WEDDING and FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Based in Switzerland, and available worldwide
Bonjour tout le monde!
I'm LeighAnn but you can call me Leigh (pronounced Lee) and I'm a wedding and family photographer in French-speaking Switzerland. Originally from sunny Southern California, I've now made my home in the mountains of Switzerland with my British husband, our beautiful daughter, and a lazy kitty cat.
I first picked up a camera when I elected to take a photography class in high school around the age of 17, immersing myself in the world of film photography and the captivating realm of the darkroom. I developed a profound affection for this artistic medium and the entire creative process. I later embraced my first DSLR, and now mirrorless camera, and never turned back! In the past, I enjoyed solo travel, and my happy place was exploring various places with just my camera as a companion. Then I later uncovered that my genuine passion lies in capturing moments of PEOPLE... and the compelling narratives that unfold during weddings or photo sessions. The ability to share my photos with others became a significant aspect of my artistic journey. The most rewarding moments occur when I witness the genuine reactions from families or couples upon receiving their photo galleries – an unparalleled feeling that solidifies my love for photography and why I do what I do.
I believe in authenticity, kindness, humility, and service. I can be shy in some crowds, and totally outgoing and silly in others. I love a good karaoke night, and I've been known to sing and rap in unexpected places, and even at my own wedding. You will most likely see me on the dance floor with my camera having fun with you and your wedding guests at the end of the night!
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I'm inspired and ready for all of the things, big and small, that are going to transpire this year and I invite you to join me in the adventure.
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Become a Peace Love Leigh Couple or Family and let's make magic together!
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Q: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
My shooting style is relaxed, fun, and directive. I believe your photos should reflect your personality and your relationships, and I will help to bring that out in your photos.
My editing style is natural and true to color, with warm skin tones, creating images that are timeless. I can not completely change your natural appearance by making you skinnier or taller, for example, but skin touch-ups and removing small background objects, etc. can of course be part of the process!
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Q: I DON’T LIKE BEING IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, WILL YOU DIRECT US AT ALL?
If you are not used to being in front of a camera or you don’t know where to put your hands, you are in the same boat as about 99% of clients! Fret not, you will not only end up with great photos, but you will have fun in the process. I'm an expert at documenting candid moments even though you might feel awkward in front of the camera. I will guide you and your family or partner through the shoot, making things dynamic and fun, and inspiring spontaneity. I have an eye for the best location for light and composition, and I will fix your hair or suggest a different angle if I think it will look the best! I also have a knack for interacting with and photographing kids, so family sessions are usually very fun!
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Q: HOW FAR WILL YOU TRAVEL?
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If I have the date(s) available to travel, I will go as far away as you will take me! There are no additional travel fees for weddings within travel distance by car occurring within southwestern Switzerland. For destination weddings, travel expenses, such as transportation by train/air, and hotel, would be covered by the guest.
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Q: IF MY WEDDING IS IN A "DREAM DESTINATION" AND WE COVERED ALL OF YOUR TRAVEL EXPENSES, WOULD YOU PHOTOGRAPH OUR WEDDING FOR FREE?
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Yes, in agreement that I can use the images for marketing purposes!! There are a few locations which are on my wedding photography bucket list. For example, Dolomites, Italy; Iceland; Allgaü, Germany; Cliffs of Moher; Venice; Santorini; Bali; Mallorca; Amalfi Coast. Your "dream" location not on the list? It doesn't hurt to ask!
Q: HOW MANY IMAGES WILL WE RECEIVE FROM A SESSION OR WEDDING?
The number of images depends on the amount of time and the type of shoot. I cull all the photos and select only the best images for editing. I don’t believe in limiting the number of images you will receive, so I often end up delivering more photos than promised. You will end up receiving an average of 50+ images per hour that I am photographing.
Q: HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BOOK YOU FOR A WEDDING?
As soon as possible, especially if you are getting married during “Wedding Season” which is approximately April-September. Most couples book a photographer 9-18 months before the wedding. Fill out my contact form to see if I am available for your date!
Q: HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY IMAGES?
You will receive your digital high resolution images via a secure online gallery, with a link delivered to you by email. There is also an option to add-on a premium wedding album.
Q: WILL WE HAVE PRINTING RIGHTS TO OUR PHOTOS?
Yes! You may print your photos when and wherever you like, and share with your family and friends. There are no hidden fees here.
Q: HOW LONG IS THE TURNAROUND TIME FOR OUR PHOTOS?
For family sessions and portraits, I guarantee you will have your photos within 2 weeks, but typically deliver sooner! For weddings, it depends on the extent of coverage, but I guarantee delivery within 4-6 weeks.
Q: DO YOU DESIGN ALBUMS?
Absolutely! An album can be added at any time before or after your session or wedding. All of my wedding albums are lay-flat style and from high quality materials sourced from Swiss vendors. They come in a range of prices, depending on your specifications, but starting from 550.- CHF. If you are interested, contact me and I will send you the album specifications and pricing options.
Q: CAN WE SHARE OUR IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
Yes please! I encourage you to share, and just ask that you tag me in any of your posts! I would be honored if you would also follow me on Instagram: @peace_love_leigh and Facebook: Peace Love Leigh Photography !
Q: WHAT DO WE WEAR FOR AN ENGAGEMENT OR FAMILY SESSION?
There are definitely some “Don’t”s to know about when it comes to styling your family or your couple for a photo shoot! When you book, I will send you some tips about what to wear (and what not to wear) so that you get the best result in your photos! You can also check out my pinterest boards for outfit inspiration and styling tips!
Q: WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR BAG?
Weddings ARE unpredictable, and they usually don’t go 100% as planned. I carry a bridal emergency kit with a sewing kit, double sided tape, fake rings, etc., wooden hanger and dress hook, clear umbrellas for bride and groom (in case of rain!), backup camera gear, snacks, and more!
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I always have three camera bodies and at least three different lenses of different focal lengths with me in case of any failures. I also have two speedlights for flash as well as an LED light for continuous light if needed. I carry loads of extra batteries and memory cards and am always ready for whatever may transpire.
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Q: HOW DO YOU ENSURE OUR PHOTOS ARE SAFE?
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I shoot on a camera with dual memory card slots so all of your memories are simultaneously being recorded on two different memory cards, which ensures that in the rare event a card corrupts, there is a second copy. When I change memory cards during the day, I keep them on my body at all times, no matter what. As soon as I get home, even if it is 2 am and I've been on my feet all day, I immediately upload your images to two separate hard drives. Once the images are culled and edited, I again backup the edits and upload them to to a cloud-based storage system as well. In short, your memories are safe with me!
Q: WHAT IF WE BOOK YOU AND YOU ARE ILL OR CAN NOT PHOTOGRAPH OUR WEDDING FOR SOME UNFORESEEN REASON?
I am a member of a group of Swiss Wedding Photographers which is a wonderful network for exchanging information and helping each other out professionally. I will do everything in my power to be at your wedding day, but in the circumstances of the unimaginable, I will help you to find a suitable replacement. Even in a last-minute emergency case, it is usually possible to find a stand-in photographer who is available and able to capture your wedding day. If this situation arises, as stated in my contract, you will be refunded all monies previously paid towards the wedding, including the “non-refundable deposit,” and/or I will transfer any monies already paid to the replacement photographer.
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Q: DO YOU PROVIDE BLACK & WHITE PHOTOS?
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I love black and white images, but I provide all photos in full color. At my artistic discretion, I also convert a selection of these photos to black and white. Just let me know your preferences when booking and even after delivery of your final gallery, I am happy to convert an additional few photos to black and white at your request.
Q: DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE SHOOTING IN VARIOUS LIGHTING SITUATIONS?
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Yes, I am comfortable working in all types of lighting conditions. I favor natural light as much as possible, so I am always looking for the best position to be in at the right time of day. When necessary, I can create my own light, with flash, reflectors, continuous fill light, and flash modifiers. When possible, to preserve the mood and ambiance of a scene, or the sanctity of the ceremony, for example, I will avoid the use of flash. However, I truly enjoy putting on a my flash for a fun, edgy couple's portrait session when the sun goes down, and certainly for fun party photos on the dance floor!
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Q: WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON TAKING BREAKS DURING A WEDDING DAY? DO YOU REQUIRE THAT WE PROVIDE YOUR MEAL?
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I typically take a couple of very short breaks during quiet moments to have a drink and a small snack. For weddings longer than 5 hours, I will need a meal. A 12 hour day on your feet, with little to no breaks can be exhausting, and photographers require fuel! I just need a space at a table somewhere to sit and eat. I don’t want to miss anything, so ideally somewhere that I can see what is going on in the room so I’m prepared to hop up and capture any spontaneous moment that might occur! I don’t need to be sitting at a table with your guests (though many couples do this); a small table in the corner with the other vendors will suffice.
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