Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the area?
I grew up in Jefferson Township and moved to the Morristown area after college. I’ve lived in Morris County for almost all of my life!
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have 6 year old twins Olivia and Connor
Are you involved in a business venture or corporate world? Please Share!
I am the owner/operator of Liv & Co Photography. I offer storytelling photography – my goal is to to capture real, raw and unposed moments for families, couples, and expectant mamas at our session together. I want to capture my clients exactly as they are on the day of their shoot. Instead of asking children to sit and say cheese, I will let them lead the session and capture how mom and dad laugh with them, play with them, and love on them. Being able to deliver moments like these has been such an unbelievable honor! I also discovered how much styling affects the overall aesthetic of a shoot. “Styling my family for our photos was so easy” said no one, ever! To help make the process easier, I offer a style guide, mood boards and shopping lists with clickable links for my clients. Late in 2020 I started to build a client closet, which has since grown to over 80 dresses for women and girls (and a few options for boys) that are available to borrow when a family books me!
When did you decide you wanted to open your own Family Photography Business?
When the twins were born, I purchased a DSLR camera – my plan was to take “nice” pictures of the kids! It didn’t go exactly as planned – with 2 wiggly babies, most of the photos I took were on my phone. However, around the same time, I started following a number of photographers on social media and became fascinated with the pure emotion in their photos. Something on the inside clicked and I knew these were the types of images I wanted to take – not just for my family, but for others as well.
I enrolled in some photography classes locally and started taking pictures of my friends’ families. It all came to an abrupt halt when the world shut down due to the pandemic. I spent the time locked inside learning as much as I could about photography: shooting, editing, and everything in between. When the world started to open back up, I began taking on clients and ultimately started Liv & Co Photography.
Has art and photography always been a part of your life?
I’ve always loved taking photos. I have boxes and boxes of prints, and hard drives full of digital photos. I want to remember everything!! It’s taken on a new meaning since having children. Those chunky baby leg rolls, the first set of teeny-tiny pigtails, that smile before your little one loses their first tooth – we never get these moments back!
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs what would it be?
If you have a passion, pursue it. Don’t let self-doubt or imposter syndrome stand in your way.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I’m a hardcore college football fan! My team is Penn State, but I will watch just about any college game that’s televised
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? Go to the amusement park! My kids love roller coasters as much as I do!
2 – Favorite coffee spot? Beanbury Coffee in Succasunna has the best decor and their coffee is delicious. It’s not right next door but always worth the trip
3 – Favorite lunch place? I love a good brunch at The Committed Pig
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? Alstede (we also celebrated the twins’ first birthday here!)
5 – Favorite date night restaurant? Rosie’s in Randolph
6 – Favorite boutique? Most of my recent shopping has been for my client closet. I LOVE Reclamation Design Company gowns and hope to invest in some more of them next year!
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? My husband and I spent lots of time at the Grasshopper while we were dating and it will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart!
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? We get breakfast from Mendham Bagel almost every Saturday
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? Antimos in Randolph
10 – Favorite spot for ice cream? I can’t eat ice cream – I’m more of a fro yo girl!
This post was done in partnership with Liv & Co Photography. Be sure to follow Leah on social media below:
