Today we’d like to introduce you to Lea Čakić.
Hi Lea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography has always felt natural to me. Even as a kid, I found myself drawn to picking up a camera and capturing whatever caught my eye, whether it was a quiet moment or something vibrant in my surroundings. It wasn’t anything formal at first, just a feeling that I loved freezing time through my images.
My dad recognized that passion early on and was incredibly supportive. He used to say such encouraging things about my photos, and eventually surprised me with my first camera, a Sony Cybershot with 16.1 megapixels, way back around 2011.
That camera went everywhere with me, to vacations, trips back home to Croatia, and even some early YouTube videos. When I was around 18, my dad found another camera, a Canon EOS Rebel T3i, on Facebook Marketplace. That was a turning point. I began experimenting more intentionally with editorial-style photography and really started to understand how much storytelling could live in an image.
Once I got to UT Austin, I discovered a local magazine called Glazeine, and I applied to be a photographer. Getting accepted was the first time I worked in a real collaborative setting. It was such a significant experience, seeing my photos published, working with a team, editing creatively, and discovering how much I loved the process of transforming images through color, texture, and emotion. I now also model for Glazeine!
That experience really made me realize that this isn’t just a hobby anymore. So I rebranded an old DIY Instagram account I had since middle school—it used to be called leaxdiy—and transformed it into princessleacakic. I even designed my own logo in 2022. By 2023, I had my first official client, and from there, things started to grow.
My Instagram became a hub for connecting with more people, and I’ve had the joy of working with so many incredible clients from magazines and weddings to graduation shoots, beauty portraits, editorial sessions, and creative compositions.
It’s been such a meaningful journey so far, and I’m still expanding, still learning, still creating, and still loving every part of it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road, like most creative journeys, mine has had its share of struggles. One of the biggest challenges for me was learning how to put a price on my work. I’ve always felt a little uncomfortable around the topic of money, especially when it came to art. I think I grew up with this idea, consciously or not, that creative work wasn’t always taken seriously, or that it might be seen as less “essential.” Because of that, I found it hard to value my time and effort in the beginning.
My dad really helped shift that mindset. He reminded me that good work and hard work deserve to be recognized and rewarded. At the same time, he always emphasized the importance of personality and communication, making sure the people I work with feel heard, respected, and comfortable. That’s something I carry with me to this day.
Early on, I did a lot of free work just to gain experience and build connections. Over time, as I developed more experience and started seeing the results of my work, I gradually built up confidence.
I learned how to be more transparent with clients and found a healthy balance between the creative and professional sides of what I do. Those lessons were necessary, and they’ve helped shape me into the photographer I am today.
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?
From an outside perspective, my work tends to gravitate toward night photography, it’s something I naturally fell in love with. I’m drawn to the way light plays against darkness, and I often make the subject the clear focal point of the image. I like stripping away background distractions so all attention falls on the subject, their emotion, and their presence. Alongside that, I have a deep love for color. I enjoy working with vibrant colors and adding textures. Editing is such an important part of my creative process, it’s where I let my intuition and imagination guide the final look.
One thing I’m most proud of is the personal growth I’ve experienced through photography. As a young girl, I was incredibly shy. Now, I feel completely grounded and confident in who I am, fully embracing my Leo energy, as bold and expressive as ever. Photography helped me find my voice, and that confidence shines through in how I work with others. I genuinely love collaborating. It feels natural for me to connect with people and adapt to a group dynamic.
I love the way personalities blend together during a shoot or project, and how that energy shapes the final outcome. People often call upon my “Lea Luck”, this idea that when I’m around, things just tend to go smoothly. I try to bring that steady, positive energy to every collaboration.
For me, it’s not about comparing myself to others but about asking what I can offer to those I work with. I care deeply about creating a fun, thoughtful, and comfortable environment. I lead with empathy and communication, and I truly believe that makes a difference not only in the experience but also in the results.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Currently, the best way to reach me is through Instagram. That’s where I showcase most of my work, and I typically receive direct messages from people who are interested in booking a session. I’m in the process of creating a website to make things more official and streamlined, it’s been heavily delayed since I was focused on finishing my undergrad, but it’s definitely something I’m planning to continue.
As for support, I feel really lucky. I receive the kindest, most encouraging messages under my posts, and they truly mean so much to me. My close friends and immediate family have also been a huge source of support. They constantly remind me how meaningful it is when I take photos of them, especially in everyday group settings, where I always seem to have my camera with me, ready to capture the little moments. That kind of appreciation keeps me inspired and reminds me why I love doing what I do.
Pricing:
- My pricing varies depending on the type of service, shoot length, location, and the outcome the client is looking for. I do offer customizable packages, but because each session is unique, I prefer to discuss details directly to provide an accurate quote. I highly encourage anyone interested to reach out through Instagram direct messages or email so we can tailor a package that fits their needs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/princessleacakic/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://x.com/leacakic?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@leacakic?feature=shared
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/cakiclea/?hl=en
Image Credits
1 IMAGE: Isabelle Bechtol
2 IMAGE: Kamdin Montagne, Alexandria Shrouder, Angelica Blaze
3 IMAGE: Linh Giang
4 IMAGE: Elise Cook, Brandon Moore
5 IMAGE: Ashlee Richards-Rood
6: IMAGE: Elise Cook, Brandon Moore
7 IMAGE: Ashlee Richards-Rood
8 IMAGE: Lea Čakić
9 IMAGE: Ema Čakić
IMAGE CREDIT – EDITOR & PHOTOGRAPHER: Lea Čakić
