Leslie Cieplechowicz captures Flint’s beauty in new book, 'The Thumb of Michigan'

Crosswords Village stands as a Flint and Genesee County staple. (Photo: Leslie Cieplechowicz)

FLINT, Michigan — In her latest photographic journey, The Thumb of Michigan: A Photographic Exploration, author and photographer Leslie Cieplechowicz turns her lens toward one of the state’s most overlooked yet richly storied regions.

Known for her earlier work capturing the true spirit of Detroit, Cieplechowicz now shifts her focus to Michigan’s thumb, capturing an expanse of lavender fields, hidden estates, bustling urban streets, and historic treasures.

Among its most compelling subjects is Flint, a city she describes as having a “gritty charm” shaped by its automotive past, but too often misrepresented in the public eye. Through her images, Cieplechowicz invites readers to see Michigan’s diversity, resilience, and beauty anew — one photograph at a time.

Flintside caught up with Cieplechowicz to talk about her inspiration, creating the book, and challenging expectations.

Flintside: What was the reason that inspired you to go on this journey, capturing Michigan?

Leslie Cieplechowicz: “I have lived in the Thumb region for almost thirty years. When my editor asked for another book idea, I thought the area would be perfect for my next photographic endeavor.”

Cloudy skies and a beautiful water display grace this local estate. (Photo: Leslie Cieplechowicz)

Flintside: In your book, you describe Flint as “shaped by automotive history.” Was there a moment or image that inspired you most in Flint, and what aspects of the city’s history did you aim to capture?

L. Cieplechowicz: “I love the gritty charm of Flint. Like Detroit, I feel the city sometimes is portrayed negatively. As I researched Flint and talked to its friendly residents, I found unique, historic spots that I thought would be great to photograph and feature in my book.”

Flintside: Given Flint’s history, how did you approach representing Flint?

L. Cieplechowicz: “I represent Flint in a positive light, and I hope people, after reading my book, will think as I do about the city.”

Flintside: Can you describe something that surprised you or challenged your expectations?

L. Cieplechowicz: “I was surprised by the Applewood Estate, with its beautiful grounds and compelling history, tucked within the city. I had not realized that C.S. Mott of Mott’s applesauce had a farm and orchard there.”

Flintside: Your book travels from lavender fields, gorgeous landscapes, and urban centers like Flint. How did you maintain a coherent visual and narrative while working with such different environments?

L. Cieplechowicz: “The sites are connected by the region covered in the book and by the area’s history. The Thumb offers so many diverse places that there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

The FIM Capitol Theatre is reborn for a new generation of audiences. (Photo: Leslie Cieplechowicz)

Flintside: What styles, equipment, or techniques did you use when shooting in Flint compared to more rural or scenic scenes?

L. Cieplechowicz: “Urban shooting is a little more challenging than scenic sites. With landscapes, you have time to set up the camera, play with the settings, and pick the perfect lighting. With street shooting, there is more chaos and people constantly moving around, so sometimes you only have a split second to get an image. Also, the lighting can be high contrast in the city, with the shadows from the buildings cutting across brightly lit sidewalks, so you must adjust your settings with little time.”

Flintside: Were there any residents or community stories from Flint that you wanted to capture visually?

L. Cieplechowicz: “Paul’s Pipe Shop has a unique history, with a fifteen-year-old Paul T. Spaniola starting it in 1928 after a $10 bet. Capitol Theater also is such a great part of Flint’s past; its gorgeous interior and ornate exterior façade was crafted by John Eberson in 1928.”

Flintside: The book is already published. What has been the response to your photography as you’ve traveled across Michigan, particularly Flint?

L. Cieplechowicz: “The book has been well received with readers enjoying the images and reminiscing about the sites, including Flint.”

Gorgeously scenic views are filtered throughout Cieplechowicz’s book. (Photo: Leslie Cieplechowicz)

Flintside: As someone who began her photography in Detroit, how did your experiences there shape the way you approached this book?

L. Cieplechowicz: “I was a paramedic for the Detroit Fire Department for over a decade. I created my first book, Detroit Revealed: A Different View of the Motor City, after hearing so much negativity about the city. I wanted to show people how great Detroit actually was. Shooting there enhanced my skills in street shooting, which tied in nicely when taking images in Flint.”

Flintside: Flint is one of several vibrant locations featured in The Thumb. How does it fit into the larger story you’re telling about Michigan’s diversity and hidden gems?

L. Cieplechowicz: “Flint will always be part of the historic tapestry of the region. My book allows people to see this.”

Flintside: For photographers hoping to tell stories in places like Flint, what would your advice be for connecting respectfully and honestly with the community through imagery?

L. Cieplechowicz: “Be respectful and talk to the area’s residents. They have some amazing stories to tell and will share places only they know about.”

To learn more about Leslie and purchase her books, you can visit her website.