Kristin Leechow, and the picture-perfect hobby that made her thrive.
Elon senior Kristin Leechow is the trendy fashionista, driven entrepreneur, social media connoisseur and girl boss we’ve all been waiting to read about.
Oh, and did we mention she’s the most fetching photographer in the area? Yeah, that too.
Really, what can’t she do?
Photography: the silly elective Leechow was placed into as a high-schooler, despite selecting chorus class (in hopes to cure her “tone-deaf” voice, as she calls it). But, after getting the chance to experiment with film cameras, photography quickly transitioned from a distant interest to an intriguing hobby.
“I think beginning with film allows a budding photographer to really take the composition of a shot seriously,” Leechow said. “As much as I love leaving a shoot with 1,200 options of raws from a DSLR or mirrorless digital camera, only having 24 possible shots on a roll of film is really cool!”
Thanks to her unpremeditated schedule, Leechow went on to take various photography classes and even served as a teaching assistant for her high school Photo 2 class.
Fast-forward to Elon, Leechow has turned that acquired hobby into a prosperous business.
“It wasn't until I got to Elon that I really started making a business out of what was a hobby for me,” she said. “Most people are really understanding and want to compensate artists for their work here which is awesome. So even 15-minute $10 LinkedIn headshot sessions became really successful for me!”
Leechow’s services range anywhere from flawless senior portraits to photo shoots for various organizations on campus, including The Edge Magazine, DanceWorks and Elon’s Finest Dance Team. And as for her customers? They’re never disappointed.
“I wanted her to shoot our team because I love the way her previous projects have turned out. She is also a dancer as well so I had faith that she could understand my vision I had for the pictures of our team,” said Ashely Tanchak, PR chair for Elon’s Finest.
Leechow is even known for her unique, vibrant photographs, which she has accomplished through numerous self-created presets that generate the “creamy, warm edits” she loves.
“Kristin's photography has such a special flavor to it,” said Cally Crocco ’20, editor-in-chief of The Edge Magazine. “She has a unique take on product and flat lay photography that has stood out to me this semester. Her photos are always crisp, clean and creative which is exactly what we strive for here. Not to mention her attention to color and editing talent!”
Her involvement with photography is far-reaching, but perhaps her favorite project has been shooting for BFA Dance College Fellows. A dancer herself, Leechow finds that her perspective and previous experience with movement has proven to be nothing but beneficial. That is, she knows what looks good, and what doesn’t.
“Being a dancer, I'm able to know what lines look good or not, something I found straight portrait photographers struggled with when I would have my pictures taken for auditions in high school,” she said.
Not only has this hobby-turned business gig allowed Leechow to break out of her shell photographically (a.k.a. shelving her comfortable portrait-only style), but also socially.
“I've met so many new people and really have been able to push myself out of my comfort zone,” Leechow said. “I used to really pigeonhole myself as just a portrait photographer, but since shooting for student organizations,... I've been able to branch out into dance and product shoots.”
If you thought her photography success was confined within the walls of Elon, you are mistaken. Leechow has photographed New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker performances for the past few years as well as received a Photo Production Intern offer from one of the most prominent destinations for all-things fashion and lifestyle, Refinery29.
Though she is currently hoping to keep this talent of hers as a side hobby, Leechow would not be opposed to pursuing a career with photography as a focal point.
“Photography is mainly a side hustle for me, for a lack of better terms,” she said. “However, I'm not opposed to applying for jobs with photography as a focus. I love learning new techniques, both in shooting and post-production, and learning how to use new gear, so I definitely think I would like to incorporate photography somehow if the opportunity presents itself.”
Between the many shoots and countless hours she spends editing photos each week, it’s safe to say, this “side hustle” of Leechow’s definitely keeps her schedule tighter than those jeans you bought three years ago.
If you’re in the market for a new profile picture for the LinkedIn account you made (but never update), a group photo that could spruce up your team’s Instagram or even just a one-on-one shoot because you’re super in love with the new sweater you just bought, Leechow is your girl.
Don’t be afraid to slide into her DMs for a shoot request. Trust us, you won’t be the first.
Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisleechphoto/?hl=en
Her website: https://www.kristinleechow.com/