Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Mireles.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello there! Let me introduce myself… I am Leslie Mireles, owner of Kovu Graf. Photography/Videography Production.
My love for cameras began since I was a little baby. I was drawn towards the mechanics of what they could produce with the right settings and one click. They hold memories that can be cherished forever, even when moments may be gone. From a young age, I wanted to become an actress, so I would self-record monologues and create, film, direct, and edit shorts films involving my cousins. My dad’s old laptop was full of viruses from all the software I was downloading to make different edits.
Throughout school, I was always involved with cameras. My junior year, I was enrolled in the advance video media arts program, which taught me many skills and opened up many opportunities. After many discussions with school district officials, I was granted permission to use the football team’s golf cart to transport teachers around the school campus during lunch, allowing for an exciting and adventurous experience for both the teachers and the student body. I created Golf Kart Karaoke with the help of my team; I directed, filmed, and edited the Golf Kart Karaoke segment, which became a much-loved segment on my old high school’s video news. It was truly an experience like no other – a live, on-campus version of James Corden’s popular segment!
I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to create the new school logo for Vail Elementary School. It is always inspiring to drive by and see my work on the school’s marquee. It is a reminder of the positive impact I can have on the community through my work. I take pride in being able to provide a service and create visuals that benefit the community.
I also decided to take twelve courses in my senior year, six of them online, to accelerate my graduation. I was the only one from my class to have a normal graduation in 2019, escaping my year of 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
I wanted to start my career a year ahead, but no place could hire me due to my age. Fortunately, a studio for Shutterfly gave me the opportunity to be a photographer/sales rep. I gained many valuable skills, and the people I met throughout my journey have still made an impact in my life.
I then found a small local photography business in Old Town Temecula. When one of the owners moved away, I took over the photo studio side of the business. It was an absolute blast, and I enjoyed every minute of it. This ultimately led to my travels to Europe, where I was able to use my Canon 80D and Sony a6000 to take incredible pictures. I learned about low light photography on top of the Eiffel Tower, as stars twinkled and moonlight shone. I was so focused on my craft that I got lost in the Eiffel Tower staff elevator. I was completely alone going up and down the tower after closing hours! That is a story you can check out on my Instagram @lesliemirl I then learned stop motion in Hungary. That is when it clicked…I want my photographs to tell a story through motion as if it were a cinematic shot still from a movie.
But alas, I lost my shop in Old Town Temecula suddenly. Left with no money and a broken heart, I decided to pursue freelance photography after all the skills I had learned from my travels and my past experiences. One year later and I have achieved so many of my goals, including shooting weddings, hairstylists, artists, dancers, families, kids, couples, and some of my favorite companies. I even had the chance to capture a wedding as the bride came out of a helicopter! Every day is an adventure I get to share with others through my photographs. I am even being flown out to Cancun for a photography job! It has been an incredible journey, and I am so grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout.
The past year has been a struggle, but one I have embraced wholeheartedly. It has taken many sacrifices, working almost every single day for the past year, and I still am. However, I am filled with joy and determination to keep going. I am thankful for the many beautiful moments I have been able to capture and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been anything but smooth. I was often left with only two choices – working myself to exhaustion or giving up my dreams. With only $200 in my savings and my beloved pup Kovu to feed, I had to make every penny count.
At the start of my photography business, I was determined to make it as a photographer, even if that meant working for free. I decided to put my Disneyland pass to use and make a Tik Tok offering free photos at the park. I never expected the response I received – my post went viral, and I was flooded with requests from guests and even Disneyland cast members!
Though I was left broke after each visit, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the people I met. I was in awe of their stories and how they brought their dreams to life. It was a reminder that anything is possible when you stay focused and passionate about what you do. I knew then that I was on the right path and that Kovu and I would make it through our struggles.
On my first two big photoshoots, I had to traveled 47 miles from my home – a long way when gas prices are at their highest. Thankfully, the mother of the maternity shoot invited me to her baby shower and gave me leftovers to take home. I stayed with a friend nearby to save on gas, but it was hard to be away from my pup for the night.
My situation improved when I got a part-time job at a gym. I worked as many hours as I could while still going out and shooting in the early morning at 5 am and late evenings. I struggled to get enough sleep, and every penny I saved went towards buying camera gear and equipment.
My goal is to take my beloved pup Kovu back to his cultural roots in Germany and explore the world together. After the struggles we’ve been through, I’m determined to make it as a photographer and videographer and provide for us both. And with Kovu by my side, I know I can make it happen!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer and videographer whose passion lies in capturing timeless memories.
Through my lens, I help bring joy to people and capture special moments in time that will be cherished for a lifetime. From bodybuilders tracking their progress to couples preserving their wedding day and companies showcasing their success, I am proud to be a part of people’s lives and freezing these moments in time.
My specialty lies in lifestyle and portrait photography, and I am known for being the photographer with the dog model, Kovu. Yes, he is the namesake of my business, in tribute to him being my first model and spending endless hours shooting while I practiced using my camera.
I strive to capture unique and timeless moments in each of my photographs, transforming ordinary scenes into something beautiful and cinematic. I am passionate about exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of creativity, allowing me to produce stunning images that stand out from the rest. With attention to detail and a love for capturing those special moments, I strive to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is knowing you have ventured beyond your comfort zone, pushing boundaries and striving for something greater, and in so doing, finding happiness that brings a feeling of euphoria to each and every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kovugraf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kovugraf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KovuGrafPhotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeslieMireles
Image Credits
@zipzp.91
@fearless_annimal
@looks.by.ling
@emalinchinchin
@RPE
@americanbarbender
@domi.energy
