WE ARE INDIE ISSUE #1: DAN LEONTE

The first independent artist to grace the first issue of WE ARE INDIE is videographer, photographer and bodybuilder Dan Leonte. Dan is based out of the Chicagoland area. What started as a passion to capture storytelling in the form of pictures, has grown into a full time pursuit of helping people and small businesses to look their absolute best in front of a camera lens.

Besides capturing moments with the flash (or video), Dan is also an accomplished Bodybuilder, placing in or near the top spot in his weight and age class/division. His work ethic, focus, creatively carries over into the gym as well. I look forward to seeing Dan grow as a creative in his artistic lane and beyond!

If you want to follow Dan on his journey as an indie artist/fitness competitor, check out his Instagram: @lens_inceptions.

Below are some quotes from the man himself:

“I’ve been passionate about photography for several years, but in the last two years I took the step to turn it into a business and truly put myself out there. It’s been an exciting journey of growth, creativity, and building something I genuinely care about.”

“Photography and videography, to me, are about preserving moments that would otherwise pass by in an instant. I love being able to freeze time through photos and bring it back to life through video: capturing genuine emotions, connections, and memories that people can relive for years to come. Whether it’s a big milestone or a simple, everyday moment, there’s something powerful about turning it into something lasting. That’s what drives me: creating visuals that aren’t just seen, but felt, and that tell a story people can hold onto forever.”

“What’s next for me is continuing to grow—both as a creative and in building my business and brand. I truly love what I do, and nothing beats delivering photos and videos that make someone pause and say, “wow.” At the end of the day, it’s about creating work that makes people feel something—capturing the essence of an individual or family, or telling the story of a brand in a way that might not have been seen or understood before. That’s what I’m focused on as I continue to evolve and push my craft forward.”