For every chapter in life, there’s a photograph that tells your story.
From engagement photos to family milestones, I want to be your photographer for life. My photo sessions are thoughtfully executed to celebrate your personality and help you feel carefree in front of the camera.
INQUIRE ABOUT a photo session
You’re the main character here.
My Philosophy
No stiff poses, no random backdrops — just you, in a place that feels like home. We’ll plan something fun to do together, and I’ll capture a mix of candid moments and frame-worthy portraits. By the end, you’ll forget the camera’s even there (and probably feel like you just hung out with an old friend).
We’ve hired Tess Leslie for the last 3 years and couldn’t be happier with the photos provided.
"We’ve lived away from our family for a while and found the perfect moment to finally reunite with grandparents, all together, after COVID. Tess accompanied us for a few hours and captured so many beautiful moments. The best part was that I didn’t feel like I had to be grabbing my phone to snap pics from afar. For the first time in a LONG time, I was able to enjoy my family without feeling like I was going to miss catching the memory."
- The barrera Family
the TLP experience
what to expect
Consultation & booking
01.
Once you submit an inquiry, we'll schedule a quick phone call to get to know each other and talk about your vision for your photo session. After the call, you'll receive a proposal where you'll pick your package, sign a contract, and pay a 50% deposit to lock in your date.
planning
02.
I'm with you every step of the way as you plan with personalized location and outfit recommendations. You'll receive a welcome guide and planning questionnaire, and have the option to send me a Pinterest board so I can fully see your vision.
the photo session
03.
I arrive to your photo session, ready to capture the magic! My focus will be on capturing candid interactions, genuine emotions, and unscripted moments — and ensuring you have the best time. We will also take a handful of "traditional" posed portraits.
gallery delivery
04.
The day after your photo session, you'll receive a sneak peek gallery. Within 4 weeks you'll receive your digital photo gallery that's easy to share with your loved ones. There is also a prints and physical products store attached to the gallery so you can easily have your photos printed.
The Investment
Photo session packages begin at $500
Tess took our engagement photos in September 2024, and she was AMAZING!
"We had such a fun time at a coffee shop taking our authentic photos, and she was awesome helping us to incorporate our dog into the session as well. The preview of our session came into my inbox well within 24 hours (more like 18), and I was SO happy with them and the full final product. We would recommend Tess to anyone looking for a professional, personable photographer in Austin!"
- Amanda & Caleb
PHOTO SESSION PLANNING TIPS
FEATURED
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VISIT BLOG
Tips for Including Dogs in Photo Sessions
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What makes your photo sessions different?
My photo sessions are usually activity-based, which means we meet up at a location of your choice that encourages movement. The majority of the session will be you and your loved one(s) interacting with the environment and each other organically. There is no pressure to perform. I will also take a few "traditional" posed portraits.
I offer 30-minute mini sessions to repeat clients. Due to the documentarian nature of my photo sessions, I create my best work when we take time to get to know each other. If you're worried about whether your kids will last a full hour, keep in mind we're not asking them to pose for a straight hour. They'll be having fun, playing games, and will hardly notice the camera.
Do you offer mini sessions shorter than one hour??
Are you enthusiastic about serving LGBTQ+ couples and families?
YES. I love my LGBTQ+ families and I can't wait until we live in a world where you don't have to ask this anymore. Tess Leslie Photography is LGBTQ+ Inclusive Certified by EquallyWed, which means I've taken a training to learn best practices while serving the LGBTQ+ community. Of course, if you have any feedback on ways I can be a better ally, please let me know.
All photo package sales are final. I will happily reschedule a photo session because of illness, an emergency, or inclement weather. If you decide you don't want to do a photo session at all, you can apply the money you paid as credit toward a future photo session with TLP.
What if we need to cancel or reschedule our photo session?
have more questions? send me an email.
Frequently asked questions
Forty images is the minimum number of photos I guarantee you can expect in your final gallery. However, it is usually quite a bit more! I send all of the best photos from the session, without being repetitive. I never leave out a great photo or add a not-great photo to meet an arbitrary number. Your gallery is ready within 4 weeks.
How many photos will i receive and when will I get them?
Do you photograph families, or just couples?
I love family sessions! I'm lucky to have families who return year after year for updated photos, and I love getting to watch their kids grow up. You don't see many family photos on my website because I do not post photos of kids faces online due to data and privacy concerns in this digital age. Your family's safety and privacy is very important to me.
Are you comfortable taking photos in a variety of lighting situations?
Absolutely! I love playing with light, and have invested in years of education and equipment to ensure I'm prepared for any type of lighting situation. I am comfortable capturing your day with flash and ambient lighting.
Can we have access to the unedited photos?
I cull the photos taken during your session down to a selection of the best photos. I consider curation of the final gallery an important part of the service I provide, so you don't get access of the unedited photos. If you were unhappy with the gallery or thought I missed something, I would be happy to meet up and go through the raw images together.