Storytelling has always been part of my life — first in front of the camera, now behind it.

I work as a Photographer and Director of Photography across both motion and still. With technical expertise and certifications in camera and drone operating, my focus is grounded, intentional, human-centered imagery. Whether I’m shooting a portrait, shaping a cinematic interview, crafting a scripted scene, or capturing a fast-moving documentary moment, my goal is always the same: to create visuals that feel honest, emotional, and alive.

I’ve been working with MTV/Paramount since 2022 as their portrait photographer for artist campaigns and on-set shoots. My work has been published in WWD, Variety, Billboard, Paper Magazine, and Ebony Magazine, and has also been featured by the official Grammys page as well as on Times Square billboards in New York City.

As a Director of Photography, I’ve worked across news, documentary, and narrative content in the U.S. and Europe. My credits include ZDF, ProSieben, VOX, RTL, and ARTE, with field work on productions such as Germany’s Next Topmodel, Goodbye Deutschland, and Galileo. My approach behind the camera is intuitive and precise, informed by a decade of experience in front of the lens and five years working in production.

In 2021, I founded Origin Film Productions LLC to support film and documentary projects with strong creative direction and global reach. Fluent in German, English, and Spanish, and with dual German-American citizenship, I collaborate internationally and often support productions from concept to delivery with both creative vision and technical expertise.

Let’s create something meaningful.

Lea
Los Angeles · New York and anywhere between
lea@leamende.com