I’ll be honest… I don’t know how photographers regularly shoot weddings or even multiple weddings every weekend. It’s a lot of work physically and mentally. But when I do have the pleasure and honor of documenting a couple’s most special day, I absolutely love it. I’m choosy about the couples who I say yes to, because I want to put forward my best work and I can’t take on dozens of weddings.
I feel like the couples that find me, are meant to be my clients/couples. I gain a near immediate affinity towards them and by the time I deliver their images, I am fully invested in them.
That is definitely true with this beautiful couple. They are warm and fun and easy to be around. I’ve also seen that they are devoted to each other and hard workers. I am convinced they will have a wonderful and successful life together.
There is so much that goes into photographing a wedding. First of all, two photographers is pretty much a must. So you have to find someone you like and who is good at what they do and who can capture your style. And it’s rare for a day of photographing a wedding to last less than eight hours and they can go upwards to twelve hours!
In that time, you photograph everything from getting ready, details, couple portraits, family portraits, the actual ceremony, the reception, sometimes there is a first look, and so much more. It takes a lot of planning and attention to detail because a wedding day only happens once and you can not risk missing something for the couple.
I’ve included a little bit of everything in the photos below. Enjoy the peek into Deanna and Anthony’s very special day. Congratulations, you two.
Sitting poses don’t have to feel stiff or awkward. After 13 years of photographing couples, I know exactly how to guide you into poses that feel comfortable, connected, and completely natural.
You don’t need modeling experience, you just need the right direction.
Save these sitting pose ideas for your next couples shoot, and comment SESSION if you’re ready to plan yours🤍
If we haven’t met yet, hi helloooo I’m Leslie🤍
I’ve been behind the camera for 13+ years, and I’ve learned this the hard way your clients don’t need to be “photogenic”… they need to be directed.
Most photographers think posing is about telling someone where to put their hands. It’s not.
It’s about making people feel something natural enough that the pose disappears.
My clients don’t walk in as models.
They’re everyday people who feel awkward, stiff, and unsure what to do with their bodies.
But with the right posing framework, they leave looking like the best version of themselves.
Here’s what I teach photographers after 13 years of trial, error, and thousands of shoots:
As a photographer, your job is to
– never say “just be natural” (they won’t)
– guide micro movements (chin, shoulders, hands matter)
– create motion instead of stiffness (movement beats posing)
– build trust so expressions become real, not forced
Because great photos aren’t about perfect angles…
They’re about making your client feel seen, comfortable, and confident in front of your lens.
Posing is a skill. Direction is an art.
And once you understand both, everything about your photography changes.
💬DM “POSE” if you want my exact client directing prompts I use on every shoot
If we haven't met yet, hi! My name is Leslie.
I'm the photographer behind Leslie Levine Photography, and for the past 13 years I've been helping families capture the fast, precious days of raising kids.
What started as photographing my own kids turned into a business helping other families do the same.
My goal is simple:
✨ keep things natural and breezy
✨ let your kids be themselves
✨ create real connection, not stiff poses
✨ give you a fun, laid back experience
✨ deliver photographs that feel like art for your walls
You don't have to be a "perfect" family for perfect photos. Your kids don't have to sit still and smile on cue. And it's never too late (or too early) to capture this season before it's gone.
If you're a mom who wants to hold onto these years, here's what you'll find here:
• session prep tips
• what to wear guidance
• photography tips
• location ideas
• ways to display your photos
Follow along for more family photography tips and a behind the scenes look at sessions
And if you've been thinking about booking a session for your family, comment SESSION and I'll send you the details📸
Leslie here🤍
You need this family photo idea. Skip the stiff pose where everyone stares at the camera and forces a smile.
Real connection makes the best photos, the kind where you're actually laughing or holding your kids close.
After 13 years photographing families, I've learned the natural moments always beat the posed ones.
My goal is to give you a laid back session that captures your family's true personality.
Follow for more photo ideas and tips📸
This is what moms mean when they say they want family photos.
It's not about perfect poses or getting everyone to look at the camera at once.
I'm Leslie Levine, and after 13 years photographing families in Oceanside, I've learned the best photos happen when kids are just being kids.
I don't chase perfection, I chase connection.
What's one moment with your family you wish you had captured on camera? Tell me below🤍