We’re excited to introduce you to another one of our talented alumni, Leah M Photography.

Website: www.leahmphotos.comFind her on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/LeahMPhotos

Where do you call home?Pittsburg, KS / Fairland, OK

Describe Your StyleSimple and clean. I prefer studio lighting but IF I do shoot outdoors I am a big lover of back-lighting.

What made you decide to become a photographer?Well, like a lot a photographers, I bought my first DSLR when I was pregnant with the intent of “taking  better photos” of my little one as he grew up. I started out in Auto mode (ducks and hides LOL) and didn’t  have a clue what I was doing, but I still practiced and read my manual.

One of my mom’s best friends asked me to take her daughter’s Senior photos and I was quite reluctant, but she wouldn’t take no for an  answer. That was Sept, 2011. I did it and and that was the start of my portfolio building.

How did you learn? Degree? Self-taught? Workshops?Totally self taught for learning my camera but took Illuminate and Beyond the Bean Bag for learning more about studio lighting and posing  newborns.

How long have you had your Photography Business?I built my portfolio for a little over a year and started my legitimate business in January 2013. This is also when I began to specialize in newborns and babies.

What do you love most about having your own business?My business is part-time and it truly is my “me-time”. It is my sanity, my zen moment, my “get away” from my reality. ha!

What do you love the least?I wish I had my own permanent studio space. Right now I travel and have to load it all up in my SUV,  drive to the shoot, unpack it and set it up, shoot the session, take it all down, pack it back in the SUV, drive back home, unpack and put it all away. It becomes very exhausting.

What do you wish you had known prior to starting your own photography business?Gosh, lots of things really. One of the most important tips is to only compare your work to your past work. THAT is where you see your growth. Don’t get discouraged by wishing your photos looked like the ones you see in your feed because many of them have been in business for years. Your time will come. You will get there!

Studio or on-location?I shoot with a travel studio. So, both?

What’s your biggest a-ha moment?

I took a photoshop editing class by Damien Symonds and I had LOTS of A-ha moments there.

Where do you find inspiration for your art?Everywhere in the world around us.

Something you’re still learning?…I’m always “still learning”. Never stop learning! One must continue to learn to continue to grow..

How do you create balance between your business and the rest of life?

I don’t! I NEED to find a balance.

How do you measure success?By happy clients and continuing to see my own growth within my portraits.

What’s your Favorite Image? And why is it your favorite?My newborn #6 for me this year (I’ve done 16 so far). It was the turning point of my newborns. She was the perfect little girl and I achieved many poses I hadn’t before. She was also the first fully naked baby posing I’d done. It was the beginning of my newborn journey of finding my style.

What’s your more memorable image?

My favorite image comes from my most memorable shoot (above!). I have it as 16×24 canvas over my desk as a constant reminder. Its a simple pose, yet it was the first time I’d successfully achieved it.

Favourite Gear?

I shoot primarily with my Canon 7D and 35mm lens

What is your go to lens & why?My 35mm. Its the Canon 2.0 version and I’d love the L series but this one is doing me well for now. Working with a crop sensor 7D I needed more room indoors. Plus, with a crop factor, the 35 mimics what a 50mm lens would on a Full Frame camera. It puts me within arms reach of the baby and I love being that close and getting great shots.

RAW or Jpeg?  RAW!Nikon or Canon? CanonMac or PC? PCLightoom or Photoshop ( or both ?)NO LR for me. Photoshop and ACR for my editing

Which 5 words would your friends use to best describe you?

SincereTrustworthyCaringGood Listener”Mom” of the group haha!

What classes have you taken with The Milky Way? Illuminate and Beyond the Bean Bag

 

{Interested in learning more about our online classes?  Click here}