Jessica Leigh
Jessica is a Fashion and Beauty photographer currently based between London and Miami. Inspired by art, architecture, and natural movement, she creates nostalgic yet modern imagery using both film and digital formats. Her work centers around storytelling—crafting campaigns that connect brands with their audience in meaningful and emotionally resonant ways.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
I’m currently pursuing a career in Fashion & Beauty photography, specifically shooting campaigns and lookbooks for designers and brands. I want to tell people’s stories—I want my “why” and their “why” to collide and create beautiful things with people who are passionate about their craft. To me, photography is really about capturing the soul of a brand or person—not just how something looks, but how it feels.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
I think it was always there, to be honest. A bit of a backstory, I flunked out of college and came home with my tail between my legs—failure wasn’t something my family took lightly. I knew I always wanted some sort of creative career, but at the time those paths weren’t seen as lucrative or “acceptable.” I decided to attempt a degree in Fashion Merchandising, and I definitely fell in love with the artistry through that. However, it made me realize that it didn’t matter the type of classes I was taking, school just wasn’t the correct route for me.
The fashion photography spark truly roared to life when I moved out of Florida for the first time and landed in Los Angeles as a Junior Fashion Editor at 7Hollywood Magazine. I was blessed to be on these extravagant shoot sets and be directly involved in the process from start to finish; from casting the models, choosing the creative team, hiring journalists, being on set, to the final layout, and then eventually seeing my hard work in print. There’s absolutely nothing like it. I was hooked.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
There is no dream without God. My walk with Jesus began about five years ago, and looking back now, everything I went through without Him ultimately led me straight to Him. He orders my steps on the days I don’t even know where to begin, He reminds me of who I am on the days I’m doubting everything, He opens doors that I couldn’t open on my own, He humbles me when I get too far ahead of myself, He quite literally drops visions and ideas into my head. I know that this dream of mine was divinely appointed to me and that gives me a confidence I wouldn’t otherwise have.
Being a freelancer is not for the faint of heart - there have been months where I didn’t know if I’d be able to eat or pay my rent, but He’s never left me alone in that. In the highs and lows that this career path brings, He’s always there and I would not be able to keep moving forward without Him. At the end of the day, this dream isn’t mine alone—it’s something I believe He entrusted to me.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
I begin my day with God and this is a non-negotiable. My feelings, my situation, my drive, it fluctuates - but He never does. Doing this keeps me grounded and focused and, frankly, keeps me from having mental breakdowns every week. I know that no matter what is happening, His word and His presence are steady and will speak to the situation, the feeling, the doubt - whatever it may be. I choose to build this dream on the rock, I choose to create and give glory to the Creator - He has to be my foundation on a daily basis.
Secondly, I never stop being curious. Whether that’s curiosity in my craft, in other creative outlets, in my faith, or in other people. It keeps my eyes fixed upwards and forwards.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
The best advice I could give is to first and foremost be a servant. My mom always told me that when life seems to be falling apart around you, the best thing you can do is serve others—it shifts your perspective toward humility and gratitude. If you’re lucky enough to find a career or dream that ignites you, the next step is figuring out how you can best serve your clients, your audience, and others.