Ep #19: Photographer Sophia Leon on telling authentic stories, self-care, and the art of pitching to clients

The Promising Creative

Our guest this week is photographer, Sophia Leon. Hailing from Manchester, Sophia's passion for creativity led her to London in pursuit of the most dynamic environment for her artistic ambitions.

Despite receiving discouraging advice in college to avoid putting all her ‘eggs in one basket’ with photography, and pursue a more ‘marketable’ career path, Sophia didn’t give up on her passion.

Her journey into photography was a gradual yet transformative one. Starting as a creative content creator for prestigious brands like Harrods, Sophia realised the potential for freelancing in photography. Balancing freelance opportunities with her full-time job, Sophia eventually took the leap into full-time freelancing, relishing the newfound freedom it offered.

As a self-taught photographer, Sophia's education was rooted in experimentation and collaboration. From college basics to hands-on experience as an assistant, digi, and lighting tech, Sophia's dedication to learning her craft is evident in her shoots.

Sophia's approach to client selection reflects her values of authenticity and connection. For her, successful shoots are built on ‘vibes, authenticity, and trustworthiness’, ensuring that every project is not only visually stunning but also fulfilling.

In this episode of the Promising Creative, Sophia talks candidly about the challenges of freelancing, her strategies for maintaining mental well-being, and the art of pitching to new clients.