My journey as a photojournalist began at 13, when I was gifted my first point-and-shoot camera. Immediately, I understood that capturing a moment in time for people I love is a sacred gift. The passion that began during my days as a high school and college yearbook editor curating an archive for my classmates has now evolved into a love for documenting the most joy-filled moments for lovers everywhere.
If you value sincerity, vulnerability, and treating people with kindness, then you've found your photographer.
I'm a former journalist turned wedding photographer, serving couples who value creativity and authenticity.
ABOUT Tess, an austin WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
My approach to wedding photography is rooted in honesty.
Both in how I photograph and how I edit. I’m drawn to real moments over manufactured ones. I want your images to feel just like the day itself: full of life, color, and emotion. When it comes to editing, I stay true to the natural tones of your environment and your skin, favoring classic, true-to-color imagery over trendy filters that might not age well. My goal is to create photos that feel timeless—not just today, but ten, twenty, fifty years from now.
I discovered my calling in a dark auditorium on a hot summer day at yearbook camp.
As part of a camp-wide photo contest, I submitted an image I’d taken on instinct, without much technical thought behind it.On the final day, I found out my photo had won. I remember feeling surprised—honestly, I didn’t even know *why* it was good. Then the judges started breaking it down: the rule of thirds, leading lines, visual triangles—compositional tools I hadn’t learned yet but used naturally. That moment was a revelation: It was the first time I realized I had a creative instinct that couldn’t be fully explained or taught.
where it all started
I see stories as a series of frames, and I’m constantly arranging what I see into something meaningful. That quiet, internal sense of timing and composition is the foundation of how I photograph weddings today. It’s not just about where people are standing or how the light falls—it’s about capturing the pulse of a moment as it’s happening. That’s what makes it art.
My mind has always processed the world in visual fragments—in light, movement, and emotion.
To describe Tess Leslie in three words: talented, friendly, and genuine.
I stumbled across her website when she was just starting, and her use of color & composition really caught my eye. Our wedding planning got complicated with covid and she was there for us when we had to keep rescheduling. When we inevitably had to move our ceremony to Florida, I thought we’d have to cancel—but she offered to come with us, and I’m so glad she did! On top of that, she’s just a genuine pleasure to be around.
- Kristen & Manny
Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, I have called Austin home for 11 years.
I studied journalism and cultural anthropology at UT Austin - both deeply influence the way I photograph the world around me.
I am married to my best friend, Bryan. He is a music journalist by day and rock 'n roll musician by night.
Together we live in South Austin with our golden retriever Martha and beagle Bailey.
In my spare time, I love to cook, craft, watch movies, and read books. My favorite authors include Emily Henry and Sarah J. Maas, because I am truly just like every other girl. <3
Speaking of which, I could yap about Taylor Swift and Gilmore Girls for hours and never get tired of it.
Above all else, I am driven by my values, kindness, and empathy. I'm an advocate for equality in all forms, and believe diversity makes the world a much more beautiful place.
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