Explore every episode of the podcast 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 offers a thoughtful perspective on creative burnout, purpose, and embracing what makes you different.

Chris' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoschrischu
Chris' Website: https://www.chrischuphoto.com/
Chris' YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@whoschrischu

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 projects Billy has been building over the years, and why some street photography moments can’t be recreated. A candid conversation about patience, instinct, and the stories that unfold when you’re out with a camera.

Billy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billydeee/
Billy's Website: https://www.billydinh.com/

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, Jason talks about documenting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for the South Dakota Tourism Board, photographing 500,000 motorcycles, and turning a dream project into a personal visual story.

Jason's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsiegelphotography/?hl=de

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 also explores ethical photography, informed consent, women’s access to private spaces, and why some of the most important photographs are the ones you choose not to take. Emily shares her Leica approach—one camera, one lens—and explains why restriction, patience and returning to the same communities are central to her practice.

She also reflects on rejection, teamwork, photojournalism and her move into long-form documentary filmmaking.

Emily's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygarthwaite
Emily'S Website: https://www.emilygarthwaite.com/

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 plans for a book, and why he believes every photographer should find their own voice.

Shoutout to Erol Hasic: https://www.instagram.com/sumofmemories/

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: https://ninadavidson.com/
Nina's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninadavidson_/

Shoutout to: https://www.instagram.com/jas.leonard/

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 the world. She also takes us behind Heavy is the Mantle, her deeply personal project documenting a Black Caribbean church community, and reflects on trust, representation and the responsibility of giving something back to the people we photograph.

The conversation also explores why creating opportunities for emerging Black photographers matters, how her architectural background influences the way she sees space, and why some of the most meaningful stories might be much closer to home than we think.

For Holly, photography may begin with the camera, but the conversation will always matter more than the photograph.

Holly-Marie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h_cato/
Holly-Marie's Website: https://hollycato.com/

Shoutout to Hannah Reyes Morales (https://www.instagram.com/hannahreyesmorales/) and Eddie Otchere (https://www.instagram.com/eddie_otchere/)

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 icons including The Notorious B.I.G., DMX and Aaliyah to creating hundreds of album covers and images that became part of hip-hop history, Mannion shares the stories and philosophy behind his work. He discusses why trust matters more than equipment, what it means to truly be present with a subject, and how a photographer develops the instinct to recognize a moment before it happens.

More than a conversation about photography, this is a conversation about purpose, persistence and staying connected to the joy of the work.

Jonathan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jo nathanmannion/
Jonathan's Website: https://www.jonathanmannion.com/

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 must go beyond simply documenting injustice. For Greta, an image alone isn't enough — what matters is what we choose to do with it.

The conversation also explores the male and Western gaze, the invisible burden of care work, ethical documentary practice, the influence of visual culture on how we see ourselves, and the importance of women photographers creating new representations of their own lives.

Greta also shares her relationship with Leica, the cameras she uses for work and play, and her efforts to help build a feminist photography archive in Mexico.

Greta's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretarico/
Greta's Website: https://www.gretarico.com/

Shout out to Carol Espíndola: https://www.instagram.com/espindolacarol/

and Rosa Chillante: https://www.instagram.com/rosa.chillante/

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 life.

Whether you're a photographer, filmmaker, creative, or simply someone looking for inspiration, Melissa's story is filled with honest reflections on taking risks, embracing uncertainty, and finding purpose through art.

In this episode:

•  Melissa's journey into photography 
•  Wildlife and underwater storytelling 
•  The importance of conservation 
•  Film photography and Leica cameras 
•  Creativity, fear, and taking the leap 
•  Advice to aspiring photographers and creatives

Melissa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafindley/
Melissa's Website: https://melissa-findley.com/

Shoutout to Elif Koyutürk Hazen: https://www.instagram.com/eliffkoyuturk/

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.

Mike also shares how skateboarding shaped his photographic eye, why books remain one of his biggest creative inspirations, and how staying authentic online has helped him connect with photographers around the world.

In this episode:

•  Mike's journey from skateboarding to photography 
•  Finding confidence in street photography 
•  Building a photography career on YouTube 
•  Why authenticity resonates more than perfection 
•  The importance of photography books and community 
•  Making photography fun again

Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikechudley/
Mike's Website: https://www.mikechudley.com/

Shoutout to James Parsons: https://www.instagram.com/jamesparsons__/

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_papi
Jakob'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 Louise Goldstone, Steve also discusses visual storytelling, revisiting the same places over time, and the universal language of photography.

A thoughtful conversation with one of the world's most influential photographers about craft, creativity and a lifetime spent behind the camera.

Steve's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevemccurryofficial/
Steve's Website: https://www.stevemccurry.com/

Shoutout: https://www.instagram.com/eoloperfido/

Learn more about Leica: https://leica-camera.com

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 community 
•  Creativity, resilience and purpose 
•  Using photography to create positive change

Eva's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewphotos1/
Eva's Website: https://www.ew.photos/

Shoutout: https://www.instagram.com/adameast/

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 finding your own way of seeing.

Alex's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alextrescool/
Alex's Website: https://www.alextrescool.com/

Shoutout: https://www.instagram.com/goldiewilliamsvericain/

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 creates today.

Sara's Website: https://saramessinger.com/
Sara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.messinger/

Sara's Shoutouts:
https://www.instagram.com/oxieavillamonte/
https://www.instagram.com/thechrisperez/
https://www.instagram.com/zxnd.r/
https://www.instagram.com/tamargellis/

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 honest storytelling, emotional connection, and finding confidence in your own perspective.

Myah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myah.jeffers/
Myah's Website: https://www.myahjeffers.com/

Shoutouts:
Tamibé Bourdanné: https://www.instagram.com/tamibebourdanne/
Adiam Yemane: https://www.instagram.com/adiamyemane_/
Mamu Unu: https://www.instagram.com/black_mamuu/

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://www.instagram.com/boycealex/

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/

Jas' Shoutout:
Lex Kim: https://www.instagram.com/lx.kim/
Sabrina Santiago: https://www.instagram.com/_sabrinasantiago/
Nat Segebre: https://www.instagram.com/natsegebre/

Phil Penman joins How I See: The Leica Podcast for a candid conversation about New York, photography, and the path that led him to street work.

He looks back on his early ambition to live in New York, the years he spent in celebrity photography, and the moment he knew he had to change direction. Phil also discusses black-and-white photography, darkroom roots, book-making, and how he built a career around the work he truly wanted to make.

A thoughtful episode about persistence, instinct, and finding creative freedom.

Phil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philpenman/
Phil's Website: https://www.philpenman.com/

Gino Farhan (Shoutout): https://www.instagram.com/farhan_gino_/

Davide de Martis joins How I See, the Leica Podcast to talk about photography, creativity, and finding your own visual voice. He reflects on his early fascination with cameras, his unique way of photographing cars as if they were people, and the influence of Sardinia on the way he sees the world. The conversation explores challenge, instinct, personal style, and the importance of perseverance for young creatives.

Davide's latest campaign with the Leica M EV1: https://leica-camera.com/en-int/blog/photography/davide-de-martis-m-ev1-a-harvest-of-memories

Davide's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defuntis/
Davide's Website: https://www.davidedemartis.com/

In this episode of the Leica Podcast, Gajan Balan joins us for a conversation about photography, storytelling, travel, and building a creative life with purpose. He reflects on the experiences that shaped his journey, the importance of discipline and consistency, and why meaningful connection is at the centre of his work. From documentary projects and global travel to his collaboration with Leica, Gajan shares what drives him as a visual storyteller and why authenticity matters more than chasing recognition.

Gajan's Instagram: @gajanbalan

In this episode, Stefan Daniel reflects on more than four decades at Leica and shares a personal view of the company’s evolution from traditional craftsmanship to modern innovation. From his early days as an apprentice in Wetzlar to helping shape Leica through major technological change, Stefan offers insight into the people, values and decisions behind the brand.

The conversation explores Leica’s heritage, its approach to product development, the transition into the digital era, and the partnerships that helped define key moments along the way. It is a look at how Leica has balanced continuity and reinvention while staying true to its identity.

Welcome to the second episode of How I See, the official Leica podcast, dedicated to the art, passion, and philosophy of photography.

In this episode, photographer and dancer Kylie Shea reflects on her personal and creative journey. She speaks about how her two passions, dance and photography, have evolved over time and explains why she sees them as closely connected forms of expression. Drawing on her experience in both fields, she highlights the parallels she finds between movement, rhythm, body awareness, and visual storytelling. Kylie also shares how her self-portrait project came to life and explains the ideas and motivations behind it.

Welcome to the very first episode of How I See, the official Leica podcast, dedicated to the art, passion, and philosophy of photography.

In this opening episode, street photographer Matt Stuart reflects on his photographic journey and the path that led him to where he is today. He speaks about the influence of skateboarding on his life and work, and how consistency, positivity, and repetition have shaped his distinctive approach to street photography. Alongside personal insights, Matt also shares practical tips and thoughtful advice for anyone interested in photographing life on the streets.