hi friend—I'm LEAH STARKEY
I'm a photographer, wife, mother, and motivator with vintage soul and a passion for storytelling. Life's too precious to settle for iphone photos—I'm here to create work that celebrates the mundane and beauty found in life's simplest and most meaningful of moments.
I am dedicated to creating an immersive experience that draws you in and keeps you coming back. With every client, we explore the moments, routines, and personal stories that have inspired you to preserve your journey through photographs. I believe photography is more than just art—it's a timeless investment, one that will hold deep meaning for generations to come.
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meet the artist
Nothing settles my soul more than long stroller walks, listening to thrifted records, and seeking out quaint coffee shops with my husband and daughter.
Honestly, I've really been loving just being mom. It's hard work, but it's also brought out a side of me that I haven't felt since I was a little girl—the nurturing side, the one who cared for baby dolls and meticulously arranged her stuffed animals on the bed. Mothering a baby has it's hard moments, but right now, we're in such a solid beautiful place.
The love I have for life and family as of late—has greatly influenced my photo work and given me so much direction.
I've been suuuuper into film lately! A few years back, my mom had gifted me her 90's point-and-shoot camera. Film photography has since become such a creative escape that allows me to photograph my own everyday moments without overthinking it.
Recently, I've been inspired by home design, our european travels (dude, it was amazzz I'll tell you all about it later), thursday movie nights, and gardening.
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( INSPIRING ME LATELY )
( This is about your moments
documented to look back on years down the road
this is about your story. )
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Wow, you've made it to the bottom of my about page, which means you've already invested time in getting to know me—now it's my turn to share what I can truly do for you.
My approach to photography is transparent, honest, and documentary-driven. I want to capture the expressions, emotions, and in-between moments that make up your story so that years from now, looking back feels like a true flashback in time. I started my career in family photography over 10 years ago, gradually finding my way into the Chicago wedding industry. Alongside photographing my own clients, I've worked with countless industry professionals as an associate and second shooter, gaining experience from hundreds of weddings. While most of what you see on my website is my personal work, my career has been shaped by a wide range of experiences that have deepened my love for photographing people as they are.
Through motherhood, I've found an even greater sense of artistry and intention in my work. I truly love working with people—getting to know them, understanding their stories, and creating something meaningful together.
It'll always be more than just photos
to me.
artful perspective
edits that reflect my
artful perspective
edits that reflect my
My background in interior design, which I pursued for five years before transitioning to full-time photography, has given me an eye for composition, light, and balance. I've always been an artist at heart, passionate about sketching and painting since I was a child, and I see photography as a perfect blend of modern storytelling and timeless elegance. In the beginning, I experimented with many different editing styles, but I've truly found my voice in a true-to-color approach with warm, subtle undertones.
I love the way my editing brings my photographs to life—evoking a sense of nostalgia while remaining timeless and beautifully classic.
I lean into the existing lighting of a venue or home, embracing the mood and atmosphere as you experience it in person (although a little off camera flash never hurt anyone! lol). In short, I keep my colors true and let the natural light guide the story, creating images that feel both authentic and artful.
My background in interior design, which I pursued for five years before transitioning to full-time photography, has given me an eye for composition, light, and balance. I've always been an artist at heart, passionate about sketching and painting since I was a child, and I see photography as a perfect blend of modern storytelling and timeless elegance. In the beginning, I experimented with many different editing styles, but I've truly found my voice in a true-to-color approach with warm, subtle undertones.
I love the way my editing brings my photographs to life—evoking a sense of nostalgia while remaining timeless and beautifully classic. I lean into the existing lighting of a venue or home, embracing the mood and atmosphere as you experience it in person (although a little off camera flash never hurt anyone! lol). In short, I keep my colors true and let the natural light guide the story, creating images that feel both authentic and artful.
Editing that's intuitive—not prescriptive
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inquire
( let's connect )
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I'm here to collaborate with you on the project of a lifetime—one that transcends time and preserves your memories in a safe, beautiful space for you to cherish forever. Please, let's connect soon!
