Today we’d like to introduce you to Leeanne Drucker.
Hi Leeanne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thinking of the age old question: if money weren’t a factor, what would I do for the rest of my life? The answer has always been photography.
In middle school, I begged my mom for my first digital camera after seeing a Nikon Coolpix on sale at Best Buy. In high school, I begged again, this time for a film camera so I could take an advanced photography class. After a serious round of thrifting, she found me a Nikon N70, the same camera I still use to this day, duct tape and all.
Before fully committing to freelancing this year, I worked in management roles with Boucher Brothers, GOA-Tech, Wynwood School of Music, and alongside the nonprofit program at Young Musicians Unite. I have a deep appreciation for those experiences and the people I met along the way, but I always knew that real fulfillment for me meant taking a chance on myself.
At a certain point, I realized I wanted to start making decisions based on what felt right to me, not just what was expected or considered the ‘right’ path.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth path by any means at all!
For a long time, I struggled with imposter syndrome, which kept me in a safe, comfortable bubble. Leaving that behind was one of the hardest parts of starting out.
When I decided to step away from my previous career, a lot of people questioned it. I was close to achieving stability and growth in that field, and from the outside, it didn’t make sense to walk away. But I kept waking up asking myself, ‘what am I doing this for?’ and eventually, I simply couldn’t ignore that feeling anymore.
Freelancing comes with its own uncertainty, and there’s definitely stress that comes with it, but it’s a kind of stress I choose. I would take this over the anxiety I felt before any day ten fold.
I’m also incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system that continues to encourage me as I navigate this path.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a photographer born and raised in Miami, with a focus on capturing real moments in life whether for commissioned projects or personal work; the moments that often go unnoticed but end up meaning the most. I primarily shoot on 35mm film because it allows me to slow down and be intentional with what I’m documenting (though I’m not limited to it.)
I take a great deal of pride in my ability to translate a feeling into an image; something people can recognize even if they can’t immediately explain why. I’ve developed a distinct eye and style, and what sets me apart is my process and the level of intention I bring to everything I photograph.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The best advice I’ve been given, and something I carry with me in both my personal life and my work, is simple: “do what you think is right.”
When I was starting out, I wish I had more confidence in myself and what I brought to the table. The sooner you trust your instincts, the sooner you find yourself in the right rooms with the right people, opening doors to opportunities that actually align with you.
Putting yourself out there is a major key (and the relative minor to that is, allow yourself to be vulnerable). Everyone will have an opinion, but what matters most is staying true to your gut and following through on it.
Pricing:
- Contact direct for pricing on photo services
- Contact direct for pricing on photo prints
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.druckerincstudio.com
- Instagram: @drucker.inc
Image Credits
All film photos taken by Leeanne Drucker
Photo of Leeanne Drucker in Monad Gallery NYC taken by Hillary Zhuner
