Meet Cleo Cartwright | Fashion, Editorial & Portrait Photographer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cleo Cartwright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cleo, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career because of my natural tendency towards creativity and imagination. From a young age, I found myself captivated by the idea of freezing moments in time through photography, the thought of cherishing memories indefinitely. Reflecting on family photos and poring over old magazines, I was drawn to the artistry behind each image. Despite being reserved, photography became my primary means of expression, empowering me to communicate and share my perspective with the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m incredibly proud of the increasing exposure my photography has been receiving, often in unexpected ways that both excite and sometimes even intimidate me—in the best possible sense, of course. I’m particularly thrilled about the opportunity to continually evolve as a creative entrepreneur and to engage in collaborative projects with fellow artists, enabling us to share our collective vision with the world.

My professional journey began with attending the College of Chicago, where I encountered numerous setbacks and failures. However, I persevered by continuously practicing and refining my craft. I learned to take creative breaks to prevent burnout, prioritized ongoing education and growth as a creative entrepreneur, and embraced networking opportunities. Despite the challenges, including periods of depression and self-doubt leading to extended breaks from photography, I’ve come to appreciate how far I’ve come and accept the natural ebb and flow of creativity.

As a black woman, my photography is deeply rooted in capturing the essence of my subjects—revealing their authentic selves in a fun and creative light. Whether it’s fashion editorials or portraits, my aim is to showcase the beauty, depth, and individuality of each person. Photography, for me, goes beyond just a medium—it’s a powerful tool for connection, understanding, and challenging societal norms. Through my work, I strive to create a visual dialogue that resonates with viewers on a deeper level.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
my favorite spots in the city are definitely the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP). its always free and always have interesting exhibitions and new works of artists in the city.

a few other other my favorite places are Emporium Arcade Bar & Whiskey Business, its a great place to hang out in the city with a group of your closest friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To all my creative friends: you all have inspired me to continue to stay creative and push me to think outside the box. Thank you all for reassuring me to keep going, remind me that i am “that girl” [ lol ]

Website: www.cleocartwrightphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleocartwrightphotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleocartwrightphotography/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CleoFOtoSwaG

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleoCartwrightPhotography

Image Credits
Cleo Cartwright Photography ©