LPA WINNERS INTERVIEWS / KATIE LEONARD

We are so happy to announce Katie Leonard as one of our LPA Futures ‘26 winners.

Katie is a food-loving photographer who makes dishes look as good as they taste, whether she’s shooting in her home studio or out on location. Self-taught and instinct-led, she came to photography during Covid and built her practice through curiosity, persistence and a lot of trial and error. Her work is all about light, feeling and making you want to pull up a chair and dig in.

We wanted to deep dive into the person behind the lens and so chatted to her about all things Katie, what keeps her inspired, and what she’s hoping to explore next through LPA Futures — from shooting more places to her ultimate on-set snack.

LPA: Can you tell us how you first started shooting food and drink photography?
KL: When Covid began, a lot of my freelance producing work disappeared almost overnight. Alongside juggling a full-time job, I suddenly felt this huge need for a creative outlet - something just for me. So, with absolutely no photography experience whatsoever, I started a food blog.

At first, I was blissfully clueless. I had a little digital compact camera and shot everything in auto mode, but I was curious and deeply passionate. Over time, my love for food blogging made me want to take better photos, so I began teaching myself composition, styling and the basics of photography through pure trial and error.

I poured what little savings I had into my first DSLR and some lights, and spent hours on YouTube and online courses, learning from other photographers. I’d save images I loved and try to recreate them - studying the shadows, the compositions, the distance of the light etc. When I moved from continuous light to flash, I vividly remember one (and maybe a fair few more) practice shoots where everything looked bright, harsh and wildly over-processed. The imposter syndrome hit hard. I had no idea what I was doing.

But I kept going. Little by little, shoot by shoot, mistake by mistake, practice practice practice - I landed my very first photography job. Photography is a never-ending education, and I truly believe the magic lies in perseverance: showing up, battling self-doubt, learning constantly, reminding yourself you’re good enough, and being kind to yourself when something doesn’t work. Didn’t nail it the first time? No problem - let’s try again.

LPA: What’s the most rewarding part of capturing food and lifestyle work for brands?
KL: Without a doubt, it’s seeing a client happy. Knowing that something I’ve created resonates with a brand and helps tell their story makes me incredibly proud, especially when I see the work out in the world, doing exactly what it was meant to do.

LPA: What advice would you give to yourself two years ago?
KL: Comparison truly is the thief of joy. There will always be people who are more skilled and that’s actually a wonderful thing. Instead of comparing your journey to someone else’s, embrace it. Study what you admire, learn from it, and let it help you grow.

We’re all on our own paths, and each one is valid and brilliant. If someone had told me two years ago that I’d have an agent by now, I would never have believed I was good enough. And yet - here I am. Believe in yourself and never let someone else's journey dictate yours.

LPA: When you’re shooting food and places like retreats or outdoor spaces, how do you create a narrative that reflects a brand’s personality?
KL: This is such a gorgeous question. If I can, I love to spend personal time in the space before shooting. Whether it’s enjoying a meal, wandering the grounds, having a quiet coffee or simply soaking it all in - I want to understand how the place feels.

I think about what they’re trying to say, what experience they want to offer, and how they want people to feel when they arrive. The environment itself gives me endless inspiration, and from there, the narrative starts to form naturally through the lens.

LPA: Are there particular photographers, filmmakers, chefs or creatives who have influenced your work?
KL: So many! I think my style is still evolving, and that’s one of the most exciting parts of working in this space. You’re constantly surrounded by talent that pushes you to refine your own eye.

I love shooting hard light food photography with a minimal setup, but I also adore working with natural light outside when the brief allows. Photographers I really admire include Ellis Parrinder, Ella Miller and Reva Jean.

LPA: Favourite on-set snack?
KL: Twiglets. Bloody love em'

LPA: How do you approach editing and post-production for social content versus campaigns or websites?
KL: It always comes back to the brief - the intended use, the tone, and the overall look and feel. Each deliverable has different needs, and my editing approach shifts accordingly to ensure the final images work exactly where they’re meant to live.

LPA: You’ve worked with both larger brands and smaller businesses - how does your creative approach change?
KL: Honestly, it doesn’t. Every project matters, regardless of size. I love briefs, treatments, ideas, stories and feelings, especially when I’m shooting places. I’m deeply drawn to storytelling and always aim to capture not just how something looks, but how it feels.

LPA: What’s one creative risk you’re keen to take over the next year?
KL: I’d love to do more on-location spaces and places shoots. I’ve turned my spare room into a mini studio, which works brilliantly for when I have smaller projects, but I do love being out in the world. Shooting places and spaces gives me more creative freedom, and that’s something I’d love to lean into more.

LPA: On location or in studio?
KL: I love both - but being on location definitely has my heart. Especially when I’m chasing and shaping natural light. There’s something so ethereal about being immersed in that kind of beauty.

LPA: Now that you’ve been selected for LPA Futures, what are you most excited to explore or develop over the next two years?
KL: I’m really hoping this experience will help me push my photography career forward and being selected as a finalist is not only incredibly validating, but something I hope will shape my photography career over the next few years. I’m deeply grateful for that opportunity.

LPA: What part of having an agent are you most excited about?
KL: It still feels like a complete pinch-me moment. Being an independent photographer without an agent or a big network can be tough, and that’s often where self-doubt sneaks in. Being selected has helped me truly believe that I am capable - and I’m so excited to see where this journey takes me, with the support of Lisa and the team guiding and shaping what comes next.

LPA: First and last drink of the day?
KL: Biscuit Yorkshire Tea, morning and night. It’s genuinely excellent.

LPA: Go-to dish when cooking for friends?
KL: Puttanesca. It’s easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. I could eat this all day long!

LPA: When you’re not taking pictures, how do you like to spend your time?
KL: Spending time with my two precious golden retrievers and making recipes. I’m so happy when I'm in the kitchen, experimenting, creating and cooking up something properly scrumptious.

We are thrilling to have Katie as part of the LPA gang and can’t wait to see her thrive over the next 2 years!