10FPS A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone podcast

October 01, 2025 Episode 162 Leah Millis (Trauma-Informed Photography) Part 1

Inside the World of Photojournalism: Leah Millis on Craft, Conflict, and Career

*Published on 10 Frames Per Second Blog – Your source for photojournalism insights*

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📚 Overview

In the latest episode of **“10 Frames Per Second”**, hosts Joe Giordano and Molly Roberts sit down with **Leah Millis**, a veteran photojournalist who spent over a dozen years covering politics, protests, war, and human‑rights crises for **Reuters** and the **San Francisco Chronicle**. She’s a Pulitzer‑Prize winner, an Emmy‑winning documentary filmmaker, and the 2025 recipient of the **Women Photojournalists of Washington Lena Grant**.

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* Photojournalism podcast

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* Pulitzer Prize Breaking News Photography 2020

* Hong Kong protests photojournalism

* Political photography tips

* Photojournalism safety gear

* How to become a photojournalist

* Photojournalism mentors

* Photojournalism career advice

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Meet Leah Millis – A Quick Bio

**Current Role** – Former staff photographer at **Reuters** (7.5 years)

**Previous Experience** – San Francisco Chronicle, various local papers, Emmy‑winning documentary filmmaker

**Awards** – 2020 **Pulitzer Prize** (Breaking News Photography, Hong Kong protests)

2025 **Women Photojournalists of Washington Lena Grant**

**Specialties** – Politics, international protest movements, war, immigration, climate change, mass shootings, domestic extremism

“I always promised myself I’d return to Haiti and tell its stories. That promise guided my early work and continues to shape my lens today.” – Leah Millis

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How a Childhood Camera Sparked a Career

**Family Influence** – Mom: painter; Dad: engineer.

**First Camera** – A *Nikon FM10* (manual 35 mm film) bought on eBay for ~$200 (a big sum for a kid).

**Early Experiences** – Shooting on a family vacation, then a medical mission trip to Haiti in high school, where she shifted focus from “flowers” to “people.”

**Self‑Taught Path** – No formal photo school; she “carved my own path” and later found a mentor.

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Education, Mentors & the Power of Community Colleges

1. **Metropolitan State College of Denver (Metro)** – Affordable commuter school with a strong adjunct faculty pipeline from local newspapers.

2. **Key Mentor: Judy Walgren** – Picture editor & photographer who taught a tiny class of six; brought industry pros like **Preston Gannaway** and **Todd Heisler** into the classroom.

3. **Mentor Impact**

– Encouraged Leah to “you can do this.”

– Provided real‑world critiques and networking opportunities.

– Later became a colleague; Leah even assisted her on projects.

**Takeaway:** – A dedicated mentor can fast‑track your career, even in a small program.

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From Local Newspapers to Reuters: The Career Leap

Aspect – Local Newspaper (San Francisco Chronicle) – Reuters

**Work Rhythm** 3–4 assignments per day, constant night editing; burnout common. – More structured beats; high‑stakes assignments (e.g., White House).

**Technology** Early use of remotes and basic gear. – Advanced “sending from camera,” remote triggers, and global distribution.

**Press Environment** Two daily deadlines (morning & evening). – 24/7 news cycle; “lid” system for White House access.

**Stability** Uncertain; staff cuts frequent. – Most stable employer Leah experienced; “20‑year celebration cake” anecdote.

“difference between newspaper and wire service photojournalism” – helpful for readers comparing career paths.

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The Realities of Covering Politics in D.C.

**Physical Demands** – Marble floors, standing for hours, orthopedic shoes essential.

**Access Restrictions** – Security decides where you can stand; limited sitting areas.

**Learning Curve** – Takes ~3 years to feel comfortable navigating the Capitol complex, tunnel system, and staff routes.

**Psychological Pressure** – Mistakes are highly visible; work often “public trial by fire.”

**Quick tip:** *Invest in comfortable shoes and plan micro‑breaks to prevent joint issues.*

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Safety on the Frontlines: Hong Kong, Berkeley & Beyond

| Situation | Gear Used | New Skills Learned |

|———–|———-|——————–|

| **Hong Kong 2019 protests** | Reuters‑issued gas mask (first time wearing one) | Managing tear‑gas exposure, understanding protest organization |

| **Berkeley “Milo Yiannopoulos” clash** | Expired bullet‑proof vest (first combat gear) | Crowd‑control dynamics, rapid decision‑making |

| **General conflict training** | Live‑fire military exercise in college | Handling mortars, situational awareness |

– **Protest Tactics Observed** – Umbrella coordination, mask usage, “air‑drops” of protest songs, brick barriers to slow police vehicles.

– **Safety Culture at Reuters** – Better maintenance of gear, expiration checks, ongoing safety briefings.

“photojournalist safety gear checklist” – valuable for readers seeking practical tips.

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Key Takeaways for Aspiring Photojournalists

– **Start with What You Have** – An analog camera can teach fundamentals; you don’t need the latest gear to begin.

– **Find a Mentor Early** – Even a short‑term class can connect you with industry leaders.

– **Be Ready for Physical & Mental Strain** – Long hours, standing on hard floors, and public scrutiny are part of the job.

– **Prioritize Safety** – Invest in up‑to‑date protective equipment and undergo conflict‑zone training.

– **Adaptability Wins** – Transitioning from newspapers to wire services requires learning new tech and workflow.

– **Network Across Media Types** – Working in print, broadcast, and digital expands opportunities.

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Resources & Further Reading

**10 Frames Per Second Podcast** – Full episode with Leah Millis (listen here or your favorite platform).

**Pulitzer Prize 2020 – Breaking News Photography** – Review the winning Hong Kong protest photo series.

**Women Photojournalists of Washington – Lena Grant** – Learn about the grant and its impact.

**Judy Walgren’s Book** – *Critical Photojournalism* – Insight into picture editing and mentorship.

**Safety Guides** – International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) “Safety Guide for Journalists.”

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Join the Conversation

If you’re a budding photojournalist, newsroom veteran, or simply fascinated by visual storytelling, **subscribe** to the 10 Frames Per Second podcast for fresh insights every Tuesday.

💬 **Comment below** with your biggest photography challenge or a story you’d love to see covered.

🔗 **Share** this post on social media with the hashtag **#PhotojournalismInsights, #10FPSPodcast** to help more creators find practical advice straight from the field.

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*Optimized for search engines, this post blends detailed interview excerpts with actionable advice, ensuring readers and Google alike find the content valuable and relevant.*

photojournalism, Reuters, Hong Kong protests 2019, Pulitzer Prize, White House, D.C. politics, Capitol Hill, Washington DC, mass shootings, climate change, immigration, domestic extremism, war coverage, international protest movements, the San Francisco Chronicle, Thomson Reuters, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Judy Walgren, Rocky Mountain News, gear safety (gas masks, bullet‑proof vests), tear‑gas, protest umbrellas, Jan 6 Capitol riot, police crowd control, marble flooring hazards, orthopedic shoes, freelance vs staff work, newsroom layoffs, digital vs analog photography, Nikon FM10 manual camera.

The post Episode 162 Leah Millis (Trauma-Informed Photography) Part 1 first appeared on 10FPS A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

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