gilbert—it has a great atmosphere with lots of local flavor. Joe’s Real BBQ is always on the list. It’s one of those places everyone ends up loving, and it gives them a real taste of the Southwest.

Another fun and unique spot is Organ Stop Pizza. My kids absolutely love it, and even when my friends don’t have kids with them, they’re always surprised by how much they enjoy it. There’s nothing quite like live organ music while you eat pizza—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

At some point during the week, we always plan a little road trip up north. Sedona is a favorite—there’s something magical about it. Cathedral Rock is one of my favorite hiking trails there. The views are incredible, and it’s a great way to show off Arizona’s natural beauty. We usually make our way up to Flagstaff, too, to enjoy the cooler weather, stroll around the downtown area, and relax with a good coffee.

Overall, the week is all about good food, great company, and sharing places that feel meaningful—whether it’s a hidden trail or a favorite restaurant. I love giving people a glimpse into the Arizona life I’ve come to love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely. I owe a lot to my family, especially my aunt who first let me use her camcorder—she unknowingly lit the spark that started it all. I’m also incredibly grateful to the friend who invited me to help shoot my first wedding; that experience changed everything. And finally, I have so much appreciation for the couples who’ve trusted me to capture their big day—they’ve helped shape me into the photographer I am today.

Website: https://salmada.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santiagoalmadaphotography/