The Robert J. McLeod Photography Collection is comprised of McLeod's photography in various formats such as printed photographs, film negatives, and 35mm slides, most of which were taken during the 1970’s-1980’s. McLeod worked for the San Francisco Examiner and the San Francisco Chronicle as a photographer and a photo editor for almost forty years, photographing several significant figures and events in the Bay Area. McLeod had a passion for photographing dancers taking classes, in rehearsals and during performances. The collection focuses primarily on ballet dancers and companies from the Bay Area including San Francisco Ballet. The collection also features work by his wife, Beth Witrogen and includes images from other photographers. The collection is arranged in the following series: San Francisco Ballet; Dancers and Choreographers; Individuals; Photographic Materials; and Print Materials.

Robert J. (Bob) McLeod (1946-2006) was a San Francisco Bay Area native, growing up in Daly City. When McLeod was 12 years old, his father passed away. His older brother George then gave him his first camera, a Brownie Hawkeye. McLeod began taking photos around his neighborhood and processed the photographs 
in the small darkroom that he had made in the family's basement closet. After attending San Francisco State University for a limited time, McLeod began to work at the San Francisco Examiner in 1967, first as a copy boy, working his way up to Director of Photography in 1989. He worked with both the San Francisco Examiner and the San Francisco Chronicle as a photographer and photo editor. Throughout his career, McLeod photographed significant events and figures in San Francisco history such as Harvey Milk, Patty Hearst, and the aftermath of the Loma Prieta earthquake.

7.0 Linear feet 7 records cartons

Copyright has been assigned to the Museum of Performance + Design.

Entire collection is open for research use.