Meet Leah Islinger - Appleton's Newborn Photographer
H E L L O & W E L C O M E.
Welcome! I’m Leah, a professional newborn photographer with 19 years of experience, specializing in capturing the beautiful milestones of life – from maternity and newborns to babies and seniors.
I am so happy that you found me & my website - I hope you can find all of the information that you need here to be confident that you are choosing the best photographer to fit your needs!
As a mother myself, I understand how quickly time passes, especially when it comes to brand-new babies. My oldest is 22 and my youngest is 14...rest assured I have dealt with all of the stages of childhood from fussy infants, teething babies, rambunctious toddlers, witty grade-schoolers, stubborn pre-teens, the teenagers themselves (they are a whole different breed), and even the dad who dislikes family portrait day (my own husband is one of those!). I'd like to think I have pocketed many tips & tricks over the years that help me to give you the best photo experience ever :)
I received my first camera when I was about 8 years old. I loved nothing more than taking photos and going to get them developed (I am that old LOL). Over the years the cameras upgraded and I developed more skills until I landed on newborn photography as something I wanted to specialize in. As time passed I also found a real love in photographing high school seniors. I know that seems like such a huge difference between the two, and it is, but I think we can all be good at more than one thing :)
With the full support of my amazing husband, I opened a physical studio space in 2022 and I have never been happier! I love being in there and I am always finding new ways to improve my setups for my clients.
Things that I love.... my two dogs (my kids too!), coffee, ChapStick, and newborn babies! I love how they smell and the little noises they make when they sleep. I love the peach fuzz on the backs of their ears, arms, and backs and I love to sniff their little heads. And who doesn't love those surprisingly loud and seriously hilarious baby toots?!!!
I truly love perfecting the newborn poses and even catching those little newborn smiles. In nearly all of my sessions at least one parent will comment "You have so much patience!" and I always have to laugh a little because if you don't have patience in this line of work then the job is not for you. I cannot control a newborn's personality or how they feel that day or how they will react to being posed, etc.... All I can do is comfort them, make them feel safe and go at their own pace. Only then will these stunning portraits be possible.
As somewhat of a perfectionist, I take so much pride in giving you stunning images. What you see in my portfolio is exactly what you will receive from your own session as well. I do not only showcase my 'best work' because that would be deceiving. I give every one of my clients the same amount of quality and care because that is important to me. I never rush my newborn sessions (or any of my other sessions!) because I know that once they are relaxed and comfortable I will be able to capture what you came to get - irreplaceable images of the most memorable time in your life. At the end of your session, I hope we'll feel like friends.
I look forward to hearing from you and meeting your family :)
~ Leah
