Meet Mimi Leake of Mimi Leake Photography in Southeast Atlanta in Peoplestown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mimi Leake.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I quit my job in Pharmaceutical Research to focus on creating our family. It was after my first child was born, I picked up my husband’s “nice” Nikon DSLR and said to myself, by God, I will figure this thing out! I wanted the beautiful images I saw online and I wanted to be able to create those images!

I was a Stay at Home Mom for a few years and then, when my youngest started going to Pre-school, I decided I would love to turn my photography hobby into a dream job! I must thank my ever-supportive husband for this opportunity. He has been there for me every step of the way, encouraging me and just being there for me. He also watches the kids for me while I go on “vacation” to a photo session.

I’m obsessed with finding perfection and I am an incessant student. I love taking photographs and when I’m done with taking photos at a photo session, I’m thinking about taking more photos! I know I’m definitely in a place that makes me happy and fulfilled right now. I love capturing fun, sweet and candid moments for each family, knowing they will cherish these photographs as their little ones sprout up and lose all their baby fat!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I can say that I talked about starting my photography business a LOT before I actually did anything about it!  It’s challenging to jump into a business when you’ve never gone off and started your own business.  Not to mention, having 2 small children, 5 and under!  My husband finally kicked my butt into actually doing something about it.  I definitely needed that firm motivation to get myself in gear and apply for all my licensing and getting my business going.

Another huge obstacle was learning about how it actually works to photograph a family!  It’s not just saying, Say Cheese and snapping a photo of perfect smiling children!  You really have to work it, getting to find out what makes them happy.  It is not always a pretty sight when you have grumpy/hungry toddlers running around with snotty noses!  I’ve learned to roll with the punches and use plenty of distraction!!!  It’s not easy being on the other side of the camera and I’m totally one of those awkward people so I’m always learning about ways to make people feel comfortable and try to catch them in a natural state with some direction.

Mimi Leake Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Mimi Leake Photography is my dream job. I take photographs of families, children and headshots because I love capturing moments in time that become your cherished memories. They can remember how they felt and looked at a certain time in their lives. I take great joy in re-living my memories, especially of my children, through my photographs. I hope that I can help all families feel the same way!

I put all my personality and charisma into my photo sessions! We have a great time running around, laughing and playing! We keep it positive and happy and super goofy to keep those smiles coming! We have a blast!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I consider myself successful when each family that receives my photographs, smile at the memory of the moments which led to the photographs.  It brings me such great joy and self fulfillment when I can help them capture their memories and even greater joy when I receive their Christmas cards with my photo that I captured on there.

Pricing:

• Photosessions begin at $175

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mimileakephotography.com
• Phone: 4046275334
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mimileake/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mimileakephotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mimi-leake-photography-atlanta

Image Credit:
Mimi Leake Photography

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