Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Thomason.
Hi Leah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got my first camera when I was 16 and ever since photography has been part of my life in some way. Whether as a form of art expression, a way to document my own life and adventures, or capturing others’ love stories as they get married.
I started like most photographers doing special requests by friends and family and slowly working up to photographing full time. I started my business 10 years ago and have been full time for 4 years. Transitioning from part time photographer to full time wedding and portrait photographer was a huge leap for me. I had been working full time as the events and marketing coordinator for a women’s clothing boutique and was shooting every evening and most weekends. My husband came to me and told me I couldn’t keep working too full time jobs and I needed to choose one or take on way less photography clients. I had spent the better part of my early work helping others achieve their dreams and I felt like it was finally time to take a chance on my own dream. I resigned from my position and I haven’t looked back. Each year since leaving my full time job in September of 2018 has been filled with twists and turns but also the most amazing clients. I feel so lucky every day that I get to do what I do.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a mostly smooth road with a few bumps along the way. One of the biggest challenges was knowing when to let the “day job” go and to pursue photography full time. I joke that I should have quit my job a year earlier than I did.
2020 was hard for everyone in the wedding industry and my business was no exception. I had to do a lot of pivoting through out that year to make sure I still had a business on the other side. I’m so thankful for the mentors and friends that helped me through that time so that I could have the thriving business I do now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a photographer, I now specialize in weddings and couples. My favorite is photographing people in their element. I like to think outside the box, and to be unconventional when possible.
I love discovering that “thing” that is unique to my clients, and capturing it in a photo whether that is their love for Whataburger, pets, airplanes, or a location that holds a special place in your heart.
My goal is to celebrate who my clients are, and their unique stories while capturing beautiful photos that they love looking at for years to come.
I think I’m most proud of how comfortable I make my clients in front of the camera. My shoots are always full of laughter and chit-chatting so my clients never feel stiff or uncomfortable in front of the camera. My attention to little details and moments that happen between the big events, especially on wedding days, make me stand apart from others because I believe the little things are just as important as the main event.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for photographers wanting to get into wedding photography is shoot as much as possible. Practice in as many different lighting situations as possible. Weddings are unpredictable and if you are confident in your ability to make beautiful photos in full sun at noon as you are at golden hour your work will showcase a level of confidence that people want to book. This was the advice I got when I was starting out and I will forever pass it on as it’s been the number one thing that’s been so helpful to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leahthomasonphotography.com
- Instagram: @leahthomasonphotography
- Facebook: @leahthomasonphotography
