Gajan Balan: The Mindset Behind Great Storytelling

"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/

Phil Penman: From Celebrity Photography to the Street

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_/