Let me start off by saying THANK YOU, the fact that you’re interested in my photography and learning more about my business, I’m truly honored! I’m humbled and blessed that I’ve received so much support and friendships the past 9 years while expanding my business. 

My name is Briana Leigh Salazar, I’m 34 years old, a Christian, a wife, a mom of two, and a photographer from Española, NM. I was born in Denver, CO, but moved to Northern NM when I was 3 months old. Being raised in New Mexico on a 14-acre ranch, I was lucky enough to experience so much living in the country/older generation of planting, harvesting, raising animals and living Christian values.  I was a total tomboy who raised animals, grew up camping, boating, hunting, riding 4wheelers, and playing in the mud. One of my favorite hobbies was saving the money I’d earn to purchase wind-up cameras. (I know I’m showing my age, because most kids these days don’t know what those are.) But I would find myself always taking pictures of my animals, flowers, landscapes or my friends and family. 

When I reached my teenage years, my girly side came out and I began cheering, competing in pageants, and modeling. That’s when photography grabbed my interest even more. As I would work with different photographers, I was able to compare the different styles of shooting and direction they’d give me. I always had good chemistry with the ones that gave me a lot direction and positive feedback as I was feeling like I was opening myself up to be photographed. I realized I enjoyed working with them the most.

Later, in college I decided to grow in my media background by getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism. I learned a lot about video, editing, voice training, and the news world. After college I briefly worked at a local news station as a news reporter, but quickly realized that was not making me happy. So, what was gonna fulfill me? 

Well soon after I graduated college, I married my high school sweetheart, and after that we decided to try to start a family. To my surprise, I saw two lines making a positive pregnancy test the very next month. I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl, on my husband’s 26th birthday. After we had my daughter, we decided that I’d stay home to care for her. (I will always say that being a stay-at-home mom is the hardest job, as it is a job that you are never allowed to clock out, give up, or even go to the restroom alone! I’ve lived it and kudos to all the SAHM, you’re doing a great job!) Almost a year after having my daughter, I decided to take a lifelong hobby of mine to the next level, and I went to the Secretary of State’s office to open my own LLC. I pushed that stroller in the building with me and applied for a business license, and there was the start of LuvLeigh Photos. (My name is Briana Leigh and my daughter in LeighAna, so there bloomed LuvLeigh Photos.) I am now a mother to my nine-year-old daughter and my four-year-old son, and my family has fulfilled my heart’s happiness to the fullest. I know this is my greatest blessing and greatest titles as I am a wife and mom first. I’m very blessed to have them and their support in this lifelong dream. 

In 2020, I decided to jump back into the career world and got a job at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a Media Specialist. I was able to do photography and videography during Covid times, and I will always be grateful for my government job, in which Covid did not really affect our household. My job was fun, challenging at times, and a learning point in my life. I’m so grateful for my colleagues there who took the time to share their knowledge with me and made me a better photographer, editor, videographer and media mind. I have since left the lab to pursue photography full-time, and I’m truly grateful I get to make my own schedule around my family’s needs, while accommodating my clients.  

I can say that these past 9 years of running LuvLeigh Photos has added even more happiness to my life. I have been able to capture such special moments for my clients, who are now my friends. I have always tried to use my life experiences from growing up in the country, to modeling, to being a mommy, to working with professionals, to always trying to enjoy the moment and being thankful for life brining me to that moment in time, I strive to be a great photographer and be flexible and accommodating to my clients. I also enjoy getting feedback on my work, as I’ve grown a lot, and I feel like I grow with every shoot I produce. I also get compliments on how much direction I give, my patience with little ones, and my artistic eye. As for me, I’m just trying my best and want my clients to have fun and enjoy the moment. I’ve always said, “photography is capturing a moment in time, a moment we’ll never get back, but capturing it we can think back and remember the experience.” Saying that, I’m so honored when I get asked to provide my services, or talents, for a new or returning clients. I enjoy trying to bring their visions to life, while adding my own creativeness to the shoot. 

I’ve learned so much and will keep researching and learning as I can about lighting, cameras, printing, and studio styles. As I continue my knowledge of photography, I invite you to try my style and see if we can capture your moment. Lastly, thank you for reading my very long-life story/bio. I enjoy sharing my story, as much as I enjoy hearing others, so reach out to me and let’s make art together!

-Briana Leigh