HOLLYWOOD—Famed entertainment industry photographer Lesley Bohm is an accomplished professional, who is also an artist. Bohm graduated from art school in Vancouver, Canada. The photographer is very passionate about her photography.

With over 20 years of experience in Hollywood, she works in her studio, as well as environmental portraiture as well. Many of her clients are high-profile names in the music and entertainment industry. One of Lesley’s biggest fans is distinguished publicist Lori DeWaal, who has represented many clients over the years that Bohm has photographed. “Lesley is always my first choice for a photographer and has been for many years. She has the reputation for making women look beautiful but she does a phenomenal job with everyone. She connects with all the clients, too, so I always get great feedback. And that’s before they see the final beautiful outcome,” said DeWaal, the head of DeWaal Public Relations in Los Angeles.

Lesley Bohm recent sat down with me to discuss her life and career.

Q-I have known of you and your work for many years. How long have you been doing the art of photography?

A-“Originally from Vancouver B.C. Canada. I finished art school [Emily Carr University of art and design] and got into my car and drove to L.A. to set up shop. It was the late ’80s and I didn’t know a soul, so I really had to start from scratch. I perfected my natural light technique in the early years by shooting models all over Los Angeles, on location. I started shooting fashion but very quickly switched that for portraiture, head shots and working with personalities.”

Q-A mutual friend (Lori DeWaal) explained it best. You make your subjects comfortable. Was this an easy thing for you to learn how to do, make others comfortable during sessions?

A-“I have always had an affinity for people, I gravitated towards shooting people, primarily because I’m fascinated by learning how people tick. I believe that everyone is beautiful and the most important beauty aspect comes from within. It is my job to be able to see this quality and be able to bring it out of people and at the same time creating a safe place for them to open up. I found it easy from the beginning to put people at ease.”

Q-What is the exciting project you have coming up? It may have past by now, if so, what was it?

A-“I just put on my first workshop in which I taught my natural light technique to other up and coming photographers. I felt it was time that I gave back a little. It was a hands on workshop in which I had a few models and a makeup artist and the attendees got to do some actual shooting in my studio. I talked about how to see the light and how to get the best out of any situation that you are in. It was a very fulfilling experience I loved the teaching aspect of it. Expect more workshops soon.”

Q-How do you calm down the nervous or difficult subjects you photograph?

A-“Most people do not like to get their picture taken. Even professional actors dislike the process. I try to engage them in conversation and be open and a little silly so that they feel comfortable. All the while looking for the best angle and position and I take my photos while they are thinking about something else.”

Q-What is the key to your great photography and taking such astonishing photographs?

A-“The most important thing in a great photograph (portrait, headshot) is the quality of light, and if you capture the essence of the subject. I try to include the personality and energy of my subjects so when you look at the photo you can feel who that person is. I also think that natural light is the key to getting beautiful skin tone, alive eyes, and a sense of 3 dimensionality. Plus I make my shoots fun. People are truly having fun and enjoying themselves and I think it shows.” bohmphotography.com

Photographs Courtesy Lesley Bohm – of Lesley and of Tanna Frederick in hat and bikini
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