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Daily Inspiration: Meet Xenia Leo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Xenia Leo.

Hi Xenia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in the charming city of Samara, Russia, I first discovered the magic of photography. As I looked through the viewfinder, I couldn’t help but wonder about my role in this world. Regardless, my passion for capturing life’s moments was ignited, setting the stage for a life-changing journey.

Growing up, I spent more time than I’d like to admit rummaging through stacks of old family photographs, the memories of our ancestors captured in grainy black and white. The emotions and stories they evoked within me compelled me to create collages, which, to my surprise, brought immense joy to my family members. Their reactions fueled my passion for photography, and I decided that this was something I wanted to pursue, regardless of the inevitable existential crises that would follow.

In search of adventure and an escape from the relentless Russian winters, I packed my bags in 2014 and headed for the perpetually sunny city of Los Angeles. I must admit, the thought of leaving everything familiar behind was both exciting and unnerving, like the first bite of an unfamiliar dish.

In the beginning, I found myself working as a second shooter at weddings, observing the countless love stories that unfolded before my lens. Each celebration was a unique cocktail of emotions, colors, and traditions, and I couldn’t help but feel honored to play a role in these momentous occasions. My skills improved, and soon I found myself wading through the eclectic world of LA’s creative community, dabbling in family and event photography.

Over time, my camera became an extension of myself, a trusted companion in my ongoing quest for capturing the human experience. Every click of the shutter felt like a chance to immortalize a fleeting moment, and I became enthralled with the stories that revealed themselves through my photographs. Eventually, I gravitated toward lifestyle photography for brands and individuals, eager to share the same passion for capturing emotions with a wider audience.

One thing that struck me throughout my journey was the importance of making photography accessible and stress-free for my clients. Inspired by this notion, I began hosting themed photo days and content days, offering clients the opportunity to experience my photography without fretting over the details. Each event centered around a unique theme, inviting clients to immerse themselves in an imaginative and creative atmosphere.

During these memorable sessions, I aimed to not only capture the essence of each person but also the joy and excitement that emerged from these themed experiences. My ultimate goal was to inspire others to celebrate their individuality and create lasting memories while savoring the simplicity and beauty of a well-organized photo session.

Now, as I continue to grow as a photographer, I can’t help but appreciate the power of capturing the essence of our most cherished moments. My love for storytelling, my dedication to preserving emotions, and my unwavering commitment to creating heartwarming imagery drive me forward. And in true Woody Allen fashion, I must admit that I’m still trying to figure out whether I’m the protagonist or just an extra in this grand narrative called life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has certainly not been smooth. Like any journey, there have been challenges and obstacles along the way. Moving to a new country, adjusting to a different culture, and building a career from scratch all came with their own unique struggles.

Language barriers and adapting to a new environment initially made it difficult for me to connect with clients and establish a solid network. However, with perseverance, I gradually overcame these hurdles and continued to push myself to grow both personally and professionally.

Another challenge was the competitive nature of the photography industry. It took time, dedication, and constant self-improvement to stand out and create a niche for myself. I’ve learned to embrace the struggles, as they’ve shaped me into the photographer I am today and taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my passion.

Despite the bumps in the road, I’m grateful for the journey I’ve had so far. Each challenge has only strengthened my resolve and fueled my drive to become a better photographer, ultimately allowing me to create meaningful connections with clients and capture their most precious moments.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a photographer, I specialize in lifestyle photography for both brands and individuals, capturing the essence of my subjects in clean, heartwarming imagery. I am known for creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere during my sessions, ensuring that each client feels relaxed and at ease in front of the camera.

One of my signature offerings is themed photo days and content days, where I design unique and engaging experiences for clients who want to enjoy a stress-free photography session. These events allow me to showcase my creativity while also providing an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

What I am most proud of is the genuine connections I’ve built with my clients, creating an environment where they can be their authentic selves during our sessions. This level of comfort and trust enables me to capture the true essence of my subjects, resulting in imagery that is both captivating and deeply personal.

Ultimately, my approach to photography is centered around hospitality, crafting memorable experiences, and using humor to break down barriers. This focus on creating an enjoyable and engaging atmosphere sets me apart from others in the field and allows me to deliver results that resonate with my clients on an emotional level.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways people can work with me, collaborate, or support my photography journey.

1. Book a session: Whether you’re an individual or a brand, you can reach out to me to book a photography session tailored to your needs. I am always excited to capture precious moments and help you tell your story through my lens.

2. Themed photo days and content days: Keep an eye out for announcements regarding my themed photo and content days. These events are an excellent opportunity to experience my photography style in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. You can sign up for these events on my website or social media platforms.

3. Collaborations: If you’re a fellow creative professional, such as a stylist, makeup artist, or another photographer, I am open to collaborations. Working together can provide valuable learning experiences and help create unique content for our portfolios.

4. Referrals and testimonials: If you’ve worked with me before and enjoyed the experience, please consider referring me to friends, family, or colleagues who might be interested in my services. Sharing your positive experiences on social media or providing testimonials for my website can also help support my business.

5. Connect on social media: Follow me on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated on my latest work, events, and promotions. Sharing, liking, and commenting on my posts can also help increase my visibility and support my growth as a photographer.

I am always grateful for the support and opportunities to work with new clients and creative professionals. Let’s connect and create something amazing together!

Pricing:

  • Photo day from $440
  • Personal Lifestyle Shoot from $850
  • Commercial Lifestyle Shoot from $1650
  • Couple Photography from $850

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Xenia Leo Studio

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