Leah Hennel originally dreamt of being a veterinarian. And until Grade 12 she thought she would be. But her marks, math in particular, cured her of that dream. While in high school, she jumped at a chance to explore a work-experience option in the Calgary Sun photography department. As it turned out, that practicum was the best thing that ever happened to her, as it opened her eyes to an exciting field and eventually led Hennel to the SAIT photojournalism program, from which she graduated in 1998. She’s built a fulfilling career at Calgary’s daily newspapers – the Sun and since 2000 the Herald. She’s travelled all over Alberta and to most parts of Canada, as well as to Europe and Africa. She’s won a few awards along the way too, but what’s most important to her is that being a photographer still doesn’t feel like a job. Leah lives in Calgary, Alberta.