A CPA with a sharp eye

Since 2018, Donevan has been documenting some of the happiest moments of people’s lives through her photography business (Erin Leydon)

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN ACCOUNTING?

A high school teacher got me interested in accounting. She was a CPA, but she also taught and eventually became a school principal. I thought it was really interesting that she chose a career that would open doors to others.

My dad was an artist. He felt he never did “well” as an artist so he kind of pushed me toward a more standard career. But I always had a creative side I wanted to nurture.

WHEN DID PHOTOGRAPHY BECOME MORE OF A FOCUS?

I started to get serious about photography in 2014, when I was on maternity leave with my first child and had to adjust to being a full-time mom. I needed to do something that wasn’t mom-related.

I started doing a challenge where I took a photo every day for a year and posted them online. Soon friends asked me to take photos of their families and it just grew from there by word of mouth.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Capturing moments is more important to me than making a pretty picture. My daughter was my first major subject because I wanted to remember those fleeting little moments from when she was a baby.

Portrait photography appeals to me because I just love working with other people and getting to know them. Even though I work on my own, meeting with and talking with people I’m photographing means the job doesn’t get lonely.

HOW DO YOUR CPA SKILLS HELP?

As a business owner I always have to take care of everything and be able to balance the books. My accounting background really keeps me organized. Plus, I can do my own taxes!

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