Emma Leslie
Emma Leslie is an Australian photographer and filmmaker with a passion for capturing the human experience. Originally from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, she graduated from the Australian Film Television & Radio School (AFTRS) in 2010 with a Graduate Diploma in Production Design.
Her creative journey took her to Los Angeles in 2011, where she explored new artistic avenues—writing and directing her first short film, studying photography at Santa Monica College and working behind the scenes as a Shooter Producer and Judge Coordinator for American Idol.
Returning to Sydney in 2014, Emma established her photography business, immersing herself in portraiture and family photography. She worked alongside renowned wedding photographer Michal Kriesch from 2015, refining her craft while simultaneously developing personal work. In 2016, her portraiture series Transcend – Portraits of Transgender & Gender Diverse Youth debuted in Melbourne and Sydney, showcasing deeply personal stories through imagery. With the series later selected as a featured exhibit for the Head On Photo Festival in 2017 with stories published by Marie Claire, Woman's Day NYC, Buzzfeed, SBS, BBC and The Daily Telegraph.
Her passion for human-centered storytelling continued with her short documentary short film 'Briella', offering an intimate glimpse into the life of a young transgender girl. 'Briella' premiered at the Gold Coast Film Festival in 2019.
In 2021, Emma expanded her artistic reach, launching 'The Curated Print', a fine art photographic print business showcasing her own work alongside fellow Australian photographers. In 2025, she rebranded to ELMA, shifting her focus exclusively to her own limited edition prints. Bringing her vision to life in carefully crafted, high-quality framed artworks, captured during her travels across the world. One of her most talked about images 'Joshua Tree' was selected as a Semi-Finalist in Head On Photo Festival in 2023.
Through her lens, Emma explores identity and the beauty found in everyday moments. Her work is a testament to the transformative power of photography and visual storytelling. Where art becomes advocacy, and creativity becomes a voice.
"Turning my hobbies into my profession has changed my life.”