Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Watt
Hi Leah , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Upstate South Carolina but recently decided to call Beaufort home. I am a self-taught photographer, a paramedic, animal lover, aunt and a proud dog mom. I’m an old soul who loves my people, travels every chance I get, and enjoys soaking up the sun. Photography hasn’t always been something I’ve done professionally but it’s always been something I loved. Growing up, I believe I could have won a contest for buying the most cameras. Going on a church trip, I needed cameras. Having friends over, going to a party? Yes you guessed it-I always had a camera. Before digital cameras became a thing, I always had the infamous disposable cameras that I could get developed in one hour at the local drug store. I was going through some old boxes not too long ago and found the old digital cameras I used to use along with ALL of the photos I had developed throughout the years.
I started working in the dental field pretty quickly out of high school. This field interested me because it gave me the opportunity to travel and live in different states.I remained in the dental field until the age of thirty when I decided to make a career change. I started a career in EMS because it was a job that would work around the hours of nursing school. Little did I know that I would love the EMS world and decided to further my career in that field. I currently work in a rural 911 service as a paramedic and love it! My favorite thing about my job is the flexibility that I have in my schedule that allows me to work in the photography world.
My passion for photography never left, if anything, it grew stronger and now I do not leave my house without my camera in tow. Photography has allowed me to capture the world through my own lens, but it’s also given me the opportunity to connect with others in ways I never expected. Each photo I take is more than just an image; it’s a piece of a story, a memory frozen in time that can evoke emotions, spark nostalgia, or even tell a story someone didn’t know they needed to tell. As I continue to explore new places, meet new people, and experience life, I will always have my camera by my side. I find that both my work in EMS and my passion for photography are about service—to others, to the community, and to the memories we share. I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I do know that, no matter what, I’ll keep capturing moments that matter, telling stories that need to be told, and living a life that’s rich with both the challenges and the beauty that come with it. At the end of the day, it’s the memories we create, the stories we tell, and the moments we cherish that truly make life meaningful. As long as I have my camera in hand, I’ll keep sharing those moments with the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a pretty smooth road overall, though I’ve definitely had my share of setbacks along the way. Nothing too overwhelming—just challenges that come with pursuing anything meaningful. When I set my mind to something, I tend to stick with it and do my best to make it happen. It’s not always easy, and there’s always room to grow and learn from the bumps in the road.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Photography, for me, is about capturing timeless memories and giving people the chance to relive their favorite moments, whether it’s a road trip, a special event, or different stages in life. I focus on documentary-style photography, aiming to capture emotions and tell stories—stories that matter to both myself and to others. On my travels, I love photographing not only the beautiful landscapes, but also the little details that often get overlooked. I’ve been told, “Leah, I feel like I was there with you,” and that’s exactly what I strive for: bringing my adventures to life for those who might not be able to experience them firsthand. It’s not just about my own experiences; it’s about documenting others’ stories too. I try to approach each shot with a different perspective—whether that’s capturing something small and unique that others might miss or reimagining a familiar scene in a way that feels fresh.
What I’m most proud of is that I’m self-taught. While I’ve reached out for advice and tips from time to time from others in the business, everything I’ve learned about photography has come from many hours of research and hands-on practice. It’s been quite the journey, and I’m proud of the skills I’ve developed and the growth I’ve experienced through my own determination and love for the craft.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If you are pursuing a creative path, stay true to your vision and keep pushing through the challenges. Success often comes in unexpected ways, and it’s the passion for what you do that will carry you through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roaminglensstudio.com
- Instagram: _theroaminglens_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRLphotos
