Interview via email correspondence with Leah Vis, one half of Vis Photography.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
I grew up in an artist’s home in southern California (Chino). My mom is a very talented fine-art painter. So, art has always been a part of my life. 
About nine years ago, I began loving photography as another form of art that I hadn’t explored before. I experimented on my own and also worked for another photographer for a couple years.
WHAT HAS CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR SUCCESS?
I have tried to keep my business about creativity and art rather than focusing on becoming extremely successful. I’ve also stayed true to who I am. I know there is much more I can be doing to promote my business and get more exposure, but not all of it is “me.”
I use social media, but I’m definitely not one to overwhelm a Twitter feed with my updates. That’s who I am if you met me in person as well, so it makes sense to let “me” carry over into every aspect of my art and business. It also prevents burnout.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUCCESS? 
Personal work is what keeps me fresh and creative. It’s when I do personal work that I learn and grow the most. It’s also fun and life-giving.
WHAT’S THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
I’m a mother of two little kids. Just like any parent, my kids are so important and way more important than any project or business. In terms of pricing my work, someone once reminded me that whatever photo shoot or job I’m doing is time away from my kids. You can price with that guideline. Everyone’s time is valuable, and we cheapen our time and work when we agree to too many projects for not enough pay.
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?
I want to capture emotion and life in such a way that when you look at it, you feel like you were there. I also want people to realize how very beautiful they are.
WHAT KIND OF GEAR WAS USED FOR THE UNDERWATER SHOTS? WAS IT HARD TO FIND WILLING MODELS?
I used my normal camera equipment and then rented an underwater housing for the body and lens. I rented those from borrowlenses.com. I recommend renting because each housing is specific to camera models. That’s a very expensive purchase to make when it won’t work on future cameras you might upgrade to. This shot was from an engagement shoot. We did some out of the water and some in. They were the ones to suggest an underwater portion for their engagement photos. They both love to be in the water, and he’s a Navy Seal. So, they’re naturals, which is helpful because it’s very difficult to look great underwater.
All images ©Vis Photography. Thanks to Leah for providing us with some golden images and a little back-story.
