Meet Our Team Members
Leigh Perkins
Photographer
Zena Snowdon-Perkins
Studio Manager
Leigh Perkins – Our Photographer
We know Leigh looks far too young to have over 35 years in the photographic industry. But he did start when he was a mere boy of 18, on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Leigh has photographed many famous people including Lord Lichfield, Omar Sharif, John Major and Princess Anne (they all kept their clothes on!). Starting in 2004, Leigh has photographed every one of Mighty Aphrodite’s thousands of boudoir shoots. So he is probably the most experienced boudoir photographer in the UK. Leigh has also been on the other side of the camera in the Mighty Aphrodite studio – you can read his story here: Leigh’s Story.
Zena – Studio Manager
Zena will probably be your first point of contact as she answers most of the emails & enquiries. If you have any questions she is the one to speak to. Originally from Durham, Zena moved “down south” in 1993, but she hasn’t lost her accent yet! She is there to help you all the way through your shoot as lingerie technician and emotional support…and she makes a cracking cup of tea.
Our Story
Mighty Aphrodite was created in 2004 by photographer Leigh Perkins and his business partner and wife, Zena Snowdon. Leigh has over 35 years experience as a professional photographer and cameraman, working all over Europe, as well as the Caribbean and North America.
Leigh started out as a cruise ship photographer when he was just 18 and has since worked in every photographic field imaginable from weddings, portraiture and PR to commercial, travel and even filming for the Pirelli Calendar.
Building For Success
In 2002 Leigh and Zena decided to build their own studio…literally brick by brick. They did everything themselves – digging the foundations, laying the bricks, putting the roof on (eeek!) and designing and building the curved walls in the studio and bathroom (seemed like a good idea at the time). The studio was mainly used for commercial shoots and makeover portraits.
Then in 2004 a client asked if she could do a photoshoot a bit more boudoir-style. Leigh and Zena designed their first boudoir studio set and Mighty Aphrodite was born. The business grew at an astonishing rate and Leigh and Zena decided to completely customise the studio for boudoir and nude portraits and designed a range of different sets so their clients would have a choice of different styles.
A Reputation For Quality
Leigh and Zena’s reputation for boudoir and nude photography of the highest quality meant that by 2007 they were working at full capacity and needed to expand the team. Samantha Brookes came on board in August 2007 as image editor extraordinaire. So Leigh & Zena could spend more time in the studio shooting more clients.
In 2008, Leigh gained the qualification of Licentiate of the British Institute of Professional Photography. He had to undergo an interview and have a panel of twenty images judged by eight of the Fellows of the Institute. Scary stuff, but he passed with distinction.
Clients From Afar
Over the last decade, the studio has been busier than ever with clients travelling from afar. Clients have come from Hong Kong, South Africa, Dubai, Bermuda, Canada, The USA, Russia and Australia specially to sample the Mighty Aphrodite magic.
Teaching Too
Leigh had so many enquiries from photographers asking for advice and tips on how to improve their work. So in 2011 he started offering Workshops for those who want to learn boudoir, nude and erotic photography the Mighty Aphrodite way. Run as individual tuition days or 2-to-1 workshops, demand has been high with photographers regularly travelling from mainland Europe and the USA (even from Alaska). See NX Workshops for course details.
Online Courses
For those who can’t make the commitment to come for a workshop, you can also get an insight into how Leigh creates his boudoir & nude images. Leigh has created online tutorials – videos, downloadable actions and presets and how-to guides. There are free resources available and more indepth tuition can be accessed by becoming a member – see all the details on the website – LeighPerkins.com
Relocation Relocation Relocation
In 2020 Leigh & Zena made the life-changing decision to move to the countryside, aiming for a more relaxed pace of life. They soon found the perfect spot in Mid West Wales. A converted barn high on a hill with staggering views, space for a new studio and with two self-contained holiday cottages on-site too.
With most clients travelling over 50 miles to come for a shoot or workshop, it made sense to be able to provide accommodation. The surrounding area is stunning with beaches, forests, mountains and lakes all within easy reach. See more about their Romantic Holiday Cottages in Wales. They built the new studio from the ground up and it was ready for shoots by May 2021. See more details of the build and a walk-through of the finished studio on Leigh Blog: Our New Boudoir Studio in Wales.
Nude Portrait Photography Pioneers
With the popularity of boudoir and nude photography still growing, Mighty Aphrodite are proud to have been one of the pioneers of this amazing, life-changing style of photography. There is no great secret to the success of Mighty Aphrodite – just a passion for creating beautiful sensual boudoir and nude images. See Leigh & Zena in action in the Behind the Scenes Boudoir Video (filmed at their old Reading Studio).
For the real WOW factor! A truly luxurious 14×10″ leather-bound book with your 30 retouched images printed directly onto the pages. A sumptuous leather cover comes as standard and for even more impact you can upgrade to an aluminium cover printed with the image of your choice for £60.
The stunning ArtBook is A4 in size and comes with 18 fully retouched images printed directly onto the thick pages. The creative layouts of your images within the ArtBook are what makes this such a special product.