Getting To Know Liesl Walsh

Capturing Serenity in Light and Lens

Prints: https://liesl-walsh.pixels.com/
Education: https://www.lieslwalshphotos.com/
Portfolio for Clients: https://www.lieslwalsh.com/

Liesl Walsh is a professional fine art photographer based in Venice, Florida, known across the Gulf Coast for her powerful yet peaceful seascapes and cityscapes. With a strong foundation in art education and a lifelong passion for creativity, Liesl creates emotionally resonant images that blend the drama of natural light with the quiet beauty of historic locations. Her work is instantly recognisable for its painterly quality and emotive depth, qualities she has developed over decades of dedication to her craft.

Born with an artist’s soul, Liesl’s early years were steeped in drawing and painting. Encouraged by her family, she pursued her love of art through formal education, eventually becoming an art teacher. She taught for nine years in Pennsylvania, building an entire art programme from the ground up in a new school. Her transition into photography was a natural progression, merging her love for visual storytelling with a desire to preserve meaningful moments. Her first film camera, a gift from her parents in 1983, sparked a journey that would evolve into a full-time profession. Digital photography became her passion after relocating to Florida, and she now dedicates herself entirely to her art every single day.

Liesl currently uses a full-frame Sony A7Riv with a Sony 24-105mm lens, a system chosen for its exceptional resolution and sensor quality. While she began with a Canon T3i, it was Sony’s cutting-edge technology and the endorsement of trusted mentors that led her to make the switch—one that has served her exceptionally well. Her husband, Mike, now uses her earlier Sony A7Rii, and remains her constant companion and biggest supporter on photography outings.

Editing is a vital part of Liesl’s creative process. She begins in Lightroom, making use of its non-destructive workflow and intuitive tools to draw out light and emotion. She then refines her work in Photoshop, occasionally using Luminar Neo and Topaz Studio 2 to create painterly effects. While she enjoys the tranquility of early-morning photo shoots, it is in the editing room that the full expression of her vision comes to life.

Liesl’s signature image, Venice Fishing Pier Sunset, Florida, is a best-seller and a deeply personal piece. Captured in a moment of intuition and urgency, the photograph was taken just as the sun dipped below the horizon—an unforgettable experience shared with her husband. That very image went on to win the Fine Art America Billboard Contest in 2021, a feat she repeated in 2022 with Liquid Light, another photograph of the same pier. These victories, earned through community support, marked pivotal moments in her career. Seeing her images displayed on billboards in Orlando and Clearwater brought her immense pride and demonstrated the emotional connection her work inspires in others.

Her work has been widely exhibited, with early accolades at the King Center Gallery in Melbourne and the Vero Beach Museum of Art. In 2019 and 2020, she sold her work in the Venice Island Gallery, and in 2021 her photography was prominently featured in the Monet’s Garden Goes Pop! exhibit at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. Three of her images from Giverny were printed on 20-foot vinyl panels to complement the works of Roy Lichtenstein—an artist she had once studied at university, alongside her favourite painter, Claude Monet.

Liesl is also a gifted educator. She teaches photography and editing through her website and has worked alongside French photographer Serge Ramelli, becoming the first woman to achieve a Master of Photography in his institute. She is now an instructor for KelbyOne, where she shares her expertise with thousands of students worldwide and has appeared as a guest on their podcast The Grid. Her teaching style is known for its clarity and encouragement, and she continues to mentor students through weekly live Zoom sessions. https://www.lieslwalshphotos.com/

Despite the competitive nature of online art sales, Liesl has built a thriving business through careful marketing and genuine connection with her audience. With over 25,000 Facebook followers, a strategic presence on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, and an inviting website, she maintains strong, long-term relationships with her collectors. She attributes much of her success to understanding her audience, sharing meaningful content, and listening to feedback—especially from Mike, who has a remarkable eye and often spots the scenes behind some of her most beloved work.

Liesl’s reach extends far beyond her local coastline. From photographing ancient architecture in Rome and Thailand to documenting her flourishing Pennsylvania garden, she sees beauty and meaning in every location. Her love for nature, gardening, and history continues to influence her creative output. She offers commission work, custom edits, and large-scale installations, and her art is displayed in homes, businesses, and even on vehicles.

At heart, Liesl is a storyteller. Whether she’s capturing the first blush of dawn over the water or teaching others to find their own voice through the lens, her work speaks of peace, mystery, and connection. As Venice, Florida prepares to celebrate its centenary, her photograph of the town’s historic train station has been chosen for the cover of Venice: A Century on the Gulf—a fitting tribute to an artist so intertwined with her community’s spirit and memory.