I don't really know where to start, but I'll give it a whirl. I went through a huge health journey…read morewhere I lost over 100lbs and unfortunately, the weight going down did not mean my confidence or love for photos being taken would go up. I absolutely despised our wedding photos and didn't print even 1 out, and have nothing displayed in our home. But I wanted photos taken because I haven't felt this great about myself, my life, etc. in my entire life.
That said, I went on an almost six-month journey trying to find the right photographer. We're a little quirky of a family (my husband, my dog, and me). We wanted to wear all black, including our dog, and have our photos taken in DTLA, where we live.
I can't tell you how many photographers didn't feel right. A couple of them rejected us because they didn't want to or didn't feel comfortable doing sessions downtown, and a handful I respectfully didn't move forward with because something didn't feel right.
This is where Leyna comes in.
I randomly found her while helplessly Googling "photographers in DTLA" and fell in love with her style. She took such unique, cool photos of families downtown, and I knew I had to reach out to her. I poured my heart out in the survey, and her response brought me to tears. I knew she was the one.
As someone who's type-A, Leyna's work ethic is so appreciated. We kept in touch (I booked months out), and as the date got closer, she shared a timeline and planned logistics, and I felt so great about it.
The day came, and while she warned us that the first 15 minutes always felt awkward, I felt comfortable the minute we hugged in our lobby. We spent four hours together, and we couldn't believe how quickly and smoothly it went. She felt like a friend; she loved our dog as much as we did, and honestly, we had a blast.
Only a couple of weeks later, the photos were ready, and I SOBBED (with happy tears, of course). The pictures are absolutely stunning. Leyna is so, so talented, and we will cherish these photos forever.
I can't wait to work with her again, and I cannot recommend her enough. Would give her 100 stars if I could.