Meet Chloe Leach of Traverse City, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Leach

Chloe, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m enamored with the concept of visual storytelling, and have been since childhood. I’ve had a camera in my hands since age 8, when I discovered that I could freeze moments that I loved in order to go back to them again and again. This felt (and still feels) like magic to me! I’ve spent the last decade immersed in the craft of fine art photography, learning under great artists and honing my own style. In 2021, I received the Royal Photographic Society’s prestigious Licentiate distinction, a measure of achievement in photographic art that is recognized worldwide.

Recently, my love for cinematic imagery, nostalgia, and iconic style has me branching into another avenue of expression: Vintage modeling. I’ve been a longtime fan of 1940s-1950s era fashion, and I’ve been collecting pieces and dressing in this style for years as a means of celebrating life. I began sharing some of my favorite vintage clothing finds on Instagram, which led to exciting opportunities to work with period-inspired brands and designers all over the world, modeling their designs. There’s a growing resurgence of classic style in western pop culture right now, and it’s exciting to be part of that little renaissance.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been a smooth one, but it has been clearly defined in my mind. I’ve had my sights set on what I’ve wanted at each stage of the journey, whether it was learning a specific technique, taking on international destination photography projects, or achieving a level of distinction with my work. Setting new goals for myself at each stage has been the fire underneath me. I have almost never succeeded with a big goal on the first attempt, and my biggest successes have come only after years of work, repeated failures, and hitting brick walls.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
All of my work revolves around telling stories and evoking the emotions of my audience, If I can make someone feel nostalgia, feel peace, feel inspiration, resonate with a concept, or relive how they felt in a moment that I captured…I’ve succeeded. Boiled down, that’s my whole aim.
I processed difficult experiences during childhood by immersing myself in stories that inspired me in various ways. Fairytales and fantasy literature have heavily influenced the way I see the world, and consequently in the way I present the world to others through my point of view. I emphasize juxtaposition, mood, and an ethereal aesthetic in the content I create.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
One of the easiest ways to support an artist you love is by following along with their journey! I am most active on Instagram: @meridianphotography and @thesharpdresseddame
I am also available for photography sessions in Traverse City all year long: https://www.meridianphoto.net/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meridianphoto.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesharpdresseddame/