Meet Leslie King | Photographer & Artist

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

Hi Leslie, what principle do you value most?
The principal of staying true to yourself matters the most to me. Always operating from there I learn to listen to my gut, stick to what speaks to me, and trust my eye/vision. Essentially, developing a strong sense of self. And to me that’s what gives me the confidence to be vulnerable enough to share from the soul. Where all art should come from. Keeping your work authentically yours

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been a lover of art. Growing up my mother always took us to museums, exposed me to art history, and art was just a huge part of our home. My mother made sure that I understood the importance of self expression through art. Therefore, I grew up indulging in several different art mediums. But photography has been the one that most allows me express my perspective in a creative way that reflects me. Rembrandt, Jacques-Louis David, and Francisco Goya use of light always captivated me. It was the mood that was created in their use of dark and light that intrigued me. This has truly influenced my photography.

I’ve never attended an art school nor took a photography course. I started off by experimenting with an old school Yashica FX-3 50mm given to me by my dad. I went to this shop called The Camera Doctor in Decatur, bought a book on how to use a film camera from this guy named Steve, some film, and began shooting. I went through endless rolls of film. Constantly shooting. Using my knowledge from studying paintings to guide the framing of my images. And of course my lighting.

As far as my career in photography, it started off with me doing art shows here and there, and selling my photography at Paris on Ponce. Then my friends convinced me to get on Instagram. Through IG, I was able to network, meet other photographers/artist, and have some wonderful opportunities. Someone in London actually found me on IG, and I was able to fly there and shoot their wedding.

The most challenging thing for me has been marketing myself, and the constant networking that it takes to keep the gigs coming in. Shooting is actually just a small part of being a photographer. You have to have some business sense about you. Which could be very challenging for an artist.

I truly enjoy shooting documentary style photography, and portraits. They capture the mood and feeling that I want convey. I’ve always looked at photos as short stories. These styles of photography, are the best ways for me to share the story that I’m seeing.

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?
Ironically I would take them to the woods on a hike. Not to beat a dead horse, but the lighting! Lol!! Anytime of the day, is beautiful to me. But, around sunset is my absolute favorite to see the sun coming through the trees. I would also take them on a lot of bike rides on the belt line, and some of the many trails here in Atlanta. The High museum, Civil Rights museum, Atlanta United Game, definitely catch a concert, Gibbs Garden, and take them to the many parks here in Atlanta. All my friends know how much of an outdoors person I am, so they know what they are getting into when they come and visit me.

Food, I love anything Mexican. I also love food Terminal. I would definitely take them there, Jen Chans, Little Ray’s, and more. I really enjoy cooking for friends more than eating out.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Dwayne Colbert, who is my cousin, has been my mentor my whole life. Constantly encouraging and guiding me in my pursuit of my artistry. He is an artist himself. He has worked as an animator for Disney and Dream Works, actor, producer, and writer. All along his career he has shared the challenges he has faced. Never making it seem like it’s a cake walk. Giving his wisdom and positive mindset, which allowed him to stay optimistic, and never give up. His whole career he has shared his journey, motivating me, and making sure I never lose site of my passion. Challenging me to dream big.

Website: www.filmaffairphotography.com

Instagram: Lafilmaffair

Other: Filmaffairphotography@gmail.com