Have you met Leanne?

[Dahlia Ambrose]

This time around we learn a little more about Leanne, @leannecleaveley

• Tell us a little about yourself and your photography journey.

Where do you live?

I live in the Nicola Valley of beautiful British Columbia, Canada. I am a mother, wife, teacher and librarian.

Hobbies & interests?

I love gardening (and the outdoors in general), reading and of course, photography.

How long have you had an interest in Photography?

I think I have always enjoyed taking photographs, since I got my first camera in high school. I actually had one of those Kodak disc cameras – the photos were not good at all, but I took it all over the place and paid way too much money on film.

What got you interested in photography?

I didn’t really start to think of myself as a photographer until my husband and I travelled to Europe in 2004. I had done a bit of reading about photography (books and magazines) because I really wanted to have some memorable images of our trip. At that time, I owned my first digital camera, a Kodak DX6490 and I began shooting in modes other than automatic. Many of the images were less than stellar but I actually started thinking about things like light and composition.

When my oldest was born I bought a “good camera” (a Nikon D3100) to capture those special baby moments and a friend (and my photography mentor) helped me get even more serious. I started reading more and asking him lots of questions. He was always helpful and leading me to new resources. It was a turning point for me, as I loved art in high school but had stopped doing anything creative and the camera became my tool for creativity again.

I later joined a supportive group online (yes Light Stalking!) and have continued to learn and grow. All of my learning has been informal with some great advice and guidance from other photographers.

• What is the best advice you have received so far regarding photography?

The best advice I got was when I was starting out. I was told that you don’t need a fancy camera to take great images. I didn’t have a top-of-the-line camera and lenses and I didn’t let that hold me back. I see people take amazing shots with their phones because they are amazing photographers. This has been my inspiration. I’ve enjoyed building my technical skills and understanding of composition and finding workarounds for the tools I didn’t have.

• How do you maintain inspiration?

I keep inspired by keeping photography fun. I get excited about trying something new and learning so I never really feel a lack of inspiration. If I get tired of a particular genre or subject for a time, I simply try something else. And I feel like there are always sources of inspiration around us, in the house or backyard.

• What is your favourite subject to shoot & why?

Nature shots are probably my favourite. It goes back to the “learning” piece. When I shoot a subject in nature, I am also being curious about the subject, wanting to know more and understand it. I ask questions and make discoveries through my photography. I also love the connections I make afterwards, with other photographers who have similar interests.

I also find it very relaxing to be in nature capturing images. I can lose myself in the shapes and textures of a lily or lie on my stomach following the movements of ladybugs and bees. I call it my “therapy.”

In a close second to subjects in nature would be my kids. I just love photographing them through all the important milestones of their lives. My favourite moments are the ones where I can sneak in a candid shot. I love trying to capture their raw emotions, good or bad, through photography. I know as an adult; I value the images my parents took of me growing up. They tell wonderful stories of the people and places that have influenced who I am. I enjoy the little glimpses into the past and I hope one day my kids will get that same enjoyment from the photos I take of them.

• Do you have a favourite type of photography?

Macro is high on my list, but for me, the fun is in learning and trying something new. I enjoy landscape photography, portraits (of family and friends), ICM, double exposures and many more.

• How would you describe your photographic journey to date?

I feel like photography is something I have done purely for myself and it arrived at a stage of my life when creativity had been put on the back burner. I haven’t had any formal training, but I do have a friend and mentor who has supported and encouraged me. He is a photography teacher at our local high school and an accomplished photographer himself. I was lucky enough to “audit” some of his courses (basically he allowed me access to his lessons) and he has provided advice on purchases and loaned me equipment any time I was thinking of trying something new. His guidance combined with that of my Light Stalking mentors has given me some great support and pushed me to try more.

• Are you currently involved with any photography projects? If so, what?

I am currently writing for Photzy.com. I just finished a guide on macro lighting and am creating some bonus content to go with it. My photography is always influencing my guides and vice versa. So, I am taking lots of images and set-up shots for that. Also, I have been invited to present to a B.C. camera club on how to shoot macro snowflake images. I am still editing a series of snowflake images from a few snow events early in 2021. I shoot something almost everyday as I feel it is part of my “practice” and learning.

• If you could only use one camera/lens combination for a year, which would you choose?

I have often thought about this question when I read these interviews and agonized over it. Just one lens? No!!!! But if truly forced, I would have to go with my 90mm Tamron on my Nikon D750. That would allow me to still shoot macro. But I have used this lens for portrait shots, with great results. And since my kids are one of my favourite subjects that would be just fine.


• What is your favorite image right now?

My favourite image is always my next one. I love how excited I feel when planning and visualizing that next shot. The process really is cathartic for me – I let go of any work stressors and lose myself in the photographic process. Of course, that isn’t quite what you are looking for, for an answer, is it?

o Yours? (provide a link if you wish)

How about a recent favourite: I Want To Take You Away From All of This

o Someone else’s?

This is difficult as I spend a lot of time admiring other people’s images and have lots of favourites.

This is a macro image that I find myself returning to. I love the surreal feel, colours and textures.

• Is there a photographer that inspires you?

I really admire the work of Don Komarechka, from Barrie, Ontario. He shoots very inspiring macro images and is known for his snowflake photography. I appreciate the hours of work that go into processing his snowflake macros as he uses focus stacking to achieve incredible detail in his images. I’m not sure I could ever have the patience to achieve that level of precision.

• What is your biggest challenge when it comes to photography?

Time. Finding time is always the toughest. Family time is very important to me. I work as a school librarian and teacher. I enjoy gardening, crocheting, reading, and playing my guitar. So, how on earth do you fit in a hobby like photography with so much other stuff going on?

The beauty of photography for me is that you can have your camera handy while doing those other things…you can take photos of those other things you love to do. You just have to make sure you grab your camera and take a moment to point and shoot. I am still working out the right balance and there are days when my family exercises extra patience – like when it hasn’t snowed in months and you find yourself shooting snowflakes instead of helping with dinner (thank goodness they are supportive and patient that way!).

• Is there anything specific you intend to learn or improve in your photography?

I think any photographer that says there is nothing left for them to learn is lying. For me personally, once Covid is done, I want to get out and try some street photography. I would also like to work on my post-processing skills. Much of what I know about editing is through trial and error and I would like to take some basic courses to refine my process.

• If people want to follow more of your work where should they go?

• Flickr
• Instagram

• Provide links to 3 or 4 of your favourite images that can be displayed with the interview

I have a couple of images of my girls that I would love to share but they are very strict about what I can and cannot share (and for what purpose) and since I always respect their privacy, I will share a few of my others…

Gravitational Pull

Uninvited

Music of the Night

Iris

cc: @admin

Here is a list of our members who were featured in the past if you would love to read. I have attached a link to their profile and their interview.

Diane Wehr   @albirder : Introducing Diane Wehr

Tobie   @tobiepsg : Introducing Tobie

Rob Eyers  @reyers   : Introducing Rob Eyers

Duncan Stewart  @falxy : Introducing the Falx

John Thompson  @nikon-nut : Introducing Nikon nut 

Valery  @valeryp  : Introducing Valery

Tom Dinning  @tomdinning : Introducing Tom Dinning

Christina Brown  @Chrissiebee : Introducing Chrissie Bee

Bobbie  @bobbie : Introducing Bobbie

Gordon James  @gordonjames : Introducing Gordon James

Chris Pook  @chrispook  : Have you met Chris Pook?

Erik Fransman  @erik-fransman : Have you met Erik Fransman?

Gary Zerbst  @garyzerbst  : Have you met Gary Zerbst?

Allen Furst  @3pco : Have you met Allen Furst?

Jim  @Mistyisle : Have you met Jim?

Frogdaily  @frogdaily : Have you met Frogdaily?

Robert Apple  @robertapple : Have you met Robert Apple?

Steve Matten  @stevematten : Have you met Steve Matten?

Cornelia Acorn  @corneliaacorn : Have you met Cornelia Acorn?

Gray B  @grayb : Have you met Gray B?

Dahlia Ambrose  @dahliaambrose : Have you met Dahlia Ambrose?

Patrick @patrickw : Have you met Patrick?

Dave  @pentaxfan : Have you met Dave?

Peter  @peternowak : Have you met Peter?

Beaky @ozride : Have you met Beaky?

Graham Hart @diripics : Have you met Graham?

Daniel Krueger @drkrueger22: Have you met Daniel?

Jasenka @jasenkag : Have you met Jasenka?

Astaroth @astaroth : Have you met Astaroth?

Joanne Van Praag @vanpraag : Have you met Joanne?

 

[Patrick]

Thank you so much Dahlia another good one 🙂

Hi Leanne thank you so much for the images and to learn a little more about you and how you got started in photography your photos always impress , you have a busy life so fair play and all the credit to you for keeping your eye in with photography 🙂

Thank you for the read enjoyed a lot

[Dahlia Ambrose]

You’re welcome Patrick 🙂

[LeanneC]

Thanks Patrick. I had a bit of a moment of dread when I hit send for the interview…felt a bit soul-baring. But I have enjoyed hearing others’ journeys and it really does feel like a family here at Light Stalking.

[Patrick]

Ha i had the same moment i totally get it 🙂

[Pat Garrett]

I really loved reading your “story” @leannecleaveley. So many similar threads running through the stories of various featured members. Thanks, LeanneC, for sharing yourself with us.

[LeanneC]

Thanks Pat! It is great to make those connections with others’ stories.

[Wendy P]

Your snowflake shots are awesome! And your story is a very interesting share.

[LeanneC]

Thanks so much Wendy. Happy shooting!

[JasenkaG]

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Leanne. The last shot (iris) is out of this world!

[LeanneC]

Thanks Jasenka. It is a pretty special image to me so I am glad it resonates with others.

[Dave Watkins]

Was good learning some about your photographic journey. Thanks for sharing it. 🙂

[Federico Alegria]

Thanks again @dahliaambrose for such another great interview. It has been nice to get to know you better @leannecleaveley, and I must say, the thing that interested me the must, is the fact that you are a librarian, something I would really to work as sometime.

[Dahlia Ambrose]

You’re welcome Federico 🙂

[LeanneC]

Thanks Federico. It is my dream job, really. Did I mention I love reading too? 🙂

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

This is great. I really enjoy this series. And great to know more about you @leannecleaveley

[Rose Marie]

Thanks, Dahlia for interviewing Leanne, a very interesting lady with a lot going on in her life. Those wonderful images were a pleasure to see. She is an accomplished photographer!

[Dahlia Ambrose]

You’re welcome Rose Marie 🙂

[Rob Eyers]

Thanks for this Leanne. I always enjoy your images. I hope you and all your family are well and that this summer will be free of smoke and covid in your beautiful province.

[Author]

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