wedding planner

Since I made the decision to test the waters as a wedding photographer, I have met and made some great friends in the wedding industry. There are so many little details that go into this big day and it is my job not to miss a single one. My friend, Jocelyn, just started her own wedding planning business! Such a crucial component to making sure a wedding day runs smoothly!

Head over to her blog, she has a ton of information and helpful tips!

http://jocelynbrookweddings.com
https://www.facebook.com/jocelynbrookweddings

LDS Missionary Mini Sessions Now Available!

I am now offering LDS Missionary Mini Sessions. For more information, please email me at hello@leslieleavittphotography.com

shutter speed | tuesday tip

When I first got mtg camera, shutter speed was the one thing that confused me the most. I didn't even bother to learn about it because I set my camera to Aperture Priority and my shutter speed was chosen for me. But I wouldn't always get the best images, some would be too dark, some would be blown out and too bright, so I knew I had to learn how to shoot in Manual Mode so I had all of the control. 

It really wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to shoot in manual, there is just a lot of things to consider. ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed are a few of the important things to always consider. If you change one, it will effect them all. 

But I just wanted to talk a little about shutter speed. I took my camera and these beautiful peonies outside and just played around and just kept changing my shutter speed. A slower shutter speed will let in more light, as in the picture below. 

f/1.8, iso 250, 1/60

When I have such a blown out picture, I need to speed up my shutter speed so that it wont let in as much light. I turned it to 1/320 and this is the picture I got!

f/1.8, iso 250, 1/320

f/1.8, iso 250, 1/500

It is really much easier to practice on something that wont move. Shutter speed also will affect how sharp or how blurry an image is and if you have a fast moving object (like a child) in low light, you wont be able to slow down your shutter speed as much or else he will become a blur.

This is an example of my shutter speed being too fast and not letting enough light in the camera, resulting in a dark image.

f/1.8, iso 100, 1/4000

 I adjusted my shutter speed and made sure it would be slow enough to brighten the picture but fast enough to freeze most of his movement.

f/1.8, iso 100, 1/800

And another example of how this photo is a little darker then I wanted, so I just slowed down my shutter speed a bit and got a much brighter image.

f/1.8, iso 100, 1/2000

 f/1.8, iso 100, 1/1250

Mother's Day Mini Sessions | Rexburg, Idaho

Last month I put together two days filled with mini sessions featuring mothers and their children. I really wanted to feature hard working moms and all that they do! And since it was the last weekend I would be living in Rexburg, I just thought it would be a great way to say thanks so all the great people I have worked with. 

I started looking for a location, and I have to admit that I had some difficulty finding the perfect location. After looking at many places, I decided that the Woodman Ballroom on Main Street in Rexburg, would be the perfect spot for me. It was simple, a large empty space and I could fill it however I would like. 

Thinking about the props I wanted to bring, I knew I wanted something casual and simple. I didn't bring anything too distracting but all of the props were really bright and light.  Below, is an instagram picture of what my set up looked like. I also had to bring in a large reflector to bounce back some of the light that was coming through the windows. 

Asking for a little help, was also something that was very important. It just so happened that my sister was going to be in town and I hired her to be my secretary for the day. I had back to back sessions and to save a little time, I had my sister sign everyone in and give my clients all the information. 

I want to share a few photos from one of my favorite sessions! Kaeli has a really awesome Etsy shop called Simply Sublime Designs. She and her friend, Tiana make the cutest newborn hats that I have used in many of my photos. 

 

What I have been doing lately

I have been terrible at keeping up with my blogging. I have been crazy busy with packing, moving, my son's birthday and last minute photo sessions in Rexburg. I am a little sad to say, that we have finally left Rexburg and I am currently home, in Seabeck, Washington. I am going to be starting to take photo sessions starting 

Tyler will be busy working on the east coast for the next couple of months and I plan on staying busy with lots of photography! So if you are interested, give me call! 

My email is hello@leslieleavittphotography.com

and my number is 360.850.8673 

I have been working as hard as I can to finish up the photos from the mini sessions that I had in Rexburg, right before I moved. I just wanted to show you a little sample of what I have been working on. I had so much fun working with so many adorable little kids and their moms!

You Deserve A Photo Project | Guest Post

I am so excited to be apart of this great program called You Deserve A Photo. You should check out the facebook page and all of the other wonderful photographers involved.

I'm Alana Allred.  I am from Calgary, Canada and I am living in Rexburg while my husband and I attend school at BYU-Idaho.  We are the proud parents of a rowdy 18-month-old boy.  I am studying communications with an emphasis on advertising.   I married the boy that I fell head-over-heels for when I was 14 at EFY, but it took a lot longer for him to notice me.  

You Deserve A Photo is a project I started in January where I have collaborated with some South Eastern Idaho photographers who have donated some mini photo sessions for families in need.  Families are nominated by either themselves or someone else.  Throughout March families will be picked from the nominations made, and if all goes well, maybe we can do it all over again.  There is more information on the website: www.youdeserveaphoto.com

I decided to create You Deserve A Photo for a couple of reasons.  In order to graduate I need a senior project that applies some of the things I have learned in my schooling and occupies 50 hours.  As a mother, wife and a student, I already feel like my time is being pulled in too many directions and it is hard to create a balance.  I decided that I wanted to have a senior project that was worth my time, I wanted to do something that I felt good about.  

I also had this experience before Christmas in 2012 that made me realize just how fortunate I am, and I took a new interest in helping those around me who aren't so lucky.  We were providing Christmas for a family in need, and I kept thinking about how I should find a way to give them something that they probably couldn't give themselves, like family pictures.  I ignored that re-accuring thought, because I am no photographer, and it might be hard.  

When contemplating a senior project, I remembered that thought - and I realized I could probably do it.  I felt like I finally found something that would be worth my time, and also give back to the community.  I couldn't have done it without so many awesome and willing photographers.  

I just can't wait to be able to bless the lives of some families in Idaho.

what's in my bag

I have been asked what kind of equipment I use and I thought I would do a blog post about it. I don't have a real specific reason why I shoot with Nikon, but I love the high quality of the equipment.  

I started off using a Nikon d5000. It is a beginning level dslr, however it was a perfect camera to learn. I use to get a little embarrassed when anyone asked about my camera, but then I realized that if I can get great, high quality photos on the d5000 it will just make me an even better photographer. 

Now, I shoot with a Nikon d600. I made the switch a few months ago and I have seen a drastic difference in the quality of my photos. I figured if I was going to be a professional, I better have a professional camera. 

I keep both cameras in my bag ready to go because you never know what might happen and I like to be prepared for anything. 

I have my stock lens (on the right), a 55-300mm lens (on the left), and a 50mm lens. The 50mm lens is always on my camera. I rarely take it off my camera. I have been saving my pennies and hope to be purchasing a new lens soon. Maybe a 24-70mm lens, or a 85mm lens. I haven't decided?!

I prefer to always shoot with natural light, however, it is nice to have something that I can control when extra light is needed. I use a Nikon speedlight sb-800.

My bag! I love my bag! It might not be the most stylish but it is extremely durable and protects my equipment, even from my little boy. It is a Clik Elite backpack. I take it everywhere I go. It has lots of room for my computer or ipad and I can even attach my tripod to it.

I always keep extra batteries and extra SD cards in my pack. I carry around my business cards, hair ties and bobby pins and even a lint roller. I also have an SD card reader for my ipad for quick and easy photo uploads. And of course my phone, I always have my phone. I use my phone for lighting and to accept payment when I am out on a job. It makes things so convenient.

A pep talk | A little video you have to watch

My day has been filled with laundry, dishes and entertaining a little boy who is stuck inside the house all day. It is not until that little boy is sleeping in his bed that I have time for work or anything else, like The Bachelor. Is it like this for you?

Last week, I posted about how I was feeling a little discouraged and was working hard to find motivation and inspiration (read post here). I have been working hard and I was starting to feel like I had nothing to show for it.

My husband sent me this youtube video (I swear, he is addicted to youtube) and thought it would be some good inspiration. I thought it would be another video about someone falling off something, but it was surprisingly amazing!

I don't know if you have seen this or not, but you have to watch it either way.

"What will you create to make the world awesome?

Guest Blogger \\ Pacific Northwest Hikes

I am so excited to be having Justin Garin, the writer for Pacific Northwest Hikes, on my blog today! I follow him on instagram and I am a huge fan.  I asked him to tell us a little bit about all the adventures he goes on and how he gets such amazing photos. 

Follow Justin on instagram @vapormonkey

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Lena Lake, Olympic National Park

Hello followers of Leslie! My name is Justin and I write the blog Pacific Northwest Hikes & Adventures. Leslie has always shown great interest of my photography and I'm very excited to be writing on her blog. I have known Leslie in high school, but had no idea that she shared a passion for photography as well. I enjoy her photography, especially her portraits!

     Now for a little about myself. I grew up here in Washington and the Olympic National Park served as my backyard. At a young age I always found myself gazing at the mountains and I enjoyed the weekend trips to the Olympic National Park with my family. It wasn't until 2009 that I started venturing pass the full parking lots and well groomed trails. I can still remember my very first backpacking trip.  It was to a place called Enchanted Valley and we had hiked 13.5 miles to our destination. From that trip I realized that I wanted to be able to share the unscathed landscapes, the towering trees, cascading rivers, and snow covered peaks. I wanted people to see what I saw and to appreciate mother nature more.

     I could go on and on talking about the things I have seen, but lets get back to talking about photography! There are many places to see here in Washington, but if your fairly new to hiking I would recommend Marymere Falls trail. Marymere Falls is a fairly short hike at 2 miles, but every person I have brought falls in love! In the summer the trail is usually busy, but around this time of the year the parking lot is fairly empty. Marymere falls is located in between Mount Storm King and Aurora Ridge and tumbles its way into Barnes Creek, which drains into Lake Crescent. It's a well groomed trail with plenty of signs! Marymere falls is a short hike, but leaves you plenty of time to go swimming at Lake Crescent or explore some more!

Marymere Falls

f/22 iso @100 5s exposure

Barnes Creek 

f/22 iso @100 10s exposure

Here are few things that I do to take long exposure shots.
1.  Be sure to pack a wide angle lens, a neutral density filter, tripod and a remote to have your camera take the shot.
2.  Try to compose your shot before setting up your tripod it will save you a lot of time!
3.  Be sure to put your ISO to the lowest setting and I find that using the highest aperture helps get a long exposure.  Shoot in manual!
4.  Use a neutral or graduated density filter.  These filters allow you to get smooth silky water.
5.  Use the remote to take the picture.  Pushing the shutter button on your camera moves the tripod, which results in a not so sharp photo.

Another helpful hint is that sunny days aren't the best days for long exposure shots.  Cloudy days act as a filter and allows you to get long exposure shots.  
I try to follow these five rules every time to help get a great long exposure shot.  On top of all of that be sure to pack the "ten essentials" for hiking and make sure others know where you are at.  Do some research on the trail and try to find recent trip reports.  

Hope these tips help and you inspire you to get out and explore! Thanks for reading and thank you Leslie for giving me some space on your blog!     

Staircase Rapids is another short enjoyable hike full of cascades

Guest Blogger | Mandy's Recipe Box

Have you ever thought about starting a blog? Mandy from Mandy's Recipe Box is an amazing food blogger and it is filled with delicious recipes and pictures. She will be sharing some great tips on how to get great food photos!

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Hello! I am Mandy from Mandy's Recipe Box. I am happy to be here on Leslie's blog to talk about food blogging. Leslie's husband and my husband are cousins and it's always fun to see each other at family get-together's. I love her photography and gotta get her to take my family's photos this year! Now, let me tell you a little about myself...

I have been married to my farm boy for 12 years and we have 3 great kids ages 10, 8, 4, and one due in February. I grew up in Ogden, UT and met and married Lance in 2000. We moved to the middle of nowhere, Idaho and I have been converted to country girl. The nearest store is 30 miles away so I have to be well stocked in the kitchen and my food room. There's no making a quick trip for some vanilla extract where I live, especially in the winter!

I started my food blog in 2009 because I wanted to share my favorite recipes and love of food with whoever wanted to read about it. I have learned so much on taking great photos of food since I started. Here's an example...

This was how my photos looked at the beginning. Not so awesome.

Here's how they look now...

Much better, I believe. Here's what I've learned.

1. Always take photos in natural light when possible. I never use a flash. There are lots of tools you can use, such as light boxes and a light scoop, but I just use good old fashioned natural light. I have my kitchen table with french doors to the right of it. Then I put a large white poster board to the left of my food to reflect the light back on the food, eliminating shadows.

2. I use a Canon Rebel T2i with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens. I use it for all my food photos. I used to have a regular point and shoot camera which is what I used in the old style photos above. It was fine, and I know lots of bloggers who only use a point and shoot camera rather than a DSLR camera. But I also take my kids' photos and photos for other people so I wanted to upgrade to something nicer.

3. I use the internet for tips. Sites like The Pioneer Woman and Kevin and Amanda have great tutuorials. Check them out.

4. I look to other bloggers for photo ideas. Some of my favorites are Chef-in-Training, Life as a Lofthouse, and Something Swanky. These are just a smidgen of bloggers whose photos I admire. It's ok to use other blogs to get ideas for your own. Just make it your own. Don't be a copycat. Be your own unique self.

5. I use Picmonkey for my editing. It's great and simple to use and suits me just fine. 

Other than that, I just experiment and do what feels good.

I get my ideas from family recipes, favorite cookbooks, and other bloggers. I also love finding something I love at a restaurant and re-creating it at home. I hope you have learned something useful! I'd love to hear from you so please visit me on facebook, pinterest, or drop me a note at mandybird208{at}gmail{dot}com.

Thanks for having me, Leslie!

In with the New! {limited time}

Finally! I am so excited to announce that I will be doing some way fun and super cute mini sessions for Valentines day. The super nice, Gary Rasmussen of The Cocoa Bean Cafe has agreed to let me have my sessions in his shop. 

I couldn't be more excited! 

I only have a very few opening available, so call (or email) me right away! 

360.850.8673

hello@leslieleavittphotography.com

A Year Later

As of today, I have officially been in business for a year! There have been some really tough times, really good times and lots of learning experiences. It has been such a journey and I am proud of where my hard work has taken me. I started with absolutley no idea what I was doing and terrified of rejection but I am so glad that I did not let that hold me back.

Last year I started by writing down my goals, my dreams and aspirations. There have been times throughout this year where all I wanted to do was quit and give up. It has not been an easy road but my goals (and my husband) have been the motivation to keep going. Although, some of my dreams have changed, all I want is to be a better photographer then I was yesterday.

I have spent hours and so many late nights trying to be a better photographer and learning as much as I could. I love looking at the pictures I took when I first started, it shows how much I have improved. I love taking photos. I love my camera. It has become a part of me.


I am so lucky to be able to do what I love. I have created some awesome friendships that will last forever! With the help, support and encouragement of all my friends and family, I wouldnt be where I am. It has been the only thing that has helped me succeed.


"A goal without a plan is just a wish" -Antonio de Saint Exupery



These are some of my favorite photos from last week. Thanks again to Paige and Krissy for being such great friends!