Across the country from our other featured photographer, and with many more years experience, Leanne Staples is an urban photographer based in New York City. Black and White Street Photography refers to her as a “modern day master” and I have to agree.
Several times a week she travels into Manhattan to document the life in the landscapes of the city. Like our other guest this month Leanne approaches her shooting in an intuitive manner. She walks the streets with no preconceived notions or plans finding her subjects based upon what she feels in the moment.
Leanne sees herself as an observer and rarely engages with her subjects. Instead, she blends in and becomes part of the scene capturing her images as she goes.
She has a natural sense for composition, which is evident in her work. In fact, Leanne regularly teaches a live interactive workshop on composition online.
Her work is as much about the architecture and urban landscapes of the city as it is about people. Trained in video production, Leanne’s images show a strong influence from artists like Hitchcock, Orson Welles and Carol Reed.
You can hear our interview with Leanne in its entirety in the August 2013 (Issue 3) of Street Photography Magazine.