Meet Leah Varney | Photographer

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

Hi Leah, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is providing a service to the absolute best of my ability in order to produce a positive reaction and outcome to the client. I have had clients cry happy tears during the middle of a shoot because they are so elated with the images. I always share as I go along so they can see what I see. Those types of reactions are why I do what I do. There is no better feeling than knowing I have captured an important moment that they will revisit and cherish forever.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say, that I have always felt like I have had some artistic ability. However, I tried drawing, painting etc and it was obvious that that was not a talent of mine. I really wanted to find a way to express my artistic side but I just did not know how. I had always loved taking pictures and when cell phones got to a point where the cameras were so advanced, I found myself constantly wanting to photograph everything! It really did become a passion of mine because I had a camera at my fingertips at all times. It was January of 2020 that I finally decided to take my photography to the next level. I purchased a used camera online and to be honest was completely intimidated by it. There were so many buttons and features and I felt very overwhelmed. Through the help of a Facebook group and a lot of questions to people I knew in the industry, I finally took the plunge. I set up shop at Scripps pier in La Jolla. There were so many other photographers set up as well. I was instantly invigorated by my surroundings. Even though I still felt like I didn’t know what I was doing, when I brought my camera home and loaded the pictures onto my computer, my breath was taken away. I could not believe the images in front of my eyes. To this day, some of those images are still my favorite. Those images represent the beginning of my journey. I was instantly hooked. I started taking my camera out every chance I could get. Every beautiful place in San Diego that I had ever visited, I revisited with camera in tow. Those initial images started sparking the interest of various people in my Immediate social circle. I then started getting inquiries about doing specific photo shoots. Even though I was still very inexperienced, I took the bull by the horns and said yes to any opportunities that were presented. That meant a lot of hours watching YouTube videos and a lot of hours of frustrations trying to figure out how to get past my level of inexperience. I would say that some of my journey has been easy in the sense that I have been very lucky that in the short period of time that I have been doing photography, people have really put their faith in me and have given me a lot of referrals. Most of my business has been from Word of mouth and I could not possibly be any more grateful as that is the Greatest compliment I could ever receive. On the other hand, it has been difficult because I have done a lot of things the hard way because I am self-taught. I have never taken a class and I have spent countless hours overcoming obstacles that had I been shown how to overcome, would not have been so challenging. I still have so much to learn but I am hungry for more knowledge and I will never stop trying to be the best artist that I can possibly be. I am addicted to the joy that it brings me after completing a shoot whether it be for my own pleasure or for a client.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I positively love showing people around San Diego. There is so much to see and depending on who the company is, I can always modify the itinerary to their liking. If we had a full week, I would absolutely bring them to the zoo if they have never been. It is the best zoo in the country and I would 100% include that in our week of adventure. Some other points of interest would include, Cabrillo monument, Sunset Cliffs, grabbing a burger at Hodads, and A walk along Seaport Village. Another amazing place to visit is Gliderport. The view is amazing and hiking down to the beach is also a really wonderful experience and great exercise! One activity that I always suggest is doing a harbor cruise. That is such a fun activity and mimosas while enjoying a beautiful view is never a bad idea. Although there is plenty of nightlife, I never really worry too much about where my company and I will head to in the evening. There are so many great bars and restaurants that I would just figure something out on the fly. Although, I do believe drinks at the Nolan should be included.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are too many to name! I have reached out to every photographer that I’ve ever worked with as a model and accosted them with so many questions when I’ve been stuck. In general, the photography community has been so helpful and supportive of my journey. Friends and family continue to encourage me to pursue this art form. Their support keeps pushing me to learn more, do better, and to charge forward even when I get frustrated.

Instagram: lv_elle_veephotography

Image Credits
Elle Vee Photography