Head to Toe Denim with Cleo Cartwright Issue 16 Featured Artist

Photography is more than just a means of capturing images; it is a powerful form of expression that encapsulates stories, emotions, and unique perspectives. Cleo Cartwright, a published fashion editorial and portrait photographer based in Chicago, IL, embodies this notion. Her work transcends traditional portraiture, leveraging her lens to explore and communicate her identity and experience as a Black woman. As Cleo puts it, "Photography serves as a conduit for emotional expression," and her portraits often evoke a sense of "vulnerability and strength."

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Cleo’s journey into photography is a compelling narrative of discovery and growth. It all began at the tender age of eight when she first picked up a simple film "point and shoot" camera. This childhood experience laid the foundation for her artistic career. Through her camera, Cleo began to "observe the world more deeply," capturing moments that resonate with her personal experiences and emotions. Recognizing the importance of representation, she says, "I aim to use my work to amplify voices that are often underrepresented in visual storytelling."

The collaborative spirit within the Chicago fashion scene has provided Cleo with numerous opportunities to engage with local designers and brands, enriching her portfolio. She has worked with esteemed clients such as Getty Images and BBYVVS Fashion, stating, "Each collaboration has allowed me to expand my creative horizons and refine my artistic signature." Her photography has been showcased in notable publications, including local Chicago newspapers, reflecting her commitment to storytelling through imagery and highlighting the city’s vibrant culture.

Looking ahead, Cleo’s aspirations are steeped in the desire for growth and expansion within the industry. She aims to "collaborate with renowned brands for global campaigns," merging her artistic vision with large-scale commercial projects. Furthermore, she desires her editorial shoots to reflect "not just visual beauty but also engaging stories that resonate with audiences on multiple levels." A key element of her future work involves "challenging conventions within photography" by exploring new techniques and narratives that push boundaries.

When asked how she tells a story through her photographs, Cleo reflects, "I often immerse myself in music. Sometimes, a particular song resonates with me deeply, allowing me to create a unique visual interpretation of the song's narrative." She emphasizes the importance of intricate details, stating, "Each element is carefully selected to enhance the story I'm telling through my lens."

Cleo's journey into fashion photography began in her youth, captivated by the creativity and beauty of magazine images. She shares, "I would spend hours studying the photos, collecting torn pages of these images, unknowingly creating a vision board." Her mother, who made her own clothes, also played a significant role in inspiring Cleo, as she "proudly showed me the outfits she designed and sewn."

Cleo’s influences include notable photographers such as Richard Avedon and Gordon Parks, stating, "Their work has inspired me to dive deep into my imagination and explore the creative use of color in my photographs." She adds, "I strive to continue incorporating emotional depth and vibrant color palettes in my own work."

Discussing the challenges of professional fashion photography, Cleo notes, "It's crucial to know the right people to help you get your foot in the door," and highlights the need for resilience: "You need to have tough skin to handle rejection." She acknowledges the necessity of working for free to build her reputation, saying, "There are no guarantees in this field, especially when you're starting out."

When it comes to fashion icons, Cleo cites Dapper Dan, Grace Jones, and Rihanna as her top inspirations. She finds present-day fashion inspiring for its "incredible diversity and boundary-pushing," allowing for limitless creativity and experimentation. "I love experimenting with different looks," she says, reflecting on her evolving style.

Cleo’s approach to style emphasizes storytelling. "I use Pinterest for inspiration, creating a mood board to visualize how I want the photos to be shot and styled," she explains. Her friends often offer fresh perspectives, "helping me put together unique and stylish looks."

On the influence of the fashion industry, Cleo states, "Fashion is much more than just clothing; it's a reflection of our society." She critiques the challenges the industry faces, such as its environmental impact and promotion of unrealistic beauty standards, adding, "Despite these issues, the fashion industry continues to be a powerful force in our society."

Discussing her style, Cleo notes, "I believe style is constantly evolving." When choosing an outfit, she usually starts with the top, saying, "I love bold colors and making a statement." She finds balance essential, planning her look for professional engagements but allowing creativity to flow in her personal life. "In these moments of uninhibited creativity, I discover new styles and push the boundaries of my fashion sense," she explains.

As for color, Cleo shares, "My choice of color is deeply influenced by the mood or emotion I wish to convey." Her favorite brands include Gucci, Versace, and Mugler, which she admires for their unique aesthetics and storytelling in campaigns.

Cleo appreciates constructive criticism as integral to her growth as a photographer: "I view criticism as an opportunity to refine my artistic vision." She acknowledges the role of the Internet and social media in reshaping the fashion landscape, stating, "Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become virtual runways where anyone can showcase their unique sense of fashion to a global audience."

Reflecting on street fashion, she declares, "It represents a vibrant mode of self-expression that challenges traditional boundaries." One particular style moment that left a lasting impression on her is the rise of streetwear, which she sees as a revolution in fashion.

As trends evolve rapidly, Cleo expresses excitement about capturing contemporary individualism: "It’s a thrill for me in uncovering new trends and interpreting them through my lens." Looking to the future, she envisions networking with creatives, pitching ideas to magazines and brands, and hopes to work on "big campaigns with brands like Nike, Versace, and H&M." In five years, she dreams of having her own studio and a team of talented artists, stating, "Together, we will create a community that is bigger than us."

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