Crista Leonard
Photographer Crista Leonard is a snow blend of Swiss Alps and Pyrenees Mountains and the new campaign face for Want-ette. Crista’s analog photography shuffles together elements of lifestyle both nostalgic and curious in form. Her creative storytelling is a narrative visual style, cleverly pairing inventive fantasy with a wistful realism.
Crista’s photography work with Les Ettes not only compliments her signature shots with scents of grace and simplicity, but also enhances the senses to a level of alluring and irresistible appeal.
Why do you think reverting back to analog has become a progressive tool in alternative photography?
It’s the whole retro fascination of the past, especially our generation who saw the transition period from the eighties to the digital age. I just love old things.
What’s something in the photo biz that’s overplayed?
Digital and the fake saturation of colors. You see it a lot in the high-end fashion photography, there’s a lack of imagination.
How about something underplayed?
Photography blogs. I’ve come across so many photographers, especially teenagers, who take amazing pictures. In some ways it allows photography to have a face.
Who’s the worst person to take a photo of?
Anyone who kisses at the camera, and Tony Blair.
The best person?
There is no best person; every subject is interesting.
Talk about how you become involved with Les Ettes.
Before I worked with them I already liked their concept. They keep a nice image that is consistent from the beginning. I really like their spirit and the idea that a girl doesn’t necessarily want to be categorized as a cliché snowboarder girl. She still likes to dress up, and she still likes things that are pretty.
Name a recent moment that made you happy to be a photographer.
I felt really happy at the Les Ettes shoot, and I’m being genuine about this. It felt like a bunch of people who got along and had a lot of ideas circulating. When you work with the right people it clicks, and it mademe feel happy to do this as a job.
A photographer never leaves home without what?
Without a checklist so they don’t leave anything behind, and their camera.
If you were forced to photograph only one more picture ever again, what would it be of?
The Salt Flats in Utah.
