Gabriel Reyes

My favorite thing that nobody knows about…

The D-Lux has an incredibly close focus distance for macro photography. The rest of its many features usually get more attention, but if you want a close up shot it can’t be beat.

A Leica special edition that I fantasize about...

Leica M Monochrom “Jim Marshall Set” limited edition. It’s the perfect combination of unattainable, style, rich history and it came with a print of Thelonious Monk. It just looks cool too with the brass.

I named my camera...

My SL2-S is Batman. With the blacked out Leica logo and its low light capability it’s my go-to for shots where I need higher ISO performance... until I get myself a Q2 Monochrom... which I’ll call Nightwing.

Most popular lens in my Lightroom Catalog...

The Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. It’s not even close.

Always in my carry-on...

Extra batteries. The wedding photographer in me can’t even travel without at least 3 spares.

The camera bag I swear by...

Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L v2. I love the balance of a cross body bag. It doesn’t scream camera bag, but it’s more than capable of handling any setup I need, and it’s a lens changer, which is a must have for a prime shooter.

My camera always wears...

Arte di Mano Half Case for Leica SL2 with Battery Access Door, Covered Style - Rally Volpe. Arte Di Mano’s Rally Volpe leather is the“Indiana Jones’ Jacket” I wanted as a child. My half case completely changes the look of the camera, adds a great feel to the grip, and protects my camera’s value should I ever choose to upgrade.

Color or Black & White?

Black & White. I often shoot my cameras with the black and white setting turned on. I deliver sections of client galleries in black and white. When I shoot personal work it’s black & white only, and at Christmas I make sure to bring a Monochrom so the famly photo requests are kept to a minimum.

My desert island setup…

SL2-S and 50 APO Summicron. There’s nothing I can’t shoot with a good 50mm lens. The SL2-S is more than capable of low light with high ISO, and the 50 APO is as sharp as they come.

I never leave home without...

A Q. I shoot the Q (Typ 116) all the time. I can’t wait to get my hands on a Q3. The lens has that perfect focal length for in the moment captures that let me be present wherever I am, and take photos that translate that presence to the viewer.

If I’m traveling light, I’ll bring…

A Leica Q3. The limits of prime lenses has always attracted me. The great weather sealing also means I won’t be worried about taking great photos in the rain.

If I’m bringing everything, I’ll bring…

A tripod, Sl2-S, 50 APO, 16-35, Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3, Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH and a Q3.

My favorite photo book...

Dawoud Bey: Seeing Deeply, 2018. The title says it all. Dawoud’s subjects are seen. There is a calm serenity, authenticity in their expression. As a portrait photographer I’m constantly working on my interactions with my clients to find that image that captures their truth, and this book is full of images that do just that.

My favorite place to shoot...

A dive bar with a local band. It’s not easy, but it’s my favorite place to be and I usually come home with 3 or four photos I took and one that I love.

A Few of My Favorite Things: