Meet Sarah Leana | Motherhood and Family Photographer

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

Hi Sarah, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started my photography business right after high school, and at first, I did everything! I really couldn’t decide what it was I like shooting the most. From families, to weddings, to seniors – I really tried it all! It wasn’t until I gave birth to my first baby that I realized my true calling was capturing the beautiful stages of motherhood. I worked really hard to breastfeed my son, and when he was about a year old, I knew we were getting to the end of our nursing relationship because I was expecting our second, and I really wanted a photoshoot to celebrate! After a long time of searching, and awkwardly inquiring photographers and being turned down, I was really frustrated. I just wanted to work with someone who saw the beauty in our journey like I did, and made it easy to feel comfortable. That’s when I knew that my calling was to be that person for other mamas!

I now take so much joy in serving new mamas with maternity, lifestyle newborn, and breastfeeding portraits. It’s my dream job! And we always keep in touch as their babies grow up with yearly family sessions and seasonal minis – I have the best clients!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I knew while I was still in high-school that I wanted to do something different. I’ve never been one to follow the most trodden path, and a four-year university was not my cup of tea. I also knew I wanted to work for myself and that I was destined to be an entrepreneur. When my older sister graduated high school, I took her grad photos with an iPhone and i was hooked!

I dove into all the free education I could find before I even had a camera. My decision to start a photography business also fueled me to graduate early so I could get to work on my dream.

This journey has been incredibly hard to get to where I am today. 2017 was supposed to be my first year in business – until my dad was unexpectedly diagnosed with terminal cancer. He died 6 months later, and my world was turned upside down. In the following years I continued taking photos, but it was hard to devote a lot of time to the business side of things as I got married, had my first baby, had some difficult health issues, and had my second baby. It’s been a whirlwind!

In everything I’ve been through – grief, pregnancy, health issues, body image struggles, and raising little babies – I know how difficult and isolating it can be. I’m here to make you feel beautiful and confident while providing a stress free experience so that getting your photos done isn’t just another item on your to-do list.

In 2021 and 2022, I’ve had to honor of working with some many mamas and families! I really am so blessed by the people I get to meet.

I believe that Jesus, nap time, and caffeine are the only way to make it through parenting, and that every part of this beautiful journey deserves to be celebrated.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m totally addicted to thrifting, so whenever I’m with my girls we like to hit Uptown Cheapskate! We always find great deals and higher-end thrifted pieces. It’s super fun! For a fun outing with the kids, we love Adventure World Playground in North Richland Hills.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My business would not be possible without my husband, Christopher. He’s more than just a supportive husband – he’s a team-mate, partner and awesome father! He has taken on so much so that I can build my business, is my sounding board for all my ideas, makes spreadsheets and helps me stay organized – all while working a full time job.

I also wouldn’t be here today without my dad who always encouraged me to dream big, and then put in the work it takes to get there. He believed in me from the very beginning, and even though he’s not here to see my success, I know it would make him so proud.

Website: sarahleanaphotography.com

Instagram: instagram.com/sarahleana

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

Image Credits
Aleah Gregory (1st photo – of me and my family), Sarah Leana (My Work)