CHANGE

Leila

Filmmaker / Photographer Portfolio

intro

Leila is a filmmaker and photographer with a passion for capturing the subtle, emotional moments that define the human experience. Her work ranges from psychologically-driven short films to raw, documentary-style photography, all grounded in a desire to explore both the light and dark of real life. As she shifted between production roles and creative expression, she wanted a digital home that could reflect the range and intimacy of her work while feeling true to her evolving creative voice.

about

I collaborated with Leila to design and shape a portfolio website that feels like a quiet invitation into her world—layered, curious, and emotionally grounded. With limited recent creative work to showcase, we leaned into her storytelling ethos to create a site that balances intrigue and clarity. We developed a homepage anchored by a moody video collage, guiding visitors through her film reel, personal philosophy, and photography collections. Instead of a traditional contact and about page, we merged them into a single “About & Connect” space to keep the experience focused and intentional. The final site reflects her voice: exploratory, intimate, and grounded in a deep curiosity about people and place.

interactions

Site Features

  • Camera Shutter Cursor
    A custom cursor shaped like a shutter opens on hover, adding a subtle nod to her visual roots.
  • Interactive Film Collage
    Hero section features a responsive film clip gallery that moves with your cursor, pulling you into the frame.
  • Photo Stack Animation
    Images scroll like you're thumbing through a real stack of prints—tactile and personal.
  • Darkroom Mode
    One photo category shifts to a pure black background with a red logo, mimicking the mood of a photography darkroom.
  • Tailored to Her Voice
    Every detail was designed to feel intentional—like walking through her lens, not just her work.