Leslie Martinez is a photographer drawn to the quiet poetry of the world and the tenderness found in ordinary moments. Raised in New York City and shaped by her travels, she moves through places with patience, allowing life to unfold naturally in front of her lens. From the color and rhythm of the Dominican Republic to the layered streets of Vietnam and India, her images carry a sense of intimacy, as if each frame were a conversation rather than a capture.
Her work lingers on gestures, light, and atmosphere. She is attentive to the way a body leans into space, how shadows soften a face, how a street hums at dusk. Photography, for her, is not only documentation but devotion. It is a way of honoring presence.
Beyond the camera, Leslie builds worlds through music and writing, pairing sound and language with image to extend the emotional life of her photographs. She is also the author of Una Sin Título (One Without Title), a deeply personal literary work that reflects her interior landscape.
As she shares about the book:
“I’m proud to share that I’ve written a book: Una Sin Título (One Without Title). This book is a blend of music, poetry, and journal entries that together tell the honest story of a young woman navigating self-discovery, love, and the human condition. Writing has always been a necessity for me, and the words in these pages are raw, relatable, and tell a story of growth and becoming. I hope you find something meaningful in its pages, just as I did while creating it.” Purchased HERE
Name: Leslie Martinez
IG / Website: unasintitulo / Website
What City/State/Country do you currently reside in? New York City, USA
How do you define yourself as a photographer? Do you identify more with portrait, landscape, street photography, or another style? Why?
As a photographer I aim to capture the essence of the spaces I call home. I shoot in the streets because it's filled with inspiration, it challenges me to look at everyday spaces with a new appreciation to reveal the beauty of the people and my environment.
Can you nominate a Dominican woman photographer who does not reside in the Dominican Republic or someone you believe deserves more recognition for their work? Share their Name / IG
Elissa Salas - IG: Elissa.Salas
What inspired you to become a photographer, and how has your style evolved over time?
I became a photographer by chance. Taking photos became a way to express myself. Although I am shooting in the streets my appreciation, essence and point of view is depicted in what I capture. Over time my style has evolved as I sharpened my attention to detail. My photography will always depict what matters to me: my people, truth, and the beauty found in simple moments.
How do you align your photography style as a member of the diaspora with your Dominican identity?
My Dominican identity is tied to everything I do. Being a first-generation Dominican has allowed me to see the working class people as the reason communities function. I see the beauty of their contribution to society and I see them through a lens of admiration. A lot of my work captures people in their natural environment while mindful of protecting their anonymity.
How do you use photography to tell stories, and what message do you hope to convey through your work?
There's beauty in everything around us, we just have to pay attention.
What advice would you give to the next generation of Dominican women photographers who dream of following this path?
Whatever you do, do it with intensity, vigor, purpose and sincerity.
