Shutter Up Photographers feat. Andrea Lindszuhn

For this issue, I wanted to feature Andrea Lindszuhn of Hallie’s Meraki Photography’s story about how photography has shaped her life. She is such a strong woman, and her story is such a great example of how important that spark of creativity can be in your life. 

Lauren: Thank you for letting me interview you! Tell me about yourself, Andrea. 

Andrea: I’m 33 and was born in Winter Haven, FL. I moved to Michigan when I was two and grew up in a really small town. As soon as I graduated high school I moved all over the place (I was a bit of a gypsy for a while) until finally settling in Flushing, MI. I’m the mom of one tiny princess who is the light of my world. I’m an animal lover and have a dog, cat, two goats, and two ducks of my own. I love binging on true crime tv and reading when I find the time. My favorite things to do are spend time with my family and go on adventures. Nothing better than a good road trip! I’m in love with rainy days and the serenity they bring. I can’t think of anything better than curling up with a blanket and watching a storm from my porch or playing in the rain with my little girl. That is my happiness!

Lauren: How did you get started in photography?

Andrea: I got started when I was pregnant. My boyfriend, Zach, and I decided that it would be best for me to stay home with our daughter, but I was going crazy not having any kind of creative outlet. Zach knew I loved photography, but I didn’t think I was good enough at it to do it professionally. He pushed me to try, so I took classes and workshops while I was on bed rest for my pregnancy. After Hallie was born, I started to get out there and practice. I loved it, and the bookings started rolling in! Every time I was feeling discouraged, Zach was there hyping me up! In August of last year, we found out that I miscarried our second baby, and on the same day that was happening, Zach was in the hospital and diagnosed with MS. It was such a hard time for us and we struggled. We ended up separating for a few months and I just lost my spark. I almost closed down my business completely. I had so many ideas still but I felt so defeated. There was one idea in particular that I had been imagining in my head for years. I love boudoir and I just had this idea of this badass 50’s Betty just rocking it in an old fashioned bar setting. The old telephone, antique vanity, milkshakes, the whole nine. I figured if I was going to close down, I at least had to get this session out of my head. Zach and I came back together stronger than ever and he taught me to not give up on the things I love. So I felt like it was time. This was a make it or break it point in my life and in my career. The model in the photos is a mommy of four and she had never did anything like this before. She was perfect and exactly what I pictured in my head. The photoshoot was just everything. It brought me back to life and reminded me why I love what I do. Since then, I’ve just had this momentum. We’ve been through the ringer and so has my business but I truly believe if you do what you love, and you do it wholeheartedly, anything can happen. Now here I am being featured in a magazine that I have followed from the beginning and it is such an absolute honor.

Lauren: Oh man, your family has been through a lot! I’m so happy that you’ve come together again stronger than ever. Family is so important! It’s crazy how creativity can truly fuel us through life. Tell me about your vision for the future! 

Andrea: My vision for the future is being successful in my career enough that I get to travel to beautiful places to take photos. I picture doing a boudoir session in some tropical paradise on a beach during sunset. Ahh one day! I would also love to be able to work with some photographers that have inspired me. That would be a dream come true!

You can check out more of Andrea’s work on her social media.

halliesmerakiphotography.com | facebook.com/halliesmerakiphotography