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Restless tides of love
As I wandered along the vast, unbroken shore, where the restless tide whispered secrets to the wind, my gaze fell upon a couple seated amidst the golden sands. They were but two small figures against the grandeur of the sea, yet in their closeness, in the tender way their hands wove together like the intertwining of the dunes, there was something as eternal as the ocean itself. Love, I thought, is not a sudden tempest, nor a towering wave that crashes upon the shore and disappears, but rather the careful gathering of moments, like the countless grains of sand beneath them. Each shared glance, each whispered word, each gentle touch—these are the minute particles that, over time, form the vast and unshakable landscape of devotion.
Casa Pueblo is no more
The loss of a beacon of art that is slowly going soulless.
Casa Pueblo, once a beacon of artistic expression and raw creative energy in Punta Ballena, Uruguay, has faded into something unrecognizable from its former self. When Carlos Páez Vilaró was alive, the place pulsed with life. It was more than a museum or a hotel; it was an extension of his soul, a place where art and nature merged seamlessly. The whitewashed walls, uneven and organic, carried the weight of his vision, and every corner of the space felt infused with his spirit. Visitors could feel it—a living, breathing monument to an artist’s passion.
Now, it’s just a shell. The magic is gone, replaced with the air of a cheap tourist trap. The art has been relegated to overpriced souvenirs, and the spirit that once animated the place has long since faded. Natural decay has begun to creep in, but rather than embracing the slow weathering of time with dignity, Casa Pueblo feels neglected, stuck between nostalgia and commercialization. The remaining family members seem more interested in disputes than in preserving the essence of what made the place special, and their mismanagement only accelerates the decline.
To top it off, our visit ended on a sour note—our car, parked in their own designated spaces, was broken into. A shattered window and a headache were all we took away from what was supposed to be an experience of artistic wonder. If you were considering a visit, don’t bother. Casa Pueblo is no longer a place to be inspired; it’s a place to be disappointed. Stay away—you are missing nothing.
Capturing Florida’s Breathtaking Sunsets through the Leica glass
Florida is famous for its stunning sunsets, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange, pink, purple, and deep reds. Whether you’re on the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic side, or anywhere in between, the Sunshine State offers some of the most breathtaking end-of-day displays anywhere in the world. But what makes Florida’s sunsets so spectacular, and how can you capture their magic with a Leica camera? Let’s dive in.
Why Are Florida’s Sunsets So Colorful?
Let us discuss some of the several factors that contribute to the brilliant colors of Florida’s sunsets:
Moisture and Humidity
Florida's high humidity levels are crucial in scattering sunlight. Moisture particles in the air refract light, intensifying warm colors like reds and oranges, creating dramatic effects in the sky.
Clean Coastal Air
With its proximity to the ocean, Florida benefits from relatively clean air, free from industrial pollution found in more urban environments. This allows for clearer visibility and richer sunset hues without the dulling effects of smog.
Angle of the Sun
As the sun sets, its light must travel more of the Earth’s atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are scattered, leaving behind the longer wavelengths of red, orange, and pink, which dominate the Florida sky.
Cloud Formations
Florida’s tropical and subtropical climate leads to dynamic cloud patterns, from wispy cirrus clouds to billowy cumulus formations. These clouds catch and reflect the light in ways that enhance sunset colors and depth, adding contrast to the sky.
How to Capture Stunning Florida Sunsets with a Leica Camera
As we all know, Leica cameras are renowned for their exceptional optics and color rendition, making them a fantastic choice for capturing Florida’s brilliant sunsets. Here are my recommendations on how to make the most of them:
Use a Fast Prime Lens
A Leica Summilux or Summicron lens with a wide aperture (f/1.4 or f/2) can help capture rich colors and crisp details, even in fading light. The more light you can capture, the less grain/noise you must deal with. That said, even a Summaron might be sufficient here since you can probably still shoot at f/4 and capture enough light at 1/60 or 1/125.
Shoot in RAW
Shooting in RAW gives you more freedom to play with colors and exposure after the photo is taken. It helps you keep the natural beauty of the sunset, like the warm colors and gradients.
Adjust White Balance
To warm up your sunset, switch to a “Cloudy” or “Shade” white balance. This will make the golden hues pop and stop the sunset from looking too icy.
Use a Tripod for Long Exposures
If you’re shooting after the sun dips below the horizon, a sturdy tripod will help you capture long-exposure shots without motion blur, preserving the depth and richness of the sky.
Leverage the Dynamic Range of a Leica Sensor
Leica sensors excel at capturing subtle color transitions. Expose for the highlights to retain detail in the brightest parts of the sky while recovering shadows in post-processing.
Incorporate Foreground Elements
To add depth to your sunset shots, include interesting foreground elements like palm trees, sailboats, or coastal silhouettes. This helps create a stronger composition and adds context to your scene.
Experiment with Different Leica Lenses
The Leica Q3 is a fantastic all-in-one option with a fast Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens, but it might be too wide depending on your needs.
Leica M11 with a 35mm or 50mm lens is ideal for capturing vast skies and detailed landscapes. I preferred this option and worked with the 50mm Summicron Rigid and the 90mm APO-Summicron for some specific isolated palms.
Leica SL2 with a 24-90mm Vario-Elmarit – Great for versatility in framing wide and zoomed-in compositions.
Conclusion
Florida’s sunsets are among the most spectacular in the USA, and a Leica is a great tool to capture their beauty. By understanding the science behind these vibrant colors and utilizing Leica’s world-class glass, you can create stunning, high-quality images that do justice to these natural masterpieces. So next time you find yourself in the Sunshine State, set up your Leica, frame the shot, and let the magic of Florida’s skies unfold in your images.
Essence of London:
A Guide to Black-and-White Photography in the UK’s Capital
London has always been an epicenter for photographers, blending historic architecture, bustling streets, diverse cultures, and changing landscapes. Through the years, photographers have captured its timeless allure, especially in black and white, which adds a dramatic, nostalgic edge to its already storied streets and landmarks. Some of the most iconic images of London have come from photographers who used Leica cameras, a tool synonymous with capturing moments of authenticity. In this guide, we’ll explore some of London’s best photography spots, the iconic photographers who immortalized them in monochrome, and the ideal lenses for capturing these places.
A Brief History of Leica and Black-and-White Photography in London
Leica cameras have long been associated with street photography, especially in black and white. The compact, discreet design of Leica rangefinders made them a popular choice for capturing candid, natural scenes in the city. In post-WWII London, Leica became the tool of choice for photographers like Bill Brandt, one of the greats of British photography. Brandt’s work with London in black and white remains unparalleled; his moody images of bomb shelters and back alleys in war-torn London are iconic. Henri Cartier-Bresson, while not British, also used a Leica to document London in a candid, photojournalistic style, capturing moments of daily life that might otherwise go unnoticed.
British photographers, including later figures like Martin Parr and Ian Berry, have continued this tradition, adding to London’s photographic heritage. While they are not exclusively black-and-white photographers, their Leica work has preserved London’s grit and glamour in a way that feels intimate and raw.
Best Places to Photograph in London
From historic landmarks to gritty street corners, here are some of the best locations for black-and-white photography in London.
1. The Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Lens recommendation: Leica Super Elmar 21mm
These iconic structures are beautifully photogenic in black and white, especially under the city’s moody skies. The Super Elmar 21mm offers an ultra-wide field of view that can capture the Tower, the bridge, and the Thames in a single frame. This lens excels at accentuating the lines and perspectives of grand architecture, making it ideal for photographing London’s historical monuments.
2. Covent Garden
Lens recommendation: Summicron 35mm
Covent Garden is bustling with street performers, shoppers, and tourists. A 35mm lens gives you a versatile focal length that’s wide enough to capture the energy and details of the environment without distorting the scene. With its superior sharpness and contrast, the Summicron 35mm is perfect for creating immersive street scenes.
3. The South Bank and the Tate Modern
Lens recommendation: Super Elmar 21mm or Summicron 35mm
South Bank offers a stunning riverside promenade with the Tate Modern, the London Eye, and views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Super Elmar 21mm can capture panoramic views of the skyline, while the 35mm provides a more intimate perspective for photographing people and smaller scenes. The industrial feel of the Tate Modern, with its towering structures and open spaces, works well with black-and-white compositions.
4. Brick Lane and Shoreditch
Lens recommendation: Summicron 35mm or Summicron 50mm
Known for its vibrant street art and eclectic mix of cultures, Brick Lane is one of London’s most popular destinations for street photography. The Summicron 35mm or 50mm lenses are ideal for capturing both wide and close-up details. The Summicron 50mm is especially good for focusing on individual subjects, bringing out textures and details in a way that adds depth to black-and-white images.
5. Hyde Park and Regent’s Park
Lens recommendation: Summicron 50mm or 90mm
For more tranquil scenes, Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are ideal. The Summicron 90mm lets you capture portraits from a distance, ideal for candids of people enjoying nature. Meanwhile, the Summicron 50mm works well for close-up details of flora, sculptures, and secluded paths. In black and white, the high contrast of these lenses emphasizes the textures in both greenery and architecture.
6. Soho
Lens recommendation: Summicron 35mm
Soho is filled with neon signs, theaters, bars, and clubs, making it one of London’s liveliest spots. The Summicron 35mm is excellent for low-light photography, especially when shooting handheld at night. In black and white, Soho’s bright lights transform into a dramatic contrast of shadows and highlights, creating moody, cinematic images.
The Benefits of Different Lenses in London’s Photography Landscape
Leica Super Elmar 21mm f/3.4
Ideal for: Architecture, Landscapes, Skyline Shots
Strengths: Ultra-wide field of view, excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, ability to capture large scenes with minimal distortion.
The 21mm lens is excellent for capturing London’s iconic landmarks or grand views of the skyline. The Super Elmar’s high sharpness and contrast bring out the drama in London’s architecture, especially when processed in black and white.
Summicron 35mm f/2
Ideal for: Street Photography, Urban Environments
Strengths: Versatile focal length, fast aperture for low-light conditions, excellent for capturing candid moments.
The 35mm lens offers a broader perspective, allowing photographers to frame subjects and environments effectively. It’s precious in crowded, bustling areas like Covent Garden or Soho, where you can move close to your subject without intruding.
Summicron 50mm f/2
Ideal for: Portraits, Close-Up Street Photography
Strengths: Natural perspective, subtle background compression, excellent detail.
This 50mm lens is a classic choice for street photography. It gives a slightly tighter perspective than the 35mm, isolating subjects in their environment. The 50mm focal length is ideal for capturing people's unique personalities and expressions in places like Brick Lane or the South Bank.
Summicron 90mm f/2
Ideal for: Portraits, Details, Isolated Subjects
Strengths: Strong compression, significant for creating subject-background separation, ideal for candid portraits.
The Summicron 90mm works well when you want to capture details or portraits from a distance, making it an ideal choice for places like Hyde Park or Regent’s Park, where you may want to capture people enjoying nature without intruding on their space.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Black-and-White Photography in London
Photographing London in black and white emphasizes the textures, contrasts, and moods that define this historic city. Each Leica lens offers unique advantages for capturing London’s multifaceted charm. With the right combination of equipment and an understanding of the city’s rich photographic heritage, you can create images that document London and evoke the timeless feeling that black-and-white photography evokes.
Last but not least, here is my gallery:
Timeless Craftsmanship
Leica SUMMICRON 50mm f/2 (1956–1968)
For decades, Leica lenses have defined the intersection of optical excellence and timeless design. Today, I’m excited to explore one of the most iconic pieces in Leica’s storied history—the Leica SUMMICRON 50mm f/2 Rigid, produced from 1956 to 1968. Originally designed for the Leica M mount and also built for the Leica screw-mount cameras, this lens embodies the pure, uncompromising character that has made Leica legendary among photographers worldwide.
In this post, we’ll revisit the lens’s evolution, dive into its optical performance with data-supported insights (drawing on resources like Ken Rockwell’s detailed comparisons), and weigh its pros and cons. Along the way, I’ve left space for graphs and example images to help illustrate its distinctive capabilities.
A Storied Legacy
The Leica SUMMICRON 50mm f/2 is a testament to a golden era of optical design. Initially crafted for the Leica M mount—the system that redefined rangefinder photography—it was also built for the Leica II screw-mount cameras, ensuring that a broad community of photographers could access its exceptional performance.
Renowned photographers, including legends like Henri Cartier-Bresson, have embraced the Leica ethos. Although each artist’s approach is unique, many have found that the SUMMICRON’s ability to render light and shadow with artistic nuance perfectly complements the spontaneous, candid style of street and documentary photography.
Optical Performance: The Data Behind the Craft
Let’s delve into the performance characteristics that have sustained the lens’s reputation over decades. I’ve incorporated some placeholder graphs below, inspired by archival data and independent comparisons (such as those on Ken Rockwell’s site), to showcase key attributes.
Sharpness & Contrast
The SUMMICRON is celebrated for its impressive center sharpness and natural contrast—qualities that make it ideal for capturing everyday moments with clarity. While wide-open shooting (at f/2) can sometimes reveal a bit of softness at the edges, many photographers consider this a desirable characteristic that lends a vintage, artistic feel to the images. When shot at f/4 and above it becomes as sharp as any modern lens or better.
Leica M-A 50mm Summicron Rigid @ f/5.6
Leica M11 50mm Summicron Rigid @ f/2 1/60
Leica M-A 50mm Summicron Rigid @ f/2 1/125
Color Rendition & Bokeh
One of the lens’s standout features is its warm, natural color rendition. The SUMMICRON delivers skin tones and urban landscapes with a pleasing, organic quality. Its bokeh is distinct—characterized by a slightly geometric, structured look—which many photographers find adds an extra layer of character to portraits and close-up shots.
Leica M11 50mm Summicron Rigid f/5.6 1/250
Distortion & Vignetting
Thanks to its robust all-metal construction, the lens manages to keep distortion and aberrations at a minimum. However, a slight vignette is often observed when shooting wide open—a trait that many enthusiasts appreciate for its classic, vintage look. For those requiring meticulous post-production, this minor vignetting can be easily corrected.
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For a detailed, highly technical review, please refer to https://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/50mm-f2-m.htm. According to Ken, this lens is, and I quote,
“There is no better 50mm lens on Earth than the LEICA SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2. The SUMMICRON is the world's reference for a 50mm photographic lens.” — Ken Rockwell
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros
Versatile Heritage: Originally designed for the Leica M mount and built for the Leica II screw-mount cameras, it stands as a versatile piece of Leica history.
Exceptional Build Quality: The all-metal, rigid construction guarantees durability and offers a tactile, engaging manual focus experience.
Distinctive Optical Character: With superb center sharpness, natural contrast, and uniquely artistic bokeh, it offers an aesthetic that modern lenses often lack.
Timeless Rendering: Its vintage look—complete with slight edge softness and natural vignetting—imbues images with a character that many find deeply appealing.
Cons
Edge Performance: While the center is exceptionally sharp, some softness and minor aberrations may appear toward the edges, necessitating careful composition or post-processing.
Manual Operation: The purely manual focus system, while cherished by purists, can be less forgiving in fast-paced or low-light scenarios.
Not Ideal for High-Speed Action: The absence of autofocus and modern stabilization features means it’s less suited for capturing rapid motion or action shots.
Ideal Applications
Street & Documentary Photography: Its compact design, robust construction, and organic color rendering make it perfect for capturing candid, real-life moments.
Leica M11 50mm Summicron Rigid f/5.6 1/500
Artistic Portraiture: The distinctive bokeh and gentle edge softness add an artistic, timeless quality to portraiture.
Fine Art Photography: When shot wide-open photographers who appreciate nuanced detail and vintage character find the SUMMICRON’s “imperfections” to be a source of creative inspiration.
Leica M11 50mm Summicron Rigid f/4 1/125
Conclusion
The Leica SUMMICRON 50mm f/2 (1956–1968) is far more than just a lens—it’s a piece of photographic history that inspires artists with its blend of mechanical precision and organic, timeless rendering. Whether you’re a seasoned Leica enthusiast or exploring manual focus for the first time, this lens offers a tangible connection to an era when photography was as much about the experience as it was about the image.
For further reading and detailed performance data, I highly recommend checking out Ken Rockwell’s comparison table. It’s a treasure trove of insights that celebrate the enduring magic of the SUMMICRON.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with this classic Leica lens. How has its timeless character influenced your photography? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below!
The Art of Fog and Mist
Creating Minimalist and Evocative Photography
Creating Minimalist and Evocative Photography
Fog and mist have captivated photographers for decades, cloaking landscapes, cities, and everyday settings in ethereal beauty. By embracing fog, photographers can create stunning minimalist compositions, making negative space and mystery central to the frame. This atmospheric phenomenon allows artists to simplify complex scenes, obscure distractions, and evoke haunting and beautiful emotions. In this post, we’ll delve into the history of photographers who’ve used fog and mist to transform their images, discuss techniques to harness this natural phenomenon, and explore some perfect foggy locations in Seattle.
The Allure of Fog and Mist in Photography: A Brief History
Fog photography gained popularity in the early 20th century as artists recognized its potential to create dreamlike scenes. Photographers like Alfred Stieglitz and Ansel Adams were among the early pioneers who tapped into the atmospheric qualities of fog. Stieglitz captured moody, fog-filled scenes of New York City, while Adams’s work with fog in natural settings added a sense of mystery to his iconic landscapes. These photographers understood that fog could simplify complex urban or rural environments, making light, shadow, and minimalistic forms the focal points of the image.
Later, photographers like Michael Kenna embraced fog’s potential for minimalism and negative space. Kenna’s monochrome landscapes often include mist or fog, transforming rivers, hillsides, and cityscapes into minimalist compositions where negative space becomes a canvas of possibility. Kenna’s work, along with others who use fog, has shown that simplicity can make a profound impact, drawing the viewer’s eye to a singular tree, building, or figure and emphasizing mood over detail.
Techniques and Themes: How Fog Enhances Photography
Morning walks in Volunteer Park, Seattle, WA
Creating Minimalist Compositions
Fog simplifies a scene, softening backgrounds and muting distracting elements. In street photography, it can obscure traffic, crowds, or other details, allowing a single subject—like a lone pedestrian or car—to stand out. In landscapes, fog can create a stark contrast between a solitary tree or mountain and the white of the misty sky. Photographers can use wide shots to capture the entire scene or zoom in to showcase the interplay of fog and an isolated subject.Using Negative Space for Emotional Impact
By diminishing the number of visible elements in a scene, fog adds an element of negative space, leading to compositions that feel expansive, introspective, or even melancholy. This use of negative space invites viewers to interpret the emotional quality of the photo on a personal level. Street scenes shrouded in mist, for instance, can evoke a sense of isolation or quiet reflection, while landscapes feel timeless and otherworldly.Playing with Light and Shadows
Fog diffuses light, creating softer shadows and evenly lit scenes. It eliminates harsh contrasts and softens lines, giving images a painterly effect. Early morning and evening fog offer unique lighting opportunities. In cities, streetlights, car headlights, and neon signs create a glow, adding a cinematic quality to images. In nature, soft, filtered light enhances the calmness of the landscape, making fog an ideal condition for creating tranquil, peaceful photos.Highlighting Texture and Layers
In landscapes, fog can help reveal layers, making the foreground appear crisper against a gradually fading background. This effect adds depth and a three-dimensional feel to images, as trees, mountains, or buildings appear to recede into the mist. Textures, like ripples on water or patterns in a forest, become more pronounced and can be used as leading lines in compositions.
Foggy Spots in Seattle: Where to Capture Stunning Scenes
Seattle’s weather, with its frequent fog and mist, is perfect for photographers looking to capture atmospheric shots. Here are some of the best places to explore:
Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park, located on Capitol Hill, is home to a beautiful mix of trees, open fields, and water that look incredible in the fog. On misty mornings, the iconic water tower and statue of William Henry Seward seem to emerge from the fog, offering a hauntingly beautiful setting. The Conservatory, with its Victorian architecture and nearby green spaces, can make for captivating fog-filled photos.
Volunteer Park - 2024
Volunteer Park, 2022
Green Lake
Green Lake is another excellent spot for fog photography, especially at dawn. The stillness of the lake, paired with foggy conditions, creates a surreal reflection, making it an ideal place to practice minimalist photography. The surrounding trees and pathways add to the effect, with solitary runners or early-morning walkers providing compelling subjects against the misty backdrop.
Greenlake, 2024
Discovery Park
Seattle’s largest park, Discovery Park, offers an array of landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows and a beach. The mix of environments creates ample opportunity for diverse fog photography, especially at sunrise when the mist rolls over the fields and the lighthouse stands starkly against the whitewashed horizon.
Discovery Park Lighthouse - 2022
Golden Gardens Park
For a waterfront perspective, Golden Gardens Park is a must-visit. Fog rolling in from Puget Sound adds a dramatic quality to this beach park, especially around the driftwood-strewn shoreline. You can catch fog enveloping distant boats, creating a strikingly serene setting that’s perfect for minimalist compositions.
Golden Garden - 2023
The Arboretum and Lake Washington Boulevard
The Washington Park Arboretum, with its winding paths and diverse plant life, is particularly atmospheric in the fog. The twisting branches of trees, thick ground cover, and winding paths can create compositions reminiscent of classic fog photography. Nearby Lake Washington Boulevard also offers foggy morning views along the shoreline.
Arboretum Soccer fields - 2024
Conclusion
Fog and mist provide photographers with a natural, atmospheric tool to transform ordinary scenes into hauntingly beautiful works of art. From creating minimalist landscapes to isolating subjects in street photography, fog allows for an interplay between negative space, light, and shadow that is hard to replicate under other conditions. In Seattle, where fog is a frequent visitor, the opportunity to experiment with these techniques is plentiful. So, grab your camera, embrace the misty mornings, and see how fog can bring a magical touch to your work.
Madrid in Monochrome
A Personal Photographic Journey through Spain’s Vibrant Capital
Madrid, Spain’s cultural and historical heart, has long been a canvas for photographers inspired by its energy, architecture, and vibrant life. Madrid offers various photographic subjects, from the cobbled streets of old neighborhoods to expansive city views. Leica, synonymous with black-and-white photography, has drawn artists here for decades with its ability to capture rich contrasts and the nuanced detail of life unfolding. Many Leica photographers have cemented their names with striking, timeless work in Madrid, transforming scenes of daily life into iconic art.
This guide explores Madrid’s most photogenic landscape and street photography spots, offering insights into the work of significant Leica photographers who have framed this city in striking monochrome.
History of Leica and Madrid
Leica cameras have a unique place in black-and-white photography history, embraced by renowned photographers for their precision, compact size, and unparalleled image quality. In Madrid, Leica-equipped artists have documented not only the beauty of the city but also the social and political transformations that have shaped it. Their work provides an evocative record of the city through the years, offering insights into the evolution of Madrid’s culture and urban landscape.
Perhaps most famously, Ramón Masats, a Spanish photographer born in Catalonia, rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s for his black-and-white photography across Spain, particularly in Madrid. Though he began as a self-taught photographer, his eye for the country’s social contrasts was impeccable. Masats documented everything from bullfights to urban daily life, providing a sensitive yet unflinching view of the city’s people and customs.
Another influential figure is Carlos Saura, a celebrated Spanish filmmaker who dabbled in Leica photography. Saura captured Madrid’s artistic and cultural transformations, focusing on dance, theater, and other cultural phenomena that made the city a rich, lively subject.
Landscape and Street Photography in Madrid
The Royal Palace and Sabatini Gardens
The Royal Palace and its surrounding Sabatini Gardens provide a stunning backdrop for landscape photography. The imposing palace architecture, combined with the intricate design of the gardens, offers a classic European feel. There are plenty of opportunities to experiment with light and shadow. This location is breathtaking during the early morning or late afternoon golden hour, when the architecture comes alive with contrast.
Restaurant across Palacio real, late at night.
Plaza Mayor: The Heart of Street Photography
Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s most famous squares and a popular subject for street photography. The square’s symmetrical arcades and intricate architecture perfectly suit black-and-white compositions. In the 1960s, Masats often captured scenes from Plaza Mayor, highlighting the energy of Madrileños going about their lives in this bustling hub. Try capturing the arches framing lively street performances, outdoor cafes, or impromptu gatherings, creating natural frames for subjects within the square.
Late night, Plaza Mayor
Gran Vía: Madrid’s Busy Avenue
Gran Vía is an architectural marvel, often described as Madrid’s Broadway. Its Art Deco and modernist buildings make it a prime spot for architectural and street photography. Alberto García-Alix, another important figure in Spanish black-and-white photography, has photographed this location, emphasizing the drama of city life with his intense, gritty style. Walking along Gran Vía at night, with the dramatic lighting and shadows cast by neon signs, evokes a moody film-noir aesthetic perfect for Leica photographers.
Gran Via, early morning
Parque del Retiro
Parque del Retiro, often called Madrid’s green lung, offers countless opportunities for photographers. The park provides varied subjects, from the grand Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) to the serene Estanque Grande (Large Pond) with its iconic rowboats. The interplay of light filtering through the tree-lined paths and reflections on the water creates a dreamlike atmosphere. For black-and-white photography, Retiro’s quieter corners, like the forested areas or the statues scattered throughout the park, are ideal for capturing timeless and tranquil scenes.
Parque del Retiro
Neighborhoods: Salamanca, Chueca, Malasaña, and More
Madrid’s neighborhoods each have their unique personality, making them perfect for diverse street photography styles:
Salamanca close to Leica Store Madrid
Salamanca: Known for its upscale elegance, Salamanca offers wide boulevards, high-end boutiques, and stunning 19th-century architecture. It’s an excellent spot for minimalist black-and-white compositions and capturing Madrid's refined, quiet side.
Chueca: Vibrant and eclectic, Chueca is the heart of Madrid’s LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood’s colorful characters, stylish cafes, and bustling plazas make it ideal for dynamic, high-energy street photography. The contrasts between old architecture and modern cultural expressions add depth to black-and-white images.
Malasaña: This bohemian neighborhood is a treasure trove for photographers seeking gritty, alternative vibes. Known for its role in the Movida Madrileña countercultural movement, Malasaña’s streets are adorned with graffiti, vintage storefronts, and an ever-changing mix of subcultures. It’s perfect for experimenting with texture and shadow.
Lavapiés: A melting pot of cultures, Lavapiés offers vibrant street life, bustling markets, and artistic murals. Photographers looking to capture Madrid's multicultural side will find no shortage of inspiration here.
Chueca
Exploring the Unique Styles of Leica Photographers in Madrid
Ramón Masats: The Chronicler of Madrid
Ramón Masats is revered for his ability to capture Spain's soul, particularly through his work in Madrid. His photography in the capital often featured traditional celebrations and customs, such as the annual bullfights. Masats had a talent for highlighting the interaction between people and their environment, using shadows and negative space to convey emotional depth. His approach is particularly inspiring for photographers aiming to capture the timeless essence of Madrid’s streets, using simple compositions and natural lighting to portray the city’s distinct character.
Carlos Saura: Capturing Spanish Art and Culture
Carlos Saura's black-and-white photography goes beyond typical street photography, diving deep into Spain's artistic soul. Known for his film work, he also documented cultural icons such as flamenco dancers and theater performers. Saura’s work offers valuable inspiration for those who wish to capture Madrid’s art scene. For modern photographers, the flamenco bars around La Latina neighborhood can serve as a tribute to Saura’s cultural documentation, with their dramatic lighting and expressive dancers creating a uniquely Spanish atmosphere.
Alberto García-Alix: The Rebel Visionary
Alberto García-Alix is known for his raw, gritty style, capturing Madrid’s punk subculture of the 1980s. His images, often centered around rebellion and counterculture, offer a different perspective on the city. García-Alix's work embodies the unpolished, authentic energy of Madrid's alternative side. Photographers interested in exploring this vein might wander through Malasaña, a neighborhood famed for its eclectic bars and vintage shops, where locals reflect the alternative spirit that García-Alix immortalized.
4. Chasing Iconic Shots in Modern Madrid
Temple of Debod: A Unique Sunset Location
The Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain, is a unique spot for landscape photographers. The temple is set on a hill offering panoramic views of the city, and the surrounding park offers endless angles for capturing reflections on the water. Black-and-white photography works surprisingly well here, especially at dusk, as the shadows deepen and the city lights start to flicker. The juxtaposition of ancient architecture against a modern city skyline creates a timeless quality in the photographs.
El Rastro Flea Market: A Street Photographer’s Dream
El Rastro is one of the largest open-air flea markets in Europe, held every Sunday in Madrid’s La Latina neighborhood. This market provides street photographers with a diverse array of subjects—from the vibrant characters of the stall vendors to the lively shoppers haggling for treasures. Leica photographers would appreciate the bustling environment and the contrasting light between crowded and quiet corners, ideal for capturing Madrid’s people and culture up close.
Tips for Capturing Madrid in Monochrome
Classic restaurants, playing with lights and shadows
Play with Light and Shadow: Madrid’s bright sunlight and clear skies make it perfect for high-contrast black-and-white images. Look for spots where shadows are cast dramatically to add depth and contrast.
Go Early or Stay Late: To capture scenes like Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía without heavy crowds, try early mornings. Alternatively, use nighttime for a film-noir feel, particularly around Gran Vía or Malasaña.
Experiment with Layers and Reflections: Reflections on windows or pools, especially around the Royal Palace and Temple of Debod, add interest to monochrome compositions.
Late night exposure in gran via, taking advantage of reflections of light in the floor.
In closing, Madrid is a city of stories, and black-and-white photography, primarily through the timeless lens of a Leica, has a unique way of bringing those stories to life. By exploring Madrid through the styles of photographers like Ramón Masats, Carlos Saura, and Alberto García-Alix, you can capture the sights and spirit of this vibrant city. Whether you’re drawn to historical landmarks, bustling markets, or quiet corners, Madrid is waiting to be immortalized in monochrome.
Artificial light and negative spaces
Where light and darkness meet the eye
Lately, I’ve been venturing out during the dark hours. It’s quite convenient here during winter, as the sun rises around seven in the morning and sets around four in the afternoon.
One morning, I woke up around four in the morning to take a family member to the airport. As a way to bid farewell to our fantastic trip, I decided to capture some cool photos on our way back from SeaTac. I hadn’t planned on taking street photos, but I thought I’d give it a try and see what I could find in the SODO industrial district.
I’ve always been fascinated by darkening photos with bright lights in corners, neon lights, and wet streets that exploit light reflections. In processing the shots I took that morning, I found myself captivated by the moody atmosphere. This experience has led me to start a series of 1:1 frames, each featuring scenes enriched by darkness and punctuated with artificial lights.
In these photos, negative space plays an essential role, allowing the images to breathe while amplifying the elements of light and shadow. By using empty areas—stretches of asphalt, vast blank walls, or even the night sky as backgrounds—I can create a visual balance that draws the eye toward illuminated subjects. Negative space in photography isn’t just “empty”; it’s an active element that shapes the way we perceive what’s around it, giving the subjects and textures a unique weight. This balance between light and darkness forms a natural contrast, letting bright areas pop against the enveloping shadows and allowing the viewer to feel the isolation of each illuminated detail.
Artists like Fan Ho, Michael Kenna, and Brassai have famously embraced negative space and the stark use of light and shadow. Fan Ho, especially, often composed his images with large portions of shadow that bring out a quiet sense of solitude and introspection. Similarly, Michael Kenna’s industrial landscapes utilize vast, empty spaces to evoke both the power and loneliness of industrial scenes. I found their work to be particularly inspirational as I experimented with similar techniques in Seattle’s industrial districts, where expansive, dimly lit areas contrast sharply with sudden, bright artificial light sources.
Gas Station on First Ave, SODO
Additionally, black-and-white photography has proven to be a perfect medium for capturing the essence of these scenes. By removing color, black-and-white tones distill each image down to its raw elements of form, contrast, and texture. The industrial setting, with its steel structures, concrete surfaces, and neon lights, is made more intense through monochrome, as it brings out the graphic quality of the scene—the lines, curves, and light fixtures become more pronounced, each detail standing out vividly against the empty spaces around it. This interplay between the dark and the light fixtures creates an almost cinematic effect, evoking a sense of mystery and nostalgia that color might dilute.
Black and White
Color
To achieve a retro look in these nighttime shots, I found inspiration in the iconic colors and tonal qualities of Kodak Kodachrome film, which shaped the visual language of photography in the 1980s. Known for its rich, vibrant hues, deep contrast, and unmistakable “pop,” Kodachrome brings a warmth and liveliness to industrial scenes that can transform otherwise stark, cold environments into a nostalgic landscape. Adding this Kodachrome-inspired palette to negative space-focused industrial photography lends the images an almost cinematic, timeless quality—one that echoes the gritty, evocative look of urban spaces in 80s photography.
Kodachrome's deep, saturated colors—particularly in reds, blues, and greens—combined with its characteristic contrast, allows the viewer’s eye to gravitate naturally toward the brightest or most colorful elements within a composition. For nighttime or low-light industrial shots, this effect accentuates the neon lights, wet streets, and structural details, while the shadowed, empty spaces form a rich canvas around them. This interplay between vibrant color and deep shadow adds a layer of intrigue and mood to each image, making the industrial scenes feel both nostalgic and cinematic.
Showbox SODO Neon light, remanence of 80s Cyberpunk
By emulating the Kodachrome look with its warmth, high saturation, and intense contrasts, we can amplify the nostalgic feel of industrial photography. This palette gives otherwise quiet, empty spaces a feeling of presence, drawing attention to how colors transform in the darkness and how small details—like a lone street lamp or a patch of graffiti—seem to “glow” within the scene. These images echo the retro aesthetic that captures industrial districts' grandeur and desolation. The interplay of artificial lights, wet streets, and darkened spaces becomes an homage to the 80s style and a tribute to the photographers who immortalized these moments in color and shadow.
In exploring industrial photography, I noticed that shadows and artificial lights have a different quality here—they almost feel like they have a physical presence, especially in black and white. Street lamps create halos that slice through the mist, illuminating empty loading docks or casting patterns on warehouse walls. Neon lights reflect off the wet pavement, creating streaks of light that break through the darkness. These stark contrasts, shaped by negative space, become a powerful storytelling tool, letting the viewer linger on each element of the scene, each one framed by darkness.
The dark hours and the SODO industrial district offer a unique canvas, allowing me to experiment with light, shadow, and empty spaces to evoke a sense of solitude, quiet, and introspection—qualities that I hope will speak to others, much like the works of the artists I admire.
Lonely Patagonia
On our last trip to Patagonia, we spent much time on the long, straight, and primarily lonely roads, going from one place to another. We saw many estancias or vacant homes in the middle of the vast lands. These are some of the captures of such photogenic places.
City of London
After several years, it was time to go back to London. I really like the metropolis. It is like NYC but with an old country vibe. There are always things to do and new places to notice.
This time was different. This time, London was going to be seen through a viewfinder. Spoiler: I loved it. What a photogenic city.
On top of this —as if I was not lucky enough already—we had some sunny days and others lightly sunny ones. Every other corner of the city, from the busy City of London to Southwark, Borough Market, the tube lines, the trains, Notting Hills, and the museums, among many other corner pubs, had the perfect light casting upon the bricks and deep shadows that gave me the ideal scene for capturing candid subjects with such exciting lighting.
I cannot wait to go back, but in the meantime, here are some M11 21mm moments to share as I usually do.
Leica Master shot
During my visit to Argentina and Uruguay, I was lucky to capture some beautiful moments with my Leica M11 and M7. Every so often, I submit some of my images to LFI. I do not do it often, but whenever I like something, I share it and get some criticism.
On December 29th, I was surprised to see one of my submissions selected as a Leica Master shot. It was an incredible honor and I look forward to continue improving on my photography.
https://lfi-online.de/en/gallery/m-mastershots/Colorful-Dresses-2824542.html
Soccer Foggy Night
Recently Seattle has thankfully being sunny, but very foggy in the mornings. A few Mondays ago I had to take my son to soccer practices around the Hillmam City area in Seattle. When we got there, I was immediately thankful I had taken my cameras with me because, we could barely see a few meters from us and it was a great opportunity to take some interesting foggy pictures at night.
Mystic Fog
I have been enjoying these last few days in Seattle. The morning cold with sun give space for the myst/fog to come into the city and they generate a beautiful photogenic scenario.
Pacific Coast
A few weekends ago I visited the Pacific Ocean coast. A small community called Seabrook, WA. It is a lovely town build from 0 in the past 20 years or so. Since I was staying a weekend I decided to take my camera(s) [ Leica M11 + Leica M7 ] and test my luck with the non-stop raining weather.
Here are some of the pictures I was able to capture with Kodak Tri-X 400 and with the M11.
Deception Pass
I have meant to do a little more landscape and architectural photography. Summer is almost gone, and I wanted to do some hikes with my family and take the time to capture some lovely pictures with my M11 and M7. I was shooting Ektar 100 on the M7, so I did BNW with the M11.
Deception Pass, if you do not know it, is a fantastic place to take photos and a super easy hike for the kids to do since is mostly no elevation on the hikes, and beach walking is very easy to talk, primarily stones and sand beach.
The weekend we went was mostly cloudy which played very well for the mood I was going for the in the pictures.
Paris 21
Paris 21 - Paris through a 21mm
After my trip to Ushuaia, I felt 35mm was not giving me enough of a view to capture some interesting moments in all of its magnitude and beauty. At the same time, I wanted to experience what would it feel to do street and city landscape with such a wide angle glass. Change my view of the world and learn to compose with 90 degrees. What could be done, how close and how much I could capture inside a single frame.
The perfect opportunity came when we decided to take a one day drip to Paris. Took the train from Avignon to Paris early in the morning and came back later that day. In shorts, one crazy field day.
While in the train I had another crazy idea: I would work to create a small series, “Paris 21”. I would take pictures for one day all in 21mm in Paris, select the ones that best represented Paris and share then. Easier said than done, but I was hyped about the challenge.
Paris is Paris, it’s been photographed for centuries but I still wanted to share my moments, my view, a small portion of what caught my eye. How Eiffel and Louvre would look through a super wide framing. I hope you all enjoy Paris 21., as much as I enjoyed the process of creating these because this one unforgettable day.
Tierra de los Fuegos
Ushuaia - The end of the world
Photography is my muse, my art, my time to remove all worries and enjoy the moment. A few years ago, I got a Leica because I wanted to slow down, stop time and enjoy the moment of capturing the world through a rangefinder. The pictures were the result, but I was on it more for the process, and few cameras provided that experience.
In 2022, I bought my first Leica M — M11 — in Leica Marseille while visiting Provence. I have not put it down ever since; it goes with me everywhere. Early in 2023, I had an opportunity to travel to Ushuaia for pleasure, and I took my M11. I wanted to capture some of the "End of the world" through the M11 glass. See if I could steal some of the magic of the "end of the world" and put it into pictures.
The following pictures are a small selection of this trip that I hope represents the spirit of "La Tierra de los Fuegos".
