
Episode #23
Emily Garthwaite on Consent, Conflict and the Stories We Don’t See
How does a photographer earn trust in places shaped by conflict, faith and history? In this episode of How I See: The Leica Podcast , Louise Goldstone speaks with photographer Emily Garthwaite about curiosity, walking and the human connections behind her work. Emily recounts how she first began photographing people as a teenager, her journey to Iraq during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, and the thousands of kilometres she walked through the Zagros Mountains. She discusses working with Yazidi communities, documenting faith and memory, and travelling with Sister Macrina through the landscapes of Sinjar. The conversation also explores ethical photography, informed consent, women’s access to private spaces, and why some of the most important photographs are the ones you choose not to take. Emily shares her Leica approach—one camera, one lens—and explains why restriction, patience and returning to the same communities are central to her practice. She also reflects on rejection, teamwork, photojournalism and her move into long-form documentary filmmaking. Emily's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygarthwaite Emily'S Website: https://www.emilygarthwaite.com/






