READING TIME: 3 min 7 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/2024
UPDATED: 10/03/2024
Leentje Schoofs, the woman behind Leentje Loves Light, began her journey into photography in 2011. She describes it as a turning point in her life, one that rescued her from the monotony of corporate life. "Surrounded by endless procedures and buried under piles of reports. Each passing day, I felt a growing disconnect, a yearning for something more," she recalls.
Photography became her escape, a way to break free from the structured, rigid world she was part of. What began as a side pursuit soon grew into a full-blown passion. By 2018, with the birth of her eldest son, she found the courage to fully embrace this passion and dedicate herself entirely to photography.
Leentje has never looked back since. With each wedding she captures, she says she moves closer to the essence of life's fleeting moments. "This is where I find my joy, my purpose, and my endless inspiration," she reflects, her voice filled with the excitement of someone who has truly found their calling.
Leentje’s photography style is a unique combination of elegance and authenticity. When asked to describe her style, she replies, "In every wedding, I seek out timeless beauty and the subtle stories that deserve to be captured for generations to come." Her aim is not just to document an event, but to create memories that will last for generations.
One of the hallmarks of her style is her ability to pose couples in a way that feels natural and unforced. "My style is a blend of effortless sophistication—combining the art of posing without posing," she says with a laugh. "I approach each client in a deeply personal way, as this connection is key to achieving the best results. While I embrace the beauty of small imperfections, I also guide my clients to ensure that every moment reflects the genuine emotion and grace of the day." This balance between spontaneity and direction is what makes her work stand out, ensuring that her images feel authentic yet polished.
When it comes to working with clients, Leentje is all about personal connection. "As a photographer, you're by the couple's side all day, so a strong connection is essential," she emphasizes. Leentje ensures that every couple who books her feels pampered from the very start of the process.
"I make it a priority to understand every detail, allowing me to prepare in the best possible way. I provide questionnaires, create a photography mood board," she says. "No effort is too great to ensure their vision comes to life." For Leentje, this relationship with the couple is crucial to achieving the best results.
Leentje’s passion for travel and discovery plays a significant role in her work. She loves shooting destination weddings and has captured celebrations in places like France, Spain, Italy, Iceland, and even Morocco.
"I just love love love weddings in Morocco so much," she admits. But regardless of the destination, Leentje's approach remains the same: she seeks out the subtle, intimate moments that make each wedding unique.
"I love the freedom of being a photographer," she says, reflecting on her journey. "Getting to work with inspiring people, discovering amazing places."
Leentje’s gear reflects her dedication to delivering the highest quality images. "I am shooting Sony a7 iv, mainly with 35mm, 85mm, 135mm, 55mm and 16-35mm," she explains.
In terms of post-processing, Leentje has embraced modern tools to streamline her workflow. "I can’t live without Imagen AI anymore!" she exclaims with a smile. It helps her maintain that timeless look, while speeding up the process.
Leentje takes great pride in offering a highly personalized experience for each of her clients. While her standard wedding coverage starts at 8 consecutive hours, she often finds herself shooting for 12 hours or more to fully document the day.
Flexibility is key for Leentje, who believes that every couple deserves a package tailored to their vision and budget. "I always make custom quotes for my couples," she says.
Leentje’s advice for couples preparing for their big day? "Get to know your photographer in a personal way," she insists. "Do the smalltalk beforehand. Make sure you are on the same page." She believes that the stronger the connection between the photographer and the couple, the more natural and meaningful the photos will be. "
Leentje Loves Light is more than just a wedding photographer; she is a storyteller who seeks to capture the essence of life’s most important moments. With a style that blends timeless sophistication with authenticity, she creates images that are not only beautiful but deeply personal.
