Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Leigh Sykora.
Christian, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been a curious and creative person, heck most of my birthday parties growing up were “craft parties”! But my first real introduction to photography came from my dad when I was a young teenager. He taught me the basics on his 1972 Nikkormat 35mm film camera, and would reluctantly entrust the camera to me to practice with and use for Yearbook Staff. Shortly after I graduated from Baylor University in 2007 he gifted me my first Nikon DSLR. For the years following, I was a learning amateur, taking the time to learn what I could and be creative whenever I had the chance. Even at that time, I was encouraged by friends and family who saw my images to pursue photography more seriously but the spark to do so did not happen within my self until my son was born in January 2014.
Like every new parent, photos became much more precious with a little human being so dang cute in front of you every day. And boom, that is when I knew I needed to focus this talent and explore where it could go. I decided to really get serious and learn as many techniques both in camera and in post-production as I could. I wanted my son’s whole entire story to be captured brilliantly, and that was a very strong motivator! I always put my whole heart and soul into anything I commit myself to so learning became an around the clock thing, which was very true as a brand new mother you literally have a lot of time while you are breastfeeding at 2 A.M. or when a baby is sleeping during the day to research and learn! That progressed to taking photography classes here and there too. However, I still felt the words of “you should pursue photography” pulling on me, so my motivation grew exponentially, not just for having my son’s life in photos but to also give the gift of preserved childhoods and emotional moments to other families too. So, being all in on photography and with the support of my friends and family, I started Christian Leigh Photography and had my first official clients late spring of 2014.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’d say the biggest challenge was when I was first getting started. I had no idea what owning a business entailed when this seed of an idea took hold, so I had to learn a lot of the business ownership aspects. My background up until this point had been working with small businesses so I had a general idea but I had to put in a lot of time and effort to really learn the ins and outs of the business side. So, I took the time to learn marketing and finance, defined what values and personality I wanted for this brand, etc., all while continually pushing myself forward in my photography techniques and honing my creative style. It took a lot of work right out of the gate and some good personal exploration too. All I have to say is it is a really good thing that I love to learn and be challenged because the world of photography and business is constantly changing. BUT that is one thing I absolutely adore about what I do, there is ALWAYS something new to learn or explore and I am never done growing forward in my photography business!
Another major challenge that I faced was the sudden death of my dad at the end of September 2014, when Christian Leigh Photography and my son were still infants. Unfortunately, my husband at the time seemed to go on with life as if nothing had happened, we never once talked about his loss, so to get through my grief I focused my attention on my beautiful, happy son and my business to keep myself positive and busy. So, in a lot of ways what I had spent the last nine months creating (both CLP and my son) ended up being saviors to myself.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Christian Leigh Photography is a premier lifestyle photography company that specializes in preserving authentic moments for families and couples as they go through their life stages. My goal is emotionally rich photography, and what I mean by that is capturing the feelings of the moment whether that is a proud young family with a toddler that just took their first steps or soul mates saying their “I do’s.” What my clients most commonly say the best part of working with me besides praises of the photography is the support that I give them every step of the way. I work with my clients on planning the logistics of the shoot, helping with wardrobe choices, giving them tip and tricks for small children and providing resources to help them prepare for a successful photo session. This method really helps to keep clients relaxed from not worrying about so many things and in turn leads to true personalities shining bright and having fun at the session. This, of course, makes for incredibly authentic photos!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The DFW metroplex is a big big place with new people moving here every day, and for that reason, if you have the dedication to commit to making a business successful and focus on treating people right I think just about any new business could thrive here! With so much diversity in the interests of the people who live here, finding a niche that needs filling isn’t in short supply. It just takes a lot of perseverance and creativity sometimes!
Pricing:
- Mini Portrait Session $219
- Lifestyle Newborn Session $545
- The Beacon Wedding Package $2999
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.christianleighphotography.com
- Phone: 2143921215
- Email: christianleighphotog@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianleighphotog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christianleighphotog/
Image Credit:
Two Who Wander, Christian Leigh Photography
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