Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leah. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Leah, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Growing up in a small town in Ohio, I took a bold leap by moving alone to Pittsburgh in the fall of 2012 to pursue photography at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. That initial step into an unfamiliar city was pivotal, it demanded courage and ignited a deep belief in myself.
My artistic journey has been shaped by a profound connection to stories, songs, films, poems, and scripture; all are sources that have sparked unexplainable self-assurance within me. As I engage broader creative communities and collaborate with other artists, each project reinforces my confidence. My creative expression through any medium becomes a space to explore inner strength, especially in moments of self-doubt or uncertainty.
A turning point came with my first large-scale project, Out of the Fog, designed to symbolically reveal hidden truths and affirm positive self-worth.
My faith has been a cornerstone of confidence-building. The name Faith Through Fotos itself is a daily reminder that through faith, God can guide me anywhere, as long as I remain willing. It celebrates the gifts He has entrusted to me and talents that bring joy and meaning when offered back in thanks. The work I create is infused with themes of hope, strength, and confidence, echoing scripture such as Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous… he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Each visual narrative I craft embodies that promise of unwavering presence and courage.
Over time, the confidence and self-esteem I developed have deep roots: they stem from brave beginnings, creative collaboration, meaningful storytelling, faith-driven purpose, and symbolic art that reflects and affirms inner strength. It’s a journey of embracing who I am, trusting where I’m led, and honoring the values and gifts that shape my vision.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Leah Schonauer, a faith-driven artist and photographer whose work is rooted in storytelling, connection, and creative exploration. Through Faith Through Fotos, I use photography and digital art as a way to reflect hope, strength, and confidence—visual narratives inspired by scripture, personal experience, and the beauty of human resilience.
Alongside this, I co-create ROSEMAR Studios with my sister Lydia, where we bring together our shared love for painting, sketching, photography, and handcrafted art. ROSEMAR, founded in 2022, offers original paintings, prints, and custom pieces, each infused with the heart of sisterhood and intentional creativity.
What excites me most is the opportunity to merge these paths where Faith Through Fotos grounds my work in deeper meaning and ROSEMAR allowing me to expand into collaborative, hands-on artistry. Together, these outlets celebrate both individuality and shared vision, offering art that uplifts, inspires, and invites others into the stories behind each piece.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are collaboration, community, and vision. Collaboration has allowed me to create alongside others in ways that pushed me further than I could go on my own. Community has kept me grounded and reminded me to see each person as an individual with their own story and value. These relationships have always shaped the way I work and the art I create. And lastly, vision, the ability to imagine something and then bring it to life has been at the heart of every project, whether in photography, digital art, or painting. Having an idea goes farther when you surround yourself with like-minded people who believe in it too, and you can build something meaningful together.
For those just beginning their journey, my advice is simple: try everything. Step into opportunities both inside and outside your field, because every experience has the potential to shape your craft and your connections. This will inevitably help you figure out what you don’t like, and what you’re truly passionate about. Build genuine friendships with the people you want to create with. Most importantly, make your ideas happen, and don’t leave them in your daydreams. When you connect with like-minded and big-picture people who believe in you, the process of creating together becomes rewarding and beautiful.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m always open to collaboration. I love working with creatives who are passionate about bringing ideas to life– whether that’s musicians, actors, models, artists, or fellow visionaries who simply love to create. Some of my favorite projects come from brainstorming together, building sets, or planning shoots that reflect a shared vision. The possibilities are truly endless, and I find so much joy in the process of dreaming big and then making it tangible alongside others.
If you’re someone who thrives on creativity and wants to explore what we could build together, I’d love to connect. You can reach me through my website or social platforms. I’m always excited to hear new ideas and see where collaboration can take us.
Photography: faiththroughfotos.com | @faiththroughfotos
Art: rosemar-studios.square.site | @rosemarstudios
Contact Info:
- Website: faiththroughfotos.com | rosemar-studios.square.site
- Instagram: @faiththroughfotos | @rosemarstudios
Image Credits
Leah Schonauer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
