Come check out our new Leica Store Miami Customer Gallery exhibit by Ashley Sebok. Ashley has been studying photography since high school. A lover of analog photography, she jumped into the digital world with a Leica Q. Since then her Leica is always at her side. The official gallery reception and opening for Ashley's collection of work "Wonder Where All The Time Went" will be Saturday April 23rd, 2016 from 6pm - 7pm.
We sat down with Ashley and asked her a few questions about her work and how the Leica Q has impacted her photography.
Q: How do you like working with the Leica Q?
A: I really enjoy working with the Q. I was so used to shooting analog and wanted to make the transition to digital, but felt intimidated by the digital world and all the ever-evolving techniques and skills it requires. Purchasing a Leica has made that transition smooth and not as painful as I thought it would be, even the body of the camera weighs and feels the same of that of my old film SLRs. I am still getting to know the camera, but so far I’m extremely happy with the quality and excited to learn more.
Q: Do you generally prefer to photograph landscapes or people? Why?
A: I enjoy photographing people the most. I like walking around a neighborhood and deciding how to approach a subject. Sometimes I start a conversation and based on that interaction I’ll ask them if I can take their photo. If they agree, we talk some more, maybe walk around, then find a good set up. When people get comfortable they begin to ask me if they can pose like this or that and then it becomes a kind of collaboration. Like the woman sitting on the abandoned church pews, she explained, “I wasn’t always this way, I used to work at Burdines on commission and get paid the big bucks”! So I guess that’s why I do it, because it’s a way to work with other people and I’m also genuinely intrigued by the stories of others. And hopefully that resonates in the photo.
Q: Do you have a favorite focal length for your photography?
A: 50mm, but most recently 28mm because of the Q!
Q: What (or who) inspires you most in photography?
A: Photography’s ability to literally freeze a real-time moment at that instant. Moments are ever freezing in the mind. When I watch a film for example, it is hard for me to keep up with the moving images because I’m always lagging behind. I see and get into images slowly and while film doesn’t, still photography allows me the space to develop the unfolding narrative at my own pace.
Q: Leica has a special place in the world of photography. What does your Leica mean to you?
A: Quality. I remember taking my first photo class at Miami-Dade College in high school and I was trying to figure which camera to buy/ what brand to stick by (till the death) (it almost feels like it’s that big of a commitment… apparently you’re either a Nikon or Canon person). Leica always seemed so unattainable and honestly a bit intimidating. But I saved up and finally was able to buy one. So when I look at my Q, in all it’s glory and sleekness, I want to protect it but also take advantage of it as much as I can… because it took me so long to get my hands on one.
Q: What do you plan to photograph next? Do you have any upcoming trips or photo adventures?
A: I’m adventuring up to Orange City for my birthday to visit the Florida Blue Springs. I’m sure there will be plenty of photo opportunities. But besides that, right now I bring my camera with me everywhere. I really want to get to know the Q as much as possible, so that at any instant I can get it to do exactly what I want it to and those moments aren’t lost due to unpreparedness.
Show us your best Leica images! We are now accepting submissions for the Leica Store Miami Customer Gallery. The gallery consists of eleven 8x12 inch prints in 20x24 inch frames. Our current show is by Ashley Sebok and consists of images taken with the Leica Q. The images in the customer gallery are swapped out bi-monthly so there are plenty of opportunities to have your work featured at Leica Store Miami!
How It Works
Submit a sampling of 5 images to Luis@leicastoremiami.com. Send images at 1000px wide.
If we choose your work for our customer gallery, we will contact you and ask for more images.
Submit a final of 15 high quality jpeg files, from which we will choose nine to hang in the gallery.
Guidelines
Images must be shot by you with a Leica camera.
Final image sizes must be 8x12 inches (horizontal or vertical) at 300 DPI.
Leica Store Miami will handle the printing.
We look forward to seeing some great customer work in our gallery!
For more information regarding submissions call (305) 921-4433 or email info@leicastoremiami.com
In order to provide our Leica Lounge lecture series to a larger community, we will be uploading monthly videos of these events onto our Youtube page. Check out our first installment below!
Louis Jay refers to his photographic work as urban landscapes. It is the intersection of people, places and light that interests him. Working in both black & white and color, Louis brings his unique point of view to these subjects. When he explores the streets of anyplace, he is interested in the faces, buildings, and the architectural details together with the history of the place. Louis’s work shifts from environmental portraits to city landscapes and often defy any easy categorization.
Check out the latest Leica Q article on Red Dot Forum. Follow Leica specialist Kirsten Vignes's journey through Europe and read about how the Q is a perfect travel companion:
Growing up in London, Matt Stuart spent most of his childhood rolling along the streets on his skateboard. Twenty years later, he walks these same streets, and instead of hearing the hum of skateboard wheels, he hears the click of the shutter being fired from his Leica rangefinder camera.
When Matt Stuart was in his twenties his father gave him two books, one by Henri Cartier-Bresson and the other by Robert Frank. It was then that he became enamored of the world of street photography and discovered other artists who were doing the same. Today, when he isn’t at home with his family, he is either working as a commercial advertising photographer or pursuing his passion for documenting life on the streets.
Matt Stuart’s style of documentary is whimsical and full of color. Where most photographers are content to capture a single subject, Matt finds a way to juxtapose multiple objects and people in a way that highlights what is humorous about the everyday. His photos have a way of making you chuckle or smile. I am not sure which came first, being nosey or an interest in ‘street photography’, but a fascination with people and the way they live their lives is why I enjoy the business so much.
Matt's feature in the New York Times Lens Blog is worth a read. Below you'll find a video of Matt discussing his work.
When Leica photographer Oliver Preuss isn't at home in Guatemala, he's traveling the world with his beloved Leica M9 rangefinder. Oliver's love for photography started at an early age, as his father always had cameras in the house. Oliver was an early adapter of digital photography, however, shooting with the Leica M9 has allowed him to rediscover manual photography and the art of the optical rangefinder.
Oliver's Leica M-System images will be featured in our customer gallery at Leica Store Miami through September 14th. Make sure to stop by and see these beautiful prints!
Q: How do you like working with the Leica M9?
A: I loved working with the M9. It was a step back to the basics of photography that I believe I really needed and wanted. Before purchasing the M9 I hadn't manually focused a camera in a long time…I had fallen into the automated world of the DSLR's. Shooting my M9 was a truly liberating experience, and a step back into the film realm, but with the advantages of digital. I loved the fact that I had to think about a shot before taking it. I started to take less shots and putting a bit more thought into each one…a bit like in the film days. It did wonders for my enjoyment of the art of photography. Last year I moved on to the Leica M (Typ 240), which I believe is a magnificent machine and the ultimate marriage of Rangefinder and Digital technology.
Q: Do you generally prefer to photograph landscapes or people? Why?
A: I love taking landscape photography. We all have had those moments when we look at a landscape or a sunset and feel our heart skip a beat…where one is in awe of nature and its beauty. To be able to capture the essence of that moment and be able to share and re-live that instant in time is an awesome feeling.
Q: Which M-System lens or lenses do you use the most? Do you have a favorite focal length for your photography?
A: My preferred lens selection has evolved over time. As my love for landscapes grew, so did my love for wide angle lenses. The workshop with Leica Store Miami in the Everglades in 2012 gave me the opportunity to try out the 21mm Super-Elmar-M…it was love at first sight. The 21mm Super-Elmar-M and my 28mm Summicron-M are always in my bag.
Q: Do you place more of an emphasis on the technical or the creative aspects of your work?
A: I believe I am more of a creative guy. The basic enjoyment of capturing a moment in time is what makes me love photography.
Q: What (or who) inspires you most in photography?
A: There are so many good and fantastic photographers out there, that it is increasingly difficult to stand out. Two types of photographers inspire me the most… those that use their photography to create awareness for a cause, and manage to do so artistically, and those that go to the ends of the world to capture that landscape that makes us want to have been there.
Q: Do you prefer color or black & white images? Why?
A: Most of the time I prefer color…simply because it is the way we look at the world. Black and white photography, however, has a beauty of its own, and can be very powerful. So I guess sometimes it just depends on the mood I’m in.
Q: What is your favorite place that you have ever photographed? Is it somewhere familiar or exotic?
A: Most of my photography happens when I am on vacation… so a lot of it involves the ocean and the beach. Because I like landscapes, the more exotic, the better. It is hard to choose a favorite place however, as every place has its magic. If I had to choose a photographic experience as a whole, I would choose the everglades workshop with Leica Store Miami and Paul Marcellini. Paul had already chosen fantastic and beautiful landscape, so it was pure enjoyment for 4 days straight. Being part of a group that likes the activity as much as one does naturally adds to the experience as one shares anecdotes, images, and photographic talents.
Q: Leica has a special place in the world of photography. What does your Leica mean to you?
A: Aside from the historical weight of the Leica name, Leica is true photography to me. No other photographic instrument will let you experience this art form as Leica does. From the moment you take that rangefinder into your hands, to the moment you focus those lenses and see what you can do with them… you will be hooked.
Q: What do you plan to photograph next? Do you have any upcoming trips or photo adventures?
A: In late September I plan to visit the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua Mexico. I can hardly wait.
Gallery Exhibit at Leica Store Miami from July 2nd - August 27th
Once upon a time in Siberia, on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, in a warm bed in a small town, a little girl woke up from a dream. It was morning, but it was still dark out, for the little town was so far North that the sun would not show itself for many months. They called this the Polar Night.
The little girl rubbed the sleep from her eyes and dressed in the dark. She put on her pink jacket and red stocking cap and stepped outside. Her breath froze and she walked in the direction of school. All around her were endless fields of frozen tundra. But the fields were not white like you might think, for up above the Aurora Borealis lit up the sky. It looked like a big green breath frozen in the heavens and all around the little girl were beautiful colors. The snow was painted green. And on some mornings—if she was lucky—she’d even see bits of blue, yellow and pink on her walk to school.
She loved these colors very much. Walking through them made her imagination come alive. She liked to think of the fields as blank canvases for Mother Nature to paint upon. And what did that make her? Was she part of the painting too, in her pink jacket and red hat?
She smiled and her mind began dreaming of the days when the Polar Night would come to an end, when the first sun would light up the snowy mountains, making it look like blueberry ice cream. And then the summer would come, the snow would melt and the tundra would transform into planet Mars with it’s golden color seeming to stretch out forever in every direction.
She stored all these colors in her heart, and walked beneath the Aurora Borealis in this little town way up North.
The town was called Tiksi…
About Evgenia:
Evgenia Arbugaeva was born in 1985 in town of Tiksi located in the Russian Arctic.
In 2009 she graduated from International Center of Photography in New York and since then works as a freelance photographer.
Evgenia has been a winner of various international competitions; was awarded Leica Oskar Barnack Award and was a recipient of Magnum Foundation Emergency Fund Grant. In 2013 she was selected as PDN 30 new and emerging photographers to watch. Her work has been exhibited internationally and appeared in such publications as National Geographic and Le Monde magazine among others.
For print sales, please contact Leica Store Miami: info@leicastoremiami.com or 305-921-4433
Our new customer gallery is up! Our featured artist of June and July is Zurich-based photographer Dirk Raffel. Using the M9-P, Dirk creates surreal nightscapes. While we see a lot of great street photography shot with the M-System, it's not too often that we see a body of nightscapes such as Dirk's.
Q: How do you like using the Leica M9-P?
A: I like the Leica M9-P a lot, it is a great camera. I like the way how you have to understand the camera, how to take pictures, how to handle the camera and how you have to do some manual work. And it is also a very stylish camera.
Q: Would you say that the Leica M system allows you to travel light, without compromising on image quality?
A: Currently I travel with the Leica M9-P, the Leica M Monochrom, three or four lenses, the SF 58, tripod and some small stuff as well. I guess all in all my ONA backpack weights more than 10 kg. So, I wouldn't call that "travel light". I didn't choose the Leica camera because it is lighter than other cameras, I choose the Leica because of it's quality.
Q: What aspect of the night cityscape interests you most?
A: The colors and the lights. The colors are much stronger and much intensive at night.
Q: How do you go about selecting scenes to photograph - what draws you to a specific scene?
A: I try to do some research in advance about nice spots.
Q: Do you feel that the Leica M system allows you the creative freedom as well as the technical performance to help bring to life the images you envision?
A: Absolutely! Especially the technical performance is hard to beat by any other camera. In my opinion it is one of the best cameras for night photography.
Q: You have a very consistent color palette for these images. What is your post-processing workflow like? How do you obtain this look?
A: I always shoot in DNG format and then I use Adobe Lightroom to develop the pictures. I like to give them a light HDR look.
Q: What inspires you most in photography?
A: I started with photography as a balance to my analytical job. Now I see the world with different eyes. Things that I haven't noticed before look beautiful now and I'm thinking about how I can capture them with my camera.
Q: What are currently working on? Are you continuing your night scene series or are you working on other projects?
A: Currently I'm working a lot with the Leica M Monochrom and I try to get some experience in black and white photography.
You can see more of Dirk's work on his Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dirkr1977/
Make sure to stop by Leica Store Miami and see Dirk's prints in our customer gallery.
Our new customer gallery features Maria García, a local photographer who captures Miami in bold contrast and deep colors using her Leica D-Lux 6. Maria has been part of the Leica Store Miami community from the beginning, and we've watched as her photography has developed into a dramatic and distinctive style.
Join us on Saturday, May 10th for an opening reception for Maria's work. The reception will be held from 4-6 PM. RSVP by emailing info@leicastoremiami.com or calling (305) 921-4433.
We had a chance to pick Maria's brain a little bit concerning her photographic process.
Q: When did you first become interested in photography as a mode of expression?
A: Since I was a kid, I always was interested and fascinated with the possibility of being an active player in capturing a moment in time with a "small box and film." In the early 80's, I had the opportunity to learn how to work in a dark room to develop B&W film and print. I will never forget the process of seeing the picture slowly appearing on the photo paper still submerged on a tray and realizing that was exactly what I was trying to express.
Q: How would you describe your photography?
A: Mostly spontaneous, without much planning, trying to capture the unusual in the everyday environment. My interests vary, some days I look for subjects in nature, other days for subjects around the city, but not necessary fitting the "street photography" concept.
Q: You use a lot of shadows, silhouettes and bright colors in your photography, is that something that you specifically look for when photographing?
A: Not intentionally in the past. After I attended two workshops hosted by Leica Store Miami, one with Alex Beker, and the other with Chip Litherland, a new "window" opened that allowed me to deliberately look for the light, the colors, the shadows, the silhouettes, the details, and the composition... Since then, I focus on those aspects and sometimes I can incorporate, successfully, several in one photo.
Q: In a few of your images you have silhouettes of people passing by – do you find a scene that you like and wait for the right person to pass by or do you capture the moment as you come across it?
A: Usually, I find a scene I like and try to see how the additional elements (people, birds, wind, clouds, cars, etc) alter and/or add something to the space making it more interesting.
Q: What initially sparked your interest about the Leica D-Lux 6?
A: I had the opportunity to try it during Alex's workshop. After that experience, it became my favorite camera.
Q: How does shooting with the D-Lux 6 complement your shooting style?
A: Perfect size, weight, and even though it is a "compact" camera, it has many features that makes it versatile and unique for my shooting style. All I need in one!
Q: Are you working on any new projects or series now?
A: Yes, working on a close-up series of ordinary objects capturing un-ordinary point of view. Wish me luck!
We're excited to have Hans Van Leeuwen's as our next customer gallery artist. Hans is originally from the Netherlands, however, he currently lives in Curacao, an island in the southern Caribbean Sea a few miles from Miami. With his Monochrom and 35mm Summilux in hand, Hans documents island life in beautiful black and white images.
Q: What was your first Leica?
A: My first Leica was an M6, about 15 years ago.
Q: How do you like using the Leica M Monochrom?
A: It is a fantastic camera. Using black and white only - not even able to shoot color should I want to - keeps you focused on the end result in black and white. This creates a different look with more attention for compositions, patterns, structures etc.
Q: Some photographers are lifelong users of a particular focal length, such as the 28mm, 35mm, or 50mm. You photographed this project entirely with the 35mm Summilux-M, is that how you “see” the world as you photograph it?
A: For street photography I hardly use other lenses than the 35mm. When travelling for work, I just take the 35mm along. The 35mm has the most natural angle. When photographing at events, I may use other lenses, like 24mm or 50mm depending on the circumstance and the desired result.
Q: How is it to live and photograph in Curacao, instead of being a tourist on vacation there? Do you get to know the locals better and become more a part of the place you are photographing?
A: Curacao is not an open air museum, like Cuba or India - it takes time to make good pictures. I do often return without any picture at all. You will need time as well to communicate with the people from Curacao.
Q: How did you go about selecting subject matter to photograph and what draws you to a specific scene? What grabs your attention as you walk around?
A: I am selecting random themes on Curacao for this project. Themes are important to create the interactions between the pictures. The themes are street life and the use of light in Otrabanda, the old part of Willemstad, listed as Unesco world heritage site. Leisure and weekend life at Boka Sint Michiel, a local beach and fisherman’s village. Finally, Base Ball in Curacao. Baseball is the national sport, each year a few Curacao youngsters earn lucrative contracts in the US. Other non-selected themes are Pasofino (horse) tournaments and the Curacao carnival.
Q: Do you find that the Leica M system allows you to travel light, without compromising on image quality?
A: The M camera is light in size, but not in weight. It does allow you to communicate more easily with the people you would like photograph. It feels more polite to use an M camera than offending people with a large DSLR with huge lens and even larger hood.
Q: Is your approach to photography more technical or artistic?
A: I would say more artistic, but nevertheless, in order to get the best result, it does require proper use of equipment, including processing in Lightroom and Silver Efex. The files of a Monochrom are extremely detailed, especially in the blacks, but just out of camera they look disappointingly grey. Using a Monochrom forces you to spend time on post processing.
Q: What inspires you most in photography?
A: Photography is different every day. Even when the subjects are not very original, each picture may be extra ordinary. But the condition for me is that the pictures are great on its own. A fantastic story is not enough for an inspiring series. Best series have both.
Q: Why did you prefer black and white for these images? Is that your usual preference or was it specific to the photographs in this series?
A: Since using the m6, 95% was black and white. At the time digital photography was introduced, the quality of black and white was not good enough. Processing and printing is great now, so I am definitely back at black and white.
Q: What is your newest project? What are you working on right now?
A: The Curacao project will continue for a couple of years. At the end it should result in a larger exposition somewhere. In the meantime, I have to combine photography with work and will make time to enjoy photography, for instance by a visit to Cuba later this year. Not very originally, but it does provide photography fun.
Hans' images will be up in the Leica Store Miami starting next Monday, March 17th. Make sure to stop by and see this beautiful Monochrom work!
Upcoming later this year, other winners of the customer gallery submissions will include: Maria García, Dirk Raffel, Oliver Preuss and Scott Morvay. Thanks to everybody who submitted and congrats to the winners!
Leica Store Miami is honored to exhibit Leica, My First Camera, a retrospective collection of images by acclaimed photographer and humanitarian Mary Ellen Mark. The show will be on display at Leica Store Miami from mid-March through mid-June. On Friday, March 28th Mary Ellen will be at Leica Store Miami presenting on long photographic career and signing books. Followed by the presentation, Mary Ellen will be hosting an intimate two-day weekend workshop for a select number of participants. Follow the links below to find out more about both the gallery reception and workshop:
Mary Ellen Mark has achieved worldwide visibility through her numerous books, exhibitions and editorial magazine work. She has published photo-essays and portraits in such publications as LIFE, New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair.
For over four decades, she has traveled extensively to make pictures that reflect a high degree of humanism. Today, she is recognized as one of our most respected and influential photographers. Her images of our world's diverse cultures have become landmarks in the field of documentary photography. Her portrayals of Mother Teresa, Indian circuses, and brothels in Bombay were the product of many years of work in India. A photo essay on runaway children in Seattle became the basis of the academy award nominated film Streetwise, directed and photographed by her husband, Martin Bell.
Mary Ellen Mark has published eighteen books including:
Passport (Lustrum Press, 1974)
Ward 81 (Simon & Schuster, 1979)
Falkland Road (Knopf, 1981)
Mother Teresa's Mission of Charity in Calcutta (Friends of Photography, 1985)
The Photo Essay: Photographers at Work (A Smithsonian series)
Streetwise (second printing, Aperture, 1992)
Mary Ellen Mark: 25 Years (Bulfinch, 1991)
Indian Circus (Chronicle, 1993 and Takarajimasha Inc., 1993)
Portraits (Motta Fotografica, 1995 and Smithsonian, 1997)
A Cry for Help (Simon & Schuster, 1996)
Mary Ellen Mark: American Odyssey (Aperture, 1999)
Mary Ellen Mark 55 (Phaidon, 2001)
Photo Poche: Mary Ellen Mark (Nathan, 2002)
Twins (Aperture, 2003)
Exposure (Phaidon, 2005)
Extraordinary Child (The National Museum of Iceland, 2007)
Seen Behind the Scene (Phaidon, 2009)
Prom (Getty, 2012)
Mary Ellen Mark's has received countless awards and recognitions throughout her career including:
Cornell Capa Award (International Center of Photography)
Infinity Award for Journalism
Erna & Victor Hasselblad Foundation Grant
Walter Annenberg Grant for her book and exhibition project on America
John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship
Matrix Award for outstanding woman in the field of film/photography
Dr. Erich Salomon Award for outstanding merits in the field of journalistic photography
Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degrees from her Alma Mater, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of the Arts
Three Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts
Photographer of the Year Award from the Friends of Photography
World Press Award for Outstanding Body of Work Throughout the Years
Victor Hasselblad Cover Award
Robert F. Kennedy Awards
Creative Arts Award Citation for Photography at Brandeis University
In early March we can expect to see a few new products from Arte di Mano including the Aventiono Half Case with built-in hand grip, the Comodo leather neck strap and the EVF pouch.
Aventino Half Case - $490
Gone are the days of choosing between a hand grip or a half case. Now you can have both! The Aventino half case features a built-in front side hand grip. Unlike most half cases with built-in grips, the Aventino half case is both comfortable an sleek. It adds the perfect amount of grip without adding too much bulk to the camera. The Aventino half case will be available for both the M (Typ 240) and the M8/M9/M-E/Monochrom cameras and will be available in Minerva Black leather with white or black stitching and in Rally Volpe brown leather.
Comodo Neck Strap - $103
"Comodo" means comfortable in Italian, and the new Comodo strap is just what its names suggests - comfortable! This strap is similar to the Classic Neck Strap in size and feel. However, in lieu of a adjustable shoulder pad is a reinforced shoulder section. Without the shoulder pad, the neck strap becomes much more flexible and compact. This is a perfect strap for anyone who likes to wrap their neck strap around their wrist while shooting! The Comodo neck strap will be available in Minerva Black with white or black stitching, Rally Volpe (brown) and Rally Bordo (Red).
EVF2 Leather Pouch - $120
The new EVF leather pouch is a perfect solution for storing your electronic viewfinder while you aren't using. This case is designed for the Leica EVF2 for the M (Typ 240) and the X2.
Extra Long Classic Neck Strap - $123
Finally, we are happy to announce that, due to popular demand, the Classic Neck Strap will be available in an extra long length. Traditionally the Classic Neck Strap measures 37 inches. The extra long classic neck strap will measure 47 inches.
Arte di Mano has earned a lot of attention this past year for their beautifully handmade leather products for the Leica M System. These new products are sure to live up to their reputation and will be quite popular. Quantities will be limited as everything is handmade in Korea by leather craftsmen, so reserve yours today. To preorder, call (305) 921-4433 or email info@leicastoremiami.com.
Allendale, NJ (January 21, 2014) – The year 1914 marked the birth of 35 mm photography as we know it today. 100 years ago, Oskar Barnack created the very first Leica, the Leitz Camera. Now, in 2014, Leica Camera celebrates their centennial year with spectacular events, exhibitions and ground breaking products.
Oskar Barnack, an employee of the Leitz Werke Wetzlar and a photography pioneer, invented and constructed the first camera for the 35 mm film format (24 × 36 mm) in 1914. The construction of this so-called “Ur-Leica”—according to Barnack’s philosophy of ‘small negative – big picture’—revolutionised photography by giving photographers greater ease in creative vision and scope, as they previously had to rely primarily on cumbersome plate cameras for their work. Company archives dating from March 1914 show that Barnack originally gave his compact and highly portable prototype camera the name ‘Lilliput’. The original is still in the possession of Leica Camera AG, together with the negatives and prints of the first exposures captured with the Ur-Leica – which include pictures from a 1914 summer trip Ernst Leitz I took to the United States.
1925 brought another landmark year for Leica as the end of World War I’s chaos enabled the brand to establish itself as the beginning of a living photographic legend. Leica began to conquer and dominate the world of photography with a multitude of iconic pictures that have profoundly influenced our understanding of the world. Examples of these include Robert Capa’s ‘Falling Soldier’ from the Spanish Civil War, the famous portrait of Cuban revolutionary leader Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara by Alberto Korda, the naked and burning young girl Kim Phúc, photographed by Pulitzer Prize winner Nick Út during the Vietnam War, and the photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt which captured the celebrations on VJ day in New York’s Times Square in 1945.
Dr Andreas Kaufmann, chairman of the Supervisory Board and majority shareholder at Leica Camera AG, summarised the history of the company as follows: ‘No other brand has so crucially shaped and influenced the past 100 years of photography like Leica has – by continuing to provide photographers with the best tools and superb lenses to match them. For this reason, it is only logical that we will be celebrating our centennial with numerous renowned photographers from around the globe and shining a spotlight on their work.’
Alfred Schopf, chairman of the Executive Board at Leica Camera AG, also announced a range of product highlights that will accompany the celebrations of Leica in the centennial year. ‘That Leica today, as in the past, is still synonymous with high-end, handmade products, iconic design, technical innovation and better pictures will be confirmed by the selected products we will be presenting in the course of our centennial year.’ This campaign will be accompanied by a series of cultural projects, photography exhibitions and competitions, book presentations and a special issue of LFI with the title ‘100 years of Leica photography’.
Another exciting highlight of the centennial year is the relocation of Leica Camera AG to the new, ultra-modern factory in the Leitz Park in Wetzlar, Germany. The official opening will be May 2014.
Allendale, NJ (November 19, 2013) – Leica Camera, in partnership with Miami Street Photography Festival, launches a series of exciting photographic events and partnerships at Art Basel Miami this December. Dubbed the winter playground of the global art world, the prestigious fair annually hosts over 50,000 international art enthusiasts who come to enjoy the fascinating exhibits, events, and programming against the vibrant backdrop of Miami.
During the six days of programming, in addition to a celebratory event and Leica Akademie, the final round of the multi-city X Vario City Challenge will crown a Miami winner who will advance to the national and final round of the competition. Workshops, lectures, portfolio reviews, studio shoots and more will be offered, with world-renowned Magnum photographers Alex Webb, Bruce Gilden, and Constantine Manos, along with poet and photographer Rebecca Norris Webb, National Geographic’s Maggie Steber and celebrity portrait and sport photographer Mark Mann.
To celebrate photography on a global platform, Leica and Miami Street Photography Festival will join a host of partners such as Leica Akademie, Leica Store Miami, ONA, Image Pro International, Art Media Studio, Hanhemuhle FineArt and Gramps Bar.
“Leica Camera has been lucky to work with great partners that share the same brand values and standards of excellence,” said Roland Wolff, Vice President of Marketing for Leica Camera USA. “Through the programming and collaborations at Art Basel this year, we look forward to celebrating photography in an inspiring and fun atmosphere.”
Trendy Studios in Miami’s bourgeoning Wynwood Art district will be the hub of Leica events and partnerships during Art Basel, December 3rd – 8th, 2013:
Named as an "Art Basel Top Ten" in Harper's Bazaar Hotlist section in its inaugural season, programming will take place at Trendy Studio in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood Arts District. The Miami Street Photography will host an exhibition that showcases the best of contemporary street photography, selected from images submitted by photographers all over the world. Three of the finalists will be chosen as this year's recipients of the "MSPF AWARD." The Grand Prize winner will receive the intuitive Leica X2 camera, brilliantly designed for the needs of any street photographer, a two-year subscription to online portfolio Viewbook, and a premium, handcrafted camera bag provided by Ona. Work by the panel of internationally acclaimed judges and members of street-photography collectives In-Public, Strata and Calle 35, will also be on display.
The Leica Store Miami, located at 372 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, will host an opening reception for an exhibit by famed Magnum Photographer and Photojournalist Alex Webb, on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7 PM. Guests can RSVP to info@leicastoremiami.com.
Interactive Portrait Studio Featuring Celebrity Photographer Mark Mann:
Leica invites Art Basel attendees to be part of a living art exhibition on Thursday, December 5th. Celebrity photographer Mark Mann will be taking portraits of participants using the Leica S from 10am-4pm at Trendy Studios. The on-site printing of each image is supported by Image Pro International and print specialists Gady Alroy, of Art Media Studios, and Sean Black. The portraits will be printed on Hanhemuhle FineArt photographic paper and displayed outdoors across the entire Trendy Studio space to create a living street art exhibit that will be in constant transformation as each new image is added. The exhibit will remain hanging for the duration of Art Basel, capturing a unique moment in time at this year’s Art Basel. All attendees who pose for a portrait will be given digital copies. To sign-up for a free portrait, please register here: eventbrite.com/e/interactive-portrait-studio. For more details: facebook.com/events
Leica X Vario City Challenge
On December 6th, from 12-4 PM the “Leica X Vario City Challenge” makes a final splash in Miami following successful turnouts in New York, Washington DC, and Los Angeles. Leica fans can participate in this photo competition for the chance to win a Leica X Vario among many other valuable prizes. 30 lucky participants in each city are invited to shoot with a Leica X Vario for 4 hours during the City Challenge. Sign up quickly, be creative, select your favorite image, and submit it to the competition.
Leica Camera’s Art Basel Blockparty
Join Leica, ONA, and Leica Store Miami for a celebratory event on December 7th, kicking off at Trendy Studio and moving to Gramps Bar, a hip live-music venue right next door. Guests are welcome to discover Leica products and accessories in the Leica Lounge and enjoy live music and interesting photography presentations.
Leica Akademie’s goal is to increase the fun and enjoyment of photography, expand photography knowledge and bring the total Leica experience to a new generation of photographers. Beginning at the Leica Store Miami, the Akademie will host an M camera workshop on Sunday, December 8th, 10 AM – 5 PM. Participants can RSVP to akademie@leicacamerausa.com.
Gearing up for EJ Camp's gallery reception this Friday at Leica Store Miami, we had a chance to catch up with the artist about her show Sand & Water and the experience of shooting with the Leica S-System.
Q: How does your new show Sand & Water with the Leica S differ from your career photographing for clients such as GQ, Elle, Esquire, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, and other top magazines / commercial clients? Does this landscape work show us a more personal side to your photographic career?
A: With both my landscapes/ seascapes and portraits, light plays an important part of the photograph. Capturing the “right” moment also is the key element in each. Because the landscapes are shot without the confines of an assignment, yes, this work is infinitely more personal. These images are shot to solely please me, only. Ultimately, my hope is that they will find a secondary market in someone else who appreciates what I shot.
Q: What are some advantages of the Leica S in terms of creating the images you have in mind? Is it comforting to use a system that you know is durable enough to withstand the often-demanding conditions landscape photography entails so that you can concentrate on getting the image and not worry about the ocean’s crashing waves and salt spray?
A: I had already been shooting personal work before the advent of the Leica S2. I was shooting with a 4x5 Linhof field camera. I almost strictly used B&W film because I was not satisfied with the results I was getting with color film. Once I started shooting with the S2 the colors recorded were amazing and, of course, the files so large I could make huge prints. The largest print I’ve made with great results was 120 inches wide. And the camera is lighter and more water resistant that the 4x5, so I can be more adventurous.
Q: How do you go about selecting a single scene to photograph from a coastline that is so vast? One of the questions we hear frequently from new photographers is how to narrow down their focus so they don’t just have 1,000 snapshots of a place and can instead focus on creating a small series of meaningful images.
A: I look for locations on the coastline where I know the light will be passing through the back of the waves at either sunrise or sunset. I also look for areas where the waves will crash close to the shoreline or where the rock formations are close enough to wade to.
Q: There seems to be an air of serenity to your landscape work. How do you capture that so perfectly?
A: Just by nature of being alone on location, waiting patiently for an image or moment to present itself photogenically, creates a serenity in myself that is transferred into the image. This is what a call recording the “flux” in the scene.
Q: Some photographers are all about the concept and others are all about technical skill in creating their images. Do you place more of an emphasis on the technical or the creative aspects of your work?
A: When I teach workshops at the International Center of Photography in NYC, I impress upon my students you cannot have creative control without the control of your tools. One begets the other.
Q: Do you find that the Leica S system allows you the creative freedom as well as the technical performance to deliver the images you envision? What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of working with the Leica S?
A: A few years ago, I was shooting portraits of baseball players in their homes for a book and I had very little time to setup and shoot. I needed a camera that was fast- a 35mm on steroids. I quickly sold all my Hasselblad gear and switched to the Leica S2. No regrets!
My least favorite aspect of the camera is the frustration of not owning the entire system.
Q: What inspires you most in photography? Was there any specific inspiration for your landscape work with the Leica S along the coastline, or was the feeling of those places the actual inspiration for as well as the subject matter of your images?
A: What inspires me in my portrait work is people. I want to capture the feeling that takes me further into that person. And all people interest me.
I also love being outdoors and on or near the water. These are also elements I want to share through my photography.
Q: Your landscape work in this gallery is mainly photographed under overcast conditions with heavy elements of clouds and fog. Was this more of an artistic choice or a technical one? Did the work require the use of neutral density filters, polarizer, etc. or were the overcast conditions sufficient to preserve the look you wanted?
A: I prefer the darker, brooding character of the sea portrayed through mottled light. I also find, compositionally, the strong modeling happening at the lower portion of the photograph, in the water, needs to be complimented in the upper portion of the photograph, the clouds. If the sky is clear, the images tip down instead of into the center.
I rarely used filters; I want nature to adjust the light. Filters make it look false.
Q: What is your newest project? Will you continue to work with these serene yet powerful images of the coastline or is something new on the horizon?
A: I will always be passionate about the water. I have been drawn to it since I was a little girl setting out on my sailboat alone.
I am currently playing with flowers and other objects in a water tank. But this continues my use of motion, time lapse and water. Who knows what next after that? I have morphed my photography career constantly over the years. I just love putting a lens before my eye and framing what I see.
A little while ago, we set out to find the perfect half-case for the Leica M and X system. In the past we had tried several different versions from various brands and artists, however, nothing quite cut it for us. While we had come across many a nice-looking case, we always found quirks. It didn’t fit quite right. It was a little loose. It covered up an important button or two. Most times they became more of a nuisance than a benefit. Our philosophy is that if you’re going to dress up a first-class camera like a Leica, don’t cover it up with a second-rate half case. In our search, we wanted to find something outstanding; something that both complimented and protected the camera without taking away from it.
Well, we found that case.
Arte di Mano, despite the Italian name, is based out of Seoul, South Korea. Artist Sejun Kim and team use Italian leather to craft beautiful half-cases and carrying straps for the Leica M and X system. Their cases are without a doubt the most incredible ones we’ve seen to date. Honestly, we’re not sure anyone could top them. They are absolutely flawless.
We originally ordered just a few Arte di Mano half-cases to get a feel for how they fit the Leica M and X system cameras. When we first slipped an M9 into one of the half-cases, we couldn’t help but ask ourselves, “How did they do that?” The half-case fit the M9 like a dream, wrapping perfectly around all the buttons and dials without compromising function. The stitching was unbelievable – not a thread out of place. The leather was soft yet durable. It was hands-down the best case we’ve ever seen.
So, if you’re in the market for a new half-case or carrying strap for you M or X system camera, an Arte di Mano piece is an excellent choice. They have a couple different style and color options. Both the M and X system half cases feature a small built-in grip on the front right-hand side of the case. All the M system cases also feature a built-in tripod mount.
Sejun and his team are also happy to make custom cases. Choose the type and color of the leather, such as crocodile blue or ostrich black. Pick a stitching color to compliment your personal leather choice. Add final touches such as a removable snap-on back flap to protect the LCD. The options are endless. To place a custom order, just call or email Leica Store Miami.
The following is a break-down of the standard half cases and carrying straps available. If you have any questions
Leica “Open-Style” M Type (240) Half Case
This is the recommended half case for anyone with the new M Type (240). Having the “open” style back allows the use of a Thumbs Up or EVF. The open back case also allows for easier removal for quicker access the bottom plate, memory card and battery. The leather has been reinforced in the back with a thin strips of metal inserted between the leather in order to insure rigidness. This way the case is sure to hug your camera without being too loose. Pictured is the Leica “Open-Style” M Type (240) Half Case in Minerva Black.
Leica Standard M Type (240) Half Case
If you do not plan on using either the EVF or a Thumbs UP, this option is a better fit. The leather extends over the top portion of the camera. This offers better protection for your camera and a more snug fit. Pictured is the Leica Standard M Type (240) Half Case in Rally Volpe.
Leica M9 Half Case
This half case will fit your Lieca M8, M9, M-E or Monochrom. This case is ideal if you do not use a Thumbs Up. In place of the Thumbs Up cut out is a small built-in grip for your thumb. Pictured is the Arte di Mano M Monochrom Half Case with Thumb Pad.
Leica M9 Half Case with Thumbs Up Cut-Out
The back of this case has been cut out perfectly to accommodate a Thumbs Up by Match Technical. Between the built-in “bump” on the front of the case and the Thumbs Up, you definitely get a firm grip on your M camera. Pictured is the M8/M9/M-E Half Case with Thumbs Up Cutout in Minerva Black.
Special Edition M Monochrom Half Case
This half case is designed specifically for the M Monochrom. The traditional off-white stitching has been replaced with black stitching and the metal snaps have been “blacked out” with leather. This all-black look accents the Monochrom marvelously. Pictured is the Special Edition M Monochrom Half Case with Thumbs Up Cutout.
X2 Half Case
This half case is a fun way to add a little character and an extra grip to your X2. These cases only come in the “open” back style to allow the use of an EVF or Thumbs Up. Pictured is the Leica X2 Half Case in Rally Bordo (Red).
Classic Neck Strap
As its name alludes, this is a classic leather neck strap. They are made out of soft leather and have that “broke-in” feeling. All straps feature a comfortable shoulder pad and end guard flaps to protect the camera body from scratching. Pictured is the Classic Neck Strap in Minerva Black.
Classic Hand Strap
The hand straps are made out of the same soft leather as the Classic Neck Strap and also feature the end guard flap to protect the camera body from scratching. Pictured is the Classic Hand Strap in Rally Volpe.
Laccio Neck Strap
This is a very fashionable neck strap made of a leather style rope. It feels a little stiff at first, but once you break it in, it becomes very flexible and soft. It’s great to wrap around your wrist while shooting. The strap features an adjustable neck pad and comes with end guards to protect the camera from scratching. Pictured is the Laccio Neck Strap in Minerva Black.
Laccio Hand Strap
This is the Laccio version wrist strap. Made of the same leather rope style material, it feels very secure around your wrist. Like the Laccio Neck Strap, it features an adjustable leather pad and end guards. Pictured is the Laccio Hand Strap in Rally Bordo.
COMING SOON!
