Today we’d like to introduce you to Léa Barnay
Hi Léa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in France. I did part of my college education in Maryville College TN. Coming to the USA as an exchange student changed the trajectory of my life. Since then, I have lived in Boston, USA where I became an American citizen and the proud mother of a smart, fearless, gorgeous, bilingual, dual citizen daughter. We’ve also moved to Nice, France for a few years before settling in Mount Pleasant where we now enjoy the Southern Charms of the low country.
Before studying photography, I graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages applied to international business.
I have always been an artist. As far as I can remember I have always been drawing, spending hours on perfecting my use of a pencil, charcoal, acrylic and oil paint. I’ve always loved creating from scratch and anything involving creativity. I love to sing as well.
My photography journey started back in high school by capturing the beauty of life.
I received my first camera and began taking photography classes.
The darkroom we used to process photographic film in somehow fascinated me.
It was a way to capture memories while having so much fun at it.
But this passion for capturing beautiful life moments grew into something bigger, a desire to share with everyone the way I see the world, especially with those who miss the small details and hardly notice that the world is beyond words beautiful.
What strikes me the most is how many wonderful people I meet who are unaware of their own beauty. My goal is to open their eyes.
There is nothing more empowering for me than going through a session with a client and seeing them transform in front of my lens, from uncomfortable and sometimes awkward to confident and fabulous!
The ultimate reward is when they see their images and go: “Wow, who’s this?”, “Who’s that girl?”. Not because I am delivering a portrait that looks nothing like them, but rather because they needed to realize how irresistible they can be, when captured the right way.
A few years ago, I joined an online photography school called Sue Bryce Education, with Sue Bryce as the main educator and a team of mentors to choose to learn from.
My great friend and mentor Saray Taylor Roman had guided me towards this excellent school and as she was one of Sue Bryce’s most trusted educators.
Having known Saray since being an exchange student at Maryville College TN in 2008, naturally I chose to learn from her.
These 2 ladies are some of the most inspiring, most talented photographers I have ever met. Having had the opportunity to learn from them was one of the factors that influenced me the most, because not only are they extremely creative and gifted artist, but they are also great businesswomen – and lord knows being a talented artist is not enough in this industry. You also need to learn how to run a business.
I am extremely thankful for the knowledge and guidance they’ve shared with me. It was really priceless.
Sue Bryce of Sue Bryce Education, who is one of the most prestigious portrait photographers in the world – once told Saray that she believed everybody was beautiful and that it is our job as photographers to provide them tangible proof of that.” That philosophy was some of the best motivations for Saray and I to choose to specialize in portraiture. And I have had the amazing opportunity and honor to learn and be trained from/by them both.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a single mom and business owner, it is quite challenging to juggle with every task and responsibility. I think being organized is key. I have always been a perfectionist, and I find comfort in knowing what my days look like ahead of time. Having a support system in place is also very helpful, although I must admit with no family around it is very hard. I rely on neighbors and friends for help sometimes, and I am super grateful to have found extremely kind people in Charleston. I often say folks here are very family oriented and they are quick to offer support once you’ve become close friends. I really appreciate that about the area.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the Owner & Artist at Léa’s Portraits
The personal branding branch of it is called Not Your Office Headshot Charleston
We specialize in portrait photography. From personal branding/headshots to more glamorous sessions such as family portraits, Mommy and Me, Grad/Senior, Boudoir and more
All our sessions include:
• Professional Hair Styling
• Professional Makeup Application for ladies – Grooming for gentlemen
• Wardrobe Styling
• Guided Posing
• Immediate Image Selection
I work with a team of talented hair and makeup artists who make sure our clients feel and look fabulous.
We offer all sorts of pampering styles from
– full transformative hair and makeup for ladies or
– very soft glam for women who want to remain natural/true to themselves
– and grooming for men,
Following and believing firmly in my mentors’ philosophy, one of my MOTTOs is that
No one is or isn’t photogenic.
There are simply good and bad photographers
I am most proud when I have clients or models posing for special artistic projects who get so emotional and proud of their portraits, they cry when we go through the image selection or even sometimes still after the delivery.
I live for this moment when I can prove them wrong after they have told me during the consultation that they were not photogenic, or that they could never ever look good in a photograph
My work is extremely fulfilling because it allows me to do what I love, be creative, and connect with people:
– Being able to start with my vision and creativity to capture beauty and create something from nothing is very special
– Also working on a variety of projects and exploring new ways to serve my clients, whether it’s illustrating their brand or crafting beautiful memories with their loved ones
Like I said earlier I have always been an artist, and like many artists I always found comfort in creating on my own, in my comfort zone. But what I wasn’t prepared to experience when I started giving consultations to my clients, is the number of inspiring stories I hear, and how it has allowed me to get to know people in different ways and learn from their perspectives.
– I definitely wasn’t prepared for the social aspect of taking pictures, and I ABSOLUTELY love it. I have made so many amazing friends already in Charleston, many through my photography journey.
– I also feel a strong connection with people when I realize that my work has helped them, which happens a lot, especially through the Skintsugi Project. (a project where we create a safe space for women survivors of trauma to tell their stories and be photographed as the beautiful, strong and resilient being they are – you can learn more on our Instagram page Skintsugi_Project)
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I was in France during the crisis and the lockdowns were extremely strict. As terrible as this pandemic was, it allowed us to spend a lot of time at home as a family and I cherished that. It was a big change from the Hustle and bustle of the usual routine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leasportraits.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lea.s.portraits/ and https://www.instagram.com/nyohchs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeasPortraits and https://www.facebook.com/NotYourOfficeHeadshotCharleston
