Get to Know Your Photographer | Northern Michigan Wedding & Family Photographer
Hi, I’m Leah!
I’m a wedding and family photographer based near Traverse City, Michigan, and I truly believe it’s important to know your photographer! After all, I’ll be with you for most of your wedding day or spending meaningful time with you and your family. Having a connection with your photographer makes all the difference—it helps you feel comfortable, which directly impacts your photos!
My goal is for you to feel like you’re with a friend, not just another photographer or vendor. So, with that, here are a few things you should know about me!
Northern Michigan is Home
I was born and raised in Northern Michigan, and this place has my heart. I’ve lived in Williamsburg, Elk Rapids, Traverse City, and Kalkaska—but Elk Rapids holds a special place in my heart since I spent so much of my childhood there. I went to school in Elk Rapids and graduated from Kalkaska High School.
A photo my mom took of me and a friend that made it into the Elk Rapids newspaper.
A Small Business Legacy
My love for running a small business comes from my dad. He owned a small business in Traverse City and spent every day helping people—and that truly inspired me. I worked alongside him, behind the counter, as a personal trainer, and even competed in two figure competitions.
I always knew I wanted to run my own business, just like my dad, but I didn’t know what that would be until later in life. Today, I’m so proud to own a small business that brings joy to others, and I strive to make an impact just like he did.
My dad (left) and uncle (right) in the early days of their business.
Creativity Runs in the Family
Both of my parents are creatives! My dad is incredible at woodworking, and my mom went to school for photography and ran her own house painting business.
When I was little, my mom was always taking photos of me. That love for photography never faded. As I got older, I covered my room in photos and even pinned them to the felt roof of my first car—a Ford Taurus. To this day, I still keep a Polaroid in my car. That’s where my love for photography began.
Some old photos my mom took of me.
My Love Story
I knew of my husband, Adam, for years before we officially met. We were in the same places so many times without realizing it! Then in 2018, we matched on Tinder—and we knew right away. We were engaged four months later and married in 2020.
He’s my best friend, my balance, and my biggest supporter. We’ve now been together for seven years and married for five!
The middle photo that is in black and white was one of our very first photos together in 2018.
Becoming a Mom & Building a Business
Adam and I have two sweet boys, Noah and Nash—they are 22 months apart and my entire world! I had Noah when I was 24 and Nash when I was 26, and while I had many pregnancy complications, I would do it all over again 1,000 times for my babies.
I started my photography business while pregnant with Nash and built it while raising two kids under two. In 2020, I took a huge leap of faith and bought my first professional camera—from my own wedding photographer.
That same year, I started shooting weddings—and my very first wedding? I was 32 weeks pregnant with Nash and delivered him just four weeks later!
I fell in love with weddings immediately. By my second year, I was fully booked, and I’ve been photographing weddings full-time ever since! But I also love family sessions, because they hold such deep meaning for me.
Our Pets
Growing up, I had a Black Lab, and I knew I wanted another one for my kids to love. That’s when we got Ozzy—he was the missing puzzle piece to our family!
The black lab i had growing up, Buddy.
Later, we got a cat that Noah named Periscope (Perry for short), and recently—while I was out photographing a wedding—my husband surprised us with a Boston Terrier Pug (they call them “Bugs”)! We named him Boston, and he’s the cutest little thing.
Perry (left), Ozzy (middle) & Boston (right)!
Some Fun Facts About Me!
I’m 5’1
I’m an ambivert (a mix of introvert + extrovert).
Ice cream is my favorite food (I could eat it every day!).
Spring & summer are my favorite seasons (warm weather = my happy place).
The beach and the dunes are my favorite places to be.
I love TV series & reality TV
Walking around Target is a hobby.
I’m the slowest runner but love the endorphins.
Why I Love What I Do
If you choose me to be your photographer, just know it’s so incredibly special to me, and I do not take it lightly. I truly care about you, your story, and your experience. I will always give you my absolute best.
MY WHY:
Marriage: This isn’t just my job—it’s a passion rooted in my own experiences. As a wife, I understand the weight of these moments, the joy of connection, and the beauty of starting a life together. I’m here to be more than a photographer—to celebrate with you, cheer you on, and capture the story of your love in the most meaningful way possible.
A Life of Passion: More than anything, I want my kids to see me doing work I love—waking up every day excited and passionate about what I do. My hope is that it inspires them to chase their own dreams and create a life that brings them joy. This business isn’t just about photography; it’s about building a life of purpose, connection, and love—and leaving that impact on my family and the people I serve.
Education: My passion also includes helping other photographers chase their dreams. Sharing tips and everything I’ve learned brings me so much joy because I want others to create a business they’re passionate about and live it every day. Seeing someone turn their creativity into a career they love is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
I can’t wait to get to know you more! Let’s Chat!
Video by Mandie Forbes!
I love getting to know my couples and families, so it only feels right to share a little more about me, too! If you’re curious about how I met Adam, and how we just knew—you can read all about it here:
