Hey! It’s your friendly, neighborhood
Kansas City Photographer - Leah G Emerick
Leah and her husband, Matthew, in front of their Christmas tree
Oh. It’s me! Leah! And yes. My hair color and style is always changing. It’s kind of my thing.
Oh! And this is my cat! Her name is Nubbin (named for her naturally bobbed tail) and she is a professional criminal.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m so glad you’re here.
Hello there!
I’m Leah and I own this joint. I am a cat lover, huge photoshop nerd, and generally nice person. I am a big fan of spontaneous song and all animals. I grew up in Kansas City before moving to Springfield, Missouri and then Los Angeles, California before ending up back in the Greater Kansas City area!
Photography came to me as something that could only be a higher calling, a purpose that I never knew I had or wanted. A life-long artist (drawing and painting before) I learned to transition the understanding of light and color to photography. Now with almost a decade of passion and skill under my belt I am still always searching and striving to learn more.
That passion is what keeps me in classes, devouring photo educator blogs, and mastering lighting tutorials. It is what has taken me internationally to photograph weddings, kept me going back and forth between coasts for fine art portraits, and reintroducing women to their inherent, intrinsic worth through glam portrait photo shoots.
I am always working towards being my best because you deserve the best.
When I’m not photographing or thinking about photography, you will find me snuggling my son, playing games with my hubby, meeting up with friends from church, and rescuing every stray cat I can find.
I am a dreamer, nerd, lover, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and believer. And yes. I do want to see pictures of your pets.
AWARDS
Best Photography Business, The Pitch 2019
Best Photography Business (top five), The Pitch 2020
Best Photography Business, The Pitch 2021
Best Wedding Photographer, The Pitch 2021
Best Engagement Photographer, The Pitch 2021
PUBLICATIONS
Flickr Blog
Wedding Forward
A Princess Inspired
The Perfect Palette
The Vintage Herald
Lovely Magazine
MY FAVORITE THINGS
One of the first things I did upon turning 18 was dye my hair - and I’ve never looked back! My friends and family have always joked they never know what hair color or style they will see on my next! So the photos below are all different headshots of hair from days past. The big question always is… what color will your hair be when I see you next? And the answer is… only God knows!
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WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PODCASTS?
This Podcast Will Kill You, Typology, 10 Minute Bible Hour, 60 Songs that Explain The 90’s, Things They Don’t Want You To Know, Maintenance Phase
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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER?
As of 2026, I’ve been a full-time professional photographer for 11 years. WOW! That’s crazy!
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WHERE IS HOME FOR YOU?
I grew up on the Kansas side of Kansas City up until I moved for college. I spent 3 years in Springfield, MO before living Los Angeles for almost 7 years. I’ve been back in KC (this time on the Missouri side) since 2017.
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WHAT IS ON YOUR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST?
If I’m working out, it’s stuff with a great beat like: Muse, Taking Back Sunday, X Ambassadors, and Lil Wayne radio edits.
If I’m editing photos, its a lot of instrumental and lofi beats. Think Crywolf the Inception soundtrack, Beethoven symphonies, or Bethel worship.
When I’m cooking dinner, it’s random! It’s anything from The Cure to Shania Twain , Beyonce to Brand New, Jason Isbel to Luther Vandross… it really depends on my mood!
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WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
I’ve always been an avid crafter. I’m always sewing, crocheting, stringing bracelets, or pulling out my blow torch to make jewelry.
There’s nothing I love more than getting lost in the woods on a meandering hike on a beautiful morning/afternoon, especially with a good friend.
When I have time, I like to put in practice on the piano. It was my original college major, but due to nerve damage in my hands I had to change course. But that doesn’t stop me from loving to practice when I can!
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WHAT ARE YOU DUMBEST TAKES
Oh. I have several. So don’t judge me!
But currently my top three are:
1.) No one actually likes seltzer water. Waterloo, La Croix, generic store brands… anyone who tells you it is drinkable is a paid shill.
2.) I really do think that if I drink a gallon of water every day, I may live forever.
3.) Cat people are more chill than dog people. All cat people are okay with dogs, but all dog people think that cats literally are demons in fur suits.