chasing sunlight, love, laughs & heart

chasing sunlight, love, laughs & heart

the girl behind the lens

the girl behind the lens

Hey there! I'm Samantha Leigh, a laid-back, fun-loving photographer based on California's golden Central Coast. Living with my husband Cory and our two cool kids, Sparrow and Sheppard, we're all about embracing life's adventures and soaking in every moment. My creative journey began at 17 with my first real camera that my dad had gifted me, sparking a lifelong passion blending my love for creativity with the warmth of genuine connections and transforming fleeting memories into timeless visual narratives.

See my work
See my work

lets be friends

London & Ethan // Bakersfield, CA

"Samantha did amazing on my wedding photos! she captured my personal style perfectly!! It was a challenge with my black wedding dress but she made it WORK!! I literally cried when I got the finished photos and all my family members can’t stop raving about them too! As someone with a lot of anxiety, she made me feel very comfortable being photographed. 10/10 would recommend!!"


Lizet & Denali // San Luis Obispo, CA

"We love having our photos taken by Sam. She has taken our photos at every important milestone together. From our surprise engagement photos to our now family photos. She has such a good eye for detail & truly is a gifted photographer. I love her creativity! I normally don’t like taking pictures because I never know how to pose and I’m just awkward in photos. Sam really puts me at ease and makes me feel confident while still allowing me to be my silly self. The whole process is always so fun and enjoyable. And of course the pictures are always immaculate! "


James & Meggan // Portland, OR

"The most ethereal photos we could ask for! Sam was able to capture just the refined fairy garden vibes we were going for. Her eye for detail in both her photography and editing is perfect. Thank you Sam!"

Lisa & G // San Luis Obispo, CA

Samantha’s skill and experience as a family photographer were immediately apparent. She had a keen eye for the perfect shot and knew just how to capture our family's unique spirit and energy. She was patient and understanding with our young children, and her gentle guidance and direction helped us all to relax and enjoy the experience.


But what really sets Samantha apart is her creativity and artistry. Her use of light, color, and composition was simply breathtaking, and she managed to capture moments that we never would have thought to capture ourselves. The resulting images were not only beautiful but also truly representative of our family and our unique dynamic.


Overall, we couldn't be happier with our experience with Samantha. She is a true professional, a talented artist, and a warm and wonderful person to work with. We recommend her without hesitation to anyone looking for an experienced photographer who can capture the essence of their family in a truly remarkable way.