Leonard grew up in Southern California at a time when the Civil Rights movement and cultural activism of the 60’s was getting underway. These events would instill a sense of community service in Leonard that would guide him later in life. In 1979, Leonard re-located to Michigan with his family. The upheaval of moving from a busy multi-cultural Los Angeles suburb to Michigan farmland was profound and it was through photography that Leonard was able to express himself and overcome the tedium of rural life.

Leonard would soon return to Southern California where he pursued a career in Law Enforcement. Leonard was drawn to the Forensic field where the attention to detail suited his work ethics. As a Crime Scene Investigator, Leonard is both participant and witness to transitory moments of heroism and compassion that he felt were being overlooked; overlooked even by the men and women performing these selfless act.

Leonard continued to pursue photography as means to balance his personal life with his professional life. The two however, would soon merge into one, creating the stirring documentary approach that he brings forth in his images.

Resumé

Professional Experience

1988 to            Forensic Specialist,
Present             Southern California.

2002                Instructor, Grand Central Art Center,
                        Santa Ana, California.
                        Summer and Spring sessions.
                        Beginning Photography and Photojournalism.

Group Exhibition Record                        

2006                PCNW Member's Exhibtion
                        Photographic Center Northwest
                        Seattle, Washington
                        Juror: Marita Holdaway

2005                Role play; The Definition of Self in Society
                        Target Gallery at the Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, Virginia.
                        Juror: J. W. Mahoney

                        (Shudder) Release, Grand Central Art Center,
                        Santa Ana, California.                       
                        Juror: Dennis Cubbage.

2003                The Human Condition, Grand Central Art Center,
                        Santa Ana, California.
                        Juror : Donald Van Hook.

2003                Orange County Fair Fine Arts Division
                        First and Second place, and Best of Division.
                        Black and White Photography.

Artist Lectures

2005                Grand Central Art Center,
                        Santa Ana, California.
                        (Shudder) Release, Omnipresent & Ambulance Chaser Series.

2000                Beginning Photography, Cal State Fullerton.