JLeigh Photography

06/19/2024

I mean, WOW, right? 🥹

It’s not ever lost on me, what it means to be invited into someone’s sacred space.

I may laugh, and jump around like a lunatic at a shoot, but I’m always - always - acutely aware of what I’m there to do.

And what’s that? Pretty pictures, you might think? Yes…and no.

I’m recording your very existence, your belonging, and your fierce love.

Because it deserves to be recorded. YOU need to be recorded.

Your pretty pictures say: You are here, with them, & this is who you love, how you love, why you LOVE.

If you’re ready to have your very own collection of pretty (powerful) pictures, click the Contact link in my bio & send me a message.

06/14/2024

As much as I take these photos for you....

I feel like I take them for me too.

In a totally unselfish/selfish kinda way. Of course 🤷🏼‍♀️

It’s like a treasure hunt, every time. Searching, waiting, watching for those split seconds, that are so...you.

I click the shutter. A lot 😁 Then, I gather up those split seconds, I polish them and curate them in a way that is truthful and heart full.

And then. Those seconds that I found, and polished, and curated…I give them to you.

A tangible, beautifully chaotic mess of seconds, of invisible threads, of pixels, and they are yours.

Forever Jen

06/14/2024

5 reasons why you should NOT hire me as your wedding photographer:

1. You want just another generic shoot. My style is candid, relaxed, story-driven, and I only take photos that reflect who you truly are (not a cardboard copy of who you are).

2. You’re not into details. I tend to get obsessed with capturing the details I know you’ll actually care about in 20 years time.

3. You “only need someone to stay for an hour & capture the ceremony”. I believe in honouring & telling the whole story, not just a sliver of it.

4. You don’t want any creative input. I’m always brimming with ideas, and while I’ll always prioritise your vision, expect a sprinkle of creativity from my side too!

5. Price over value. While I strive to offer competitive rates, I’m also fully invested in delivering quality and an experience you’ll cherish.

But hey, if you’re someone who loves stunning wedding images that celebrate all of the pivotal details & moments that make up your day, and your love story, then maybe I’m just the wedding photographer you’re looking for! 📸

Curious? Let’s chat!

06/07/2024

05/22/2024

As I stood under the canopy at Oak and Ivy, watching Paul and Crystal exchange their vows on a rainy May 4th, my heart was full. The love and joy radiating from the couple were palpable, despite the dreary weather. It was a reminder that love knows no bounds, not even the rain.

And then, as we stepped out for romantic photos, the sun appeared 💛
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04/13/2024

CLIENT REVIEW

We were SO lucky to find Jen to photograph our backyard ceremony!! She was not only professional and kind but gave great attention to detail and went above and beyond. She worked with us to find an option that fit our budget and timing. The end result is a gorgeous collection of memories and special moments. I can’t believe I ever considered not having a photographer to capture these moments. She made the most of every minute we had with her. I’ll absolutely be hiring her to capture all of our other special moments in the future.

04/10/2024

Imagine a scene straight out of a fairytale: a rainy day, soft mist hanging in the air, the faint sound of raindrops tapping on the windows. In the midst of this romantic atmosphere, Austin and Sophie eloped with their closest family and friends by their side. The love between them was palpable, a timeless and classic bond that would weather any storm.

As a photographer, capturing moments like these is a true privilege. The moody atmosphere of a rainy day can add a touch of drama and emotion to any photograph. The way the soft light filters through the rain clouds, casting a dreamy glow on the faces of the couple, is like something out of a painting.

So next time you see a rainy day, don’t fret about the weather. Instead, get out your umbrellas and think about the beauty and emotion that can be captured in moments like these. Embrace the moodiness, the drama, and the romance of a rainy day elopement, and let your love shine through like never before.

04/07/2024

CLIENT REVIEW

Jen is the absolute best hands down!! Not only is she an amazing photographer, but she also connects with her clients on a personal level. She is so thoughtful and detail orientated, and that really shines through her work. My fiance and I have done two photoshoots with her and I am obsessed with all the photos! She takes her time and knows exactly how to pose us. Her photography style is absolutely stunning! I cannot recommend her enough. Plus she gets your photos back to you so quickly!! Jen always goes above and beyond!

03/25/2024

wanted to chat with you about something that always gets me excited: black and white photography. It’s just something about those timeless, classic black and white photos that really speak to me. I think every gallery should have at least a few black and white shots, and here are three reasons why.

First off, black and white photos have this classy, elegant vibe that just can’t be beat. There’s something about stripping away the color and focusing on the light and shadows that gives a photo a whole new level of sophistication. It’s like the photo is speaking to you in a whole different language.

Secondly, black and white photos have this way of really highlighting the emotion and mood of a shot. Without the distraction of color, you’re able to really feel the intensity and rawness of the moment captured in the photo. It’s like you’re able to see straight into the soul of the subject.

And finally, black and white photos have this amazing ability to stand the test of time. Unlike colored photos that can feel dated or trendy, black and white shots always feel relevant and classic. They have this way of transcending time and just feeling eternally cool.

So there you have it, three solid reasons why I think every gallery should include some black and white photos. They’re classy, timeless, and just downright captivating. Let me know what you think!

03/25/2024

How I create amazing wedding portraits every single time!

Hey there! I wanted to chat with you about something super exciting - golden hour wedding photos! You know that magical time right before the sun sets when the lighting is absolutely perfect for capturing those dreamy, romantic shots? Yep, that’s what I’m talking about. So, here are my top 5 tips to help you have a blast during your golden hour photoshoot!

First things first, embrace the candid moments. Forget about posing and trying to be perfect - just be yourselves and let the love shine through naturally. Those spontaneous, genuine moments always make for the best photos.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous. Take a stroll hand in hand, dance around, or even sneak in a quick kiss - whatever feels right for you as a couple. Let your personalities shine through in the photos!

Next up, make sure to communicate with your photographer about any specific shots or ideas you have in mind. They are there to capture your vision, so don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts and preferences.

Another tip is to focus on each other during the golden hour photoshoot. Take this time to really connect and enjoy each other’s company amidst the stunning backdrop of the golden hour light. These photos should be a reflection of your love for one another, so soak it all in.

And finally, have fun with it! The golden hour is such a special time of day, so don’t take it too seriously. Laugh, play, and embrace the moment - it’s all about creating memories that you’ll cherish forever.

I hope these tips help you make the most out of your golden hour wedding photos! Remember, it’s all about capturing the love and joy of your special day in the most beautiful way possible.

03/20/2024

Client Review

“My Journey to our wedding day began with Jen and her talent to make a spicy bo***ir incredibly comfortable to do!!! I Implore all women to experience a bo***ir! It’s empowering and builds the confidence so many of us need with a world that has us body shaming ourselves! I explained my vision to Jen and the areas of my body I’m most self conscious about and she nailed it! The poses she suggested were not out of my comfort zone and as I loosened up I even suggested some poses of my own that I wanted to try. The outcome was beyond expectations 😍. I need to add that she went out of her way to make phone calls to arrange for place to shoot the photos that matched the vision I was looking for! The woman has connections! ;) such a positive experience for me! Thank you Jen!”
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03/20/2024

“She woke up every morning with the option of being anyone she wished. How beautiful it was that she always chose herself.” — Tyler Kent White
***irfashion ***irlifestyle ***irphotos ***irphotoshoot ***irstyle ***irsession ***ircollective ***irphotographers ***ir ***irinspiration ***irart ***irshoot ***irphotographer ***irpose ***ir ***irphotography ***irmodel ***irportraits ***ir

03/18/2024

Engagement shoots are a great way to capture the love and excitement between a couple before their big day. Here are five tips to make your engagement shoot memorable.

1. Have fun with it! Let loose, be yourself, and enjoy the moment with your partner. The best photos come when you’re relaxed and having a good time.

2. Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Your outfit should reflect your personal style and make you feel like the best version of yourself.

3. Embrace the romance. Hold hands, steal kisses, and show your love for each other in front of the camera. These intimate moments make for beautiful and special photographs.

4. Don’t be afraid to be candid. Some of the best shots are the ones where you’re caught off guard, laughing together, or lost in a moment. Authenticity shines through in photos.

5. Trust your photographer. They’re there to capture your love story and make you look your best. Listen to their suggestions, be open to trying new poses or locations, and let them work their magic behind the lens.

Remember, your engagement shoot is a celebration of your love and upcoming marriage. Have fun, be romantic, embrace candid moments, and trust your photographer to capture it all beautifully.

03/12/2024

Just imagine being surrounded by the ancient walls of San Miguel Mission while capturing the sweet, intimate moments between a couple in love. That’s exactly what went down during Bryan and Ashley’s engagement shoot, and let me tell you, it was pure magic.

As the warm, golden light of the setting sun bathed the old adobe walls in a soft glow, Bryan and Ashley’s love for each other shone even brighter. They laughed, they danced, they stole quiet moments together, and I was there to capture it all. It was like stepping into a fairytale, frozen in time for eternity.

The best part of the shoot was the candid moments - those fleeting glances, tender touches, and genuine smiles that can’t be posed or forced. They’re the moments that truly capture the essence of a couple’s love for each other, and Bryan and Ashley had them in abundance.

03/11/2024

The first look with the bridal party on the wedding day is a special and exciting moment. It’s when the bride gets to reveal her stunning look to her closest friends and family. The anticipation and emotions in the air create an elegant and unforgettable atmosphere.

As a photographer, I strive to capture the elegance and beauty of this moment in a way that reflects the unique bond between the bride and her bridal party. The photos from the first look session are filled with emotion and excitement, reminding us of the magic of weddings and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.

I feel privileged to witness and document such intimate and special moments, and am grateful to be a part of the bride’s big day. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love being a photographer and capturing the beauty and emotions of weddings.

01/03/2024

Love is in the air at Terra Mia in Paso Robles! Capture your eternal love in a breathtaking wedding portrait amidst the enchanting beauty of this romantic venue.

Imagine walking hand in hand with your soulmate, surrounded by lush vineyards and rolling hills, as the golden sun sets behind you, casting a warm glow on your love story.

Terra Mia offers the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding portrait, where every detail is meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable experience. From the Tuscan vineyard setting to the majestic waterfalls and stream bed, every corner exudes an air of romance and elegance.

As you pose for your portrait, the gentle breeze whispers sweet melodies through the trees, as if celebrating your love. The soft, warm light dances upon your faces, capturing the essence of your love and creating a timeless memory that will be cherished forever.

So, dear lovebirds, if you're searching for a wedding venue that will make your heart skip a beat, look no further than Terra Mia in Paso Robles. Let your love story unfold against this picturesque backdrop, and let your wedding portrait be a testament to the everlasting bond you share.

Tag your partner and share this post with your friends who are planning their dream wedding! Let them discover the romantic allure of Terra Mia and embark on their own journey of love and happiness.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year!

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