CameraStuff "In the Limelight" Interview #3: Les-Lee Lesch

How did you fall into photography: accident, obsession, or somewhere in between?

Something in between. What started as a creative interest quickly turned into a passion and, eventually, an obsession with storytelling through images. I fell in love with the ability to capture emotion, create art, and help people see themselves with confidence. Over time, that passion grew into a career, and I have continued to push myself creatively, constantly learning and evolving with every shoot. Photography never feels like just a job to me. It is something I genuinely love and could not imagine life without.

Walk us through your current kit. What are you shooting with?

Camera: Canon R8 and Canon 77D. Lighting: Godox MS200, Godox AD100, Godox TT685II, and the Godox BFP flash projector. Softboxes: Godox CS65D Lantern Softbox, Godox P90H, Godox QR-P70T Parabolic Softbox, and beauty dishes.

What subject could you photograph forever and never get bored of?

If I had to choose one subject I could photograph forever and never get bored of, it would be people. I love the creativity and emotion that come with portrait and fashion photography. Every person brings something unique, and I enjoy capturing their personality, confidence, and story through my lens. Whether I am working with musicians, models, or everyday clients, no two shoots are ever the same, which keeps me constantly inspired and excited to create.

Finish this sentence: "I create because..."

Creativity is how I connect with people, tell stories, and bring visions to life.

What is your favourite spot in SA to shoot, and make us want to go there?

My studio.

Is there something you always do before a shoot, superstition or not?

Music is my go-to before every shoot. Metal music or a bit of hardcore electronica gets the energy going. I always have a playlist playing while I set up. It helps me get into a creative headspace, sets the mood, and allows me to focus on the vision I have for the shoot. I wouldn't call it a superstition, but it definitely doesn't feel like a shoot day without music. In many ways, music and photography go hand in hand for me. Both are forms of storytelling and creative expression.

Tell us about a shoot that didn't go to plan and somehow became your best work.

One shoot that stands out to me was a recent self-portrait session. Going into it, I honestly wasn't feeling particularly inspired, and self-portraits can be challenging because you're not only the photographer. You're also the model. You have to create the mood, direct yourself, and stay connected to the vision, which isn't always easy. At first, things weren't going to plan. I wasn't feeling confident, and I struggled to get into a creative flow. But instead of giving up, I slowed down, trusted the process, and allowed myself to experiment without putting too much pressure on the outcome. Ironically, those images ended up becoming some of my favourite work. They felt honest, emotional, and truly reflective of where I was creatively at that moment. That shoot reminded me that not every great image comes from a perfect plan. Sometimes the best work happens when you let go of expectations and simply allow yourself to create.

How would your followers describe your photography style in three words?

Bold, timeless and emotive.

How do you land clients and collabs: hustle, algorithm, word of mouth, manifesting?

A little bit of everything. I believe consistency and hard work are the foundation of growth. Most of my clients and collaborations come through word of mouth and the relationships I build with people, while social media helps me showcase my work and connect with new audiences. I focus on creating quality content, staying authentic, and letting my passion for photography speak for itself. The algorithm helps occasionally, but genuine connections and delivering a great experience have always been my strongest tools.

What is the hardest thing about being a creator in SA specifically?

One of the biggest challenges of being a creator in South Africa is that the industry can be competitive, and creators sometimes have to work twice as hard to gain visibility and build meaningful partnerships. Despite these challenges, I believe South African creators are incredibly resilient and creative. We learn to adapt, make the most of what we have, and continue producing work that can stand alongside international standards. That determination and passion are what make being a creator in South Africa so rewarding.

What is a hill you will die on about photography?

One hill I'll gladly die on is that great photography has never been about having the most expensive gear. Gear is important, but creativity, light, and the ability to tell a story will always matter more. I've seen incredible work created with simple setups because, at the end of the day, it's the person behind the camera that makes the image, not the price tag attached to the equipment. Trends come and go, algorithms change, but authentic storytelling and creating work with intention will never go out of style.

Last words. The floor is yours.

To the South African creative community: never underestimate the power of your own voice. We don't need to create like everyone else or wait for permission to pursue what we love. Some of the most beautiful work comes from being authentic, taking risks, and staying true to your vision. I've learned that creativity isn't about having the perfect gear, the biggest following, or all the answers. It's about showing up, staying curious, and creating because you love it. South Africa is filled with incredibly talented people, and I believe our stories, our perspectives, and our passion deserve to be seen on the world stage. Keep creating, keep supporting one another, and never be afraid to do things differently. At the end of the day, art has the power to connect people, and that's something truly special.