I am so glad you're here.
Let me introduce myself.
I'm Tess (Passinault) Leland, and I began my photography journey in 2017. Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to spend my life creating something meaningful, and photography quickly became that calling. Today, it is so much more than a career; it's what inspires me every single day.
I find beauty in the ordinary, joy in genuine connection, and purpose in preserving the moments that matter most. Whether it's the quiet in-between glances, the laughter you didn't expect, or the milestones you'll want to remember forever, my goal is to create photographs that feel honest, timeless, and true to you.
I will laugh with you, cry with you, smile with you, and truly feel the moment with you.
When you choose me as your photographer, you're trusting me with some of the most meaningful moments of your life, and I don't take that lightly. I pour my heart into every part of the experience; from the first email we exchange, to making you feel comfortable during your session, to carefully editing each photo, and delivering a gallery you'll treasure for years to come. My goal is for you to feel cared for every step of the way and to receive photographs that are timeless, genuine, and uniquely yours.
It's so much more to me than just taking photos.
MY APPROACH
Photography that makes you feel at home.
My approach to a photo session is best described as, "photojournalistic". This term pairs documentary and editorial photography; I will be capturing the moments as they happen, but I am also ready to direct and take care of an occurring moment.
Our session together will be spent getting you comfortable to allow me to document naturally, not forcefully. I will be documenting the unseen, unplanned, or unstaged, and I will also be capturing the expected and anticipated shots and moments. It shouldn't be a day of performing; it should be natural, authentic, and real. We will absolutely get those desired shots you may have in mind. I am here to serve you, while also photographing what I think needs to be photographed.
My end goal is to deliver a gallery that makes you feel as if you are reliving the time we shared together all over again. From posed 'hang-it-on-the-wall' photos to the laughing candids to the emotional moments, I want you to open up these photos and remember what it sounded like, or smelled like... even if it was just a photoshoot on an ordinary day. I encourage my clients to have a physical archive of their session with me, whether that be printing every single one of them, in sizes big and small, or have taken the time to arrange them in a photo book. The physical archive of your photos should be the most important part of the process; why else are you wanting photos taken if not to feel them forever? Physically and emotionally.
Most importantly, I want you to trust me. Trust is everything when choosing a photographer. Your newborn, maternity, or family photos are one of the very few keepsakes that you will have forever that can bring you back in time to that season of your life. I want you trust in me to document your day through my lens.
THINGS I LOVE
I found my home in my high school best friend and now we spend all of our days together. My husband, Wyatt is my greatest supporter, my favorite person, and the one who I can't imagine doing life without. We're so lucky every day to experience this love and life together.
I'm deeply family-oriented, and the people I love will always come first. I'm a natural empath, which means I tend to feel things deeply and notice the little moments others might overlook.
You can usually find me at home creating something with my hands, rearranging a room, or dreaming up my next project. I have a Type A personality when it comes to life, but when it comes to creating, I've learned to let inspiration lead the way. I am an avid knitter and seamstress.
I love connection. There is something so special about the ordinary moments, and I don't take my people for granted. I love making sure my people know how much I value them.