Leica Camera North America

An Interview with photographer Katarina Benzova: Q: What is one thing you wish you knew when you started your journey in photography? A: One thing that was holding me back from starting my professional career as a photographer was the belief that I had to have expensive equipment before even trying to do anything. I later learned that none of that matters and that the eye of the person behind the camera is what matters the most.   I also regret not learning more about marketing and selling my art and how to position myself in the market. I wish I had built strong relationships with brands and magazines from the beginning.   Q: What drew you to the art of photography? A: After spending nearly a decade on the other side of the lens, I have always been fascinated by the art of photography. Being surrounded by creatives every day and observing some of the best photographers pursuing their passion, it was only a matter of time before I began experimenting with this craft myself. However, it wasn't until I captured my first concert that I knew this was my calling. I was able to tap into the artist's energy and convey the movement and emotions of the performance. This was the moment that changed everything for me. Later on I discovered how to utilize my talent to make a positive impact through art and contribute to the well-being of our planet. It was then that I realized my life's purpose. Q: How did you develop your own unique perspective? A: Through trial and error and a lot of perseverance and determination to not give up. Learning on my own presented many challenges, but the rewards were well worth it. Growing up in the Slovakian mountains, my grandmother instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature. As a young model traveling the world, I used a film camera with limited frames due to financial constraints. These experiences taught me the art of patience and the importance of capturing the perfect moment. By attuning to my subjects and being in sync with them, I learned to capture the essence of a scene. It's in that emotional and physical connection that the perfect shot unfolds. Q: Why do you choose to use Leica Cameras?            A: These exceptional cameras epitomize excellence, earning my trust with their unparalleled capability to transform my creative vision into tangible reality. Furthermore, the remarkable team at Leica provides unwavering support for my artistic endeavors, enriching both my work and my humanity.

An Interview with Photographer Mike Thurk: Q: What is one thing you wish you knew when you started your journey in photography? A: One thing I wish I knew before starting down the path of photography would have been the importance of patience. I've found no other tool more important to my growth, creatively and commercially, than patience, with myself and the industry. Q: What drew you to the art of photography? A: I was drawn to the art of photography through my connection to the mountains, and those who spent time in them. For years my focus was in the alpine and I consumed any form of inspiration I could find. Ultimately, this led me to the stories told by the great alpinists of the past and present day and on this path I found the writing of Mark Twight. The words he wrote spoke to me as much as the photos he took and I was taught, through this connection, the power of photography. Q: How did you develop your own unique perspective? A: My perspective is the result of street, fitness, and climbing being a part of my life for more than three decades. Through these influences, I've found a connection between authenticity and effort. A way to see the truth, without pretense. Q: Why do you choose to use Leica Cameras? A: "Why Leica?" This is THE question, isn't it? For years I searched, often mistaking someone else's answer for my own. Megapixels. Quality. History. All valid answers that I tried on, but that never fit me. It wasn't until recently, that I finally understood "Why Leica": For me, it's about a feeling. When you are trying to lose yourself, both in concentration and presence, and simultaneously in creativity and flow, how does your camera feel in your hands? The feeling I have with a Leica camera allows for my experience as a photographer to positively impact the resulting photographs.

An Interview with Prolific Photographer Todd Hido - Q: What is one thing you wish you knew when you started your journey in photography? A: That it would’ve become a full-on daily obsession that would guide my life to the places that it’s taken me to. I would’ve started it even earlier! Q: What drew you to the art of photography? A: The simple act of wanting to be sharing the things that I was doing. I used to race BMX, and in fact, I was the state champ in Ohio for four years when I was a teenager! I simply wanted to record me and my friends racing and doing our tricks, not unlike every kid with a camera phone and skateboard these days. Q: How did you develop your own unique perspective? A: By taking lots and lots of pictures, critically, looking at them, and then making more. And equally important looking at many, many, more made by others in photo books and also in galleries and museums. I have an obsession with photography books as well in my home and studio I have over 8500 books that I’ve collected on the subject and that started in 1986 when I first went off to learn photography. Also looking at how people made really great prints to put on the walls or how they created fantastic books. These things are objects, not just images. I often feel incredibly lucky to have grown up with nothing digital because if you wanted to see a picture, you had to literally go through all the steps to get there and that taught me massive amounts of information to work in an analog world before I ever heard of digits. Q: Why do you choose to use Leica Cameras? A: Well, because they’re simply the very finest cameras I’ve ever used. I have an S3 system that I adore! I also use an SL3 + SL2 as well—so I can use my Noctilux .095—and I fluctuate between them for different purposes. The SL3 is amazingly compact for all that it does and I have that with me constantly when shooting. One of the reasons that these cameras have really worked for me are the amazing lenses. I’ve been able to seamlessly integrate pictures I’ve made on these digital cameras next to things that I’ve created on my huge Pentax 6 x 7cm with medium format film. I can hang things side-by-side. It all blends together in a perfect way that’s not too vivid or too digital looking—and that’s from the optics I’m certain. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next!

The much-awaited Leica D-Lux 8 is finally here! After eight generations and numerous special editions, the D-Lux series has firmly established itself in the top-quality segment of Leica’s digital compact cameras. The new D-Lux 8 encapsulates the quintessential Leica experience in a more compact and accessible form. Its user-friendly interface and iconic design are a testament to the legendary excellence of the Leica brand, globally recognized as a leader in the field. #Leica #LeicaCamera #LeicaDlux8

Together with Xiaomi, we are pleased to jointly announce the establishment of the Xiaomi x Leica Optical Institute. #Xiaomi14Ultra, fulfilling the new standard, leads the next generation of mobile optical imaging with the top Summilux lens in smartphones to date. Unveil more at the #XiaomiLaunch on Feb 25th!

"Colour is a large part of what draws me into the scenes I love to photograph. Some of my favorite days are when there's not a cloud in the sky and I can compose against that big blue canvas. These are some of my favourite images from Rhodes, Greece this last summer, where I made work exploring the light and colour of the island." - Dan Baker . . . #leicacamerausa #chasingleitz #leicaleitz #leicalook #leicam11

"Two pivotal moments in my life shaped my understanding of who I am and who I could become. The first occurred when I enrolled in an acting class. This experience taught me to introspect and embrace my individuality. I discovered the value of speaking truthfully from my unique perspective and life experiences. The second transformative moment came with the purchase of a camera. This tool prompted me to look outward, encouraging me to explore my curiosities without reservation. Through photography, I learned the virtues of sensitivity, empathy, and patience. The camera became a powerful instrument, illustrating the significance of feeling seen and understood. Both of these life-altering lessons unfolded in my birthplace, New York City, where losing yourself is easy amid constant change and the ebb and flow of people. Photography, for me, became a means of making sense of the city's fleeting nature, grounding me in a space that often challenges my existence. In a city like New York, photography is paramount. It offers documentation, a reminder of our place in the city's unfolding story before we are engulfed by the next waves of change." - Jason Roman Visit the link below to sign up for exclusive updates regarding our new flagship Leica Store New York Meatpacking. The opening of the new flagship store and gallery reflects the city’s renowned creativity, providing a space for visual storytellers, art and technology enthusiasts to find inspiration and explore tools that enhance perspective. The new location will serve as an immersive experience into the world of Leica. https://ow.ly/L0gr50QsbpP . . . #leicacamerausa #chasingleitz #leicaleitz #leicalook #leicastorenewyork #leicastorenewyorkmeatpacking #leicaflagship #leicam11 #leicasl2

Leica Camera North America & Master Photographer Todd Hido present "Critical Decisions: Perspectives on the Creative Process". Dive into Todd's artistic journey at exclusive exhibitions in Leica Galleries across North America. Each exhibition will commence with an Artist Reception with Hido in attendance, providing a platform for artistic exchange. This will be followed by a complimentary Artist Talk and a book signing event, offering deeper insights into Hido's creative process and journey. Leica Akademie Workshops are also available, join Todd Hido for a 2-day deep dive into his craft! Exclusive insights, portfolio reviews, and more. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the layers of meaning in everyday visuals! Visit this link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e-HAbSMy . . . #leicacamerausa #chasingleitz #leicaleitz #leicalook #LeicaxToddHido

"I often stumble upon scenes that depict a feeling of nostalgia. Small moments of life are captured in a frame to assemble a montage of feelings. Though I’m a man of few words, my camera allows me to speak with the photographs I make. My Leica is not only my daily companion but also an extension of my creative voice." - Kai Diaz . . . #leicacamerausa #chasingleitz #leicaleitz #leicalook #leicamp #leicafilm #filmisnotdead

“NYC, oh where do I begin, this city has shaped me in so many ways that it goes much deeper than photography. This city has taught me how to see, how to find the mundane, simple moments that always call to me to photograph. In a city with so much noise, distractions, and an abundance of things to see, it helped me sharpen my eye to find exactly what it is that I want to photograph. For me, it all begins with a feeling, and NYC has taught me how to trust that feeling, not once, not twice, but every single time!” – Marcus Lloyd