Her Story
About Lea
Lea Rhea Capote, CPP is a Certified Professional Photographer, entrepreneur, and former healthcare executive who successfully transitioned from a distinguished 40-year career in healthcare administration to pursue her passion for portrait photography. After founding Lea Rhea Photography 11 years ago and dedicating herself to the business full-time five years ago, she has built a reputation for delivering exceptional portrait, branding, and corporate photography throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Her unique combination of business expertise, operational leadership, and artistic vision enables her to provide a seamless, client-centered experience that meets the needs of busy professionals, families, and organizations.
Lea Rhea earned the prestigious Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) credential through the Professional Photographers of America, a distinction held by only approximately 3% of photographers nationwide, demonstrating her commitment to technical excellence, craftsmanship, and the highest professional standards. She is also actively pursuing her Master of Photography degree to further refine her artistic and technical expertise. Specializing in executive headshots, personal branding, family portraits, and fine art photography, Lea Rhea is passionate about creating timeless images that not only strengthen professional brands but also preserve life's most meaningful moments as lasting works of art for generations to enjoy.
Beyond her work behind the camera, Lea Rhea is deeply committed to advancing the photography profession and serving her community. She serves on the Board of Directors and as Director of Marketing for the Dallas Professional Photographers Association and is an active member of the Professional Photographers of America, Texas Professional Photographers Association, and the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of the University of New Orleans with studies in English Literature, Health Education, and Business Management, she combines decades of leadership experience, technical expertise, and genuine care for her clients to create an enjoyable, stress-free photography experience while producing portraits that inspire confidence, celebrate relationships, and become treasured family heirlooms.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to tenacity, hard work, perseverance, and resilience. Throughout my career, I have embraced challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve, whether in healthcare administration or as a business owner and professional photographer. Building a successful business required determination, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, even in the face of obstacles. My husband once remarked that he has never met anyone as resilient and persistent as I am, and I believe those qualities have been instrumental in helping me pursue my goals, continually refine my craft, and serve my clients with the highest level of professionalism and dedication.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice she has received is to understand that there will be times when more is expected of you without additional pay, and that stretching yourself in such situations leads to growth. The true value lies not only in monetary compensation but also in the personal knowledge and experience gained, which are assets no one can take away from you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The best advice she would offer to young women today is to prioritize their education and actively seek opportunities for personal and professional growth. Joining an association can be an excellent way to expand their network, engage with their community, and foster meaningful connections. By doing so, they contribute to a collective environment where the success of one benefits all, embodying the principle that rising tides lift all boats.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in photography today is the ability to continually grow, refine my craft, and create an even greater impact for the clients I serve. My goal is to continue building a successful business while embracing lifelong learning and advancing my technical and artistic skills. I am deeply passionate about portrait photography because it allows me to create meaningful images that become tangible works of art and lasting family legacies. I believe portraits are more than photographs—they preserve relationships, celebrate milestones, and tell stories that can be cherished for generations. This is especially meaningful for children, as seeing themselves represented in family portraits fosters a sense of belonging, identity, and connection, while providing families with timeless keepsakes that will be treasured and passed down for years to come.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My work and personal life are guided by integrity, excellence, hard work, and a genuine commitment to serving others. I believe every client deserves an exceptional experience, and I strive to provide thoughtful guidance, personalized service, and the highest quality craftsmanship from start to finish. My greatest reward is creating tangible works of art that preserve life's most meaningful moments portraits that families will treasure, display, and pass down through generations. I approach every session with dedication, professionalism, and the desire to create lasting memories that have enduring value for the people I serve.
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