Here’s what I love about photography—I help bring out and capture the best in people and relationships.  I love hearing a mom say, “That is his real smile—I’ve never seen it in a picture!” or a senior say, “I love it!” (come on, that’s huge for a self-criticizing 17 year-old!)  or a bride say, “these pictures are just how I felt!”

I find that catching awesome light, capturing honest expressions and moments, and creating unexpected angles and compositions make a photo turn into dynamic, emotion-provoking art—with YOU as the subject!

Here’s what I love about mentoring and teaching—I help bring out the best in people. 

Notice the theme of helping people be their best selves?  Me, too.  I think our best self is when we’re closest to how God made us to be (but he loves us even when we’re not :)).  We can’t ever be perfect, but we can make progress.  Capturing our best along the way is a gift.

My kids are awesome and keep me on my toes.  I love to travel.  I cry when I see people succeed after lots of hard work.  I love business.  I love the sun and being warm.  I love being outside, especially around water.  I love a challenge.  I like lots of things.  Most things, really.

When I studied photography at Wake Forest, the classes (and dark room—yes, I’ve done that side of photography, too!) were part of the sociology department.  May seem strange, but I get it—photography is really about capturing people, moments, and places and telling their story.  Of course we studied and honed all the technical aspects of photography, too, which are so important to really understand.  Without a mastery of aperture, speed, light, composition, exposure, etc. it is nearly impossible to truly focus on the people in the photos and create the pictures you want.

I love people.  I love playing with kids, talking to seniors, interacting with families, smiling with newlyweds, encouraging clients….photography and coaching sessions are fun for everyone.  So call me!  Shoot me an email!  Let’s talk about what you’re looking for, what you would like to capture, and let’s start enjoying photography together.

Leah