Meet Shannon Leigh | Owner/Photographer of FOCUS and Legend Boudoir by Shannon Leigh

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

Hi Shannon, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Making the decision to pursue my business is the biggest risk I have ever taken. I was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune conditions at a young age. It changed all of my plans and highly affected my decision making. I played it very safe and chose work that was dependable and predictable. Even though I did all sorts of creative things in my spare time, from painting to dance to photography, I always chose straightforward income methods. Then Covid happened. When I had to slow down I realized how much of the stress was a result of the overwork on those safe things. I also had some other big life changes happening all at the same time. I finally decided it was worth it to jump head first into opening my studio and pursuing things that made me happy. Goodbye healthcare, predictable income, and a set work schedule. I truly had no safety net, it all could have gone sideways. I can honestly say, I am so glad I took that risk when I did. I could never consider going back, safety be damned!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My photography business is really geared in 3 directions. I love being there for family moments, and catching all of smiles between loved ones. It’s a very important part of why I became a photographer. I’ve dealt personally with family members going through dementia and it really makes you appreciate documenting memories and what those moments will mean later.

I also added boudoir photography to my business shortly after opening and Legend Boudoir by Shannon Leigh was born. I really have so much fun during these sessions. My clients have ranged from early 20s to early 60s, with an assortment of interests and styles. My goal is always for the sessions to be a freeing experience and I’m proud to say according to my clients I’ve been successful in doing that.

However, I think my favorite aspect of my art at the moment are the Vision Shoots. I hold various events, series and individual shoots that lean heavily into the creative. We have spent the day in Victorian garb, gotten extra spooky in our Coven shoot, stormed the beach as Vikings and most recently our queens spun a dark fairytale. It’s a chance for clients to spend the whole day trying something extra fun and creative. These are styled sessions, with professional hair & makeup, sometimes shot at thematic locations. As a mythology, history, book and movie junkie the vision shoots combine so many interests. We’ve already had 4 Events, 2 series and a bunch of individual theme ideas brought to us by clients. We have some BIG plans for 2023!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When someone comes to town it’s always important to hit up Iggy’s for some classic clamcakes and chowder! It’s always a good time hitting up the beach early in the day then grabbing lunch at Iggy’s. And in the summer it’s great to wrap up the day at the Rustic Drive In.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have been so lucky that my family and friends are crazy supportive. I have always been painting, teaching, or taking photos and my family was never shy about telling me I should start trying to do it professionally. My sister will often commit her weekends to helping me at events, even my mom has spent the whole day assisting me at weddings. My friends are equally amazing, from listening to the insanity of business day to day, to being helping hands at events, to being clients themselves! It’s fantastic to try new things and really feel supported by the people in your life both in the high points and the low.

Website: focusbyshannonleigh.com

Instagram: @focusphotori @legendboudoirbyshannonleigh