Shana Leigh
My grandmother instilled photography in me at an early age. She passionately documented family memories with film photography at the same time my aunt was capturing home video footage. It's no surprise I took an interest in storytelling, pursuing film in college and then photojournalism. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in visual communications, focused in multimedia, I set off to pursue a multitude of interests before I settled into my photography. Music photography was something that I found in time, as I found myself.
The pursuit of music photography and working with artists led me to shooting festivals like Floydfest, CMA Fest, Pilgrimage Festival, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, and Boonerang where I made lasting connections with friends and artists in the industry. From there I began writing for Americana Highways and shooting shows that I wanted to document and write about, like Tyler Childers, Billy Strings, Zach Bryan and Ray Lamontagne, to name a few. Music photography quickly became the heart of my photography journey as I craved connecting with the music, and the artists that make it. Along the way, I've received multiple photo credits in Rolling Stone magazine, and photographed shows and backstage candids at the historic Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry.
I feel fortunate to tell the stories of the artists we admire. I'm grateful for the authentic connections I've made and the memories I've cherished along the way. For me, it's really about being present in the midst of it so that I get to take in the experience. It gives me a fresh perspective that I try to show through my lens.
Based in the Southeast, I have two young boys, two cats and an Australian Shepherd named Dallas. In my free time you'll find me spending time with them, enjoying time and trips with family and friends, dancing and enjoying the music scene wherever I am. I'll always be a photographer, merging my passion with the life I live. I'm trusting in God to guide every step I take and trusting he is already laying the stones. I believe the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, "it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye".