Leia Morrison
My name is Leia Morrison and I’m a freelance photographer currently living by the coast in west Wales. The sea is often a source of inspiration to my work (as seen in my projects ‘From Water’, ‘Swim' and 'The Lifeguards', but it’s my fascination with documenting the personalities and lifestyles of my subjects that really drives my creativity. I’m a very sociable person and photography, for me, has always been a tool for meeting new people and capturing a sentiment or moment. Natural light is probably the main component for my work's aesthetic as I am always chasing after the sun and I think this is reflected in the general warmth and tone of my images.
Instagram: @leiamiamorrison
Where would you like your work to take you?
For me, it’s less about where I’d like my work to take me and more about what my work brings to me. Photography is my passion and my creative outlet. I hope that it remains this way and that my relationship with the art never changes, regardless of success. Of course I would love to one day have my work exhibited in a prestigious gallery but right now just having an occupation that I love, and that makes me happy, feels like such a rare and special thing. I don’t want my goals or desire for success to ever outweigh the love that I have for picking up a camera and capturing my experiences.
Which part of your creative process do you enjoy most?
Without a doubt, I’d have to say that the time I spend with my subject, before, during and after shooting is my favourite part of the process.
I love making new friends, learning about their lifestyles and seeing how they slowly start to relax and adapt to the portrait process. Within my work I really aspire to make my subjects as comfortable as possible, and leaving a shoot where I feel that I have been successful in doing so is the most rewarding part of my practice. The reason I was drawn to photography in the first place was because of how free and flexible it was. Anywhere can be your studio and that’s such an exciting prospect.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Whenever I’m stuck for ideas, or needing a little motivational push, I always head to the coast. Even at University, if I was struggling to think of a new project, I’d hop on a train homeward bound and head straight for Llangrannog- a small beach on the coastline where I grew up. The scale and magnitude of the sea has always helped me put my stresses into perspective and help me find direction.
What piece of music would you say compliments your work the most?
Oooh! Such a good question! I think I’d have to pick ‘The Swimming Song’ by Loudon Wainwright III. This song reminds me of great times with friends, driving from one beach to the other, this song on full volume- as if it is the theme tune to our summers.
Can you list a couple other creatives/friends/people you look to for inspiration?
I grew up in a very creative environment. I’ve been very fortunate to always have my friends and family to turn to for creative input. My Mum, @helenboothartist, my Dad, @craigmorrisonart and my sister @hattie.mrrsn are always there to inspire me. My friends too are incredibly talented creatives that provide me with everyday motivation and inspiration: @sam.ffoto @chip.skingley @ombomb @eliofields @izabelledodd @kaija_illustration @emilycooperstudio @tomboothwoodger
I run a small creative platform @thesoonproject, so I could reel off my favourite creatives on instagram for days- but to name a few: @springerinn @lavinia_cernau @samirakafala @goncarvalh0
