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Sleeping baby in a heart-shaped basket, wrapped in green cloth, holding a small plush toy.

 Appleton, WI | Luxury Newborn Photographer


Smiling business owner in blue sweater with wood wall background.

Hello and Welcome!

MY JOURNEY INTO PHOTOGRAPHY

Hi, I’m Leah! I’m a professional newborn photographer with 20 years of experience, specializing in capturing life’s most beautiful milestones — from maternity and newborns to babies, children, seniors, families, pets, and more.

As a mother myself, I understand just how quickly time passes, especially with brand-new babies. My oldest is 24 and my youngest is 16, so I’ve experienced every stage of childhood: fussy infants, teething babies, rambunctious toddlers, witty grade-schoolers, stubborn pre-teens, full-of-attitude teenagers, and even the dad who isn’t thrilled about family portrait day (my husband included!). Over the years, I’ve gathered plenty of tips and tricks that help make your photo experience smooth, enjoyable, and fun.

I received my first camera when I was eight years old, and I instantly fell in love with photography (yes, I actually loved getting film developed too!). Over the years, my skills grew along with the cameras, and I found my true passion in newborn photography. As a close second to newborns, I also discovered a love for photographing high school seniors. While it may seem like a big leap from tiny babies to seniors, I truly believe we can be good at more than one thing, and I love the challenge of capturing each client’s unique personality at any age.

A FEW FUN FACTS ABOUT ME 

Some might say that I am unnaturally obsessed with my two dogs & they are probably right. They are truly my best friends (along with my husband & kids!) and I loved them enough to tattoo their portraits onto my arm so that I can see them forever & always. 

Speaking of tattoos, I do have quite a few of them. Most have a special meaning, some do not. I view them the same as I view portraits...there are some things I just felt necessary to memorialize & some that I just found pretty enough to fill in the blank canvas spaces of my body. If we are getting really personal, I also like the overall tattoo experience, call me crazy. I love watching another artist work and create their own masterpieces.

I cannot start my day without coffee, and you will never find me without ChapStick. I have a bathroom ChapStick, a bedside table ChapStick, one in the kitchen, a few in my purse, my car & at my desk.

Newborn babies are my weakness. As a little girl, everywhere we would go I would whisper to my mom "Can you ask that lady if I can hold her baby?" Similar to "Can I pet that DAWG" LOL That wasn't as frowned upon back then as it is now in 2026 LOL I was so delighted when I had my own newborn babies. I spent my entire days sniffing their fuzzy heads & their itty-bitty feet. Every sound they made fascinated me...from their sleepy snores, and their little coos, right down to their obnoxiously loud baby toots! Man, those days went by far too quickly.

 

WHY NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY (AND OTHER SESSION TYPES) 

"If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life"

I live by this quote. Naturally, I put photography and newborns together for the perfect job. It was then that I realized that becoming a professional photographer meant so much more than just taking photos & buying fun equipment. Mastering a camera is just the beginning. I had to learn proper lighting, post-processing programs, and the business side of it all. Don't even get me started on how hard it is to keep up with all of the newest social media trends. 

But it is what I love, so even with the less than thrilling parts, becoming a photographer has been a magical experience for me. 

I take great joy in perfecting newborn poses and capturing those tiny newborn smiles. Parents often comment, “You have so much patience!” and I always laugh because patience is essential in this work. I can’t control a newborn’s mood or reactions, but I can comfort them, make them feel safe, and work at their pace. That’s when those stunning, timeless portraits happen.

I know that I specifically talk a lot about newborn photography, because I do consider that one of my specialties, but I cannot forget about the other clients I enjoy as well. You'll see under my portfolio that I also photography maternity clients, baby milestones such as six months and one-year sessions, along with high school seniors, families & pets. Rest assured, I love capturing these types of clients as well.

BEHIND THE LENS: MY APPROACH

My approach blends artistry with professionalism. Each session is thoughtfully planned, from the posing to the finishing touches in editing, ensuring your portraits are elegant and refined. I strive to make every family feel at ease while creating images that will be cherished for generations.

As a bit of a perfectionist, I take pride in delivering beautiful, high-quality images. What you see in my portfolio is what you can expect from your own session. I showcase real, finished work, not just highlights. Every client receives the same care, attention, and dedication, and I never rush a session. When babies and families feel relaxed, we can create the irreplaceable images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. By the end of your session, my hope is that we’ll feel like friends.

MY STUDIO EXPERIENCE

For many, many years I was solely an on-location photographer. I packed my gear for every session and photographed clients either in their homes or outdoors. In 2022 I took a huge leap and I opened my first studio in Little Chute and it has been a dream come true. I love being in my studio and am always finding new ways to improve my setups to give my clients the best experience possible.

In my studio every session is designed to feel relaxed, safe, and luxurious. From carefully styled setups to perfected lighting, every detail is considered so that your newborn portraits are timeless and unique. Families can enjoy a personalized session that captures the beauty and innocence of these first moments.

I’m so glad you found my website! My hope is that you’ll find all the information you need to feel confident that you’re choosing the right photographer for your family.

- Leah

If you’d like to book a professional portrait session with an experienced photographer, click on CONTACT ME below and send me a message. I would love to help you plan a perfect session for your occasion.

At Leah Islinger Photography, I also offer high-quality, professionally printed prints, portraits, and products (click link) that will preserve your memories for a lifetime.

CONTACT ME
Pregnant woman in a long, flowing dress stands in a dark room, with sheer curtains on one side, gazing upward.
Newborn sleeping on a white blanket with gold stars, wearing yellow overalls.
Pregnant woman in a flowing gown and boots, sitting on a chair, smiling. Black and white photo.
A sleeping baby in a green box, wearing a floral headband, surrounded by succulents on a light green background.

EXPLORE

THE PHOTOGRAPHER THE STUDIO THE BLOG BOOK NOW  

PORTFOLIO

MATERNITY FRESH.48 NEWBORN BABIES TODDLERS CHILDREN SENIORS FAMILY PETS STUDIO BUSINESS  

CONTACT

Leah@leahislingerphotography.com (920) 284-6645 Appleton, Wisconsin STUDIO ADDRESS - 127 E. Main St. Little Chute, WI - Unit 202  


Leah Islinger is based in Appleton, WI with a studio located in The Main Street Plaza, Little Chute, WI, and is available in surrounding areas including:
Appleton | Oshkosh | Neenah | Menasha | Kimberly | Green Bay | Combined Locks | Grand Chute | Greenville | Hortonville | Freedom | Shiocton | Green Bay

Best Newborn Photographers in Green Bay

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  • WELCOME
  • ABOUT
    • THE PHOTOGRAPHER
    • TOUR THE STUDIO
    • SESSION DETAILS
    • PRODUCTS & SERVICES
    • PRIVACY POLICY
  • PORTFOLIO
  • THE EXPERIENCES
  • BACKDROPS & GOWNS
    • MILESTONE BACKDROPS
    • LARGE BACKDROPS
    • MATERNITY GOWNS
  • REVIEWS
  • BLOG
  • CLIENTS
  • BOOK NOW
  • CONTACT
Appleton, Wisconsin