Carmelita DeLeon calls herself a “cross-genre photographer” and it takes just a quick glance at an exhibit to understand the description. She got her start by shooting collegiate sports when she became an SGFer in 1991 (originally from Effingham, Illinois), but has “expanded the scope” to include family and animal portraits, as well as engagements, reunions and commercial shoots. She’s adamant about leaving her work unedited, so viewers catch exactly what she captured. Her work frequents downtown galleries and other venues (most recently displayed at Lili’s Diner). DeLeon said she’s working on new collection. TAGsgf.com took the chance to ask a few questions of the eclectic photographer.
Carmelita DeLeon
TAGsgf.com: When did you become passionate about photography?
Carmelita DeLeon: I have always loved to look at life through the lens of a camera, but I really developed as a photographer while in college.
TAG: Did you go to school for photography or are you self trained?
CD: Years of practice and a little luck have really developed my skills behind the camera. I don’t edit or Photoshop any of my photos. What I see is what I want to share with my audience, of course my audience only sees about 10 percent of what I shoot. The other 90 percent go in the trash. I’m pretty hard on myself…
TAG: What do you enjoy shooting most?
CD: It varies really. I’ve always loved shooting live, musical artists! The energy linked with musicians is CRAZY! I love it! And when you can get musicians to initiate back and forth and connect…it just works and the fans love those pictures. Family pictures are a huge hit, too. When you can get families together and connect and capture a moment they aren’t expecting…wow. Years later, those families will call and thank me for those memories. It’s touching.
TAG: You just got back in town from a shoot. Where’d you go and did you get the shots you were looking for?
CD: I went to a small town in Arkansas to the Mildred B Cooper chapel. Even though rain was in the forecast, God must have wanted some good shots…NO rain and the sun was shining Ah… I did get the shots I was looking for and more! The angles and lighting were absolutely perfect!
TAG: Do you anticipate what you want to shoot on these trips or is it all surprise?
CD: Even though I have some idea of what I would like to achieve, inevitably, the day hands me surprises. Like I said, I’m a “lucky” kind of a gal. Last year for my birthday, a friend took me to a little town outside of Eureka Springs called Beaver. The Golden Gate, I believe is what it’s called and I have the most exquisite photos that came from that day, including great shots of local kids jumping off a rock…
TAG: Your work was recently displayed at Lili’s Diner. Where can/will people find collections in town?
CD: I do have a piece at The Gravel Bar at 843 S Glenstone. It’s one of my favorites so you’ll have to get out there to see it! Our local MS Society, Springfield Brewing Co, Kickapoo High School…I can’t really think of any other places right now off the top of my head.
Finish at the Tour of Missouri (DeLeon)
TAG: What inspires your photography? Places you prefer to shoot?
CD: Anything and everything inspires me. Before I look through my lens, I ask myself one question. How many times do I want to look at this photo? If I want to look at it more that three, five, ten or twenty times…it’s photo worthy. I really like to shoot anywhere. My camera is always with me because you just never know when that perfect opportunity is going to arise.
TAG: What do you need happening for a great shot? Favorite spots to take photos?
CD: No rain and an inside person to let me backstage. Sometimes if you’re carrying a camera and walk with confidence, most people don’t even ask questions and just assume you’re with the media. It’s kind of funny. It doesn’t work all the time, but for the most part, it does. Ha ha ha! Music venues are my favorite places to shoot. Like I said earlier…when you can get the artist to look at you or capture them interacting with the audience…it’s like magic!
TAG: Favorite park in Springfield?
CD: I would have to say Sequiota! The natural backdrops for portraits are amazing.
TAG: Bottle or can?
CD: Eh…usually a can. Bottles break and are dangerous to those of us at the lakes and rivers!
TAG: Mini golf or real golf?
CD: Real golf! I like to drive around the golf course, drink adult beverages and well…there’s nothing like teeing up your own ball and chasing it all over a big course, right?! Maybe even losing a few balls along the way! Ha Ha Ha!
TAG: Lake or river?
CD: Depends on the day! I love to fish and a weekend at the lake with a fishing pole and a nice sunburn…ahhh there’s nothing like it. Yet being at the river … the gravel bars look different no matter how many times you’ve been to that same river.
(Do you have a favorite local artist you’d like to know more about? Send me an email – Brett@TAGSGF.com – with their name and why you enjoy their work. We’ll try to get a convo so you can learn more about SGF’s artists.)
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