Life & Work with Burleigh Schneider of Cary

Today we’d like to introduce you to Burleigh Schneider.

Hi Burleigh, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a family that fostered creativity- my mom with her graphic design, photo, pottery, and sewing skills, my dad with his woodworking, and two older sisters who were creative as well that I was always trying to keep up with. I never envisioned art translating into my adulthood though until I was in college taking art electives and realized I wanted to be part of East Carolina’s art program instead of the business school. So after freshman year, I redeclared my major and applied to the photography program (thanks mom and dad for the extra year of school!). Between learning the old processes and the countless hours in the dark room, that experience provided a much deeper appreciation of photography that a lot of current photographers don’t have.

My mom has always been my “tech lady” by equipping me with my first camera and set of lenses, keeping up with which new gear to invest in, and was even my 2nd shooter for weddings for years until my husband took over the role. My mom will always be my inspiration as to why I love photography so much. She had a calm presence and a way of evoking genuine happiness from anyone in front of her camera. I love being able capture special moments for others and know I’m making her proud.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For almost 10 years after college I worked full-time in the corporate world while juggling my photography business so that was quite challenging. I wanted to be available for all of my existing clients and not have to turn anyone away, so I tended to take on more than I could keep up with and often felt burned out. I finally went full-time with photo a few years ago and having a better work/life balance renewed my passion for it. I’m now fighting time once again, but this time for a different and more important reason- we have two little girls I stay at home with. Thankfully I’m more equipped now with knowing what workload I can handle and how to better balance my time!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In recent years, my work has revolved more around babies and families which has been a natural shift as I’m a new mom myself and see how precious the early years are firsthand and how quickly they go. Some of the families I see every year are couples I’ve been with from the beginning, having photographed their engagement and wedding to each new member of their family. It’s a special thing being able to watch them grow and to be trusted with documenting such big milestones. With more focus on newborn/family photography and corporate work (headshots, branding, etc.), I had to step away from weddings for now, but I still love working with couples for engagements or adventure sessions. Documenting love between two people and seeing their life unfold with each new chapter is my favorite part about this job.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Listening to audio books while editing has always been my jam, but with a toddler and new baby at home my time to work is limited to naptime and after bedtime these days.. so I actually find myself just enjoying some silence ha! In recent years though I’ve loved many books by Beth O’Leary and Abby Jimenez when I’m feeling something light and entertaining.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beboldphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beboldphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Be-Bold-Photography-227488780598495/about/?ref=page_internal