Meet Leila Coker

Hi and welcome. I am photographer based in Northampton. Yes it is that simple but that is what I am and I pride myself in being a versitile photographer which can work confidently in different genres of photography. I am a wedding photographer, a real estate photographer, photojournalist, a landscape photographer, a portrait photographer an event photographer…. you get my point! The passion I have for photography should be evident as you view my website as well as my instagram account.

I have been capturing moments since I graduated from university back in 2017 (Please see my University story at https://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/from-university-to-the-champions-league-leila-focuses-on-a-career-in-sports-photography/)but since being taught the background of the camera, the real learning has come from being out there and capturing those real life special moments from a candid and documentary approach from photographing the late Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, the England women’s football team winning the European Championship to the beautiful wedding of Charlotte and Liam at Chichley Hall. Every moment is precious in time to each individual.

My Style

It’s funny how you can tell a photographer from their unique style. For me, I like to infuse a mixture of documentary naturally yet candidly with a creative approach. When it comes to my wedding couples, they love how relaxed they feel within my approach which helps to settle any nerves both in front of the camera as well as what is to come throughout the day capturing, the humour, the love the tears and the joy. When I go into someones home to photograph the interior, I will always treat their property like my own. Effective communication is key to a successful relationship but when it comes to sports photography as well as documentary photography, I endeavour to capture those moments of triumph and sorrow. As a photojournalist, you are not only capturing the action but the story surrounding this action and this is where sports and wedding photography has its similarities including dancing!

So What Do You Want To Know About Me?

The best way to describe me is freespirited! I LOVE to travel. There is no two ways about it! I love meeting people, engaging in conversations and listening to their live story. I think it’s the photojournalist in me. I will admit that I regularly travel to the West of the United States and have been nicknamed ‘Cowgirl’ by my friends at the gym where you will see me killing myself in a spin or body combat class in order to keep myself fit. Trust me, as a photographer you need to keep fit but it also means that I am able to go back out west and do crazy hikes at 8000 elevation where not only do I meet amazing people, I do some amazing hikes and capture some truly beautiful landscape and wildlife photography which I cherish as well as share my visions that I see.

Most of my life has gravitated towards experiences and the freedom to do what I want, when I want. Travel broadens the mind and I like to think that with the journey I have been on in life so far has helped me become the person that I am today on a personal front but when it comes to creativity, I’m a lone wolf in my travel and sports because I want to capture everything.

I feel that my free spirit nature spills into my style, it pushes me to be the best, striving for greatness and creativity in my photography.

Will You Travel?

The answer is ‘YES’. Tell me the date and place and I know we can find a way to work things out. I have photographed several weddings in the state of Montana in the US and found it fascinating how different there approach is to weddings compared to the traditions of the UK. Another learning curb which has helped me through my photographic journey. I have so many ideas.

Reservations And Bookings

If you’re interested in booking me, please get in contact so we can have a brief talk and arrange a proper meet up to discuss your wedding or project. All weddings must sign an agreement and retainer in order to reserve you dates without them.

Fill out the contact page and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Equpiment!

For my equipment, I primarily use the professional range of Canon gear.

As I work in a variety of genres of photography from sports to photojournalism, street, studio, still life, macro, music, portraiture, weddings, music, urban and rural landscape and wildlife, the professional range of Canon DSLR cameras and lenses allows me the speed and versatility to create stunning imagery as well as allowing me to take my creativity further.

I love the colours that Canon can create in raw and jpeg without the heavy post processing in order to emphasise the colours, the ease of use and the wide dynamic range in order to retain that natural-looking detail as well as the extreme contrast in low light.

The 1dx ii allows for versatility in sports, news, wildlife, and weddings with its fast processing and sharp results. The 5d iv allows for incredible detail and sharpness in low light as well as studio portraiture. The results are beautiful!

1 Canon R5
1 Canon R6
1 Canon 1dx mark ii
Canon 5d mark iv
Canon L 400mm f2.8
Canon L 70-200mm f2.8
Canon L 24-70mm f2.8
Canon L 16-35mm f2.8
Canon L 100mm f2.8 macro lens
Sigma Art 12-24 f4

WELCOME TO PERFECT CAPTURES PHOTOGRAPHY!