Learn the Rules to Break Them: Interview with Leslie Knox
By Juliet Reynolds
With skill and vision, photographer and stylist Leslie Knox creates bold, colorful images that defy conventions. A self-titled creative, impassioned introvert, Leslie gifted us the story of their photography journey and path of foundational beginnings, mastering photography’s rules only to break them and creating art that reflects their bubbly, fearless soul.
Image by Leslie Knox Photo
As a queer artist from Glendale, Arizona, classically trained in portraiture, Leslie took their first photography class in 2008 and never looked back. As the first AP photography student at their high school, Leslie’s determination was evident early on. Winning a high school photography competition and a course at the Art Institute of Phoenix, Leslie transitioned seamlessly into professional photography.
One of many career highlights was winning Rookie of the Year at Cilento Photography in Scottsdale, Arizona, which led to a promotion to Lead Photographer and achieving top sales in family and senior portraits. It’s more so about creating the opportunity for yourself rather than waiting for it.” A striking sentiment that paints a clear picture of Leslie having always been a bold, determined, self-motivated artist.
Image by Leslie Knox Photo
After Cilento Photography, Leslie moved on to social media and e-commerce photography for My Sister’s Closet in Scottsdale – a prominent second hand store in the Valley community. Leslie notes that their roots in styling began at this position, “I dabbled a bit in social media for [My Sister’s Closet] but it was more they’d bring me the pieces and I would only accessorize.”
When asked about their creative process as a photographer, Leslie noted that largely their favorite aspect of the process is the ideating and planning, heavily involving styling and envisioning every little detail of the shoot. “Branching out into styling has taught me a lot about what goes into making an image, about editorial combinations; it really dives into the structure of an image and how a silhouette of an outfit can play into that. “
Leslie’s developing passion for styling led to the creation of Leslie Knox’s Color Series. This project involves styling monochromatic outfits and evolving into bold, mixed color palettes, inspired by an eye for color theory. For Leslie Knox, fashion editorial photography is the end goal, the absolute dream. The ability to capture subjects with the same structure and purposeful lighting as a famous photographer, like Annie Liebovitz, is what inspires Leslie and ever-informs their work.
Image by Leslie Knox Photo
With the Color Series, Leslie is self-funding, location scouting, styling, and creatively directing, granting themself the most creative control yet in executing their fashion editorial vision. “I think the color series is going to push my boundaries in that way, pushing me into more editorial work, I think that’s going to be really exciting for me…I think it’s going to help me break into the industry I want to break into.”
Leslie’s technical skill is matched by their love for gear. “I like to shoot with my Godox AD600 with a soft beauty dish, I honestly COULD NOT live without my strobe, I bring it to every shoot. I shoot on a Canon 5D MKIII and a Sony Alpha a7rii, with my 85mm 1.2, 14mm 2.8, and a 50 1.8 on the Sony on a double shoulder harness. Sometimes I also bring my Mamiya 645 and shoot some 120 film that I develop and scan myself, which is always a fun bonus process.” Aspiring photographers and those in the market for a new camera, take notes!
Image by Leslie Knox Photo
Beyond the Color Series, Leslie is working on The QUEERNESS Project, where they interview local queer community members, style outfits for them, and take photos.For Leslie, this is not only a chance to again style and direct, but connect even closer with their queer community, a very important part of their identity. “I want to give queer people a chance to tell their story, style an outfit for them, and get them some really cool photos.” Leslie shared with us the story of an interviewee who chronicled their life beginnings in trauma, eventually turning it all around and becoming an advocate for others. Leslie told us, “It’s hearing stuff like that to me that makes it all worth it.”
For Leslie Knox, taking photos is not just about adding to a portfolio, or submitting to magazines; the larger aspect of community and connection to others through art is what makes their work truly shine with every color of the rainbow. When asked about a dream collaboration, Leslie let us in on their passion for anything and everything medieval. Blacksmiths and chainmail artisans, make sure to hit up Leslie Knox. And fans, keep your eyes peeled for a Camelot-inspired, knights-in-shining-armor shoot!
We asked Leslie about any parting words and advice they might have for the creative community they value so dearly. For aspiring artists, Leslie shares, “Learn the rules (seriously) and then break them all you want! It shapes you as an artist and a person.” Through their art as a photographer and spirit as a fiery person, Leslie Knox reminds us all to not be afraid, to go bold and be persistent, to “Stick to it! See where life takes you!” Leslie’s parting words resonate deeply, encouraging us to embrace our unique paths. “Don't compare yourself to others and don't ever be hard on yourself over others’ achievements, and never give up, you deserve your self expression in whatever medium suits you best.” Remember, prioritize making space for yourself and your art because the world will not always give it to you.
Edited by KBR on July 31, 2024
