For photographer Leslie Struxness, inspiration often begins with being in the right place at just the right moment. Whether trekking through the Himalayas, exploring the architecture of another country, or noticing the patterns and shadows of Yamhill County, Leslie finds beauty in the details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Her photography reflects a lifelong curiosity about nature, culture, and the world around her. Although she came to photography later in life, her appreciation for composition, light, and the natural world has roots that reach back to childhood.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Leslie about her creative journey, the experiences that inspire her photography, and the unexpected moments that sometimes produce her most memorable images.

Capturing a Moment in Time

Leslie describes her approach to photography as a desire to document what she sees without dramatically altering it. “My point is to document or capture a moment, whether it be a landscape or a person or an event, in real time.”

Landscapes are a recurring subject in her work, particularly the relationship between light, weather, and the natural environment. “One of the themes is landscape. Lighting, drama in the landscape, in the weather.”

Being outdoors is more than an opportunity to take photographs. It also provides a sense of renewal. “It just resets my perspective.”

Travel has played an important role in developing Leslie’s artistic perspective. Through hiking, cycling, and international travel, she has experienced landscapes and cultures that continue to shape how she sees the world. “I think I just remain awestruck anytime I’m in a new landscape, a new country, a new culture. It kind of all comes together in some kind of storytelling fashion or documentary fashion.”

One of her most memorable photographs came during a trek in Nepal.

After spending a rainy day hiking through a forest, Leslie and her companions arrived at a tea house, soaked and unable to see the mountains surrounding them. She warmed up, fell asleep, and later woke to the dinner bell.

When she stepped outside, the mountains that had been hidden all day were suddenly visible. “The lighting was perfect.”

She ran back for her camera and captured Annapurna South in the evening light.

It was, as Leslie described it, “an absolute lucky moment that is just solidified in my brain.”

Discovering Photography Later in Life

Leslie did not always think of herself as an artist. “I had never labeled myself as an artist.”

Growing up, she was drawn to science and mathematics. She was fascinated by how things worked and remembers thinking that if she pursued a creative profession, she might build bridges.

Architecture also captured her imagination, particularly Gothic and Baroque buildings. But her appreciation for design extended beyond human creations.

She noticed the shapes of seashells, the structure of trees, natural sculptures, and even “the architecture of a blooming peony.” “I think I can see art in my background. I was really drawn to the natural world.”

Leslie began exploring photography more seriously in her mid to late 50s, when she had more opportunities to travel and document her experiences.

She started with film and soon transitioned to digital photography. Classes at Clark College in Vancouver and photography programs in Portland helped her develop a better understanding of light, motion, and composition. “The deeper you dig, it just became more and more fun.”

Over time, her equipment and techniques evolved. Large cameras, multiple lenses, and a tripod eventually gave way to a smaller, more versatile camera that made traveling easier.

Her appreciation for the learning process has remained constant.

The Art of Composition

Although Leslie sometimes says she is not sure she has a creative process, listening to her describe how she works reveals a thoughtful approach to making photographs.

It begins with noticing something worth capturing. “First of all, it’s the timing.”

Then comes composition. “And then it’s all about composition. You know, what angle am I at? Am I low to the sun, high?”

She considers the balance of a scene, the way trees might frame a landscape, or whether the most interesting part of a photograph is actually the sky rather than the entire view. “To me, it’s a lot about the composition, balancing.”

Leslie often takes several photographs of the same subject, experimenting with different perspectives before deciding which image best captures what she experienced.

Sometimes the choice is obvious. Other times, an image may sit untouched for years. “As I mature, I can go back and say, ‘Oh, now I get it.’”

One of her favorite stories about photography involves a mistake that ultimately produced one of her best images.

While traveling through China on a bicycle tour, Leslie visited the Forbidden City in Beijing. The area was crowded, so she concentrated on architectural details, including doors and decorative elements.

Later in the trip, she accidentally formatted a memory card and lost the photographs.

Her husband suggested returning to the Forbidden City on their remaining free day. “That’s when I got my best pictures.”

This time, Leslie captured a striking row of red arches without people in the frame.

The photograph might never have existed if she had not lost the earlier images. “That’s part of the creative process.”

For Leslie, photography involves preparation and observation, but also the willingness to embrace what happens unexpectedly.

Seeing Yamhill County With New Eyes

Leslie grew up in Yamhill County before leaving in 1970. Family connections brought her back over the years, and returning as an adult has given her a different appreciation for the landscape and creative community.

As a child, she was focused on school and books rather than art. Today, she notices details she might once have overlooked. “I love patterns and shadows.”

Vineyards, orchards, nurseries, and the changing landscape provide new opportunities to observe the natural geometry of familiar places.

Leslie has also enjoyed reconnecting with people she knew growing up and discovering the variety of artists working throughout the county. “I have been amazed at the number of artists, the variety of art.”

Through the Arts Alliance of Yamhill County, she has enjoyed meeting artists working in different mediums and learning about their creative processes.

Artist gatherings and opportunities to share work have introduced her to approaches that are very different from photography.

She appreciates the creativity of younger artists and the opportunity to see how others think, experiment, and develop their ideas. “I think that the more you have community, the better.”

Keep Exploring and Surprise Yourself

When asked what advice she would offer emerging artists, Leslie returns to the importance of curiosity and enjoying the creative process. “I would say, first of all, do it because you love it.”

She encourages artists to seek out mentors, continue learning, and remain open to unexpected directions. “Put yourself in a position where you have mentors, where you can continue to grow and learn. Don’t limit yourself. Don’t say, ‘I’m going to be this.’ Explore.”

She also recognizes that not everyone will connect with the same artwork, and that differing opinions are simply part of creating and sharing something personal.

Her advice is to keep going, even when the path changes. “You may have to expand your path or walk a different path, but you’ll figure it out and just don’t give up.”

And perhaps most importantly: “Surprise yourself.”

Looking ahead, Leslie hopes to continue traveling and exploring the world through photography. Now retired from her career as an OB GYN physician, she also wants to dedicate more regular time to her creative practice, take additional classes, and experiment without always working toward an exhibition deadline. “I think my goal is to just keep exploring the world, number one.”

One meaningful project will bring her professional and artistic experiences together. Leslie plans to contribute photography to a gathering space associated with a new hospital emergency room, providing artwork for healthcare employees to enjoy during their breaks.

It is a fitting connection between two important parts of her life.

Leslie’s photography reminds us that creativity does not have to follow a particular timeline. Sometimes it develops through years of experience, curiosity, and simply learning to see familiar things differently.

And sometimes, the most memorable photograph is the one you never expected to take.

About the Artist

Leslie Struxness is a Yamhill County photographer whose work explores landscapes, travel, architecture, nature, light, and composition. A member of the Arts Alliance of Yamhill County, Leslie draws inspiration from her travels around the world and her appreciation for the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.