Black and White photo Of Henry Jay Kamara with the SL3-S.

Make Your Moment Boundless

Henry “Jay” Kamara with the Leica SL3-S.

23/12/2025

British-born Sierra Leonean artist Henry “Jay” Kamara explores the rugged, snow-covered landscapes of the Peak District and Llanberis, North Wales with his Leica SL3-S, driven by a deliberate curiosity and a dedication to experimentation.

“Curiosity is the light I follow. I’m not someone who plans every detail; I like leaving space for the unexpected, for the magic that happens when you trust where the moment wants to go.”

Black and white image of Henry Jay Kamara with SL3-S

Most of my influence comes from everyday life: real conversations, the people around me, the communities I’m part of. My work is also deeply tied to my own internal healing. Exploring identity, meaning, and purpose through the camera. Community, in all the ways it supports, challenges, and evolves us, is what continually sharpens my eye.

Jay's Kit

“I primarily use the 24-90 mm, which gives me the versatility I need across documentary, portrait, and commercial work. I’ll occasionally pair it with an on-camera flash when the story or setting calls for it.”

Henry "Jay" Kamara

"The Leica SL3-S feels like the perfect all-rounder for someone like me who moves between styles and mediums (sometimes even within the same assignment). Its ability to switch seamlessly between photo and video was essential during recent documentary work in Burundi, where I created a photo series and a short advocacy film using the same kit.

I’ve also relied on it for portraiture, producing rich black-and-white images using both natural light and flash for clients like Ferrari and Adidas. It adapts to whatever the story asks of me.

My style often shifts with whatever new passion or interest I’m exploring. Climbing for example, which recently took me all the way to Tanzania to document children bouldering in their hometown. This led to a spontaneous short film that was used to fundraise for their local orphanage and featured in film festivals world-wide picking up five awards including ‘Best Short Film’.

Curiosity is the light I follow. I’m not someone who plans every detail; I like leaving space for the unexpected, for the magic that happens when you trust where the moment wants to go."

Jay's Favourite Features on the Leica SL3-S

Black and White photo Of Henry Jay Kamara with the SL3-S.

“The Leica SL3-S has allowed me to express my vision in both still and moving image with ease. Capturing subtle movement, nuance, and emotion has transpired the way I work. It has added sound and life to my practice. The SL3-S lets me feel prepared for anything: a portrait, a moment in history, or a polished commercial frame.

It’s become a vehicle for change in my work, helping me show the emotion behind every moment I witness.”

Black and White photo Of Henry Jay Kamara with the SL3-S.

About Jay

Henry “Jay” Kamara is a British-born visual artist of Sierra Leonean heritage. After immigrating to London with his family from Sierra Leone, he developed a strong ability to adapt to new and challenging environments. A multi-award-winning artist, Jay pairs his craft with a background in English and Creative Writing, shaping his belief that every image holds a story worth telling. Driven by a passion for documenting significant moments and influential figures, he has created compelling photographic and video work for renowned personalities such as Lewis Hamilton, Ian Wright, Stormzy, and Marcus Rashford.

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All images are copyright Henry "Jay" Kamara and Reiss Allen.