Today we’d like to introduce you to Leo Armstrong.
Leo, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
First off, I’m a native of Atlanta, GA. In 2010, I stole a camera as part of a robbery. Not desperate for money, just scratching an inch for rebellion. Thinking it would increase the amount of women I could conquer, I pretended to be a photographer. Karma eventually caught up with me along with my drug abuse and nefarious habits. I was in and out of jail consistently until eventually I lost everything. After getting out of jail, I recovered my stolen & totaled Infinti G35s and sold it for chump change. I then bought another camera from a pawn shop. I figured since I had been faking it, well now it was time to make it. I self-taught myself with endless studying and practice. I was never one to work a 9-5. So I put all my eggs in this basket… sink or swim. So I used my silver tongue with finesse and slowly starting doing photoshoots for little to nothing. If someone asked could I do it, I said “of course”. But of course I didn’t, but I went home and googled, YouTube everything about the style until I could recreate it by the booking date. Nervous every time I got behind the camera. Not feeling worthy… I didn’t go to school for this. I’m just a fuck up trying to survive and find himself. However, my clients were always happy. Little by little this made me fall in love with the craft and help me to also love and believe in myself. After millions of trail/errors and hundreds of self-help books/video. I created DESIRED DEZIGN PRODUCTIONS. A home where amazing is just the beginning. I don’t recognize myself anymore, and don’t feel like I fit into society at all. I spent so much of my life living wicked and lost, that now I spend every day spreading love and light with an open heart and genuine spirit. So when it comes to my clients who believe that I can help bring their vision to life. I pour my soul into every project in hopes to get that same happy reaction every time. The nervousness is still there yet bitter sweet. I now specialize in wedding photography and immersing myself into the film industry as a Director and Cinematographer. I take great pride in every project and thankful for every client who believes in me. For if it wasn’t for Nina (my camera), and the opportunities given, Prison or death was inevitable. I am still and will forever be a student of my craft and will continue to evolve into whatever God has always had planned for me.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Far more than I’m willing to share. My biggest obstacle was believing in myself. I would hinder my growth by escaping my self-doubt with alcoholism and drugs. Always having the perfect excuse as to my why I can do this or invest in that… But that is no more by no means.
Please tell us about Desired Dezign Productions.
I’m most proud of the unique approach I bring to every client. I listen with conviction as they paint the picture. I do my best to use my gift of reading spirits and vibes to add my creative touch to the overall project. From locations, lighting, composition to how I mesh with the client. Every client gets a different piece of me and I challenge them to challenge me. Wedding are my favorite, there is nothing more magical than capturing timeless love in a frame. Knowing they will cherish the picture forever. And I always feel honored that I was granted the opportunity to capture it all. I’m most proud that I actually care about every client and that I end up building lasting friendship with a lot of them.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I think I was like 8 years old. I was at the pool, and this butterfly was perched on a bush outside the gate. She was a beautiful mixture of a deep blue and purple. My curiosity lead me to try touch her. She left the leaf and climbed onto my finger. I was shocked. The best part was that she allowed me to carry her all around my neighborhood. I talked to that butterfly as my best friend. I almost thought she was injured, until I tried to take her inside and she flew off to where ever she desired. I guess it’s my favorite memory because I 23 I came to my own conclusion that butterflies were a positive omen in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.DESIREDDEZIGN.COM
- Phone: 404 418 2926
- Email: desireddezign@gmail.com
- Instagram: contheoracy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/desireddezign
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