STARR PROFILE // Megan Leonard

When the subject of a Megan Leonard photograph looks out at you from an Instagram post, it’s hard to believe she isn’t staring right into your soul. Leonard, a New York based photographer, has an uncanny ability to imbue her subjects with not only grace and beauty, but also, somehow, agency.

Leonard took a break from a busy schedule of fashion shoots to tell us a little bit about her life, her work, her passion for Polaroid, and her recent shoot at Starr Street. The photos below are exclusives — captured at Starr Street and shared with Starr Street first. Her model is Verna Estes (@vernaestes) and more of her work (including Polaroids!) can be found at http://meganleonard.com or on Instagram @megan.g.leonard.

We hope you enjoy our chat!

SS: Tell us a little about yourself and your work. What's your niche? What's your artistic vision and what drives you creatively?

ML: I started my photo career at the age of 7 by taking glam portraits of my cats. After pet photography, I grew into taking photos of friends which evolved into elaborate late night productions in my teens. I fell into the Polaroid trap right before they stopped making film and made a lot of pola magic that I’ll always hold close to my heart. Eventually I moved to NYC to further pursue my career. But really, things haven’t changed much since then. I still love fashion and editorial photography, shoot mainly 35mm with some Polaroid and now people actually pay me to take photos! Photography has always been a part of me, I even met my life partner on Flickr nearly ten years ago, I don’t think I could love any other career even if I wanted to.

SS: What was the focus of your Starr Street shoot? And how did Starr Street help make it happen?

ML: My last shoot at Starr Street Studios was for Founders and Followers. Overall, it went well! Inevitably when things when slightly awry, the Starr Street EQ team was very patient and helpful figuring things out with me. 

SS: What's next for you and your work?

ML: What’s next for my work is to keep shooting and land ALL those big girl jobs. $$$$!

I’d love to shoot something solely on Polaroid or any film that’s as unpredictable as expired Polaroid packfilm is now. 

So come on: hire me and let’s shoot at Starr Street!! 

We think that’s a great idea, Megan! We can’t wait to host you for those big jobs at Starr Street soon. Thanks for stopping by!