Instagram Storytellers with @lesliekershaw
I can’t remember the first time a photo of Leslie Kershaw’s came across my feed. But I remember the photo that made me stop what I was doing and follow her.
And what kept me coming back is that every photo was so real so beautifully honest. So GORGEOUS. With the way the Instagram Algorithm is set up, I had to actively hunt for her photos to like them so that they eventually showed up in my timeline on their own. And now, everyone els has discovered my little secret too. Just recently, Leslie was named by Clickin Moms as one the 100 Photographers to Watch in 2017. I am SO HAPPY for her. That is why I am so happy that she agreed to participate in my Instagram Stories series this month.
*all photos are courtesy of and the property of Leslie Kershaw*
Tell Us about yourself and your background.
I’m Leslie and I grew up in Washington DC where I still live with my husband Aaron and our three boys Zollie, Kingston and Kit. We most certainly have our hands full with this trio, so I try to stay present and live in the moment and I do this my documenting our everyday.
I’m a work full-time as a website and email strategist which I love. However, my creative mind desires a balance, so I photograph families part-time, where I capture families with a documentary approach. Photographing people this way comes natural to me because I love studying people’s unique personalities and traits. I also like that this style allows me to slow down. I hate to feel rushed because it gives me anxiety. I am extremely laid back and just like to go with the flow.
How did you first get into photography?
Photography has always been with me. If I think back, I’ve been looking, analyzing and dissecting photographs for half of my life. I worked at a bookstore in high school and college and along with being an avid reader, I was a high consumer of magazines and photography books. I was always envious of photographers because I didn’t think it wasn’t something I could do. I never thought I was creative enough to pursue that passion. It burned inside me for quite some time until I had children and I decided to purchase a camera. When I finally did, it just felt like home.
Tell me about your instagram journey: how did you get started?
I started Instagram about 5 years ago when my oldest was just a baby. I’m an early adopter when it comes to new social media platforms and since this one focused on imagery, I was intrigued. At first, I only followed people I knew, but as my love for photography and my family grew, I started to search for other like-minded moms and artists. Once I realized that IG could connect me to people from all over the world, I was hooked. Even with all the new algorithms, brand adoption, and other changes, it’s still my favorite platform because at its core, it’s about connecting and telling stories.
What story do you hope that your Instagram tells?
I hope it shows how happy I am living my ordinary life. My family is far from perfect, but we are unique and there is no other family like ours; that’s something to celebrate. I hope my feed illustrates the beauty of everyday life and allows you get to know a little bit about us and how we love.
What was one of your favorite photos that you took recently? Why?
Lately, any photo I take of my husband and my youngest son instantly becomes my favorite. My husband stays at home with our boys and I love documenting this dynamic. I’ve been able to capture so many organic moments that reflect their bond.
Who or what inspires you?
Oh wow. I love this question I think it goes without saying that my children, husband and my family inspire me. But, I am also inspired by artistic expression, individuality, passionate people and small acts of kindness.
What is your favorite thing to photograph?
Too many to choose but if I had to narrow it down I would say: simplicity, connection, joy and light.
Black and white or color?
Black and white.
Favorite App to edit with?
VSCO but Filmborn is creeping to a close favorite.
What do you shoot with?
My iPhone 6s Plus and a Nikon D750
Tell us 3 of your favorite Instagram accounts.
This changes like the wind (can you tell by now that I’m an indecisive person, lol). Lately, I’ve been seeking photos outside of the family photography genre to be inspired by, so this week it’s:
@blackgirlinom – I just love their mission to cultivate a space for women of color
@petesouza– b/c duh Obama photos
@kinfolk – I love that this curated account introduces me to new artists.
Thank you so much Leslie!!! You can ,of course follow Leslie on Instagram @lesliekershaw
AND
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lesliekershawphotography
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lesliekershaw
Business/Blog: www.lesliekershaw.com
I love Leslie’s documentary approach to photography. Each photo does, indeed, tell a story. It took me a while to get through this post because I couldn’t stop looking at the amazing photography. Thank you for sharing.
Instagram has been my favorite social media platform for a long, long time. I remember when it first came out and I couldn’t use it since I had an Android. I was so bummed and watched for updates constantly. I couldn’t wait to set up my account once it became available on Android. Of course, now I’m a die hard Apple fan and have had an iPhone for a few years. 🙂
I love finding new people/accounts to follow and inspire me so this series is really great! xo
I love her photos and her story telling! Her little boys make me miss the days my kids were little! They are so precious. She surely is blessed. Going to follow her now!
I enjoy Instagram, it can be such a happy place. It looks like she has really lovely pictures, with great color and texture!
These photos really do tell a wonderful story. Love how they can be back and white and be so alive.
I love these pictures. They are vibrant and so beautiful to me.
Beautiful photography. I love following people on Instagram that tell a story with their shots. I think with photography that either people can or people can’t.
Wow! These pics are absolutely stunning. Love how she captured her beautiful family!
I love the idea of the Instagram Stories series. Leslie Kershaw does indeed have amazing photos and they are taken at the right moment. It is amazing how they all tell a different story the way they should. Kudos to her for such an amazing job. Thanks for sharing a great interview.
My Instagram is the story of me and my adventures. Every place that I have been, since Instagram started at least, every event that I have attended, I have shared it on Instagram. I really think that Instagram is the storytelling medium of the future.
What a fantastic photographer. I love how her photos give a glimpse into everyday life in a very personal and intimate way.
All of these photos are so beautiful, I feel like I could look at them forever! Instagram is great for me because I love taking photos and getting inspired by other pictures too!
I love when I find a great instagramer. These are gorgeous family photos. And i agree pete souza is a genius.
Thank you for letting me know about Leslie. I am going to follow her. I love her photos. It does tell a story! Instagram is a great platform to showcase these lovely photos!
I think that I use Instagram more than any other platform these days. I love seeing pictures such as the ones on this post. I also have a great eye for photography. Seeing other photos inspires my imagery.
Her photos are beautiful. I love great photography.
These are beautiful photos. Beautiful family, too. I need to step up my IG game. I am no photographer though.
i love how she started her humble beginnings and how she did it. I adore her for now copying any ideas but just coming out from her own perspective on telling about your story, their simple family.
These photos are gorgeous! INstagram is my favorite social media platform, I am such a visual person!!
Her photos are great! Thanks for sharing this interview that tells her story. I love instagram. It’s my favorite network!
Love love love these photos. There is something so familiar about them. She is really making IG her own personal art gallery.
Awesome pictures! Your 3 young men are adorable. You have your hands happily full. I like the documentary approach. I started in photography back in 1984 and explored it thru internships and just playing around with my cameras. My Mom bought me my firs one! 🙂
These are great pictures! It shows the beauty in everyday life, often the things we overlook are what make our life full.
Her photos are amazing! Love the visual and story behind every photo! She is so talented
Wow! Her pictures are amazing. I have to follow her.
Thanks for featuring her I want to follow her too now. She takes great emotion filled photos!
Beautiful images and I love that she is a local to me. I love this series and her boy’s names are so strong and powerful.
Beautiful photos. I’m working on my photography skills more now. I just started shooting in manual and it’s fun. Now to learn editing. lol Great interview
Love love her photography. I can’t believe some of these shots were taken with an iPhone. She is very talented.
This is such great photography, love these pictures. I love it when real life is captured so well .
you imagines are amazing. wow. i love the black and white concept. i love ig. it is such an awesome way to get creative
Thank you for introducing me to her. I love her photos and the ones with the father remind me of my own husband with our children. This is a great series!