We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leah Strozeski. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leah below.

Leah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think being successful in what you do truly comes from your passion for that specific field and your determination to succeed. Photography is always something I’ve adored. I was doing a photo shoot constantly with a small digital camera until my mom got me my own camera. I continued “styling” my own shoots if you will of friends and family. I have always loved weddings and day dreamed of my own for as long as I can remember, so when I had the opportunity to second-shoot a wedding in high school, I knew that was what I wanted to do.

I had many voices in my ear telling me that I needed a back up plan and that photography is not a sustainable career so plan to do something else. I was told I needed to go to college and pursue that route. I knew where my passions lied and when covid hit and I was in a job I hated, I needed to figure out how to monetize something I loved doing. That is when I dove head first into my photography business. I believe that passion for this art form and my determination to get out of a job I hated and show that I’m capable of making some of this was what it took for my success. What keeps me successful is all of the couples that I get to work with and the art that we get to create with their biggest day.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have always been a sucker for a good fairytale. I am a big Disney lover and I think that is the foundation of my belief in love stories. I have always been an old soul who just loves, love. I think that is the heart of why I do what I do. I have had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember. At a young age, I would page through our family photo albums day after day re-living the special moments and memories we shared fascinated by how those moments were frozen in time and could take me right back to the time they were taken. I love creating using photography as a medium to do so. I used to make videos growing up with my mom’s old camcorder and used her digital camera to curate photo shoots with my friends every time they would come over. My favorite part was uploading the photos and editing them because that is when I believe the image really came to life. I love creating something that could evoke emotion. As mentioned previously, I had the opportunity to second-shoot a wedding in high school when I was deciding what career path I wanted to take and I fell in love with photographing weddings. It combined my two favorite things, love and photography. I never took it seriously as more of a hobby until covid hit and I was determined to get out of a job I hated and find a way to make money doing something I loved.

I went full force into creating the business that is now Leah Strozeski Photography. I began with investing in mentorships from other photographers, second shooting when able and curating styled shoots or couples shoots with anyone that would get in front of my camera.

I offer wedding photography for couples who seek photos that will tell a story, document the day as it was in an artistic way. I look for couples who have attention to detail that makes up the wedding day and want timeless, film-like images that withstand the test of time. I think that what sets me apart is truly my empathy. I am a deep feeler and an open book. I recognize the weight of a wedding day and truly want to walk through those emotions with my couples. I will be the person crying behind the camera at first dances or vows and editing your images through tears as well. Weddings are such a beautiful monumental occasion in life and to have a photographer who wants to share in that celebration with you is what makes my process different. I aspire to have each of my couples feel that they are the only ones I’m working with and serving them not only with the art of photography but with valuable time and attention.

I am most proud of having a successful wedding photography when I was told growing up that this would not be a sustainable career. I am breaking the traditional path of thinking and showing others that you can create a life and career that you love that fits the lifestyle you desire. Not only that, but starting and running this business as a new mom, I’m so passionate about showing my daughter that she can do anything she puts her mind to with determination. I want my couples to know that when they work with me, I am walking through this season with you, hand in hand and feeling all the big emotions with you. This day is truly about your love and everything else is secondary to that. I want them to know that my goal is to have their images reflect the love they share, the story their day tells and the emotions that were felt on their special day because photos are the one thing you get to take with you when the wedding is said and done. I do not take that lightly!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creative or artist is giving my couples a tangible gift that they will carry with them for generations. As mentioned previously, the day is fleeting and photos are the one thing you get to take with you to remember it by for a lifetime. Knowing that you got to capture such a pivotal moment in someone’s life that they will share with their children and children’s children is something so special. Knowing how I felt growing up looking back at my old photo albums and that photo taking me right back to that joy, or love, or memory and knowing you are gifting that to someone else is irreplaceable.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I think the most effective way to grow your clientele is to set up free shoots that are geared toward the work you are looking to book! If you are looking to book couples sessions, ask friends to model for you and use that to build your portfolio. Attend workshops that include education to help you gain a full understanding of the ins and outs of running a photography business. If your goal is to shoot weddings, reach out to established wedding photographers and offer to second shoot or even assist at weddings so you can watch a lead photographer in action. The best way to learn is by doing! Create more of what you are hoping to book and network with other creatives as much as possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leahstrozeskiphotography.com
• Instagram: leahstrozeskiphotography
• Facebook: Leah Strozeski Photography LLC
• Youtube: Leah In Disney