Steve McCurry with the Leica SL3 - People of Burma

I'm thrilled to share with you an extraordinary experience: a week in Mandalay, Myanmar, shooting a video for Leica Camera documenting Steve McCurry as he uses the brand new Leica SL3.

Mandalay proved to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration. The streets teeming with life, the colorful markets, the majestic temples: every corner told a story. I had the privilege of immersing myself in a rich and fascinating culture, meeting extraordinary people along the way.

The dawn light on golden temples, the vibrant colors of traditional textiles, the intense flavors of local cuisine, the mystical atmosphere of monasteries: each day brought new wonders to capture with the camera.

The Leica SL3, Steve's camera of choice for this project, is a powerful tool for visual storytelling. At its heart lies a 60-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, capturing exceptional detail and dynamic range. The Maestro IV image processor ensures lightning-fast performance, allowing Steve to react swiftly to fleeting moments. The hybrid autofocus system combines contrast-detection and phase-detection for accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. The SL3 also boasts impressive video capabilities, recording up to 8K resolution for stunning cinematic results.

I wasn't just documenting Steve, I was also using the SL3 myself to capture the beauty and energy of Mandalay. The camera's exceptional image quality and high-resolution video capabilities proved to be invaluable. I particularly appreciated the camera's ability to shoot in 4K at 60fps, allowing me to capture smooth, slow-motion footage of bustling markets and vibrant street scenes.

For the project, I primarily filmed in 4K at 30fps, ensuring clean and detailed visuals. The 10-bit 4:2:2 color profile provided ample room for color grading in post-production, allowing me to achieve the look I envisioned. The Leica SL3 proved to be a versatile and reliable companion, perfectly suited for the demanding conditions of travel filmmaking.

My deepest gratitude to Leica Camera for offering me this unique opportunity, and of course, a special thanks to Steve for sharing his work.

Exploring the Streets of Hong Kong: A Week of Street Photography with the Leica Q3 and M11

As a street photographer, I recently had the incredible opportunity to spend a week in Hong Kong, a city that has long been a source of inspiration for artists and photographers alike. During my time there, I discovered a fascinating metropolis that pulsates with life, energy, and a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation.

Hong Kong is a street photographer's paradise for numerous reasons. The city's dense urban landscape provides an endless array of visually striking scenes, from the iconic neon signs and towering skyscrapers to the bustling markets and narrow alleyways. The juxtaposition of old and new, East and West, creates a captivating visual narrative that begs to be captured through the lens.

For this trip, I opted to shoot with two exceptional Leica cameras: the Leica Q3 and the M11 paired with the 50mm Summilux lens. The Leica Q3, with its fixed 28mm lens, proved to be an ideal companion for capturing the essence of Hong Kong's streets. Its wide-angle perspective allowed me to encapsulate the city's vibrant atmosphere, while its fast autofocus and silent shutter enabled me to capture fleeting moments with ease.

When it came to street portraits, the Leica M11 with the 50mm Summilux lens was my go-to setup. The M11's rangefinder design and manual focus encouraged a more deliberate approach to composing shots, while the Summilux's wide aperture created beautifully shallow depth of field, isolating my subjects from the busy backgrounds. The combination of the M11 and Summilux produced portraits with a timeless quality that truly showcased the character of Hong Kong's people.

As I walked the streets of Hong Kong, I couldn't help but be reminded of the work of Fan Ho, one of the city's most celebrated photographers. Fan Ho's iconic black and white images of Hong Kong in the 1950s and 60s have become synonymous with the city's visual identity. Inspired by his work, I found myself drawn to the monochromatic palette, which stripped away the distractions of color and allowed me to focus on the interplay of light, shadow, and geometry that define the urban landscape.

Black and white photography has a long and storied tradition in street photography, and for good reason. By removing color, the photographer is forced to rely on the strength of composition, contrast, and emotion to convey their message. In Hong Kong, I found that shooting in black and white helped me to distill the essence of the city, highlighting its grit, charm, and the raw humanity that pulses through its veins.

In addition to the still images, I had the pleasure of collaborating with my dear friend, director, and videomaker Lorenzo Razzino, to create a series of black and white video reels that beautifully capture the moments we spent in Hong Kong. I am incredibly proud of the work we accomplished together. The videos showcase the city's dynamism, with fast-paced scenes of bustling streets and lively markets transitioning seamlessly into moments of quiet introspection. Lorenzo's keen eye for composition and timing perfectly complement the aesthetic of the black and white medium, resulting in a collection of videos that not only depict the beauty of Hong Kong but also convey the spirit of its people. The monochromatic palette lends a timeless quality to the footage, echoing the work of photographers like Fan Ho while simultaneously feeling fresh and contemporary.

As I reflect on my time in Hong Kong, I am reminded of the words of the esteemed Chinese poet Leung Ping-kwan, who in his poem "City at the End of Time" writes:

"At the end of time, the city
is still a city, a space
for the human, a place
where stories begin..."

Leung's words encapsulate the enduring spirit of Hong Kong, a city that continues to inspire and captivate despite the passage of time. As street photographers, we are drawn to these urban spaces where stories unfold before our eyes, where the human experience is laid bare in all its raw beauty and complexity.

In the streets of Hong Kong, I found a city that is constantly reinventing itself, a place where the past and present collide in a kaleidoscope of color, light, and shadow. Through the lens of my camera, I sought to capture not only the physical beauty of the city but also the intangible qualities that make it so special – the resilience of its people, the richness of its culture, and the indomitable spirit that propels it forward.

As I look back on my time in Hong Kong, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have experienced the city through the eyes of a street photographer. The images and videos I captured are more than just a record of my journey; they are a testament to the power of photography to connect us with the world around us, to tell stories that transcend language and culture, and to remind us of the beauty and humanity that exists in even the most unexpected places.

Hong Kong, with its bustling streets, eclectic neighborhoods, and contrasting architecture, is a paradise for street photographers.

For those looking to capture the city’s raw essence in black and white, certain locations reveal the soul of Hong Kong through timeless, cinematic scenes. Here’s a curated list of iconic spots, each offering unique textures, contrasts, and stories that come alive in monochrome:

  1. Central District: Known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and narrow alleys, Central offers dynamic contrasts and textures ideal for black-and-white. Its mix of traditional and modern elements captures Hong Kong’s unique character, especially in the early mornings when locals start their day.

  2. Mong Kok: One of the busiest areas in the world, Mong Kok is a chaotic blend of neon signs, street vendors, and local markets. Black-and-white emphasizes the gritty textures and the sheer density of people, perfect for street photography that feels raw and immersive.

  3. Temple Street Night Market: Known for its vibrant night market, Temple Street’s energy translates beautifully into monochrome, which enhances the interplay of light and shadow created by vendor stalls and neon lights.

  4. Sheung Wan: This neighborhood combines old Hong Kong with trendy cafes and art spaces, presenting unique photographic juxtapositions. The older streets, colonial architecture, and traditional market stalls provide a rich, layered look that shines in black-and-white.

  5. Yau Ma Tei: Known for the historical Yau Ma Tei Theatre and Jade Market, this area has a nostalgic feel, with narrow streets and traditional shops. Black-and-white brings out the historical textures and heritage of this part of the city.

  6. Quarry Bay (Monster Building): The dense, towering apartments known as the “Monster Building” are iconic in Hong Kong. Their repetitive patterns, when captured in black and white, create a surreal effect that emphasizes urban density.

  7. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: Famous for its view of the Hong Kong skyline, Tsim Sha Tsui is also full of intriguing street photography opportunities. In monochrome, the skyline contrasts with the harbor, adding a cinematic touch to any capture.

  8. Sham Shui Po: Known for electronics markets, textile shops, and authentic street scenes, this area captures Hong Kong’s local life beautifully. In black-and-white, the focus on texture and form emphasizes the cultural character of the area.

May we as street photographers continue to be inspired by the cities we explore, the people we meet, and the stories we tell. For in doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the collective tapestry of human experience, one frame at a time.

GO TO THE HONG KONG GALLERY

Street Photography in Naples with the Leica Q3

A week in Naples, a city that exudes history, culture, and authentic life at every corner. It was truly an exciting and engaging experience, as I had the opportunity to immerse myself in its vibrant atmosphere and capture its essence through the lens of the new Leica Q3.

The streets of Naples transformed into a realm of opportunities for street photography, thanks to the versatility and power of the Q3. Capturing the energy of people navigating narrow streets, bustling markets, and picturesque alleys was enchanting. The Q3 proved to be a reliable companion, ready to freeze fleeting moments and breathe life into emotions with every shot.

The camera made my urban photography experience a genuine pleasure. The high-quality optics and responsiveness of the autofocus system allowed me to capture astonishing details, such as the genuine smiles of a street vendor or the play of light filtering through historic buildings.

With the Leica Q3, I could experiment with various angles, playing with framing and the unique perspectives offered by Naples' streets. The flip-out screen proved particularly useful for capturing photos from different levels or discreetly interacting with subjects without compromising image quality.

Yet, it wasn't just about photography. The camera acted as a catalyst to connect with the city and its people. Spontaneous conversations with local residents turned into shared stories, allowing me to resonate with the experiences and passions of those I encountered along the way.

Each shot tells a part of this adventure, a fragment of Naples captured in the snapshot of a moment. And as I put away the Leica Q3 into its case, I carry not only the images I captured but also the emotions, sounds, and sensations of an unforgettable week spent capturing the magic of Naples through the lens of this extraordinary camera.

Naples stands as a truly unique canvas for the art of street photography, offering an experience that transcends the ordinary. Its streets pulse with a rhythm distinct from any other city, inviting photographers to capture its character in an unfiltered and authentic manner.

Every corner of Naples narrates a story, and street photography here becomes a portal to a world where time-honored traditions blend seamlessly with the contemporary. The city's architecture, ranging from ancient ruins to Baroque masterpieces, creates a visual tapestry that reflects its historical depth. This juxtaposition allows photographers to weave a visual narrative that spans centuries.

The spontaneity of life in Naples is a gift to street photographers. In the labyrinthine alleys and lively markets, scenes unfold without pretense, revealing candid emotions and interactions. The vibrant street life, from animated conversations on doorsteps to artisans perfecting their crafts, creates a rich tapestry of moments waiting to be captured.

Naples' vibrant cultural mosaic is a treasure trove for photographers seeking diversity. The warmth and passion of its people shine through in every shot, as they navigate the streets with an energy that's uniquely Neapolitan. The street food vendors, street musicians, and artisans plying their trades provide endless visual inspiration.

Light plays a magical role in Naples, casting dynamic shadows and illuminating scenes in unexpected ways. The contrast between narrow, shadowed alleys and sunlit piazzas presents photographers with endless compositional possibilities. The interplay of light and shadow creates dramatic scenes that come alive in the final photographs.

Perhaps most captivating is Naples' ability to evoke a range of emotions. From the melancholic beauty of decaying facades to the exuberance of a local festival, the city offers a rich emotional palette to explore. Street photographers have the privilege of capturing these sentiments, weaving them into a visual narrative that resonates deeply.

Naples, a city rich in history, vibrancy, and contrasts, is a treasure trove for street photographers seeking to capture scenes in black and white. The energy of its streets, the layers of history visible in every corner, and the mix of old and new make it an ideal setting for monochromatic photography.

Here’s a selection of iconic spots in Naples, each offering unique angles, textures, and stories that reveal the city's character in timeless shades of gray:

  1. Spaccanapoli: This narrow, bustling street cuts through the historic center of Naples, lined with artisan shops, cafes, and locals going about their daily lives. Black and white highlights the street’s rich textures and the lively, sometimes chaotic atmosphere.

  2. Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters): Known for its tight alleys, vibrant street life, and hanging laundry, the Quartieri Spagnoli has an authentic Neapolitan charm. In monochrome, the close-packed buildings and narrow streets emphasize the area’s density and unique character.

  3. Piazza del Plebiscito: One of the largest squares in Italy, this open space features imposing architecture, such as the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. Black-and-white captures the grandeur of these historical structures against the open sky, making it feel cinematic.

  4. Via Toledo: A major shopping street, Via Toledo is always teeming with life. From street vendors to stylish locals, this location is a fantastic place to capture the intersection of old and modern Naples. In black-and-white, the movement and interactions of people come to the forefront.

  5. The Bay of Naples: The iconic view of Mount Vesuvius across the bay, especially from places like the Lungomare, is a quintessential shot. The contrast between the calm water and the looming volcano is especially striking in monochrome, offering a timeless quality to the landscape.

  6. Museo Cappella Sansevero: Although indoor photography isn’t typically allowed, the area around this chapel is fascinating, with people coming to see the Veiled Christ sculpture. The architecture, shadows, and textures lend themselves beautifully to black-and-white.

  7. Castel dell’Ovo: This ancient seaside castle is one of Naples’ most photogenic sites. The stone walls and surrounding water provide dramatic contrasts, and in black-and-white, the castle’s centuries-old history is heightened, making it appear even more timeless.

  8. San Gregorio Armeno: Known for its year-round Christmas shop stalls and local artisans, this street feels almost frozen in time. Black-and-white brings out the depth of the narrow alleys and the detail in the artisanal creations, adding a nostalgic feel to any capture.

Each of these locations showcases a different side of Naples, from bustling streets to quiet historical landmarks, all rendered beautifully in the classic simplicity of black-and-white.

In Naples, street photography becomes a journey of discovery and connection. The city's openness, its embrace of tradition alongside modernity, and the intimate interactions with its residents offer a rare glimpse into the human experience. Every frame captures the essence of a city that stands as a testament to the beauty and complexity of life.

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