We are thrilled to introduce our resident photographer, Leanne!
Working Together
We absolutely love to collaborate with local businesses! From our Christmas Markets to our product collaborations, we love to work with and promote local women killing it in their field.
So, of course, when Leanne approached us about teaming up we were thrilled. Leanne took photos of us as a family back in 2019 and we absolutely loved the experience and the results. She is calm and warm and incredibly friendly, so what could have been an awkward afternoon with a photographer trying to cajole three camera shy people turned out to be a really relaxed and enjoyable trip to Pitville Park.
As well as joining us at our events to capture everyone having a lovely time, Leanne also created some beautiful product photos of our Self-care Cards that really capture the feel of the Motherhood Society.
To help you get to know Leanne, we sent her some questions about her family and career. So, grab a cup of tea and read on to learn all about Leanne before you head over to Leanne Elizabeth Photography.
Leanne lives in Hardwicke, Gloucester but her photoshoots take her all over Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds and sometimes Bristol.
This year, she has been married for 8 years to her husband Phil. They have been together since they were 20 and were friends before that. They have two beautiful children, Arthur who is nearly 5 and Lily who is 2 who keep Leanne very busy!
They also have a cat, Dobby.
When did you first become interested in photography?
I have always had an interest in photography from when I was small and looking through my nan’s huge box of black and white photos. I loved the nostalgia of it, seeing how people used to live and what they used to wear and how they used to look. After sixth form, I did an art foundation course and that’s where I learnt film photography and fell in love. It has been a hobby ever since I purchased my first DSLR when I was 21.
When did you start your photography career?
I decided to start photography as a career when I was due to go back to work after my first leave of maternity. I realised I wanted to do something that I loved and that I wanted a job that I could work around the children. From then, I set out to learn everything about my camera and family photography. I took my camera everywhere and was constantly reading and learning.
What kit do you currently use?
I have a Fujifilm XT3 and use 23mm 1.4, 35mm 1.4 and 16-55mm 2.8
What kind of photography do you specialise in?
I specialise in Family photography that shows honest connection, joy and your very beautiful ordinary. I am now also branching into small creative brand photography and weddings as well as film!
How do you balance being a mum and a business owner?
Oh this is hard! Especially in a pandemic and as well as working part time in an office (when I am not furloughed). I am sure others can relate. I find little snippets of time where I can. I try and be organised and have a list of all the things I need to do on my phone so when I get a little bit of time I can just look at that list and know exactly what I need to do. I am very lucky to have family near by who I can call on to help me when I need to (when I am allowed). There is also a lot of late nights and tea drinking!
Do you have a studio?
I don’t have a studio so my photoshoots wherever you and your family feel most comfortable. That can be in your home, it could be in a beautiful Cotswold field or exploring through the woods.
Do you have a favourite location?
Any field with long grass, trees and a few flowers I will always love but there is something special being invited into your own home and documenting your real family life.
What’re you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on updating my website and getting my packages fine tuned for when we are allowed to start shooting again. I have also been working on a lot of product photography for small businesses which I am able to do in my home as well as editing photos and a film for the lovely Piece by Jackson from our creative branding session.
How has COVID-19 affected your business?
Hugely! At the beginning of last year, things were really starting to pick up some momentum in my business. I had almost a whole year of bookings, to the point where I felt positive about giving up my part time job. Unfortunately most of those had to be cancelled and I feel like I am now starting again. But I have really had the time now to pause and reflect at what is important to me and my business so there are some positives!
What’re your hopes for the future of your photography?
I hope to be able to serve mums and families to create beautiful images that they will treasure for a lifetime. Images that will show the real and honest side of parenthood, the sometimes messy and chaotic but also all the joy and connection. I hope that I find my own little niche and own it. I hope that I am able to do this as my full time job and be able to support my family.
