Lea Gundermann | Interview
© Lea Gundermann
"If you’re just starting out, I’d say don’t worry too much about others’ opinions at first. Explore freely and figure out what truly excites you."
As we continue to celebrate women photographers worldwide and its wonderful members, 2025 became the year of new opportunities being created. Each month, we will pick and highlight one photographer and (re)introduce her work to you. Lea tells us more about her photography and her inspirations and her creative process.
© Lea Gundermann
ND: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit more about yourself?
LG: Certainly! I’m Léa from France, and I divide my time between Paris and the beautiful Provence region due to my work in tourism. I’ve always had a love for photography and used to carry a camera with me whenever I travelled. As a student, I took a lot of photos—mostly self-portraits and snapshots of everyday life—but when I started my first job, I found myself with little time to continue. Then, at the beginning of last year, I discovered street photography as a discipline, along with the incredible community behind it. It completely captivated me, and I haven’t looked back since!
ND: . What inspires you in your daily photography work? Can you tell us more about your style, and what you wish to capture and share?
LG: My journey has been full of learning curves, and my inspirations are always evolving—so I imagine my answer might be different in a few months! At the moment, I’m drawn to images that extends beyond the frame. I love composing lively scenes with elements that hint at a bigger picture beyond what’s visible. My hope is to spark the viewer’s imagination, allowing them to continue the story in their own minds.
© Lea Gundermann
ND: Could you share some insights into your creative process? Are you more drawn to colour or black and white? And do you see yourself as a ‘hunter’ or a ‘fisherman’?
LG: I have a strong affinity for colour and rarely shoot in black and white. My natural instinct is that of a ‘hunter’, simply because I’m not the most patient person! When I spot an interesting scene, I tend to take a quick shot from afar—just in case the moment vanishes—before moving in closer to explore different angles with three to five more shots.
ND: Was there a particular moment that shaped your photographic journey that you would like to share? If not, any fun memory?
LG: Two key moments shaped my journey so far. First, discovering photography communities—both in Paris and internationally—helped me refine my eye and gain valuable feedback from talented and generous people. That kind of support is priceless. Second, taking my very first workshop in Naples last autumn with Francesca Chiachio and Vineet Vohra was a turning point. Workshops and mentoring can unlock so much hidden potential! Of course, you might discover these things on your own over time, but a great mentor can accelerate the process. That said, it’s important to choose wisely—going in with a personal goal and being prepared to work hard can make all the difference. It can be an intense experience, both physically and mentally, but absolutely worth it.
© Lea Gundermann
© Lea Gundermann
ND: How do you see your photography evolving in the future? Do you have any news, activities or goals you’d like to share?
LG: No concrete plans—just the joy of continuing to take photos and having fun along the way 😊
ND: Are there any photographers you admire, past or present? How do they inspire you?
LG: One of my all-time favourites is Duane Michals, whom I admire for his wit and unique storytelling. I love how he explored narratives beyond a single image, often using photo stories with text to convey deeper meaning.
Among contemporary photographers, my recent crush has been Greg Girard, particularly for his work on Hong Kong and the Walled City (“City of Darkness”) has moved me deeply recently.
I also feel very lucky to have talented friends who inspire me every day — Laura Leijnen, Emilie Vernerey, Stéphanie Arnaud, and Elsa Lebaratoux… just to name a few.
© Lea Gundermann
ND: Any advice for fellow photographers?
LG: That’s a tricky one! If you’re just starting out, I’d say don’t worry too much about others’ opinions at first. Explore freely and figure out what truly excites you. Once you have a sense of your own preferences, then seek advice in a way that aligns with your vision.
When I started, I used a mind-mapping app to collect images that I was instinctively drawn to. Over time, I revisited that collection to understand what I liked about those photos and gradually incorporated similar elements into my own work. It was a great way to develop my (still evolving) style naturally.
© Lea Gundermann
ND: How did you find UPC? How would you describe your experience with the community so far?
LG: I can’t quite remember how I stumbled upon UPC, but I’m so glad I did. It’s a fantastic group of passionate photographers with no big egos—just people who love sharing their work and supporting each other. The friendly atmosphere makes it a real joy to be part of.
© Lea Gundermann