I'm so glad you're here! A little about me, my last name's pronounced (GATE-zell) but I respond to anything! I graduated from the University of Texas in Austin (hook 'em) with a History and French degree, but I've know for the past 10+ years that my true passion was always photography.
The first photo I ever took was in 2008 on my dad's point and shoot. It was of a temple in Greece reflected in a puddle. Lemme tell ya, I was so convinced that I was a photographer protégé that I purchased my first camera (a nikon d3000) the day after I got home. I haven't been able to put down a camera since.
I love spending time in my garden, making bread and listening to history podcasts on long drives.
I can't wait to learn more about you and take some gorgeous pictures!
Hey! I'm Leah!
Did you know...?
A portion of all proceeds goes to providing healthcare, clean drinking water and education to villages in Northern Sudan? Giving back is a huge priority for me, that's why I've been working with the Mother Maryam Foundation for over 15 years.
If you'd like to learn more about the Mother Maryam Foundation and all the incredible work they do– take a look at their website here!
my favs
Carbs
travel
This guy
(also a carb lover)
my promise to you
I promise to treat your wedding day with the utmost care and attention it deserves. I promise to help you along the way– whether that's with location guides, timeline help– whatever you need. I promise to be your cheerleader, your biggest advocate and your support system. I promise to photograph the big and small moments of your day and ensure that you feel more in love than ever when you look back at your images.
My thoughts on weddings
I am obsessed with weddings– the intimacy, the celebrations, the cake. I love it all. However, I firmly believe that at the core of all weddings should be the love shared between the couple. It is your day and it should be treated as such. If you want a huge wedding with a party lasting until 2am, let's do it. If you want an intimate elopement with just you and your partner, let's do it. I will have your back throughout this entire process. Not only am I your photographer, I'm your new favorite third wheel!
FIRST: I want you to feel like a rockstar in front of the camera, I want you to feel confident, beautiful and at ease– no matter how awkward you might think you are. I want all my portrait sessions to be FUN! Bring some beers, have a picnic, include your dogs, let's jam to some music.
SECOND: I operate on a 60% candid, 40% posed formula. So I'm all for a little direction– I'll find the best light, highlight your perfect angles, tell you what to do with your hands! But I'm not about those stiff, robotic poses. I love movement and genuine interactions. On the wedding day I want to be a fly on the wall whenever I can (a very tall, clumsy fly).
THIRD: I want my edits to be timeless. I want your gorgeous skin tones to be accurate and greens to look lush and not grey. In 20 years I want your images to still be hanging proudly on your walls or in albums on your coffee table.
My approach
sounds great!
your experience matters
I want you to have gorgeous photos of your wedding.
But what might surprise you, is the most important thing to me is making sure you enjoy your day.
Your wedding day isn't a photoshoot. It's not a time for me to build my portfolio.
It's about you and your partner and celebrating with your closest people.
To me, the experience is everything.
experience
the leah goetzel photography
You will never feel like you booked me and then I vanished. Making sure I'm present and available for any questions or help you need along the way is huge in the experience I provide.
consultation calls
It is super important that I get to know all my couples, so I send out a questionnaire after booking and 3 months before wedding day. These help me tailor your day specifically to you and your needs.
questionnaires
All couples receive a 50% off discount on engagement sessions. Engagement sessions are one of the best ways for us to get to know each other before the wedding day.
discounted e-sesh
Immediately after booking you'll receive an in-depth wedding or elopement guide. This has tons of information from location ideas to sample timelines.
wedding guide
Heard of the horror stories of couples not seeing a single wedding photo for months? Don't worry about that with me! All couples receive a sneak peek in 24 hours and a full 80 image highlight gallery in just 1 week!
highlight gallery
i want this!
my people
(HOPE TO SEE YOU HERE SOON!)
All are welcome here
I celebrate all humans and their form of love! You will be welcomed with open arms regardless of body image, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. This is an inclusive and safe space. If that makes you uncomfortable we are probably not a good fit. But if you're still rockin' with me, I can't wait to be a part of your day!
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