Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Kubiske.
Leah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been drawn to creative fields. I first discovered my love for photography in a high school photo class, and later pursued Graphic Design at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After college, I spent several years working in graphic design, focusing on UX/UI and web design.
Everything changed when my sister asked me to photograph her wedding in Cabo. I remember telling her, “I know how to use a camera, but I’m not a photographer!” She encouraged me anyway and said she just wanted a few good images. To my surprise, not only did I capture beautiful photos for her, but I also fell in love with the entire process – directing, posing, and editing the images afterward.
Not long after, I was asked to photograph another small wedding back home in California. Again, I made it very clear that I was not a wedding photographer. That wedding became my unofficial “trial run” into the industry, and I told myself that if I truly enjoyed the experience, I would pursue it seriously. And well, I did.
From there, I started building my photography business on the side while continuing to work full-time as a graphic designer at a marketing agency. The more weddings and sessions I photographed, the more fulfilled I felt. Being able to connect with people during some of the most meaningful and exciting moments of their lives made me feel incredibly alive.
Eventually, balancing a full-time job and a growing photography business became too much. Around that time, my then-fiancé, who has always had a very entrepreneurial mindset and had started businesses of his own, encouraged me to take the leap and pursue photography full-time. With his support, I finally did – and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Hardly, and honestly, I think that’s true for most creative entrepreneurs. Photography is so much more than just taking photos. Along the way, I’ve had to learn the financial side of running a business, stay organized, implement new software and workflows, manage client communication professionally, and learn how to confidently sell what I offer.
I’ve also had to work through a lot of imposter syndrome. There have been many moments where I’ve had to project confidence before fully feeling it myself. Pushing outside of my comfort zone has been a huge part of the journey, whether that meant learning how to quote and coordinate out-of-state weddings, upgrading my gear, or adapting to the increasing volume of work as my business grew.
There’s also so much behind-the-scenes work people don’t always see: contracts, insurance, accounting, editing systems, client management platforms, the list really does go on and on. I’m still learning every day, mostly by doing (thanks Cal Poly for ingraining Learn By Doing into me), making mistakes, and adjusting as I go.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My work is rooted in a simple purpose: to bring people joy and to reflect back just how beautiful and worthy they truly are. More than anything, I want my clients to walk away from their experience feeling appreciated, confident, and grateful for the season of life they’re in. Whether I’m photographing a wedding, a growing family, or a milestone moment, my goal is always to create images that feel meaningful, joyful, and timeless.
As a Christian, my faith naturally shapes the way I run my business and interact with others. I see photography as an opportunity to serve people well, share kindness, and reflect God’s love through the experience I create for my clients. I always hope people leave not only loving their photos, but also feeling genuinely cared for.
I think one of the things that sets me apart is my background in graphic design. Because of that foundation, I approach photography with a very intentional eye for composition, balance, movement, and storytelling. I see each image almost as a piece of design, which has helped shape my style and perspective as a photographer.
I also offer film photography, which adds a unique element to my work. I love the nostalgia, softness, and authenticity that film brings to a gallery. It allows me to create imagery that feels both artistic and deeply personal.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of creating a business that feels genuine to who I am – one built not just around beautiful imagery, but around connection, trust, joy, and creating an experience that people truly remember.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
That’s such an interesting question because I think there’s a balance between opportunity, privilege, and willingness to take risks. I definitely recognize that I’ve been fortunate in certain ways, like having access to resources that allowed me to invest in professional camera gear and start my business in the first place. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities and support I’ve had along the way.
At the same time, I also believe a big part of growth comes from being willing to take the leap before you feel fully ready. Starting my own business required a lot of faith, hard work, and stepping outside of my comfort zone. There have been many moments where I had to trust myself, learn as I went, and say yes to opportunities that felt intimidating.
So while I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, I’m also proud of the fact that I was willing to pursue something uncertain and build it into a career I truly love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leahannephoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leah_anne_photo/
Image Credits
My profile photo was taken by Kira Annette Photography. All the others were taken by me!
