Gajan Balan: The Mindset Behind Great Storytelling

"Everything I Do Is Personal" – Sara Messinger

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/

"Authenticity always wins" - Myah Asha Jeffers

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/

How Mark Mann Photographs Icons

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/

Philipp Reinhard: Olympic Photography & Visual Storytelling

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/

Jas Leon on Film, Memory & Capturing Time

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/