Meet Leah — Touring Photographer
Leah
She/her
Cologne, Germany
How would you describe your photography style in three words?
Authentic Energetic Bold
How did you get into music photography?
I’ve been into photography ever since I was a child but when I moved to Leipzig in 2022 I had a friend who played in a local hardcore band and let me take pictures at one of their shows. I knew in that exact moment that this was what I wanted to do.
What’s your go-to camera and lens, and if you're still building your kit, what's on your wish list?
Definitely my Fuji X-T5 and my Sigma 16mm, I’ve been basically only using that setup this whole time. I am however finally getting a zoom lens soon and would love a good wide angle lens at some point.
What are some moments in your journey that made you feel like you were on the right path?
Being in the same rooms as people I look up to or working with bands I’ve been listening to for 10+ years is always a crazy milestone for me and gives me a feeling of doing something right (even though I still have to actively try and silence the imposter syndrome lol).
What’s one memorable moment you've had while shooting a show?
Tough naming just one but I still remember my first ever festival as a music photographer in 2023, shooting Landmvrks on stage together with Alexis Fontaine (@alx.ftn), while the sun was setting at the perfect angle, turning everyone and everything golden, shit felt like straight out of a movie.
Outside of music photography, what or who influences your creative vision?
I think honestly just mundane random things in everyday life. Also a lot of it just comes from within as well but there’s times I’m able to access it more easy than other times.
What does representation mean to you in the alternative music scene, both on stage and behind the camera?
To me, it means redefining who belongs in this subculture. As a woman, I still catch myself being overly excited when there’s other women in bands or crew because it is so rare, even though it shouldn’t be. We should not be the exception, we should be an actual part of this and seen as such, not just tolerated.
What would you want to see change in music photography in the next five years?
My biggest point is we need more women (especially WOC) in this space and all spaces honestly.
Also hot take: I want people to respect us and our craft more. I feel like a lot of times we get taken advantage of, used to do the absolute most for the least amount of money, cancelled on last minute, not taken seriously etc. I think even people hiring us sometimes still have this underlying thought of viewing us as people doing their little hobby as if this wasn’t our job that we rely on for money, take time off and change schedules for etc.
Give a shoutout to up to three womxn or non-binary photographers whose work deserves more attention
First of all Naomi @likeanao (the reason for this interview, love you girl, give yourself more credit you are amazing), also truly two of my biggest inspirations are Amber @ambatambb and my dear Jess @jessicachrist, my jaw is literally on the floor every time they post. I do know so many amazing women in this industry though, I could go on for ages.
- Naomi’s note: this is a disclaimer, I swear I didn’t make her give me a shoutout!
