Show Notes
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/
More from 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.