Meet Leah Marie | Portrait, Event, & Travel Photographer

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

Hi Leah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Since childhood, I was somewhere in the crowd capturing the moment. Whether it was a small detail that caught my eyes or a set-up posed portrait. During my trips to India, Dubai, and Europe in 2017, I discovered my keen interest in photography. I captured various scenes that documented the local lifestyle and emphasized the culture and traditions through photographs. Shortly after, I discovered my love for editing. I played around on VSCO, an app in which I posted a few of my travel experiences with using filters and basic editing styles. In 11th grade, I became my high school’s choir historian which gave me an opportunity to showcase more photos to a larger audience. It was a slow start to the beginning of my journey, as I was only comfortable with using my iPhone 7 as my camera. After two years of experimenting with photography as a hobby, it was during the slow and early months of covid-19 when I decided to pick up my mom’s Sony a6000 DSLR camera. I started learning the science of photography as well as shooting tips and tricks, framing the scene, lighting, composition, and more from reviewing articles as well as online tutorials. I decided to go out and practice this new interest of mine in the last couple of months of 2020 with select close friends and family, and I was learning more from every shoot. At the same time the influence of other experienced photographers drew me towards starting a business. Since I was majoring in business at UT in Dallas, I decided to opt for photography as my minor. I had never thought that photography was something I would do or even start a business in; however seeing successful, young, female entrepreneurs gave me the confidence that pushed me to do what I was passionate about. These photographers gave me a much needed push into the business aspect of photography, while also inspiring, and introducing me to the art of photography.


Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Early on, I struggled to find my unique style that set me apart. I spent three months studying photographers, learning about the wide range of shooting approaches, and using this to help develop my own individualistic style. I created my own preset on Adobe Lightroom, combining some of my favorite editing techniques and styles from photographers who had influenced me the most. I specifically focused on accentuating warm tones, highlighting a golden & natural color palette, and bringing out the essence in every shot captured. After slowly growing my portfolio and increasing my exposure on instagram I started receiving more inquiries from clients in DFW. Starting with individual portraits, leading to shooting engagements and wedding events. I was also lucky to work with models from two modeling agencies in Dallas, Kim Dawson Agency and Wallflower Management which allowed me to grow my creative and editorial portfolio. In addition, I have been able to collaborate with several South-Asian businesses including Asia Boutique & Saree Center, and work with South-Asianmodels in the metroplex. I hope to specialize in local and international weddings. I feel that the prime facet that sets my photography apart from others is my clear and intended focus on capturing candid moments that tend to be unseen by many.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would begin our itinerary in uptown Dallas and start the morning with an upbeat and intensive cycling workout at soul cycle. With top-notch instructors and its high-quality facility with a darkened ambiance, soul cycle classes are the perfect way to lose calories while having fun with others. After hitting cycling, let’s run over to Foxtrot Coffee right off the corner of Mockingbird Lane to enjoy an iced latte or any coffee, tea, or juice of your preference and a food item from its menu. While in the Dallas area, I would make some time to head over to Northpark Center, around 12 minutes away from Foxtrot. Here, you’ll find a variety of shops and food joints to check out. After a few hours of shopping, I would drive to Malai Kitchen in Dallas or Thai Star in Addison for an exquisite dine-in experience and end the day at that! The next day, I would begin in Plano on an early sunrise hike at Arbor Hills in Plano. Before it hits 11:45 AM, let’s head to Einstein Bagels and enjoy a warm and toasty bagel or sandwich to cool off and relax for a few hours. Let’s then head to Legacy West for an enjoyable outdoor stroll while also having accessibility to various stores and a pleasant shopping experience. While in the complex, head to Legacy Food Hall to enjoy a casual dinner and next to Amorino’s to indulge in delightful gelato and hot chocolate!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is a long list of people who deserve the credit for helping me grow my business into what it is today. First my parents, who provided me with the camera that I have used for the past 100+ photoshoots, assisted me with drafting a legal contract for clients and lastly educating me on the finances of the business. Youtube channels have also been instrumental in my learning on how to compose a photo and the ins-and-outs of Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Finally, I want to recognize photographers Charis Cheung and Vinuthna Garidipuri for their work and the strong influence they have had on me, my work and business.

Website: https://ljoseph6127.wixsite.com/photography/

Instagram: @leahmariephotographyy