Meet Leigha Smith | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leigha Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leigha, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The social impact on my community through my business has been one of helping families see the best in each other. What I know to be true is that while parenting and family life is wonderful, it can also be challenging at times. The value in professional photos is to have a moment in time captured beautifully and when you look at that picture, hopefully you don’t see the challenges but the joy that age and stage brought. We always romanticize photos because we are able to remember the best of that time. I think it’s a gift to cover your walls with your family’s best. It helps you through the hard days. As a transplant, the personal impact of serving my community in this way has helped me feel more connected to the city I live in. I find that being a photographer is one of those jobs that opens conversations and on shoots, it has an intimacy that helps develop fast relationships. I also really love running into my clients when I’m out and about!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My father gave me a professional camera about 11 years ago. After the birth of my daughter in 2012, I didn’t go back to my job in Casting. Instead I began shooting and managing my husband Chadd who is a professional content creator. I enjoyed it so much I started shooting for others too by doing maternity, holiday, and family photos, etc., and almost always during golden hour. It’s that magical time of day when everything is bathed in the last drops of sunlight. I’m pretty obsessed with it. It’s the perfect time to take my clients on a photo adventure. Getting people out into nature, keeping the vibes comfortable, light and enjoyable so the pictures feel effortless and not forced is my goal.

I love how photography opens doors to new experiences and people. I shot a concert last week. It was amazing, I loved seeing the performer through my lens and as a fan it was so fun to be able to relive the concert through the photos and videos I took!

I’ve also been shooting a lot of headshots and branding photos which is a language I speak from years of social media management. It feels like a solid service to provide in this time of online first impressions!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Breakfast would find me at Cora’s Coffee shop or Urth Caffe in Santa Monica (the first place I ever lived in LA!) where I could say Hi to the ocean. Then  I’d cruise East to Weho and hit up Joans on Third for an iced espresso and a Ficelle and salad for lunch. If it was Sunday it would be mandatory to head to the Fairfax Trading Post like my hubby and I used to do almost every Sunday with friends when we lived off of Melrose in WeHo. Next,  a quick stop at Pinches on Sunset for some tasty tacos, then we’d put on the jams and drive through Laurel Canyon – do we stop at Pache in the canyon or drive west to Topanga Canyon for a creekside dinner at the Inn Of the Seventh Ray (and to reminisce on our wedding there years ago). Clearly, I’m a lover of canyons and windy “country” roads that remind me of where I grew up in Eugene.  On the way home, I’d stop and grab a bottle of champagne to sip in the spa at home. It’s my favorite way to close down the day and unwind with the fam before watching a comedy special in bed! Cheers to being an adult that understands the importance of a cozy bed!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband and first “client” Chadd Smith (@maddchadd) who is also my tech support. When he likes my photos, it’s the highest praise.  My daughter Aurelia, my muse, who looks stunning bathed in golden light. My family and fellow photographers who inspire me and the beautiful nature surrounding my home that totally lights me up!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighasmithphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigha-smith-316327121/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeighaPics