Today we’d like to introduce you to Leana Lewis.
Hi Leana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My photography journey began about 10 years ago when I photographed my very first wedding. What started as taking photos for family and friends quickly grew into a true passion. I’ve always loved capturing genuine moments and preserving memories that people never want to forget.
Today, Leana Lewis Photography serves weddings, families, seniors, engagements, and maternity clients throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania, including Erie, Meadville, Pittsburgh, and Western New York. I also enjoy the opportunity to travel for weddings, capturing love stories in meaningful destinations and unique settings. Within the last five years, I began intentionally marketing my business, and I am incredibly grateful that each year my calendar continues to fill with amazing clients who trust me to document some of the most important moments of their lives.
Photography is actually something I do alongside my full-time remote position with a publishing company, but it has become such a meaningful part of my life. My photography style is light, airy, and focused on heartfelt storytelling. I want my clients’ images to feel timeless and genuine, allowing them to relive not only what their day looked like, but also how it felt.
One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the sweetest couples and families, and many of them have become friends. I love hearing couples share their stories during engagement sessions, listening to families laugh and tell funny memories during their sessions, and hearing about the blessings, hopes, and even struggles that expecting parents share during maternity sessions. Every session brings a unique story, and it’s an honor to be invited into those moments.
When it comes to weddings, my favorite moments are often the quiet, slowed-down ones. Whether it’s a heartfelt letter from a bride to her mom, the vows exchanged between a couple, or the emotion shared during a first dance, those genuine moments are what make a wedding day so meaningful. While I love the beautiful details and celebrations, it’s the connections between people that inspire me the most.
Some of the most special memories I’ve captured have been for my own family. Being able to preserve those moments for the people I love is something that brings me so much joy and reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.
My faith is also at the heart of my business. Before every session and wedding, I take a moment to pray that God would bless the couple or family and that these photographs would become treasured memories for years to come. I truly believe every person I meet is placed in my path for a reason, and I am so grateful for each relationship and connection photography has brought into my life. Giving God the glory for this business and the opportunities He has provided is something that is very important to me.
Behind the scenes, my husband is a huge support to my business. From helping with the business side of things to assisting with editing, he’s been an important part of this journey. Together, we’re grateful for every client, every story, and every opportunity to serve others through photography.
More than anything, I hope the images I create become treasured keepsakes that bring people back to the moments, emotions, and loved ones that matter most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not always been a smooth road. A few years ago, I went through some significant health challenges that impacted both my personal life and my business. Because weddings are often booked a year or more in advance, that season was one of the most challenging times I’ve experienced as a business owner.
Thankfully, I had an incredible support system around me. My husband, family, associate photographers, and editor all stepped in to help when I needed it most, which allowed me to continue serving my clients while also focusing on my health.
Even though it was a difficult season, it ultimately taught me a lot about balance, asking for help, and building a stronger and more sustainable business. Looking back, I can see how much I grew from it.
Today, I’m grateful to be in a much better place health-wise and have a deeper appreciation for the work I get to do and the clients I get to serve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the owner of Leana Lewis Photography, specializing in weddings, families, seniors, engagements, and maternity sessions throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania, including Erie, Meadville, Pittsburgh, and Western New York.
My work is centered around light, airy, heartfelt storytelling with a strong focus on real connection and natural emotion. I want my clients to feel comfortable and present in the moment, so the images reflect genuine interactions rather than anything overly posed or forced.
What I am most known for is the experience I create during sessions. I truly value connection with my clients, and many couples and families have become friends over time. I love getting to know their stories, hearing about their lives during engagement sessions, and witnessing the real, unscripted moments that unfold during weddings and family sessions.
What sets my work apart is my focus on the in-between moments, the quiet emotion, the laughter, the small gestures, and the interactions that often go unnoticed but end up meaning the most. While I absolutely capture the traditional must-have images, I am always looking for those authentic, emotional details that tell a deeper story.
What I am most proud of is being trusted to document some of the most meaningful seasons of people’s lives and creating images that feel personal, emotional, and timeless for each of my clients.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that growth doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly, it comes from learning how to adapt, ask for help, and keep going through different seasons.
Early on, I felt like I had to do everything on my own, but over time I’ve realized how important it is to build a strong support system and trust others to help when needed. Whether that’s my husband supporting the business side, my editor helping with editing, or associate photographers stepping in, I’ve learned that collaboration has been essential to sustaining and growing my business.
I’ve also learned that challenges are not setbacks, but often redirections that lead to better systems, healthier balance, and deeper gratitude. Going through difficult seasons personally and professionally taught me to slow down, listen to my body, and build a business that is more sustainable long-term.
More than anything, I’ve learned to value people over perfection. The relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in me matter far more than anything else. Every story I get to capture is a reminder of why I started in the first place, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
Pricing:
- Wedding photography collections vary depending on coverage and are customized for each couple’s needs. Please reach out for current pricing and availability.
- Portrait sessions (families, seniors, engagements, maternity) are also custom and can be tailored based on location and session type.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leanalewisphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanalewisphotography?igshid=YzVkODRmOTdmMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leanalewisphotography.nwpa?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/leanalewisphotography/
