Remembering Leslie Elias, Beloved Friend of the Yuba (1954-2013)

There are so many beautiful views of the Yuba — being able to see them is easy, but being able to capture the essence of the river in a photo is an art.  SYRCL’s Board, staff and many supporters are mourning the passing of one of the Yuba’s most talented photographers — Leslie Elias — who passed away after a short illness on July 8^th at the age of 59.

Leslie was born in Ukiah on June 25, 1954 and graduated from Evergreen College in Olympia with a degree in marine biology. After graduating, she spent time adventuring around the world including working as a marine biologist on the Great Barrier Reef and with National Geographic researching whales in the Maui Channel. Leslie arrived in Nevada County in 1987, started exploring and photographing the Yuba’s canyons and immediately fell in love with its drama and beauty.  Luckily she shared her images with us, creating stunning photos of the Yuba in all its seasons. Her black and white, intensely detailed compositions help us see the shapes, natural forms and light of the river in ways we would never have seen without her as our guide.

SYRCL worked with Leslie over many years, printing her images in our publications, on our posters, and presenting her framed photos as awards and thank you gifts. The timeless beauty of her photos is treasured by many of us.

SYRCL will be showcasing Leslie’s photos of the Yuba at our new office and at the 2014 Wild and Scenic Film Festival.  We offer condolences to her family and will remember her generosity and her talent with great fondness.

By Janet Cohen, former SYRCL Executive Director