Michael Leckie a Belfast native and a seasoned portrait and lifestyle photographer with over a decade of experience in the realms of advertising and publishing.

In the midst of his bustling career, Michael, a father of four, gracefully balances the demands of family life with his deep passion for photography.

He exudes a palpable enthusiasm for creating captivating images, each telling a unique story and highlighting individuals in their best light.

Michael’s work reflects creative prowess and his lighthearted demeanor on set, coupled with an unwavering work ethic that ensures the perfect shot.

Leckie is a photographer who captures life’s moments with style and grace, making him a standout in the world of lifestyle photographers.

Let’s dive in and learn more about him and his photography journey as a portrait and lifestyle photographer

Q1. Can you share some background on how you started your journey as a lifestyle and portrait photographer?

Ans. My photography journey really started in the dark room. It was the printing process that really inspired me to take photographs because I loved creating black-and-white images. Seeing the realization of what I had just photographed.

Q2. Your portfolio showcases a diverse range of subjects and styles. What inspires you to capture such a variety of moments?

Ans. I work well from a brief, I only need a little spark of an idea to start exploring images that pop into my head.

But generally inspired by the person I’m photographing, I photograph as a wide range of subjects in terms of talent, musicians, actors and other people of note, but I think the styles particularly mine in terms of how they come across.

It’s Light, Relaxed… they are maybe approachable I’d like to think. I am putting them in a position and they have to be comfortable.

Q3. When conceptualizing and executing a lifestyle or portrait shoot, could you walk us through your creative process?

Ans. Yeah, this is a really interesting process for everybody and for myself to find trending ideas or inspiration.

They come to you when you’ve got a moment of calm. When you’re busy and working and trying to make the business work it’s quite hard sometimes to be creative and create something for yourself.

Usually, it’s inspired by something I see or get suggested to do in a brief, however conceptualizing and executing lifestyle or a Portrait shoot I like to see the space, so I have a location that inspires.

Q4. Lighting plays a crucial role in photography. How do you approach lighting to create a particular mood or atmosphere?

Ans. I try to maintain my style and what I feel comfortable with. I like a good light setup with shadows working to enhance the subject or image.

Not a dark image but clean with the subject in the best possible light.

Q5. Your portfolio includes both color and black-and-white photographs. How do you decide which medium to use for a particular project or image?

Ans. I tend to shoot a lot more color these days; I probably photographed with black and white photos as the main styling reference years ago.

Most projects lend themselves to colors. I try to capture the vibrancy with the setup – portrait or lifestyle, colour helps this

Q6. Can you share a memorable experience or challenge you’ve encountered while working on a lifestyle or portrait photography assignment?

Ans. Okay so the first example would be most memorable portrait session would be that I managed to photograph Sir David Attenborough and the Gorillaz press shots on the same day, What a day, both Icons!

And I think within lifestyle, I think the most memorable moments come when you get that image which just shows pure joy or excitement and it’s just that one frame that captures a story or shows something that you’ve been challenging yourself to find within the project.

Q7. Many of your images seem to capture candid moments. How do you establish trust and rapport with your subjects to reveal their natural expressions?

Ans. Yeah, you’re right I think it’s one of the things that attracts me to my selection or edit of images. That kind of moment, that sort of relaxation and that little moment after the moment happens or in the portrait they’ve just relaxed enough to tell me something.

I’ve drawn something out of them and I feel that that’s a photograph to me. That little moment. Years growing up working in bars, simply, I believe has held me in good stead to pick up on some common ground with most people…think that’s a real winner.

Q8. Post-processing is a significant part of photography. Could you describe your editing workflow and the tools you use to enhance your photos?

Ans. So your post-production has its plus points and its negative points, doesn’t it? I don’t particularly enjoy doing it, my leg seems to tap or jig a lot under the desk with frustration at how much time I’m wasting ha!

Not that I’m bad at it, it’s just I don’t always feel comfortable doing it, and I do see that some images do require it.

I tend to shoot tethered to the computer for most of my shoots, therefore I can see what might need to be done post shoot and then I will gently retouch.

I am touching up the background tidying up maybe marks on the wall or picking up cigarette butts off the floor in post, but I tend to try and keep it as natural as possible.

Within edits I tend to try to bring down highlights and try to push up shadows.

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Q9. As one of the portrait and lifestyle photographers, What equipment and camera gear do you typically use for photography, and how do your choices influence your work?

Ans. My current equipment is the Fujifilm GFX and the Fujifilm X-H2. Both camera get massive plus points from me. I use each for various reasons.

The GFX I use for Portraiture, this camera actually changed how I shoot and I really enjoy using it. I feel confident with it. I feel it elevates my work.

Also, I use X-H2 for the lifestyle because it’s faster and helps to find that little window with the perfect moment with the subject.

I shoot tethered to the laptop on most shoots, so clients can see, so crew members can see, Models can see, Actor’s etc. everyone can be aware of what I’m trying to capture.

Q10. Composition is essential in photography. Are there specific rules or principles you often follow, or do you prefer to break the rules to create unique images?

Ans. I think every photographer has their natural composition and obviously the rules of composition are there because they make the image feel more comfortable for the viewer, more natural if you like.

I have my preference for composition for everything I shoot, it varies depending on the shoot and what visual I have in mind. I try to change this during the shoot as well to give an alternative composition. I probably follow the rules more often than not! Ha

Q11. Collaboration often plays a role in portrait photography, such as working with makeup artists, stylists, or models. How do you coordinate and collaborate with a team to achieve your vision?

Ans. I think it’s just letting everybody know what you’re thinking, showing a brief if you have the mood board talking people through it even when you change your direction to shoot on the set, that you can then explain what you’re trying to get from moodboard/brief.

Make sure you show the images you’re taking, work together and explain. I love working with a great team and communication is so important.

Having good Makeup artists and stylists that read your thoughts and jump straight in to own their part of the shoot and fix anything they see on camera so you the photographer, doesn’t have to think about it.

Having assistants on set that aid you and keep you relaxed and confident in the shoot you’re doing is important. I have a really strong group of people I can rely on for shoots.

Obviously, music is so important to me and having the right tracks on location or in the studio really helps with the mood.

Q12. In the world of portrait and lifestyle photographers, trends and styles can evolve rapidly. How do you stay current and continue to innovate in your work?

Ans. I think you’re always influenced by what you see and make it your own. I also think you should try and stay true to yourself and shoot how you want to shoot. Photographers have to feel comfortable not trying to be someone else.

I’ve been in photography doing Portraiture and lifestyle for major brands, agencies and creative magazines, for a long long time, and I think they come to me because I produce what they need.

However its good to innovate and take on board new techniques and learnings but you still have to be true to yourself. It’s a trademark…your USP i suppose.

Conclusion

Michael Leckie’s journey as both a portrait and lifestyle photographer provides an inspiring glimpse into the world of versatile and passionate lifestyle photographers.

His unwavering dedication to creativity, combined with the ability to seamlessly navigate the dual realms of personal life and professional excellence, sets a commendable example.

As the photography industry continues to evolve, Michael’s story reminds us that staying true to one’s unique style while embracing innovation is the key to making a lasting impact in the dynamic world of lifestyle photography.

To view more of his work, check out his website here