Luana Seu, director, photographer and producer chatted about being a storyteller and creative in the digital age.
She shared her motivations, how she uses technology in her daily routine, and she offered advice for hopefuls that wish to go into the entertainment field professionally.
What inspires you each day as a director, photographer, producer and storyteller?
I like to think of inspiration as something we feed every day—through the lives we live, our small habits, fleeting moments, stories, and experiences.
I’m deeply mindful of how I move through life and how that shapes my creativity.
I’m surrounded by incredibly inspiring, beautiful people, and that means everything to me.
Every time I’ve created something truly worth seeing, it’s been because it was made alongside a community I deeply value.
What do you love most about photography?
My background is in acting, a craft I love, but one that often felt isolating.
Photography shifted that entirely—it brought people into my life who changed everything.
I recently realized that every meaningful connection I’ve made over the past two years began through a creative experience. I consider that a divine gift.
Photography constantly gives me the feeling that I’m contributing—offering something meaningful in return.
How does it feel to be a photographer in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
All it did to my life was bringing more clients, more opportunity to explore my technique and skills. I don’t find any negative sides to it yet.
How do you use technology in your daily routine?
Unfortunately I use my phone six to seven hours a day. Depends if it is a heavy work day or not.
When I’m on set, I don’t know where my phone is and I wish it was always like that. I retouch an average of three hours a day. Depends on deadlines and of course, inspiration.
How does it feel to work with actors and models Ezra Moreland and Edward Bayer?
Ezra Moreland and Edward Bayer are two of the kindest souls I’ve met in New York—friends I trust, rely on, and know will always show up for me.
In a city as chaotic as New York, friendships like these are rare. When you find them, keep them close. They’re priceless.
What is your advice for young and emerging directors, photographers, and producers?
Understand that this field demands a great deal of energy. It takes time to find consistency in client work.
Your knowledge and creativity should always come first—focus on developing your craft rather than chasing attention online.
Lastly, this is a highly social field. Be prepared to meet a lot of people, all the time.
What do your plans for the future include?
Learning to create a system that allows me more personal time, because I’ve gained the very funny title of the “busiest unemployed person.”
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
I have people around me who continually inspire me and strengthen my belief in this path.Moving to New York and creating a life here has been the most defining chapter of my life.
This city taught me the meaning of work, the depth of vulnerability, and the weight of trying to carry everything alone. I’ve learned so much in nearly eight years of NYC.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
In my field, success means building a life that exists in service of the craft—living to it, for it, and with it.
To learn more about Luana Seu, follow her on Instagram, and visit her official homepage.
