How I See - The Leica Podcast

Photographer and filmmaker Chris Chu joins host Jack DeVanna to talk about finding stories and the people behind them. Chris reflects on moving from photography into documentary filmmaking, the lessons he learned from early projects, and why connecting with a subject matters more than the gear.They also discuss photographing New York’s basketball and breakdancing scenes, using motion blur to capture energy, and why Chris believes every photograph is a kind of self-portrait. Chris shares the story of Ismael Ox, a taekwondo athlete with a goal of winning Olympic gold for the United States in 2028, and of...

What makes a street photograph worth waiting for? What do you do when the moment happens before you’re ready?In this episode, New York street photographer Billy Dinh talks with host Jack Devanna about the stories behind his photographs, from the streets of Cairo and Kolkata to a once-in-a-lifetime night in Times Square during the Knicks’ playoff run. Billy shares how he finds and revisits locations, works with light and composition, and balances film photography with digital projects.They also talk about photographing people respectfully, the influence of cinema and Saul Leiter, the personal proj...

On this episode of How I See, photographer Jason Siegel shares the unexpected path that took him from running a college music blog to photographing artists including GRiZ and Illenium—and eventually to documenting remote cultures and landscapes around the world.Jason discusses developing his visual style with Leica, balancing music, adventure, and hospitality photography, and building a creative career around curiosity and variety. He also recounts his journey through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in search of eagle hunters, the hospitality he encountered along the way, and the unforgettable images that came from the trip.Later, Ja...

How does a photographer earn trust in places shaped by conflict, faith and history?In this episode of How I See: The Leica Podcast, Louise Goldstone speaks with photographer Emily Garthwaite about curiosity, walking and the human connections behind her work.Emily recounts how she first began photographing people as a teenager, her journey to Iraq during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, and the thousands of kilometres she walked through the Zagros Mountains. She discusses working with Yazidi communities, documenting faith and memory, and travelling with Sister Macrina through the landscapes of Sinjar.The conversation...

In this episode of How I See, Louise Goldstone speaks with photographer Pat Domingo at Leica headquarters in Wetzlar, Germany.Pat shares how his father introduced him to photography, how photojournalism shaped his approach to fashion, and why he has carried a camera with him almost every day since he was 15. He discusses trust, emotion, teamwork, Leica cameras, fashion weeks, and the decisive moment behind his photograph of Kendrick Lamar and Justin Timberlake.Pat also tells the story of his 15-year dream to photograph a chandelier in the desert, his work with Leica Academy, his...

In this episode of How I See, Louise Goldstone speaks with French photographer Nina Davidson at Leica headquarters in Wetzlar. Nina shares how motherhood transformed her photography, why she embraces candid moments, and how moving from France to rural Scotland shaped her creative practice.She also discusses her Leica Q3, inherited Leica M6, analog photography, memory, printing, and the beauty of ordinary family life. In the Unframed segment, Nina explores three family photographs, including her Albert Watson Prize winning image and a photograph selected for exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh.Nina's Website...

In this episode of How I See: The Leica Podcast, host Louise Goldstone sits down with London-based photographer and director Holly-Marie Cato to explore photography as a tool for connection, curiosity and community.Holly reflects on growing up in a large Jamaican-British family in London, her unexpected journey from architecture into photography, and the pivotal experience of documenting the 2011 Tottenham riots that helped change the course of her career.From Mexico City and Vietnam to India, Jamaica and London's Notting Hill Carnival, Holly discusses how travel, conversation and human connection shape the way she photographs...

Few photographers have shaped the visual language of hip-hop quite like Jonathan Mannion.In this episode of How I See: The Leica Podcast, host Jack Devanna sits down with the legendary portrait photographer to trace a career built on curiosity, persistence, human connection, and an instinct for the moment.Mannion reflects on discovering photography at Kenyon College, learning from master photographer Richard Avedon, and immersing himself in New York City’s emerging hip-hop scene, carrying cameras and portfolios into clubs, introducing himself to artists, and asking for the opportunities he wanted.From photographing ic...

Can photography really change the world?Mexican photographer, visual artist, journalist and educator Greta Rico joins host Lucy Goldstone for a powerful conversation about photography as a tool for activism, education and social change.Greta reflects on her journey from receiving her first camera at eight years old to developing long-term documentary projects exploring gender violence, reproductive rights, care work, climate change and the representation of women in Mexico.She discusses her acclaimed projects Urban Midwives and Substitute Mother, the realities of femicide and the families left behind, and why she believes photographers...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with wildlife and underwater photographer Melissa Field, whose journey began with a film camera as a teenager and grew into a career capturing some of the world's most breathtaking moments.Melissa shares how photography helped her find presence, why she left certainty behind to follow her passion, and what it takes to create powerful images in some of nature's most challenging environments. From photographing whales and wildlife to discussing conservation, creativity, and the emotional connection behind every frame, this episode is a reminder that following what you love can change your...

From filming skateboard tricks as a kid to becoming one of YouTube's most recognizable street photography voices, Mike Chudley has built a career by keeping photography approachable, authentic, and fun.In this episode of How I See: The Leica Podcast, host Louise Goldstone sits down with Mike at the Leica Headquarters in Wetzlar to discuss his journey into photography, why street photography is simply "a visual demonstration of people watching," overcoming the fear of photographing strangers, building a photography community, creating YouTube content, and why not taking photography too seriously might actually make you a better photographer.<...

Photographer and creator Jakob Lilja-Ruiz, better known as Portra Papi, joins the Leica Podcast for an honest conversation about creativity, film photography and building a career behind the camera.From his early fascination with YouTube and filmmaking to becoming one of the most influential voices in analogue photography, Jakob reflects on the experiences that shaped his work. Along the way, he shares his thoughts on Leica cameras, travelling, storytelling and why passion—not equipment—is what ultimately makes better photographs.Jakob's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portra_papiJakob's Website: https://www.jakoblr.com/

For more than five decades, Steve McCurry has documented people, places and cultures around the world, creating some of the most recognisable photographs in history.In this episode of How I See: The Leica Podcast, Steve reflects on the experiences that shaped his career, from travelling through India with rolls of Kodachrome to embracing digital photography today. He shares why curiosity and observation remain at the heart of great photography, the importance of practising every day, and why making prints is still one of the most meaningful ways to preserve your work.Together with host...

Photographer and visual storyteller Eva Woolridge joins the Leica Podcast to discuss her creative journey, the power of self-portraiture, and how photography became her life's purpose.In this episode, Eva reflects on the image that first inspired her artistic path, the importance of storytelling, and her commitment to creating work that centres identity, community, resilience, and social impact. She shares how photography can transform personal experiences into meaningful conversations and why creativity remains her guiding force.Topics include: Visual storytelling as a lifelong calling  The role of self-portraiture in artistic development  Identity, representation and commu...

Fashion photographer Alex “Très Cool” Dobé joins How I See to discuss his journey from shooting street style during Fashion Week to becoming one of the most recognisable voices in contemporary fashion photography.In this episode, Alex shares how passion, experimentation, and a commitment to developing a unique visual language helped him stand out in a highly competitive industry. He reflects on the lessons learned from years of street photography, the origins of his signature motion-blur imagery, and why creative freedom is essential for growth.A conversation about trusting your instincts, embracing experimentation, and findin...

In this episode of How I See, photographer Sara Messinger reflects on the experiences that shaped her approach to photography, from organising her family's photo archive as a child to creating long-term documentary projects around the world. She discusses why photography remains a powerful tool for preserving memory, how shooting film encourages a more intentional and intuitive way of working, and why building genuine relationships with her subjects is essential to her process. Sara also shares stories from her travels in India, the influence of her upbringing, and how personal curiosity continues to guide the work she c...

In this episode of How I See: The Leica Podcast, documentary and portrait photographer Myah Asha Jeffers reflects on the deeply personal experiences that shaped her creative voice.Recorded at Leica HQ in Wetzlar, the conversation explores how a childhood instant camera sparked her love for storytelling, why she photographs communities she belongs to, and how themes like grief, identity, vulnerability, and intimacy influence her work. Myah also discusses balancing photography with writing and directing, navigating creative pressure in the age of social media, and why authenticity matters more than perfection.A thoughtful conversation about...

Portrait photographer Mark Mann joins How I See, the Leica podcast, to share the story behind his creative journey and the philosophy that drives his work. From discovering photography through the magic of the darkroom to photographing globally recognised artists and public figures, Mark reflects on the importance of trust, curiosity, and human connection in portraiture.The conversation explores storytelling, creativity, collaboration, Leica cameras, and what it truly means to capture authentic emotion through photography.Mark's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markmannphoto/Mark's Website: https://www.markmannphoto.com/Alexander Boyce (Shoutout): https...

Sports photographer and filmmaker Philipp Reinhard joins the Leica Podcast to discuss the connection between sport, creativity, and storytelling. From his early roots in skateboarding culture to photographing elite athletes and the Olympics, Philipp reflects on the importance of instinct, passion, discipline, and evolving creatively over time.The conversation also explores documentary filmmaking, street photography, favourite Leica setups, and why developing your own visual signature matters more than following trends.Philipp's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philippreinhard/Philipp's Website: https://www.philippreinhard.com/

In this episode of How I See, Jack Devanna speaks with photographer Jas Leon about her journey into photography.From early experimentation with a digital camera to discovering film in the darkroom, Jas describes how photography became a way to capture and preserve life’s moments. She shares why she ultimately committed to shooting exclusively on film and how that decision continues to shape her work today.A conversation about memory, process, and the meaning behind making images.Jas' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasleon/Jas' Website: https://jasleon.com/Ja...