Lea Golis
Denver,CO
Summary
Creative director and photographer with 15+ years of experience leading visual storytelling for globally recognized media brands including Condé Nast, New York Magazine, and Departures. Expert in developing compelling visual narratives across editorial and brand environments, managing creative teams, and producing distinctive photography and content from concept through production. Known for collaborative leadership, strong creative instincts, and building systems that deliver high-quality storytelling across multiple platforms.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Photographer & Creative Director
Self-employed
Denver, CO
01.2018 - Current
- Led creative direction and production for editorial lifestyle and commercial photography projects.
- Crafted visual storytelling concepts that enhanced engagement in portrait, food, and lifestyle photography.
- Led multidisciplinary teams of stylists, assistants, hair and makeup artists, and talent to deliver cohesive creative visions.
- Produced photography in studio and outdoor environments, capturing authentic narratives aligned with brand storytelling.
- Oversaw project workflows, budgets, and timelines, ensuring adherence to high visual quality standards and successful project delivery.
Contract Visuals Editor
Apple Media Products
01.2018 - Current
- Conducted visual research to curate imagery that met brand standards and editorial goals, ensuring alignment with company vision.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver compelling visual content for digital media, effectively managing rights and usage requirements.
- Sourced and licensed imagery to enhance editorial and marketing content across Apple's media platforms.
Director of Photography
Departures Magazine
New York, NY
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Directed photographers and creative teams on global editorial and travel shoots, overseeing art direction, lighting concepts, styling, and production planning to deliver cohesive visual narratives.
- Collaborated with editor-in-chief and creative leadership to establish visual identity of publication, enhancing brand recognition.
- Led visual direction for photography across a nationally recognized luxury travel and lifestyle magazine.
Photo Editor
Condé Nast
New York, NY
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Commissioned and produced photography that enhanced editorial features and engaged audiences through celebrity profiles.
- Developed creative concepts for photo stories, coordinated photographer commissions, managed shoot production, and secured image licensing and usage rights.
- Edited high-quality images for print and digital publications.
- Collaborated with photographers to ensure visual consistency across projects.
- Utilized Adobe Creative Suite for image enhancement and retouching tasks.
Senior Photo Editor
New York Magazine
New York, NY
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Produced photography and visual storytelling for editorial features, cover stories, and cultural profiles that enhanced reader engagement.
- Commissioned photographers and illustrators, managed photo shoots from concept through post-production, and collaborated with editorial and design teams to create compelling visual narratives.
- Edited high-quality images for editorial features and cover stories.
- Collaborated with photographers to enhance visual storytelling.
- Managed image selection process for weekly publications.
Education
Certificate - Graphic Design
Parsons School of Design
BA - Studio Art
Colorado College
Colorado Springs, COWork Scholar -
Aperture Foundation
New York, NYWorkshop Intern -
Center For Photography At Woodstock
Woodstock, NYSkills
- Creative Direction
- Visual Storytelling
- Photography (Digital & Analog)
- Art Direction
- Photo Production & Shoot Management
- Creative Team Leadership
- Lighting Techniques
- Food & Lifestyle Photography
- Digital Asset Management
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Capture One
- Creative Problem Solving
- Strong Communication & Collaboration
Timeline
Freelance Photographer & Creative Director
Self-employed
01.2018 - Current
Contract Visuals Editor
Apple Media Products
01.2018 - Current
Director of Photography
Departures Magazine
01.2015 - 01.2017
Photo Editor
Condé Nast
01.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Photo Editor
New York Magazine
01.2005 - 01.2013
Certificate - Graphic Design
Parsons School of Design
BA - Studio Art
Colorado College
Work Scholar -
Aperture Foundation
Workshop Intern -
Center For Photography At Woodstock