My career was birthed through sheer desire and will. The entirety of my business is self-taught, from photography to Photoshop and Dreamweaver, through which I actively run my website, shooting and creating professionally for going on 8 years now. My career in aesthetics started as a pin-up model, after years of telling stories with styling and make-up (also self-taught) the need to tell a cohesive story in which I am the creator of the entire visual led to my picking up a camera and accepting a lifelong commitment to capturing moments, and light. I prefer shooting in natural light only, I find the minutes natural light allows, when perfect, is part of the challenge for me, and I thrive with facing challenges. Born and raised in South Africa, I have lived in the UK, Canada and periods in the US. I’ve been published in various print media, including Playboy SA and SA art magazine, onesmallseed.
© Lillith Leda
– How and when did you become interested in photography?
I have been lucky growing up in an artful and creative family, artists, directors, thespians, chefs; and so my love for pleasing aesthetics have been innate. My photographic career developed from being a model for many years, one day I decided I wanted to capture a portrait and ever since that moment I have been shooting full time.
– Is there any artist/photographer who inspired your art?
My all-time obsession is Richard Avedon.
– Why do you work in black and white rather than colour?
I do not solely work in black and white, but rather the image/story within dictates the tones of the final visual.
– How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph/series of photographs?
I shoot with natural light and so the only preparation I can do is wait until the light is perfect, or be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time when the light allows me to tell a story within it. The styling and make-up can take a bit of time, as well as carrying props around if there is a particular conceptual idea I wish to capture. For the most part, the way I shoot is “controlled chaos”, it’s an ongoing tempestuous relationship with light.
– Where is your photography going? What projects would you like to accomplish?
I am forever committed to telling stories through visuals, so it’s a long road ahead. I am currently working on an exhibition entitled “Awake/Awaken.”
Website: www.lillithleda.com
© Lillith Leda
© Lillith Leda
© Lillith Leda
© Lillith Leda
© Lillith Leda
© Lillith Leda
© Lillith Leda
© Lillith Leda
© Lillith Leda
