The love for all things beautiful has always been a driving force for me. My love for music, dance, art (add some personality, laughter and fun) and I wanted to share this with people.
Ever since I can remember my Dad was the same. He thrived most when surrounded by beauty, whether it be nature, architecture, art, music or people. He was a part-time photographer, for extra income and to have more creative outlets. I tagged along often, which is where my first love for photography started.
But he was excellent in sport as well, and thus I started swimming when I was 10 years old. I used to take images on a little film camera during our trips away for galas. (Just can't find any of those images... :( ).
Swimming took over my entire life, literally.
I loved it, but life throws you curve balls you don't anticipate and my journey was cut short when I firstly got the flu that damaged my heart muscle(s), and then broke my back falling down two steps in my first year of University. Like most painful experiences I couldn't understand why, but I remember a friend tell me; “there are bigger, better things around the corner." (Thank you Ruschka, and I sometimes wish we didn't loosr touch!)
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Drama from Stellenbosch University and left for South Korea. I picked up a camera for the first time again. My then boyfriend bought me a DSLR for Christmas as he noticed that it made me happy. He is now my husband of 13 years, the father of our beautiful little girl AND my partner in crime, taking photos and videos.
I founded Leanne Durand Photography in 2011, as a part-time hobby, but soon realized this was so much more. This has been a passion, driving force and a new adventure that has been nothing short of a blessing. I want to see the beauty and love in everything, and I want to share this with people.
I am now a full time photographer that and just adore the moments I get to freeze for family, friends and complete strangers (that becomes family)
. It's an honour and I would love to keep on doing what I love, travel the world and spread love, sharing your stories.
Above, the last picture of my Dad and I on my 29th birthday. The next day his soul went home, on the 1st of April 2013.
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