A natural passion for photography
My two little muses…Maya and Amelie!
Photography has always played a huge part in my life. My mum is a photographer so from as young as I can remember I spent many an evening sitting on the floor in our bathroom developing photos. Back then the art of photography was obviously very different. I used to be in charge of rocking the chemical trays, waiting in anticipation for the images to appear. I feel in love with it instantly. I used to nag my mum to let me take they last few frames on her cameras and my the age of ten I have my first photograph published on the cover of “Nursery World” magazine! And I got paid!
After university I joined the BBC as a trainee camera operator! I wanted to take things a step further visually and make television programs. The training at the BBC was fantastic and I soon became a camera operator. I was lucky enough to work on so many huge shows and events. A few to list were; Strictly Come Dancing, Dance fever, Top of the pops, Glastonbury, Live 8, Eastenders, March of the day, Wimbledon, The Olympics, The one show, Big brother, The million pound drop, Pointless, 8 out of 10 cats, Blue Peter. The list is endless!
The television and photography worked so well together and I loved both!
After 10 years at the BBC I went freelance! Exciting times! I would be solely my own boss, I had two exciting careers and I could concentrate even more on my photography! That’s when Love Pictures was established! I moved from South East London to Hertfordshire, got married had my first daughter and my business went crazy!!!! I think my clients love it that I’m current, still working in television mean that my work doesn’t get dated. I’m constantly exposed to new and exciting ideas and that’s what people want!
I now have two gorgeous daughters, we live in Chipperfield, Kings Langley in Hertfordshire.
I love photographing children and families in the beautiful area that we are lucky enough to live in! Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire are stunning backdrops and I really do think I have the best job ever. From maternity photoshoots, newborns, first birthday cake smashes and family shoots, I enjoy them all. Over the last few years I’ve also been doing family mini shoots which have been so popular.
Spring mini shoots in Whippendale woods, Watford. Bluebell mini shoots in Chorleywood, Chesham, Berkhamsted & the Ashridge Estate. Lavender mini shoots at Hitchin Lavender Farm. Wildflower shoots in Amersham, Chipperfield & Abbott’s Langley. Autumn Mini Shoots in Chipperfield, Amersham, Gerrards Cross, Potters Bar & St Albans.
So welcome to Love Pictures by Leila. I’m a local mummy who’s passionate about what I do.
Pop over to my Instagram @lovepicturesbyleila to check out my work and if you’d like to book a shoot with me get in touch xx
A stroll with my girls in Chipperfield Woods…