Thank you for sharing your impactful imagery here with us at Local. The feedback has been overwhelming. Tell us what India means to you that sparked your desire to visit on several occasions and capture daily life in the second most populated country in the world?
Thank you for exhibiting my images in such a wonderful space! I appreciate the chance to show work in my community.
I’ve always loved going to diverse places and photographing the story of the human condition. Experiencing places that are so different from how I live here in New Jersey is something I have a passion for. Seeing other people’s photographs of the colorful imagery in India was inspirational for me. I just had to go! I’ve felt this way about taking pictures in many areas of the world- Africa, Cambodia, Mexico, to name a few. India stands out for me. The combination of light and color along with the spirit of the people has me hooked. I can’t wait to go back.
I investigated some interesting facts about India and was surprised to learn that it is the only country never to have invaded another land. What did you learn about the people that can validate this statistic?
The people seem to be more respectful about the human condition than other cultures I’ve visited. I know the country has many problems. The existing class structure creates vast inequities amongst themselves. This can be so conducive for upheaval. I was there in 2016 when there was a huge financial crisis. The currency was changed overnight and the entire county was greatly affected. Fortunately I had credit cards to use, but many of the people in the villages never had a bank account and were in a difficult situation. The people of India have a respect for their neighbor and have a strong family bond. Generations of families live together. They live their lives on the streets creating a strong sense of community. I hope this doesn’t change. The internet makes our world smaller but the only way to truly understand other cultures is to experience it in person.
Have you developed any relationships in the country? How has these relationships created a new thread of thinking about life?
I have worked with a local guide while traveling and that is an invaluable resource for learning to navigate a wildly different culture. Together we are able to navigate congested cities and go to remote villages that would otherwise be unlikely. I am respectful of the fact that I am a foreigner from the other side of the world, yet I found the people to be welcoming and warmly curious about me. Relationships with the subjects of my pictures is quite important to me. I’ve photographed a family in Mexico for ten years. I’ve documented the children growing from toddlers into young adults. It’s similar to watching your own children grow up. Developing ongoing relationships with the people I’ve met has been essential for me. I’ve become aware of other thoughts and beliefs in a way not possible if not for seeing how other people live their lives. Feeling their kindness, happiness and struggles firsthand is very rewarding. Whenever possible I send photos back to people that may never have prints of themselves.
What do you hope to accomplish, if anything, by sharing these images?
Accomplishments from an exhibit is a very tenuous thing. It’s nice to receive recognition, yet somehow it is dwarfed by the internal satisfaction from completing a theme I’ve worked on. The people who speak to me about my images helps validate my own thoughts, and also becomes an ongoing source of new perspectives and inspiration about my own work. I really love when other people look at my images and see them differently than what I see. Good photography is never one dimensional, and talking with other people about my photographs is an important part of the evolutionary process. I hope the viewer learns something and more importantly, feels something about images.
How did you get started in photography?
I have loved capturing images as long as I can remember. I think it was my way to become involved. Growing up in a small town, my exposure to the world scene was pictures and television. TV felt to fleeting for me. Photography has a permanence that provides deeper meaning for me. I started to take workshops to better refine my understanding of the tools for self-expression. I took courses at ICP, the various workshops, and attended many lectures from the masters. All of these things have helped me find my own way. And of course, there is nothing more important than taking a lot of pictures. I have worked on several projects that have enriched my life immeasurably- my “Coming Home” series about wounded veterans from many wars, in particular, was life changing. I learned so much about a big part of our society and was able to photograph some true heroes.
Photography is a quite a journey. What has your practice taught you over time?
Photography has taught me so many things. From an aesthetic perspective, photography is a medium for self-expression. My love for the documentary genre has made me better understand the cultures around the world. My world has become both bigger and smaller simultaneously. We are all so different, and all so much the same. Each culture has its own unique blend of special qualities and also the problems. Understanding how each culture works out continuing strife has given me a bittersweet understanding of my own environment. Getting to know individuals from vastly different backgrounds, I can embrace the spirit that unites us all.
What's next for you in this space?
I will continue to return to India and continue to photograph different locations. I’d like to document both the similarities and differences within the national culture. I expect the conditions in each region will define the differences- the sea towns will differ from the interior areas- so a sequel will certainly be a possibility. But I am also considering presenting my images from Cuba. That is similarly a country with rich visual interest as well as welcoming people.
What is your favorite coffee or tea beverage?
I like English Breakfast Tea
Learn more about Leslie here