The latest episode of The Candid Frame features Mike Giannattasio, President of Leica Camera USA.
I’ve interviewed hundreds of photographers over the years, but I don’t often have the opportunity to spend time with someone whose role is to help shape the direction of one of photography’s most iconic brands. What made Mike particularly interesting wasn’t his position, but his perspective on photography itself and the role Leica continues to play within the photographic community.
It’s easy to think of Leica solely in terms of cameras, but what emerged for me was a deeper appreciation for the company’s commitment to culture, history, and community. Mike speaks thoughtfully about the challenges of stewarding a brand with such a rich legacy while remaining relevant to a new generation of photographers.
I was especially interested in Leica’s investment in its gallery system, which has grown into a network of spaces dedicated not to selling cameras, but to celebrating photography. In an era when so much of our engagement with images happens online and often lasts only a few seconds, these galleries provide a place where photographs can be experienced more deliberately and where photographers can connect with one another in meaningful ways.
What I appreciated most about Mike is that he approaches photography not simply as a business, but as something that continues to matter culturally and creatively. Whether you’re a Leica user or not, there is something valuable in hearing from someone who cares deeply about photography and the people who make it.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://www.ibarionex.net/thecandidframe/2026/6/9/the-candid-frame-660-mike-giannattasio-leica-usa
One of the highlights of attending RAW Photo Fest was meeting filmmaker Lee Shulman, who screened his documentary, I Am Martin Parr. In addition to the screening, Lee hosted a special event celebrating the life and work of the photographer, creating one of the festival’s most memorable experiences.
I’ve long admired Martin Parr for his unique ability to find humor, irony, and humanity in the everyday. His photographs have often challenged conventional ideas of what makes a successful image, embracing the awkward, the mundane, and the absurd in ways that are instantly recognizable and unmistakably his own.
What makes I Am Martin Parr so enjoyable is that it doesn’t simply provide a chronology of Parr’s career. Instead, it offers insight into the personality behind the photographs. The film explores his influences, working methods, and the evolution of a body of work that has profoundly influenced contemporary photography. More importantly, it captures the wit and humor that have always been central to both the man and his pictures.
Too often, documentaries about photographers become overly reverential, treating their subjects as larger-than-life figures. This film avoids that trap. It is affectionate without being sentimental and insightful without becoming academic. The result is a portrait of an artist whose curiosity, playfulness, and willingness to see the world differently continue to inspire photographers around the globe.
Whether you’re already familiar with Parr’s work or discovering it for the first time, I Am Martin Parr is well worth seeking out.
This July, I’ll be participating in the KelbyOne Photographing People Conference, an online event dedicated to one of photography’s most rewarding subjects: people.
My presentation will focus on street photography and street portraiture, exploring the similarities and differences between the two approaches. I’ll discuss everything from building stronger compositions in public spaces to techniques for photographing strangers, whether candidly or through direct engagement. More importantly, I’ll share how these approaches can help photographers move beyond simply documenting people and begin creating photographs that communicate something more personal and meaningful.
I’m especially pleased to be part of this event because of my long relationship with KelbyOne. A few years ago, I created a street photography course for the platform that was very well received by its members. It was gratifying to see so many photographers embrace the material and apply it to their own work. That experience made me appreciate even more the role that KelbyOne continues to play in helping photographers develop their skills and confidence.
The conference features an impressive lineup of photographers and educators covering a wide range of approaches to photographing people. Whether your interests lie in portraiture, documentary work, environmental portraits, or candid photography, you’ll find plenty of ideas and inspiration throughout the event.
If you’ve been interested in improving your ability to photograph people—or simply want to spend a few days learning from an outstanding group of instructors—now is a great time to register. Early bird pricing is currently available for a limited time.
Learn more and register here:
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