Photographer Alixe Lay on using modern smartphones to capture a ‘spirit of place’

Living in 2025, we still refer to the device in our pockets as a “phone,” but its primary use has evolved beyond making calls. For many, smartphones are now seen as mini-computers, while others view them primarily as cameras with additional features. The iPhone has long been a leader in high-end photography, but now faces serious competition from brands like Xiaomi, particularly with their 15 Ultra model co-engineered with Leica.

Xiaomi, a prominent brand in Asia but relatively unknown in the UK, recently hosted an event in London showcasing their latest flagship devices through the creative lens of photographer and Leica Ambassador, Alixe Lay. With a background in psychology, Alixe’s photography style blends cultural heritage with contemporary elements, aiming to capture the essence of a place.

Her work focuses on portraying the emotional truth of her subjects, using a visual language that combines romanticism with documentary storytelling. Drawing on her psychology background, Alixe incorporates aspects of human behavior and cognition into her photography, emphasizing composition and visual elements to evoke emotional responses in viewers.

For her collaboration with Xiaomi, Alixe explored public spaces in London through a series titled “London in Leisure,” capturing authentic moments with the Xiaomi 15’s technical capabilities. While smartphones offer unique advantages for capturing genuine moments discreetly, Alixe notes that there are limitations compared to traditional cameras, particularly in adjusting settings quickly.

Despite the technical challenges, one of Alixe’s biggest hurdles was photographing her home city with fresh eyes, requiring a shift in her observation approach. By consciously directing her attention to familiar surroundings, she aimed to transform ordinary moments into something extraordinary through mindful seeing.