Richmond based poet, songwriter and artist, Anna Leonard released her latest single, “Jest” out now from her forthcoming debut album, Paint It Blue. The single was produced and co-written by Cameron Smith as it brings nostalgia and sharing the “ache of a toxic relationship with biting clarity.”

Photographer, Adam Ward shared more insight from his photo shoot with Anna that “It’s really special to be able to work so closely with Anna to craft the visual identity of her sincere and powerful debut album, Paint It Blue coming out this fall. We’re both from the same hometown of Virginia Beach, VA, so it felt super beautiful and natural to connect and shoot together while I am home visiting from Brooklyn. Anna tackles some significant subjects in her songwriting, but there’s always a lightness and joy about her that really shines through in these images.” Leonard’s next single, “Polite” is set to release next month and we already know we will have this album on rotation this fall.

Photography: Adam Ward