WeddingDay Pro Spotlight: Leah Rife of Leah Rife Photo

Stepping in front of a camera for any reason can feel nerve-wracking for many people, so it is the job of all good wedding and engagement photographers to make their couples feel comfortable and relaxed. With more than seven years of experience in the industry, Leah Rife Photo has learned all the tips and tricks to make sure her couples can be themselves in front of her lens.

Constantly pushing herself out of her comfort zone, Leah is both an experienced photographer and photo editor, so you can expect the best from her. Her keen eye for art thanks to her graphic design degree ensures unique images of all the special moments (even ones you may have missed!). You can learn more about what sets Leah apart from other photographers in the following interview! 

What inspired your business? What keeps you motivated?

"After working as an editor for a husband and wife photography team after I got married and had two kiddos, I got to see some of the aspects of running a business and decided to jump into building my own. Now, over seven years later, I run a successful wedding photography business I love so very much. My family keeps me motivated. I love showing my two sons what it means to own and run a business and I love helping provide for my family. My work inspires me—the people, their stories and the beautiful moments I get to witness keeps me going year after year."

Tell us about your experience/skills.

"I hold a degree in graphic design and took multiple photography classes in college. I've worked for four years as a wedding photo editor and established my business in 2016 after shooting and building my skills for years prior to that. I’m experienced in a variety of photo locations, I am an expert editor in both Lightroom and Photoshop and I am really good at relating to clients and making them feel comfortable during wedding days and sessions."

As a business owner, what do you wish to accomplish with your customers? What can a couple look forward to when booking you?

"My biggest goal when it comes to my clients is that I can make them feel as comfortable as possible so they show up well and as themselves in photos and so they can be present on their wedding days or with their loved ones during sessions. My couples can look forward to a relaxed and warm presence from myself and confidence that they will walk away with beautiful images they love and will cherish and trust that I will document their story well."

Give us an overview of your services. What makes your business unique?

"I primarily work with wedding couples and photograph all over Indiana, Michigan and Illinois. I also work with families for family sessions, newborn sessions and motherhood sessions. My work is documentary/lifestyle with gentle posing and directing, so my clients look and feel their best. I edit in a true-to-color tone, so the colors my clients choose look as they should and my clients' skin tones are authentically them. My business is unique in that my husband second shoots for me. He is my best friend, and the best work partner I could have. I also love collaborating with clients to make their photo dreams a reality. My clients get to help create with me if they have a really specific vision for photos, whether that’s an editorial vibe, a specific location or recreating a photo that is really important to them."

Tell us about your favorite part of your job. What keeps it fun for you?

"I love meeting new people, traveling to new locations and getting creative with my clients. The variety of folks I work with, the colors and décor they choose, the parties they plan so well for their guests—it’s all so much fun for me!"

What do you love about the industry you work in?

"The wedding industry has been such a blast to work in. I absolutely love working with vendors and seeing how all these amazing folks come together to help couples have their dream weddings. The people I meet, both vendors and clients, make this industry so beautiful."

What’s the most common question you get from couples? What’s your answer to it?

"Probably timeline related questions: when to be ready for photos on a wedding day, how to ensure family photos aren’t chaotic, how much coverage they need. I get really hands-on with my photo timelines, and I work to create an entirely custom wedding timeline for couples, especially if they are not working with a planner or coordinator. About a month prior to the wedding, we have a call to go over a detailed wedding questionnaire I give couples and plan their wedding timeline out really well. This timeline is my biggest tool to ensure that couples can be present on their wedding days and rest confident that I’m taking care of the logistics for them."

What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their big day? Any other words of wisdom to share?

"All of the work you are doing is going to pay off. All these little decisions you have to make, décor choices, a million details you are working on right now—it’s going to pay off for such a beautiful wedding day. On your wedding day, you are going to see it all come together, and then you get to just soak it up and enjoy it! Also, take time to just spend non-wedding planning time with your partner throughout the engagement session period. Have fun, soak up this time, too."

How do you calm the nerves of anxious customers? What do you do to make them feel comfortable?

"I am really good at feeling out what kind of personalities my clients have and relating to them in a way that complements their personality. I don’t put people in boxes, and I approach each session with my specific couple in mind. I play music during engagement sessions to help my couples relax, I talk to them and ask them questions and above all, I ask them ahead of time how I can make them feel comfortable during a session before we even are at the shoot. Time and again my clients tell me they felt so comfortable during sessions, and that means the world to me."

Take a moment to brag about something you’re proud of.

"I’m just really proud of myself for building a business that brings me income by doing something I absolutely love. When I first started, I was so nervous, had imposter syndrome and didn’t expect to grow as much as I did. If I could go back to that girl so many years ago and tell her what was coming, she would be so dang excited and proud. It also makes me proud that I successfully moved my business to a new city. We lived in Indianapolis for eleven years and that’s where I started my business. In 2021, we moved to the South Bend area to be closer to family, and, while it wasn’t easy relocating the business, I did it and have been able to expand my service areas because of it. Now, I get to shoot more often in Chicago and Michigan as well as all over Indiana."

What are your future goals for your business? How do you see it growing in the future?

"I just opened a new photo studio in Mishawaka, Indiana with two other photographers. It’s going to be so much fun shooting there, and it’s also available to rent for other photographers. I would love to grow that studio into multiple studios in the area. I want to grow some mentorship opportunities for newer photographers because I’ve been there and know what it’s like to need someone to ask for advice. I also have a photography podcast that I want to keep building after taking a little break from it. I’d also love to grow a bridal boudoir side of my business and work with brides who want to have a gorgeous, editorial style bridal boudoir session prior to their wedding."\

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