Cleo Leather is a photographer and videographer, currently working between London and Marrakech. She just graduated with a Masters from the University of Bristol, in Film and Television alongside Innovation. During her time there she experimented with her style of film, which – like her photography – aims to achieve balance. Her trademark is to capture dark and emotive matter within the juxtaposition of delicate, creamy tones. She ultimately loves a good unnerving scene, and packing frames to the brim with commotion and depth.
Before Cleo left for Bristol, people knew her for her photography. Her stunning frames emit an “electric edge”, by mixing striking emotions with flattering light. It is character that draws her in to a shot, so she’s always gravitated towards photographing people. Her portfolio is filled with portraiture, event and music photography, as well as her very own coffee table book. Titled ‘Fruits D’Eté’, Cleo birthed the passion project during her final year of A Levels. It celebrates the transition of a girl to a woman, inspired by the idea that a girl is like a peach. She said “it was a celebration of the tender tradition out of our school girl years, into something that felt bigger”. During a time where she relied heavily on sisterhood and female friendships, Cleo curated “soft, nostalgic images that felt they embodied the ethereal fantasy of girlhood”. In her mind, this was epitomised by “balmy summer days, sticky with fresh fruit juice and memories held together by linen, bikinis and the odd Coco Chanel necklace”. This final item, she confessed, was borrowed from her mum’s cupboard.
During her time in Bristol, Cleo wandered from stills to moving frames. It was a choice that confused some, due to her talent as a photographer. Through working freelance and completing placements and internships, Cleo made a name for herself in Jersey’s photography scene. Cleo told me that despite this love, she had wanted to explore a course where there was more unchartered territory. She joked that this was “basically a better use of all that money!”
She sees her four years of study as an essential part of her journey. Film and Television modules helped her learn more about the industry, and she was pleasantly surprised by the Innovation side of her course. Through allowing her to explore her “curious, entrepreneurial tendencies”, Cleo learned a lot about engaging with broader design, business and marketing. In these areas she welcomed swathes of personal growth, saying “my mind has been stretched beyond anything that I expected from my course”. It has set her up with the tools she needs to break into her chosen industry.
Now living in West London, Cleo’s plan is to capture cinema. She’s gravitating towards short and feature films, alongside music videos and artistic commercials. Despite her love of all things film, she’s still passionate about pursuing photography. She sees this as a lifelong endeavour, and something that makes her who she is.
Despite the trials that come alongside graduating into a competitive industry, Cleo is confident in her ability to make it through. She said “the world is very much my oyster and I am ready and open for any opportunity that may come my way. There is no ‘plan’, just an ethic to work my ass off”. Her confidence is not unfounded: having worked in the industry throughout her education, Cleo has a good launchpad from which to fly off from. She said “I’ve already been hustling, and so in that respect I don’t feel like I’m going into something that new or foreign”. She joked that if anything it’s more comfortable, seeing as she’s not doing a masters degree on the side of her work. With a fiery work ethic, and a habit for being in the right place at the right time, Cleo is boldly walking into her future. She’s in it for the long haul, and won’t be stopping till she hits Cannes Red Carpet.
Instagram: @cleoleathervisuals
Featured Portrait: Oliver Doran
