We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leah Varney. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leah below.
Hi Leah , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I would have to say I get my work ethic from my mother. As a kid, I always observed her working her tail off to provide for my brother and I. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up but she still always managed to put food on the table. Due to her having to work, I had to grow up fast and become independent at a young age. I babysat on weekends and got my work permit as soon as I was able and been pretty much non stop working since then! Everything I have in my life I have because of hard work and I can feel proud of my accomplishments and possessions as a result.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have started my photography very slowly because I am self taught and have had many speed bumps along the way. I have been working solely off of personal referrals and feel so fortunate to have had so many wonderful opportunities thus far. My goal for 2024 is to really step up my game and put myself out there in a way that I never have before. I’ve held myself back due to being a new photographer but I’m looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and really showing everyone what I am capable of. I think my former experience in front of the camera gives me an advantage as I can instruct my clients with ease about a variety of poses in a way that they feel comfortable with. I pride myself on not “over shooting”. I take my time with all of my shots to obtain the absolute best imagesI possibly can. I think this is what sets me apart from some other photographers.. I got into photography for the love of the art but have also learned in the process that I have something special and unique to offer professionally and I look forward to making more connections to showcase that further.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If you are self taught like myself, determination and resilience is key to your success. I am not the most technically savvy person so most of my hiccups have introduced themselves in that form. I’ve relied heavily on YouTube videos, other photographers that I’m aquatinted with, along with Facebook photography groups. I have had many moments of frustration that I’ve had to work through but any challenges that have come my way, I have resolved and become more knowledgeable as a result. For me personally, my extroverted personality has allowed me to make connections with many people that have assisted in expanding my brand. If I could give advice to any newcomers, it would be: don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. It’s going to happen! Learn from them and keep pushing forward no matter what.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am ALWAYS looking to meet new people and collaborate on all platforms. I don’t mind doing TFP (trade for print) in order to try new things. I love working with models on location, photographing events:/parties and everything in between.! I am often asked what my forte is and/or what I like photographing and the answer is EVERYTHING! I honestly love it all and I know I’ve only scratched the surface. Photography is my passion and it gives me great joy to work with like-minded individuals..
Contact Info:
- Instagram: lv_elle_veephotography
Image Credits
Elle Vee Photography
