WHO IS ROU ?

I’m Rou Leonard, a Haitian photographer, creative director, and brand strategist based in Seattle and available for travel.

Through Studio by Rou, I specialize in event, fashion, and hospitality photography, along with weddings, portraits, and brand campaigns. My work brings together candid moments, editorial storytelling, and a thoughtful understanding of how people experience a brand.

Whether I’m photographing a packed nightclub, a hotel, a fashion collection, or a wedding, I’m looking for the details that make it feel personal: the energy in the room, the connection between people, and the moments you couldn’t recreate.

An Artistic Eye. A Strategic Approach.

I started with drawing and printmaking, developing an understanding of composition before finding my medium in photography. I earned my BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and my work has since taken me across Seattle, New York, Paris, Spain and Mexico.

My experience includes photographing during New York and Paris Fashion Week, collaborating with hospitality brands, and creating imagery for sports, arts, and entertainment organizations. My photography has also been exhibited in New York, Seattle, Paris, Florida, Texas, and Georgia.

Beyond the camera, I’ve led marketing and creative work across campaign development, social media, email, partnerships, and live experiences. That background helps me think through both the image and its purpose, whether it’s introducing your business, promoting an event, or giving your audience a reason to connect.

Photography Built Around Your Vision

Every project starts with understanding what you want people to see and feel. From there, I help shape the creative direction and create space for moments to happen naturally.

I work with individuals, creative teams, and businesses on Seattle event photography, fashion editorials, hotel and restaurant photography, weddings, and branded content. I’m also available for destination weddings, travel assignments, and projects beyond Seattle.

Selected Clients, Collaborations & Experience

  • Fairmont Olympic Hotel

  • Renaissance Hotels

  • Seattle Storm

  • The RailSpur

  • Amber Seattle

  • The Stranger

  • HUMP! Film Festival

  • New York and Paris Fashion Week photography

  • Boutique Airbnb and hospitality brands across Seattle, New York, and Mexico

Have something in mind? Let’s create something together.

A woman in a white off-shoulder satin gown holding a bouquet of flowers, standing indoors near a window and a wooden cabinet with plants.
Let’s create something together.
A woman with bright green hair wearing a black beret, a black leather jacket, and black distressed pants, squatting in a room with a plain white wall and wooden floor.
Woman in black fur coat and navy blazer standing inside a boat or ferry with green benches and windows showing water outside.
A man wearing glasses and a cap that reads "Creative Arts Dept" is seated at a table with his hands clasped and resting near his face, in a black and white photo.

HAuS OF HIGHLIGHTS

Photography —10+ years

Creative Direction —10+ years

Luxury & Lifestyle Brand Positioning — 7+ years

Content Marketing — 7+ years

Social Media Strategy & Management — 7+ years

Campaign Development — 7+ years

Visual Design & Art Direction — 7+ years

Marketing Analytics & SEO Strategy — 6+ years

UX-Driven Content & Digital Experience — 5+ years

Cross-Industry Collaborations

(Fashion. Hospitality. Real Estate. Interior Design) 8+ years

b.f.a PHOTOGRAPHY & imaging

b.f.a PHOTOGRAPHY & imaging

b.f.a PHOTOGRAPHY & imaging b.f.a PHOTOGRAPHY & imaging

TISCH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

Why Work With Me

What I BrinG

Brands don’t just need visuals — they need narratives that spark emotion and build cultural relevance. I create strategies and stories that elevate perception, inspire loyalty, and connect audiences to brands at the intersection of art, design, and lifestyle. My work isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about curating experiences that leave a lasting imprint.

  • A Dual Lens: The instinct of a fine artist paired with the strategy of a brand director.

  • Cross-Industry Impact: Campaigns and collaborations across fashion, hospitality, real estate, interior design, and lifestyle.

  • Global Influence: Work across New York, Seattle, and Paris, enriched by diverse cultural perspectives.

  • Luxury Positioning: A refined ability to design visuals and strategies that feel aspirational, intimate, and timeless.

  • Leadership Vision: A clear trajectory from content creation to brand strategy to creative direction.

A black and white photo of a rocky island with trees on top, surrounded by water, with a lighthouse visible on the island.