Meet Reesie Le | Photographer

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

Hi Reesie, why did you pursue a creative career?
For anyone who pursues an artistic/creative career, I believe all would agree you have to have a passion for it. Otherwise I believe it would be near impossible to accomplish much. My passion is what drives me to create, to learn more, to keep trying, and to always have a hunger to share my work. I chose to pursue my career in photography because I have passion to create beautiful portraits and a passion to share with others how I view them and the world through my eyes. Nothing expresses that more for me than when I am behind my camera.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
One of my biggest inspirations for my photography business is that I get to share how I see the world and people through my eyes. The name for my business “Light in You Photography” was inspired by me wanting to share the light and beauty I see in others as well as helping people to see the light and beauty within themselves. I’ve had many people tell me they hate pictures of themselves (in general, not photos I took of them) and it becomes my mission to help them love and embrace their own beauty through the images I take of them. I love helping people feel bold, relaxed, and confident in front of the camera. I take deep pride in my ability to connect/communicate with my clients and hold a deep sense of responsibility for creating memories and art that will last for a lifetime.

Getting here to this current state of professionalism most definitely has taken LOTS of work and was not easy. It has been years in the making and really there is even more to come. The biggest struggles I have faced is not only quite a bit of overwhelming competition in this field, but also people not understanding why photographers charge what we charge. It’s so more than just pressing a button. To become a photographer is not cheap. It takes lots of money and time invested in equipment, knowledge (operating camera, off/on camera flash, editing, etc), buying/subscribing to editing software, offering lots of free time/sessions to build experience and portfolio, using my car/gas money, and many hours spent editing. All of these things take time and years of experience to overcome all of the obstacles and challenges. One way I overcame the financial burden of starting up photography was when I had enough experience to charge small amounts for my shoots, I would save every penny up that I earned to put towards upgrades to my gear/equipment,

Another challenge is having 2 young children who want and need me all the time, so marketing and networking have become more of a challenge to accomplish. To overcome this, I have spent many hours working on my business model, contracts, brainstorming business strategy in the late hours of night when the kids are asleep and I have some free time.

My art style in my photography is realistic but bold, bright, beautiful colors! I want to keep my photos looking real, so much that when you look at my photos you can almost feel as if you are there experiencing the scene and moment for yourself.

I am passionately involved with helping animals, which is why I decided starting in 2022 that 5% of all of my profits will go to an animal rescue. I have 2 animal rescue/foundations that I donate to (“Zen By Cat” and “Saving Hope Animal Rescue”) and I give my clients the choice of which they would like 5% of their money to go to. I want my clients to know that through them giving me business they are also helping animals in need. I am the most proud of this for my business because through my art I can help animals at the same time! It is truly rewarding!

One of the biggest lessons I have learned through all of this is going to sound cliché, but it brings lots of power to anyone who wants to accomplish things. That is to never give up. Yes it sounds like something everyone might tell you, but I mean it. I learned that even when I am not getting any business or hit a dry season that I never stop shooting and learning. I find opportunities to still go out and shoot and to push my skills further. because the better I can make myself the more I stand out, the more I justify my pricing, the more confident I become! Never give up is the biggest lesson I have learned and it has brought me further than I ever imagined!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am personally a foodie so whenever I think of showing someone a good time it’s all about the food! My husband and I eat a lot of Asian food so the whole week would be centered around food!

An itinerary example would be:
Breakfast at The Pearl to eat Dim Sum
Walk around Asia Time Square to work off the meal
Grab a snack before leaving in the food court

Another day would be spent at Spa Castle in Carrollton
Followed by Dinner at Gen
shop at Daiso and Kinokuniya
Dessert at 85 degree bakery

Fun things to check out would be Spa Castle or King Spa, Choctaw Stadium, Cedar Hill State Park, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Hurricane Harbor, and the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a couple people who have contributed to my success and my journey. My wonderful mentor Rebecca Flores with Neighborhood Screen Arts. I reached out to her for tutoring sessions back in 2018 when I decided to become more serious. I would not be where I am today without her help. She guided me to the level I needed to be at in order to run my own business and have stunning photos. She has continued to be my mentor and give wonderful feedback to me on my work which has truly shaped me into the photographer I am today.

My husband Jonny Le also has supported me through this whole journey! Even back in 2012 when I got my first DSLR camera and my photography was just a hobby. He has always supported and encouraged me. Back when I was first getting serious I did lots of volunteering and free shoots which he was always encouraging me along the way to go for it. I often look back on how far I have come and thanks to him, I never gave up!

Website: https://www.lightinyouphotography.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reesie-le-93a79782/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightinyouphotography

Image Credits
Light in You Photography