A barefoot man. An active volcano. And a photograph that won in the Sony World Photography Awards 🌋🏆
When Australian photographer Elle Leontiev set out to photograph Philip Yamah, a man whose life and work are closely connected to Mount Yasur on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, she couldn’t have known just how far that image would take her. “The Barefoot Volcanologist” portrait went on to win Open Photographer of the Year at the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards — but there’s quite a story behind getting that shot!
In our conversation, Elle takes us back to her years working in London, when her corporate career offered plenty of opportunities but left her wanting more creatively. Returning to Australia gave her the chance to study photography and begin a new chapter, building a practice shaped by documentary storytelling, cinematic imagery, and a desire to bring attention to stories that deserve to be seen.
We talk about the photograph that changed so much for her, what it felt like to go from standing in Somerset House dreaming of exhibiting at the Sony Awards to actually winning one, and why she believes photographers need to keep making work and sharing unique stories. Elle also opens up about developing her photographic voice, balancing creative ambitions with paid work, and learning to trust the images that speak to other people.
And the adventure doesn’t stop there. Elle tells us about the projects taking her towards Greenland and the Arctic, where she’s exploring questions of identity and the lives of Indigenous communities. Along the way, we make time for maybe dangerous Australian wildlife, the joys of water sparkles, and the funny little details that remind us there’s a person behind every photograph.
So grab yourself a coffee and join us for this conversation with Elle Leontiev ☕📸
📸 See more of Elle Leontiev’s work:
https://www.elleleontiev.com/
***
🎙️ Enjoyed this episode?
Follow, maybe leave us a review, or share it! You know the drill 😉
***
🎧 Got any questions? Email us
Thanks for listening and look out for our next episode! 🚀