Photographer Interview | Tameika Leslie

Tamika Leslie, 29, mother of 3 and wife to a musician. Located in beautiful Tasmania, she has a natural talent for creative photography and styling. She is the masterful creator of works such as "Mirror Series" and has collaborated with renowned brands and models alike to curate stunning content. We were lucky enough to be able to ask her a few question to better understand this amazing woman behind the lens.

(Gown: Euphorie Studios, Photography: Tameika Leslie, Model: Annalise Monson, MUA: Tahnii Marquis) 

Let’s start at the beginning, what made you want to become a photographer?

It’s hard to explain or pinpoint what made me become a photographer exactly. I’ve always found enjoyment in creating my own movies and taking photos at any chance I could when I was a child. However, it wasn’t until mid 2016, after photography being an on and off hobby for a few years and feeling so many good emotions when I’d come across certain photographs, that this strong urge to be creative really began. With that, I realised photography was my ‘calling’, as cheesy as that sounds. It hasn’t been an easy road though. As someone who has lived with anxiety for 20 years, it has been a battle to fight through the self-doubt and fear. It’s only been within the last year, I’ve been able to call myself a photographer confidently, and boy it feels amazing.

And what would you say is your favourite part of a photoshoot?

All of it! From planning and location scouting to brainstorming and creating mood boards for my vision to the shoot itself, hair and makeup being done and then physically being on location. If I HAD to pick, the post processing part is probably my most favourite part. It’s the part where I get to imprint my soul through my own style and visual art.

What location or place has been your most favourite to shoot at and why?

You know, I actually don’t have a favourite location or place. I’ve enjoyed and loved every single one that I’ve been to. I am always looking out for and finding new places. I like to be different and shoot at unique places, places that you wouldn’t necessarily even think of as a location.

(Gown: Euphorie Studios, Photography: Tameika Leslie, Model: Annalise Monson, MUA: Tahnii Marquis)

We’re huge fans of your mirror series, where did the inspiration for it come from?

Well, I was feeling pretty inspired to go out and shoot by one of my favourite photographers, Brooke Shaden but the reason I did the first mirror image was actually just to challenge myself to learn a couple of new photoshop techniques. Once I finished the image in photoshop, I was taken back by what I had achieved and got emotional (yes, I’m a sensitive soul). I decided to give it another go at another fine art shoot. I accomplished it again and knew I couldn’t stop there. The Mirror series was born once I realised that I had created something unique for myself.

(Gown: Euphorie Studios, Photography: Tameika Leslie, Model: Annalise Monson, MUA: Tahnii Marquis)

What or who inspires you?

When it comes to my Fine Art stuff, I’m usually inspired by an outfit I’ll have, which I then create a character from or vice versa. After that I usually turn to Pinterest. It’s like having jumbled puzzle pieces, which I dissect and turn into my own vision. When it comes to my photography overall though; I’m inspired by music, movies, colours, stories, locations and other photographers. Some of photographers that inspire for many different reasons are Sue Bryce, Brooke Shaden, Jessica Kobeissi, Lara Jade, just to name a few.

One last question; if you could give one piece of advice to someone who has just picked up photography, what would it be?

There are a few things but the main one I think new photographers have to remember is to be true to yourself. Create your own unique work and even if you think it’s silly, do it for you. Also, be your biggest fan and number one supporter. There’s nothing worse than not backing yourself.

(Gown: Euphorie Studios, Photography: Tameika Leslie, Model: Annalise Monson, MUA: Tahnii Marquis)