Meet Leah: the UGC creator behind beautiful brand stories

From hobby photographer to full-time content creator, New York-based Leah DeGraw has built a career around bringing stories to life through video.

With a natural talent for storytelling, it was a seamless progression. Today, Leah creates beautiful video and UGC content, often stepping in front of the camera herself to bring her ideas to life.

Since joining Creatively Squared, Leah has worked on campaigns for brands including Lindt, Nexxus, Love Beauty & Planet and many more. From polished videography to authentic creator-led content, she continues to showcase her versatility and creative eye.

Get to know Leah and discover more about her creative journey.

Let’s chat with Leah

Hey everyone, I’m Leah DeGraw! I started shooting photography in middle school as a hobby. As video became more popular, my interests shifted. I started in corporate e-commerce video at Net-A-Porter, where I learned how to shoot on a set. Since then, I have left corporate to start my own videography and content creation business.

I love shooting across a bunch of different trades, but my favorite to shoot is skincare and beauty! My personal work aesthetic is elevated storytelling. I love bringing products to life with visually interesting, unique shots

When I am not creating product content, I am playing with my pug Pompey or dancing the night away at a rave!

Leah brought Lindt chocolates to life with this fun and engaging UGC. Source: Creatively Squared

Journey with Creatively Squared

My friend Marisa Glaser referred me and I fell in love with Creatively Squared! Each project challenges me creatively and builds my skill set.

The most enjoyable project I had was for Nexxus Keraphix! People do not know how much work goes into haircare shoots, especially in-shower shots!

Leah kept it fresh and natural for Nexxus. Source: Creatively Squared

Leah is one of my go to creators when it comes to UGC! She always brings a fresh angles, captures high quality content, and nails the creative direction regardless of the niche category the content is for! Leah, we are so lucky to have you as part of our community. Keep shining! - Andrea, account manager

A simple yet engaging UGC created by Leah for CLR. Source: Creatively Squared

Tools of the Trade

I use a Sony a7iv in my shoots. For post-production, my tried-and-true editing programs are Final Cut Pro and CapCut.

My favorite prop to use is the turntable. It makes static shots so dynamic! Even though I do a majority of in-studio shoots, I do love working with natural light! Nothing beats natural sunlight.

I have a mini studio in my apartment where I do most of my shoots.

Leah’s creative process

I typically always will at least create a shot list! I like getting organized before the shoot because I can get in the zone and it allows me to get more creative while knowing I will not miss anything.

I plan the required shots before so I can truly lock into getting creative. If I run into a mental creative block, I will take a break, talk a wake outside and reset.

As a one-woman team, I shoot, model, direct, and edit. When I am lucky, I have two superstar assistants - my fiance (now husband!) John or my mom Gail!

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Finding inspiration

I am inspired by Cine from @cinesupreme.

Top creative tip

Don't compare yourselves to others! Sometimes I get in my own head, but I remind myself that I have my own unique flare and everyone's creative skills are different!

Lastly, what’s one thing you want to learn or improve on this year?

I would love to hone in on lighting even more. Some days it is like playing Tetris in my apartment trying to get the right lighting

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Thank you, Leah, for sharing your creativity with our community and for being such a reliable creator to work with at Creatively Squared.

See more of Leah’s beautiful work and give her a follow on Instagram at @soojinstudios_