The Leica M9 will be used for many new projects I have in mind and I also plan on testing it for some of my architectural projects. Looks can be deceiving because this little camera can compete with the best of them. So what projects do I have in mind and why this unique camera? I’ve been thinking a lot about my work and how I started in photography. It’s interesting because I never thought of myself photographing one kind of subject matter such as architecture. I realized that I developed as an architectural photographer but left a lot of potential behind. I evolved in a certain direction and I love architecture but I think I could be doing more with it and also pursuing other interests in photography that may relate to what I already do.

One thing that had to change was my mindset and have my camera with me everywhere I go. I must me exercising my eye and experimenting. I must be curious and explore beyond what my commercial work presents to me. I also can’t be lugging around huge camera equipment that is a burden and often left at home. I’ll be honest, after a busy week I often don’t want to bring my camera with me on days off. My camera equipment is meant for high-end commercial work and is often very formal. The Leica M9 will create a separation from the formal realm, at least for me it will. Working with a rangefinder is a different way of thinking, it’s a tool that brings another dimension to my work.

So, what are the projects I have in mind? I’ll be pursuing more of the human element in my work along with fine art and culinary environments. I want to photograph people in their environments without them being aware so much. Have you ever tried taking photos with a big Nikon SLR system? As soon as I take the camera out people will notice, they react and they are no longer acting natural. I get a lot of comments and questions when I’m out with a Nikon because it screams “professional photographer”. The Leica is super small and most people think its an amateur camera, so they don’t think much else. The idea is to blend in and not be noticeable. Ever draw attention to yourself because of the camera clicking? The Leica M9 solves that issue too because it’s super quiet and has no mirror inside that flips up and clicks. Really nice!

Of course the first photo is my favorite setup with the Leica 24mm Elmarit-M lens, I had to show a photo of the M9 right?  I had a busy week and managed to get out for some test photos at Washington Crossing Historic Park nearby. I thought a good technical test would be to photograph different textures and details. The 2nd and 3rd photos are good examples but I’ll have much more to share under different lighting conditions as I progress. These are only jpegs at low monitor resolution and sRGB color space so the true impact is best seen with the full res files. Kind of pointless even showing the test shots if you can’t see the quality on screen but I had to show something right? I’ll make some full res files available for download in a future post once I have some more stuff to show.

Leica M9 Camera With 24mm Elmarit-M Lens

Test Photo With The Leica M9 Camera At Washington Crossing Historic Park

Test Photo With The Leica M9 Camera At Washington Crossing Historic Park

How about a realistic approach that doesn’t show everything in its perfect place? Perhaps photographing the people moving around and capturing unposed activity?  This is real life with people interacting within their environment with objects moved and blurred motion implying activity. When I see this kind of image I think of the word credible.

I’m experimenting with this realistic approach incorporating people and their surroundings. It may take a little while to find some direction with it but it’s a good start. I’m updating my Leica system to the M9 and hope this will help with this approach. The small rangefinder doesn’t scream professional photographer and will allow me to blend within the environment so people don’t react to the camera and stay natural.

Of course I don’t plan on changing my current style drastically.  I feel that my current portfolio fits a purpose and has it’s strong points in a formal sense, but finding a balance and incorporating another approach will only strengthen my entire body of work. I guess it’s diversity within a specialty.

Below are some views from a current project in New York. Ever try photographing an empty restaurant in Manhattan during daylight hours? Good luck! This was a good opportunity to work with people in their environment and the client was enthusiastic about the idea. It’s nice having some creative freedom on commercial projects.

New York Restaurant Interior

New York Restaurant Interior

New York Restaurant Interior

What do I mean by being held back? Sometimes we tend to get tunnel vision as we become inspired. This is fine and it’s good to experiment with new styles but also take that influence and make it your own. I guess it’s a part of evolving, but what I’m trying get at is developing your own style and not trying to replicate someone else’s style. I’m constantly looking at the work of  photographers from the past and present. Of course I have my favorite photographers and gravitate toward them but I also try to find more. Other incredible influences may come from many kinds of artists such as master painters from all kinds of styles. A trip to an art museum once in a while will help and also buying books. I’m an addict when it comes to books and I tend to have them all over the place because I’m always looking through them for ideas.

We are a product of all artists before us. We take influences and integrate them into our own work. Making mistakes and going through the pains are part of growing. Making mistakes shouldn’t be though of as negative but a part of progression. If you think of it, not making mistakes may be worse because you may not be pushing your limits enough. Perhaps staying in the safe zone.

Just some thoughts.