Yann Lenzen (b. 1995) is a traveler and documentary photographer from France undertaking long-term projects on social, environmental and political issues.
He has lived in France, Germany, the UK and Canada, and has traveled extensively while avoiding flights, motivated by ecological reasons and an adventurous soul. He hitchhiked from France to China, travelled by land and sea from France to Senegal and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.
Yann’s academic background ranges from English and German literature and history (BA) to Political Science (MA). He took the second degree to deepen his understanding of climate change, migration dynamics and human rights. His Master’s thesis tackles the history of humanitarian photography in Africa.
His photographic approach is one of ethnographic participant observation. He tries to delve into communities and develop a relationship of mutual trust as a prerequisite to produce both intimate and compelling imagery. His work has been published, exhibited and awarded internationally.
He is currently developping a long-term project about the impact of industrial, mining and energy companies for Indigenous communities in the Americas.
