Street Photography with the Leica M

As a professional photographer and long-time Leica enthusiast, I currently own several M bodies, including the classic M3 and M6, but my primary tool for street photography is the M11P. While I cherish the vintage cameras in my collection, it's the M11P that has become my essential companion for capturing life on the streets.

The Leica M System

The M system's timeless design continues to excel in street photography. The M11P, in particular, represents the perfect blend of classical mechanical excellence and modern digital capabilities. Its discrete presence, silent shutter, and minimal size allow me to work without drawing attention - a crucial advantage when photographing on the streets.

The rangefinder system provides a unique advantage, showing me more than what the lens captures and allowing me to anticipate moments before they enter my frame. Combined with the M11P's enhanced viewfinder brightness and precise frame lines, this creates an unparalleled tool for street photography.

My Three Essential Lenses

My street photography relies exclusively on three wide-angle lenses, each used with specific hyperfocal settings:

21mm Super-Elmar f/3.4 ASPH

I use this ultra-wide exclusively at f/8 hyperfocal. Working close to my subjects, I use it as a proximity lens - filling the frame with my subject while maintaining environmental context. At f/8, everything from 1.2 meters to infinity remains sharp, allowing me to focus entirely on composition and timing.

24mm Super-Elmar f/3.8 ASPH

Set consistently to f/10 hyperfocal, this lens provides the perfect balance between ultra-wide and standard perspectives. I use it to work close to subjects, eliminating distractions through proximity. The hyperfocal setting ensures everything from 1.4 meters to infinity stays in sharp focus.

28mm Summicron f/2 ASPH

My most frequently used focal length, always set to f/11 hyperfocal for street work. This provides critical focus from 1.8 meters to infinity - perfect for spontaneous moments. While it's capable of beautiful bokeh at f/2, the hyperfocal approach better suits my street photography style.

Understanding Hyperfocal Distance

The precision engineering of Leica M lenses makes hyperfocal focusing remarkably straightforward. Here's how it works and why it's so effective for street photography:

What is Hyperfocal Distance?

Hyperfocal distance is the focus point that provides maximum depth of field, from half the focused distance to infinity. When set correctly, everything within this range will be acceptably sharp.

Setting Hyperfocal on M Lenses

The mechanical precision of M lenses makes setting hyperfocal distance simple and repeatable:

21mm at f/8:

1. Locate the f/8 marking on the depth of field scale

2. Align the infinity mark with this f/8 marking

3. Everything from 1.2m to infinity will be in focus

Havana - 21mm Super-Elmar f/3.4 ASPH

24mm at f/10:

1. Find the f/10 marking on the depth of field scale

2. Align infinity with this mark

3. Sharp focus from 1.4m to infinity

Tokyo - 24mm Super-Elmar f/3.8 ASPH

28mm at f/11:

1. Align infinity with the f/11 marking

2. This ensures sharpness from 1.8m to infinity

The beauty of this system lies in its mechanical simplicity - no calculations or electronic aids needed. The tactile nature of the focusing rings means I can set these distances even without looking at the lens.

Budapest - 28mm Summicron f/2 ASPH

My Street Photography Technique

My approach combines these technical settings with a specific shooting style:

1. Proximity Shooting

• Using wide-angle lenses to get close to subjects

• Filling the frame to eliminate distractions

• Using the environment as context while maintaining subject emphasis

1. Zone Focusing

• Pre-set hyperfocal distances for each lens

• No need to adjust focus while shooting

• Complete concentration on composition and timing

1. Anticipation

• Using the rangefinder's wider view to anticipate moments

• Quick response to developing scenes

• Confident framing without chimping

Why This System Works

The combination of the M11P's capabilities with these three lenses creates a highly efficient street photography system:

1. Technical Consistency

• Each lens has its dedicated aperture and hyperfocal setting

• Settings become muscle memory

• No technical decisions needed while shooting

1. Creative Freedom

• Technical aspects are preset and reliable

• Full attention on composition and timing

• Confident working in rapidly changing situations

1. Discretion

• Minimal equipment

• Quick, silent operation

• Unobtrusive presence

Final Thoughts

While I treasure my M3 and M6 as pieces of photographic history, the M11P with these three wide-angle lenses has become my ultimate street photography tool. The combination of traditional mechanical excellence with modern digital capabilities, coupled with the systematic use of hyperfocal settings, creates an unmatched platform for capturing decisive moments on the street.

This approach might seem technical in description, but in practice, it becomes second nature. The mechanical precision of the M system makes these technical aspects fade into the background, leaving me free to focus on what really matters - observing and capturing life as it unfolds on the streets.

Havana street photography in Black and White: Capturing the City’s Soul with the Leica Q system

Arriving in Havana feels like stepping into a living archive, where the passage of time leaves its mark on every pastel façade, wrought-iron balcony, and polished chrome fender of a 1950s automobile. This city doesn’t merely display its history—it hums with it. As I navigate the streets with my Leica Q—its 28mm lens deftly capturing both sweeping colonial plazas and close-up moments of everyday life—I’m drawn into a quiet conversation with Havana’s layered soul. The camera’s quick response and subtle presence let me shift effortlessly from the bustle of a busy boulevard to the hush of a family-run café, ensuring that the city’s poetry emerges naturally, without contrivance.

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My relationship with Havana grew organically over successive visits, as I learned to see beyond the postcard images and postcard expectations. Yes, there are the stately Colonial squares, the vibrant street murals, and the constant soundtrack of son and rumba, but there are also unseen corners rich in human narrative—places where neighbors trade friendly banter across narrow alleyways, where a barber’s gentle laughter drifts through a doorway, or where sunlight carves stark shapes into crumbling stucco walls. Reducing the scene to monochrome removes the distraction of color, letting texture, light, and shadow guide my understanding of a city that resists simple definition.

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Havana’s allure resides not only in what you see but also in what you feel. Twice a year, I lead photography workshops here, inviting others to explore the city’s layers. With the Leica Q’s built-in stabilization and intuitive controls, participants can focus fully on composition and timing rather than on technical hurdles. Whether we are photographing the quiet dignity of an old couple resting on their balcony or the dynamic swirl of dancers practicing in a community center, the aim is to discover personal, authentic expressions of Havana’s complexity.

Habaneros navigate their world with elegance and resolve. From a young woman leaning against a sunlit column as she checks her messages, to an elderly gentleman balancing a paper cone of peanuts in one hand while tipping his hat with the other, body language here speaks volumes. Each gesture and exchange brims with resilience, pride, and a subtle awareness of shared history. Watching and waiting, I catch glances and half-smiles that become the heartbeats of my frames, each portrait of a stranger a reminder that cities live through their inhabitants’ quiet stories.

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On my earliest trips, I was enamored by Havana’s iconic postcards—El Malecón’s graceful curve, the majesty of El Capitolio. With time, I’ve come to cherish the lesser-known scenes: a deserted side street at dawn, the interplay of ancient arches and modern graffiti, the casual rhythm of children playing beneath laundry lines. Like all truly captivating places, Havana reveals itself in increments, never wholly surrendering its secrets. Patience and empathy—not quick triggers—uncover the layered narratives hidden in everyday encounters.

In a city so open to the street—where windows and doors are often left ajar, and conversations spill onto pavements—solitude still finds its niche. You might spot a fisherman alone with his thoughts at the water’s edge, a woman pausing to brush hair from her eyes as she contemplates a choice, or a young boy lost in daydreams on a stoop. These moments of inward reflection fold seamlessly into the city’s tapestry. Through my Leica Q, I try to distill these quiet interludes into enduring images. Their silence isn’t emptiness but richness, every flicker of emotion given extra weight by the timeless palette of black and white.

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Together, these images form an evolving mosaic: a city seen through shadows and shapes, gestures and glances. In Havana, each seemingly ordinary scene can crystallize into something timeless and resonant. The tension between past and present, the dignity carved into weathered stone, and the warm pulse of human presence all rise to the surface when stripped of color. It’s in those gentle contrasts—where light meets shadow, history meets modernity, resilience meets everyday grace—that Havana discloses the contours of its soul.

25 Locations for Black-and-White Street Photography in Havana:

1. El Malecón:
   The city’s famous coastal promenade. Capture silhouettes against the sea, fishermen at dawn, and couples strolling at dusk for timeless street vignettes.

2. Habana Vieja (Old Havana) & Plaza de la Catedral:
   Colonial architecture and narrow alleys bathed in shifting light. Early morning is perfect for capturing the interplay of old façades and quiet human moments.

3. Plaza de Armas & Bookstalls:
   Antique books, vintage postcards, and thoughtful browsers create a gentle rhythm. Black-and-white clarifies the textures of pages and ink, voices of the past still whispering.

4. Calle Obispo & Surrounding Streets:
   A lively thoroughfare connecting squares and shops. Look for juxtapositions of historic storefronts and the day-to-day choreography of vendors, tourists, and locals.

5. El Capitolio & Environs:
   Neoclassical grandeur meets the bustle of the street. Frame everyday interactions against this monumental backdrop, using architectural lines to lead the eye.

6. Central Park & Hotel Inglaterra:
   A social hub where friends debate baseball, musicians gather, and old men read newspapers in filtered light. Each small scene unfolds into a narrative of daily life.

7. Paseo del Prado:
   A tree-lined boulevard mixing elegant statues, wrought-iron lamps, and casual encounters. Explore angles that accentuate both human presence and architectural charm.

8. Plaza Vieja:
   Recently restored buildings, artisans, and children playing under arcades. Catch laughter and glances reverberating off age-old stone.

9. Museum of the Revolution Area:
   Statues, slogans, and echoes of political history. Monochrome emphasizes shape, symbol, and the quiet reactions of onlookers.

10. Callejón de Hamel:
    A shrine to Afro-Cuban culture and spirituality through street art. Black-and-white draws out textures in murals and the subtle expressions of those who visit.

11. Barrio Chino (Chinatown):
    Signs, languages, and market scenes reflecting Havana’s global stories. Focus on the interplay of old-world architecture and cultural fusion.

12. El Vedado & Avenida 23 (La Rampa):
    Mid-century modern lines, cinemas, and pedestrians moving between past and future. Use perspective and negative space to frame subjects amid urban geometry.

13. Hotel Nacional & Gardens:
    A 1930s landmark set amid tropical greenery. Capture the interplay of elegant columns, swaying palms, and locals enjoying afternoon breezes.

14. Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC):
    A hub of contemporary creativity. In black-and-white, the contrast of industrial remnants and modern art installations sparks visual tension.

15. Ferry to Regla:
    Passengers leaning on rails, contemplating the skyline. This short journey encapsulates Havana’s maritime spirit and reflective pauses.

16. Centro Habana’s Backstreets:
    Beyond tourist paths, real life unfolds: conversations, children’s games, casual camaraderie. Seek out details that reveal the fabric of the neighborhood.

17. Cementerio de Colón:
    Ornate sculptures, carved angels, and silent tombs. The interplay of light and stone feels almost sculptural in monochrome.

18. Port of Havana & Old Docks:
    Industrial silhouettes, rusted metal textures, and workers going about their day. Each frame can evoke distant voyages and returning ships.

19. Train Station & Old Rail Lines:
    Echoes of past travel resonate in abandoned carriages and deserted platforms. Monochrome heightens the mood of nostalgia and waiting.

20. Mercado de Cuatro Caminos & Other Markets:
    Transactions, laughter, and the scent of produce fill the air. Focus on gestures—hands exchanging coins or weighing fruit—to tell the story of everyday commerce.

21. Miramar & 5th Avenue:
    Elegant embassies, modern homes, and leafy boulevards. Frame interactions that hint at a quieter, diplomatic side of Havana’s personality.

22. Local Boxing Gyms (e.g., Rafael Trejo Gym):
    Muscles, sweat, determined faces. In the half-light of a training ring, capture the grit and discipline that define athletic dreams.

23. Avenida de los Presidentes:
    Monumental statues, palm-shaded medians, and people on the move. Look for subtle gestures and expressions that humanize civic grandeur.

24. Cojímar Fishing Village:
    Hemingway’s old haunt. Weathered boats, simple homes, and the unhurried rhythm of coastal life invite timeless portraits of serenity.

25. Local Cafés and Bodegas:
    Ordinary corners often hold profound poetry. A shopkeeper leaning on a counter, a neighbor pausing mid-conversation—small moments that speak volumes in silence.

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Havana’s multifaceted character emerges as you explore these varied locales, each offering a subtle note in the city’s layered melody. By embracing monochrome, you peel back superficial distractions to unveil deeper truths: the interplay of shape and light, the authenticity in human gestures, and the quiet stories etched into each worn façade. Here in Havana, everyday life becomes timeless, and even the simplest scene is charged with enduring meaning.

Visit my Havana Street Photography Portfolio

Monochrome Milano: A Black-and-White Street Photography Guide

Stepping into Milano is like entering a chiaroscuro painting, where centuries-old façades meet sleek modern lines under ever-shifting Italian light. This city—internationally revered for its fashion, design, and culinary traditions—unfolds with subtle layers, much like a well-exposed black-and-white negative. As I navigate its streets with my Leica Q—its 28mm lens perfectly suited to capturing both grand architectural scenes and intimate street moments—I find myself in constant dialogue with Milano’s dualities. The Q system’s responsive autofocus and discreet profile enable me to seamlessly shift from the bustling crowds of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to the hushed solitude of a hidden cortile, ensuring that nothing disrupts the quiet poetry of these cityscapes.

My personal bond with Milano stretches back to my first visit as a student of photography, eager to discover how modernity coexists with heritage. Surrounded by gothic spires, Renaissance masterpieces, and contemporary sculptures, I learned quickly that this city can’t be distilled into a single narrative. Instead, it’s a tapestry of contrasting stories: elegant avenues and gritty side streets, Michelin-starred restaurants and neighborhood trattorie, the hush of ancient churches and the hum of cutting-edge fashion ateliers. Shooting in monochrome strips away the distraction of color, leaving me with the stark interplay of light and shadow that reveals the city’s emotional core.

The allure of Milano isn’t just visual; it’s a feeling that deepens with every return. Twice a year, I have the pleasure of hosting intimate workshops here—immersive experiences where fellow photographers join me in exploring the city’s soul. The Leica Q’s built-in stabilization and intuitive controls make it an ideal companion in these sessions, allowing participants to focus on composition, timing, and narrative. Whether we’re strolling along the Navigli canals at dusk or capturing the theater of everyday life in Piazza del Duomo, my goal is to help others discover their unique perspective on Milano’s complexity.

Milanesi, as the locals are known, carry themselves with a particular grace and purpose. They navigate the city as if composing a personal soundtrack—head bowed over an espresso bar or moving briskly between a boutique and a gallery. Observing them reveals a lesson in subtlety and restraint. Their body language, manner of dress, and way of engaging with space reflect a culture that values discretion over display. In the ebb and flow of commuters, shopkeepers, students, and tourists, I find countless narratives that play out quietly in front of my lens.

On my earliest visits to Milano, I was drawn to the contrasts that now define my photography. Standing outside the Duomo’s majestic marble facade, I marveled at the interplay of old and new. Over time, I’ve come to see this tension as a vibrant source of creative energy. Capturing Milano as a Gaijin—an outsider, just as I did in Tokyo—reminds me that the city doesn’t unfold its secrets all at once. Every photograph offers a glimpse into a different layer, whether it’s the reflection of modern skyscrapers in a vintage tram window or the worn textures of a cobblestone street beneath the latest streetwear fashions.

Milano’s residents have a remarkable ability to find personal space within the urban density. In a bustling café or a crowded piazza, a Milanese might pause, linger over a cappuccino, or check directions on their phone, carving out a brief moment of solitude in a city of 1.3 million souls. This interplay between communal life and individual privacy creates a visual rhythm—pockets of stillness amid the flow of commerce and conversation.

Through my Leica Q, I strive to capture these quiet interludes. The silence here isn’t empty; it’s charged with subtle emotion. Each monochromatic frame stands alone, a self-contained story with its own cadence and tone. Yet when I look at them collectively, they form an intricate mosaic of Milano’s many dimensions—its elegance and its grit, its grandeur and its intimacy—elevating the everyday into something timeless.

25 Locations for Black-and-White Street Photography in Milano:

1. Piazza del Duomo & Duomo di Milano:
   The city’s heart and a Gothic masterpiece. Shoot upward to accentuate the cathedral’s spires or frame commuters passing in front for iconic silhouettes that highlight Milano’s storied heritage.

2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II:
   A temple of commerce with a glass-and-iron canopy. The interplay of light on its mosaic floors and the echo of footsteps provide dramatic contrasts worthy of black-and-white.

3. Teatro alla Scala & Surrounding Streets:
   Outside this world-famous opera house, well-dressed patrons and curious tourists create refined street scenes. Look for gestures and glances that convey the city’s love of arts and elegance.

4. Brera District:
   Narrow cobblestone lanes, art galleries, and academic halls. Brera’s old-world charm and intellectual vibe invite you to find quiet corners where artists, students, and gallery-goers cross paths.

5. Navigli Canals:
   The flowing water, iron bridges, and lively cafés along the Navigli exude romance. At dusk, the interplay of lamplight and reflection can render timeless images that channel the spirit of old Milano.

6. Porta Nuova & Piazza Gae Aulenti:
   Modern skyscrapers, gleaming façades, and urban installations contrast strikingly with the city’s historic core. Black-and-white emphasizes shape and form in this contemporary quarter.

7. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II & San Babila:
   A major shopping avenue where fashion-conscious Milanesi stroll purposefully. The hustle of luxury boutiques and street vendors set against old façades creates layered compositions.

8. Via della Spiga & Quadrilatero della Moda:
   The fashion district’s polished storefronts and stylish patrons make for elegant street portraits. Catch reflections in glossy windows to contrast traditional architecture with cutting-edge design.

9. Castello Sforzesco & Parco Sempione:
   A Renaissance fortress and a sprawling park offer respite from the urban pace. Children playing, couples strolling, and street musicians against centuries-old walls yield contemplative scenes.

10. Cimitero Monumentale:
    An open-air museum of sculpture and memory. Black-and-white photography enhances the poetic stillness and the interplay of light on marble tombs and intricate statuary.

11. Porta Ticinese & Colonne di San Lorenzo:
    Roman ruins and medieval gates merge with youthful nightlife. Street artists, skateboarders, and late-night diners converge here, creating dynamic scenes of cultural exchange.

12. Chinatown (Via Paolo Sarpi):
    A multicultural hub offering diverse street life. The interplay of signs, markets, and local characters weaves a tapestry of global influences that stand out vividly in monochrome.

13. Isola District & Bosco Verticale:
    Trendy cafés, street art, and the iconic “Vertical Forest” towers define this evolving neighborhood. Focus on lines and textures where greenery meets contemporary design.

14. Stazione Centrale:
    Milano’s grand central station, a stage for arrivals and departures. Dramatic shafts of light, architectural geometry, and travelers in motion create narratives of longing and return.

15. University of Milano (Statale) & Surroundings:
    Academic quads, cloisters, and young scholars in discussion. The interplay of old lecture halls and new ideas provides a subtle contrast, perfect for black-and-white storytelling.

16. Via Torino & Ticinese District:
    A mix of old churches, alternative shops, and street vendors. Seek out lively street corners, where fashionistas, tourists, and locals weave a vibrant urban tapestry.

17. Piazza Affari & The ‘L.O.V.E.’ Sculpture by Cattelan:
    The financial district’s rigid lines and business attire gain intrigue with Maurizio Cattelan’s irreverent sculpture. Black-and-white emphasizes the tension between commerce and critique.

18. Via Dante & Cordusio:
    A pedestrianized street connecting the Duomo and the Castello. The flow of people, elegant signage, and subtle architectural details offer a rich vein for candid portraits.

19. Fondazione Prada & Surrounding Industrial Areas:
    Contemporary art spaces set amid repurposed industrial structures. Stark contrasts between minimalist design and raw textures create an avant-garde playground for your lens.

20. Piazza XXIV Maggio & Darsena:
    A riverside basin once crucial to Milan’s trade, now a lively leisure hub. The reflections of people along the water’s edge take on a painterly quality in black and white.

21. Via Montenapoleone:
    High fashion and understated luxury define this famed street. Tight framing on accessories, gestures, and glances can capture the essence of Milanese elegance in silent moments.

22. Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie & The Last Supper Vicinity:
    Pilgrims, tourists, and art lovers gather near Leonardo’s masterpiece. Black-and-white’s timeless quality can parallel the enduring impact of Renaissance genius.

23. Mercato Metropolitano & Street Markets (e.g. Papiniano):
    Bustling food markets, vibrant produce stands, and everyday exchanges. Shooting in monochrome sharpens focus on expressions, textures, and the choreography of vendors and buyers.

24. Arco della Pace & Parco Sempione Edges:
    Neoclassical arches and leafy avenues set the stage for peaceful street photography. Cyclists, dog walkers, and picnickers create vignettes of Milanese leisure.

25. Lorenteggio & Outlying Neighborhoods:
    Venture beyond the historic center into residential districts. Ordinary life unfolds here—children at play, neighbors chatting—providing authentic glimpses of Milan’s soul, far from the tourist’s lens.

Each neighborhood in Milano contributes a distinct note to the city’s subtle symphony. By navigating these varied locales with your street photography camera, you’ll find that the absence of color reveals a deeper truth: the interplay of light and form, the nuance of gestures, and the quiet stories that define everyday existence. Milano’s beauty resides in these contrasts and continuities—a city where the ancient and the contemporary share the stage, each sharpened by the timeless honesty of monochrome photography.

Visit my Milano Street Photography Portfolio