Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Leigh and Mary Kate of Leigh and Kate Photography.
Hi Karen Leigh and Mary Kate, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Some friendships begin in the most unlikely of places. For Karen Leigh and Mary Kate, it was a high school physics class in Austin, Texas, where the two quickly discovered a connection that would last a lifetime. Decades later, that bond has come full circle in the form of their joint venture: Leigh and Kate Photography.
After high school, the pair took separate paths. Mary Kate headed west to Los Angeles, where she worked for a small fashion house, sharpening her photography and post-production skills while running fashion shoots and e-commerce campaigns. Meanwhile, Karen Leigh stayed closer to home, eventually earning a master’s degree in early childhood education and building a career as a beloved kindergarten teacher in Austin.
Though their careers diverged, both women kept a camera close by. Photography remained a creative outlet—something they turned to for personal joy, family memories, and artistic expression. In 2023, after years of shooting for themselves and for friends, they decided it was time to channel their shared passion into something bigger. Leigh and Kate Photography was born.
Together, they bring complementary strengths to their work. Karen Leigh, whose photography journey began with her grandfather’s gift of a first camera in elementary school, has a knack for capturing the whimsy and wonder of childhood. Her years in the classroom have given her a rare ability to connect with kids and families, ensuring sessions are filled with laughter and ease.
Mary Kate, who fell in love with photography as a teenager, offers a deep well of professional experience. From her time in Los Angeles producing fashion shoots and refining images for magazine spreads, she developed an eye for detail and storytelling that now shapes their family, senior, and lifestyle photography.
Both are now wives, mothers, and Austinites once again—each balancing family life, outdoor adventures, and their growing business. But above all, they remain friends doing what they love: capturing moments that matter.
“Photography has always been a part of our lives,” says Karen Leigh. “Now we get to share it with others in a meaningful way.”
With Leigh and Kate Photography, the duo is creating more than just pictures. They’re building lasting keepsakes for Austin families—memories preserved through the lens of two friends who never stopped chasing the beauty in everyday life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For Karen Leigh and Mary Kate, building Leigh and Kate Photography has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. “We wouldn’t call it smooth or rough,” they reflect, “but it has certainly stretched us and helped us grow.”
Both are working moms with families and day jobs, which means their business has been built in the margins—late evenings after the kids are in bed, weekends spent scouting locations, and early mornings editing before the day begins. “It’s not easy to balance it all,” they admit, “but we’re fueled by passion, and that makes the long hours’ worth it.”
Neither came into this with a business degree, so they’ve had to learn everything from contracts to social media marketing on the fly. “There were moments when we felt completely out of our depth—trying to figure out algorithms, how to reach the right audience, or just how to keep everything organized,” they say. But every challenge became a chance to grow, both as entrepreneurs and as friends supporting one another.
What keeps them moving forward is the joy they find in their work—the families they meet, the memories they capture, and the community that has rallied around their business. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come,” they share, “and we’re excited to keep building something meaningful—not just for ourselves, but for the families who trust us to capture their most important moments.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Leigh and Kate Photography, the heart of the work isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about creating an experience. “We want people to feel comfortable,” says co-founder Karen Leigh. “Because the truth is, a relaxed and enjoyable session is what leads to the most meaningful photographs.”
That philosophy shines through in every shoot. Known for their easygoing approach and high-energy sessions, Leigh and Kate Photography has built a reputation for helping clients feel at ease, keeping stress low, and letting genuine moments unfold. Whether it’s a child’s mischievous grin, a couple’s quiet glance, or a family’s burst of laughter, the duo specializes in capturing the real, unpolished beauty of their clients.
As lifestyle and natural light photographers, Leigh and Kate lean into authenticity. While they’re always open to collaborating with clients who bring a specific vision, their signature style focuses on staying true to the moment. “We believe people should look like themselves,” explains Mary Kate. “The colors, tones, and light in our photos reflect the reality of the day—it’s about preserving memories as they truly were.”
What sets them apart is the experience as much as the final product. Clients consistently describe the team as flexible, attentive, and deeply committed to making every session fun. Parents especially praise the photographers for their ability to capture their child’s true personality—something Leigh and Kate consider the highest compliment.
Beyond their work behind the lens, the duo has also used their platform for good. Recently, they organized a “Pack the Backpack” fundraiser to support families affected by the devastating Fourth of July floods in Central Texas. Partnering with Light on the Hill in Kerrville, they raised over $2,500, providing 49 fully stocked backpacks, new clothes, and nearly 50 gift cards for teens in need.
“It was such an honor to see our photography community come together to make a difference,” says Karen Leigh. “We’ll never forget the images of the kids and families who received these blessings.” For Leigh and Kate, photography is more than just portraits—it’s about connection, community, and creating lasting memories that clients will treasure for years to come.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
“We really do feel like Austin has it all,” Karen Leigh and Mary Kate share. “From the incredible food scene and endless coffee shops to the parks, trails, music, and festivals—it’s a city that always has something to offer. You can fill your days with events or simply wander and explore; either way, Austin makes it fun.”
For the pair, the highlights are simple pleasures: enjoying local coffee spots, tending their gardens, soaking up nature, and relishing the mild springs and falls. “There’s such a great energy here,” they say. “Austin has a buzz and excitement, but at the same time it manages to stay laid-back—which is the perfect balance for us.”
Of course, like most longtime locals, they’ve noticed some changes. “We definitely miss the days when you could get from North Austin to South Austin in 30 minutes,” they admit with a laugh. “And finding parking downtown used to be so much easier. But the city is growing, and with things like rideshares, we’ve adapted. It’s hard to complain when you live in such a vibrant place.”
Pricing:
We believe professional photography should feel approachable, not intimidating. That’s why our packages are built with flexibility in mind—whether you’re looking for a short and sweet session or a more in-depth experience, we have options designed to meet different needs and budgets.
- Mini Session – Up to 30 minutes | 12 edited digital images – $325 + tax
Perfect for quick family updates, milestones, or holiday cards. - Mini “Hand-Picked” Upgrade – Up to 30 minutes | 24 edited digital images (no gallery selection needed) – $400 + tax
For those who want more variety without the hassle of choosing individual images. - Full Session – Up to 1 hour | 20 edited digital images – $425 + tax
Ideal for family portraits, senior sessions, or maternity shoots where a little extra time allows personalities to shine. - Extended Session – Up to 2 hours | 30 edited digital images | multiple outfit/location changes – $575 + tax
Great for seniors, engagements, or families who want a mix of looks and locations. - Event/Special Occasion – Up to 3 hours | 250–300 lightly edited images + 30 fine edits – $700 + tax
For birthdays, anniversaries, or intimate gatherings when you want the whole story documented. - Additional images may be purchased for $15 each or bundles of 10 for $125.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leighandkatephotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @leighandkatephoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Leigh-and-Kate-Photography/61556974033242/
Image Credits
Leigh and Kate Photography LLC
