We’re looking forward to introducing you to Leah Varney. Check out our conversation below.
Leah , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I think what I’m being called to do now is step into a new entrepreneurship / leadership role in which expectations have been laid out that are extremely intimidating. I’m taking on a new challenge that statistically doesn’t not have a high success rate.
In the past, I sometimes held back because of fear of failure or worrying if I was ready. But, I’ve realized that growth comes from leaning into those uncomfortable spaces.
So right now, I feel called to take risks I might not have taken before, like launching this new business path, representing clients, eventually leaving my current full time position to go all-in on real estate. And honestly, that feels both exciting and scary. All the while, keeping my love and passion for photography alive.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Photography has been a creative heartbeat in my life for years. I specialize in capturing authentic, natural moments, whether it’s family sessions, maternity portraits, or lifestyle shoots, because I believe the most powerful images are the ones that feel alive and true.
What makes my work unique is the way I blend creativity with connection. I want every client to feel comfortable in front of my lens so their personality shines through. My approach is about more than just taking pictures, it’s about telling a story and preserving moments that people can look back on and feel all over again.
Right now, I’m also stepping into an exciting new chapter of entrepreneurship in real estate, which may seem like a big leap, but for me it’s all connected: both photography and real estate are about people, stories, and creating lasting impressions. Keeping my love for photography alive alongside this new venture feels like the best of both worlds. Looking forward to expanding my brand to include real estate photography.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply a creative kid who loved observing life and finding beauty in everyday moments. I was curious, imaginative, and always drawn to stories, whether it was through pictures, writing, or just daydreaming.
Over time, I think a lot of us feel the pressure to follow a certain path or fit into expectations. But deep down, I’ve always known that my true self is someone who creates, connects with people, and expresses the world in a way that feels authentic. That’s why I’ve held on so tightly to photography, it’s a direct link back to that original version of me who loved seeing the world differently.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I think I started turning pain into power when I realized that hiding it only made me feel smaller and more stuck. There came a point where I understood that the very challenges I was going through could either hold me back or fuel me forward.
Instead of letting pain define me, I chose to use it as motivation, to push harder, to be braver, and to connect more deeply with others. It’s given me resilience and empathy, and honestly, it’s shaped the way I approach both my work and my relationships. My struggles became lessons, and those lessons are now part of my strength.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
For me, the public version and the real version are very closely aligned. I try to live in a way where who I am in front of people is the same as who I am behind the scenes. That doesn’t mean I share everything, everyone deserves some private space, but what you see is genuinely me. What you see, is indeed what you get.
Whether it’s through my photography, my new path in real estate, or just in my everyday interactions, I want people to feel the same emotions and energy that I carry in my personal life. I’ve worked hard to make sure there isn’t a big gap between the two.
That being said, I also understand that there’s a time and place to wear certain hats and act appropriately. Whether it’s in a professional setting, with clients, or in a more personal space, I adjust without losing the core of who I am.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people may misunderstand about my legacy is assuming that my story is about one thing, like just photography, or just real estate. The truth is, my legacy is about the way I’ve woven different passions together and shown that you don’t have to fit neatly into one box to make an impact.
People may see the surface, photographer, entrepreneur, bartender, real estate agent, but what I hope shines through is the deeper through-line: connection, creativity, and resilience. My path hasn’t been traditional, and I think that’s the point. I want my legacy to reflect that you can embrace change, follow what excites you, and still stay true to yourself, even if others don’t fully understand it in the moment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: lv_elle_veephotography
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/leah-varney-704685a7
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leah.varney?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
