Today we’d like to introduce you to Leanne Willett.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Leanne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always had a love of any type of art including photography. I had a great art teacher in high school who encouraged my interest. I was given a “real” 35mm camera by a friend’s mother when I was 18 as a gift and it opened up a whole new world for me. Shortly after that, I was accepted to Massachusetts College of Art in Boston where I studied graphic design as well as some photography.
I married at age 20 and left home to live on an Air Force Base, which derailed me from obtaining my college degree. Years later with 2 young children I found a job at a home photography studio where over a 3 year period I became involved in every aspect of the business…except taking pictures of clients!
I assisted during shoots, checked equipment, met with clients, placed and packaged orders, designed and assembled wedding albums and developed great relationships with the professional photo labs.
In 1999 that photography business closed and I decided to take the leap and go out on my own. I took out a personal loan, upgraded my camera, purchased studio lighting, props, backdrops and renovated my basement into a studio. There was no internet then so I asked all my friends and family to provide me with the addresses of anyone they knew who would be interested in receiving information about my new photography studio.
I typed a brochure with a sample picture and pricing and mailed 120 envelopes in January 2000. That was the beginning!
Has it been a smooth road?
While I have been lucky enough to do what I loved for the last 18 years the ride has not always been smooth.
There have been painfully slow periods where I questioned if I was going to succeed as well as great periods of growth. Most times I worked a second job. The release of digital cameras to the masses caused a huge change in business for many photographers.
One of the most difficult times was when I moved both my family and business in 2007 to another town about 30 minutes away. I lost many clients because of the distance and basically started over. This was before computers were everywhere and all the exposure the internet brings.
I shot only large format film for the first 8 years. When I finally made the change to digital, I not only had to purchase all new equipment but I had to relearn just about everything I knew. Film is very different than digital and it was a significant learning curve. I am still learning new things all the time. New ways to shoot, edit and enhance images.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Leanne’s Studio of Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a one woman operation! I began my photography studio business in 2000. I own and operate a beautiful home studio in Wilmington, Massachusetts. I am lucky enough to have a great outdoor space where I take many of my images as well as indoor studio space. My business is built primarily on referrals and I live in a great community that supports local businesses.
I have won several awards where the public has voted that I am proud of.
The Reader’s Choice Awards #1 Photographer 2017, 2016 & 2015
Best of Survey’s Best Photographer 2017, 2015, & 2014
Hulafrog’s Most Loved Family Photographer 2017
I take care of every aspect of my business, from meeting with clients, shooting the images, editing, retouching, ordering and delivering the final product as well as all the other not so fun parts.
I shoot portraits of all kinds but specialize in senior portraits as well as family, children and business.
I am proud that I have stuck it out through all of the challenges and have built a name for myself. I have continued to learn as the technology has changed and will continue to do so.
I believe the personal touch of my business is what sets me apart from others. A client can always speak to me directly. We talk about what they should wear, and the look they want. We meet in person following their session for a viewing appointment where I help guide them in their selections and make the process less stressful and more personal. I want them to feel completely satisfied with their experience as well as the finished portrait and I want them to love their images. What’s the point if they don’t?
I enjoy building relationships with my clients. They become my friends and continue to return for their photography needs and refer me to their family and friends. I just recently shot senior portraits for one of my very first clients set of twins who I photographed as infants. I can’t think of anything better than that!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I can only see the photography industry growing over the next 5-10 years. There is new technology every minute. New ways to be artistic and create fantastic images. I get to use my love of art and photography at the same time. I admire other photographers’ images and styles and am always looking for new ideas
I see a trend of clients choosing to return for professional portraits after years of taking their own digital pictures with not always much luck. I want people to see the value in a physical portrait and being able to hang it up or pass it down to their kids.
Pricing:
- Senior Portrait Sessions starting at $75
- Family Portrait Sessions starting at $95
- Business Headshots Sessions starting at $125
- Wedding Portrait Packages starting at $685
Contact Info:
- Address: Leanne’s Studio of Photography
Leanne Willett
11 Loumac Road
Wilmington, MA 01887 - Website: www.LeannesStudio.com
- Phone: 978-658-5557
- Email: LeannesStudio@comcast.net
- Instagram: @leannesstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leannesstudio/
Image Credit:
Leanne’s Studio of Photography
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