Featured Photographer: Capturing Life's Moments with Leslie Plesser of Shuttersmack

Welcome to the debut of our new series: Featured Photographer! Photos are at the heart of every scrapbook — that’s why we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on talented photographers who have an eye for capturing those special moments in time.

Today, we’re delighted to welcome the wonderful Leslie Plesser from Shuttersmack! Many of you will recognize Leslie’s beautiful work — she’s the photographer for Creative Memories’ product collections, tools, storage and more!

Beyond her keen eye for product photography, Leslie has a special touch when it comes to capturing the genuine joy of kids and the playful spirit of our furry friends. Her portfolio is filled with authentic smiles and heartwarming interactions, the very essence of the memories we strive to preserve in our albums.

Today, Leslie is generously sharing her top three essential tips for capturing those everyday moments that often become our most treasured memories:

Leslie’s Top 3 Tips for Capturing the Moment like a Pro:

Embrace the Glow of “Natural Light” Indoors! Forget about harsh overhead lights and distracting lamps. Leslie’s Golden Rule is to turn off all the artificial lights in your house and simply position your activities near windows. The soft, diffused light from a window will create a much more flattering and natural look for your photos, whether you’re capturing a quiet crafting session or a lively family game.
Seek “Even Light” Outdoors: Banish Harsh Shadows! When venturing outside with your camera, pay attention to the light. Leslie advises seeking out full shade or areas with even light. This is especially important for portraits, as direct sunlight can cast unflattering and distracting shadows under the eyes, making your subjects squint. Overcast days or shaded spots offer a much softer and more balanced illumination.
Ditch the Forced Smiles: Capture Genuine Laughter! Anyone who’s tried to photograph kids knows the “say cheese” smile can often look… well, less than genuine. Leslie’s brilliant tip? Don’t tell kids to smile! Instead, try saying something silly or even slightly inappropriate (depending on your comfort level and the age of the child, of course!) that’s guaranteed to crack them up. Those bursts of real laughter create the most wonderful and authentic photos.

These simple yet effective tips from Leslie are a fantastic reminder that capturing beautiful, genuine moments doesn’t require fancy equipment — just a little know-how and an eye for the right conditions.

We’re so grateful to Leslie for sharing her expertise with our Creative Memories community. Be sure to follow her work and keep an eye out for more inspiring photographers in our upcoming features!

Happy snapping, and happy memory keeping!