A Life in Documentary Photography - Alixandra Fazzina
24/09/2026 - 24/09/2026
18:30 - 21:00
A Life in Documentary Photography - Alixandra Fazzina
Alixandra Fazzina
A photographer and author, Alixandra Fazzina’s work focuses on under-reported conflicts and the often forgotten humanitarian consequences of war, reframing stories for our time. Alixandra is known for her in-depth investigative reporting and uncanny ability to work in the most difficult social and geographical environments. Often living in countries such as Yemen and Pakistan where she works, Alixandra is recognised for her compassionate and empathetic approach towards the human condition. Studying Fine Art, Alixandra Fazzina (UK/ Ireland) began her career as a war artist in Bosnia. Going on to work as a frontline news photographer for the press, she has since worked independently on in-depth projects throughout, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Alixandra Fazzina’s book “A Million Shillings- Escape from Somalia” (Trolley) was shortlisted for the Prix Pictet, the W Eugene Smith Humanistic Photography Award and for best photography book of the year at the POYI awards. Following its publication, Alixandra was recognised as the winner of the highly prestigious UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award for her striking coverage of the devastating human consequences of war.
Alixandra’s work has been published in books and across international titles and her photographs exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide. In addition to her photography and writing, Alixandra is renowned as an expert on migration, working as researcher, producer and contributor to broadcast media. Teaching documentary photography, she regularly lectures at workshops and at academic institutions, specialising in ethics and journalism and visualising migration.
“Alixandra Fazzina stands out as a fearless humanitarian who achieves something remarkable by unearthing and so vividly portraying individual stories of uprooted people. Her particular talent, her commitment and empathy and her incredible devotion to getting to the bottom of every story makes her an exemplary chronicler of the world’s most vulnerable people.”
António Guterres.
(Leica Client Services Soho)
Greek Street 15
London
W1D 4DP
United Kingdom
Join Leica Akademie London for an evening with acclaimed photographer and author Alixandra Fazzina, as part of the Leica Witness lecture series.
Over the past three decades, Fazzina has built an internationally recognised career documenting conflict, displacement and the human consequences of war. From her early work as a War Artist in Bosnia to years spent covering conflicts as a frontline news photographer, and later producing long-form documentary projects exploring migration and the underreported effects of conflict, her work is defined by patience, empathy and a profound commitment to visual storytelling.
Illustrated with photographs spanning her 30-year career, this deeply personal presentation offers a rare opportunity to hear the stories behind Alixandra's quietly powerful images. Through reflections on her photographic journey, she will explore how documentary photography has evolved over the years, the importance of building trust and understanding with the people she photographs, and what it truly means to be a witness.
The evening will also explore themes including long-term documentary practice, the changing role of photography in today's world, ethics and honesty in storytelling, communicating ideas across multiple platforms, and the challenge of creating work that remains relevant and meaningful.
Following the presentation, Alixandra will be joined for an audience Q&A before the evening concludes with an opportunity to meet the photographer, network with fellow attendees and have copies of her acclaimed monograph A Million Shillings signed.
About Alixandra Fazzina
Alixandra Fazzina is an award-winning British photographer and author whose work has focused on conflict, migration and the human experience for more than thirty years. Beginning her career as a War Artist in Bosnia before working as a frontline news photographer, she has gone on to produce internationally recognised documentary projects exploring displacement, refugees and communities affected by conflict around the world.
Known for her thoughtful, human-centred approach, Fazzina's photographs have been exhibited internationally and published by leading publications and organisations worldwide. Alongside her photographic practice, she is an experienced mentor and educator, supporting the next generation of documentary photographers through workshops, lectures and mentoring programmes.
