Monthly Recap 🔴 Aug26
Photography related posts, videos and hopefully a source of inspiration!
Flickr portrait of the month (Most liked)
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Founded in 2013, I share my experiences and reviews of Leica, film cameras, lenses + more. View the last 100 blog posts and search 400+ articles. Photos? See Flickr and Instagram.
Last month
July started with me still in the Czech Republic where I extended my trip following a Leica workshop I ran in Prague. I’m not sure if it was the extreme heat or I caught something on the plane home but something wiped me out for a week as soon as I got back to the UK.
Being self employed I don’t have time to be sick but I just tried to do anything than didn’t involve going out or needing my voice. I did manage a few new Blog posts, uploads to Flickr, a few Instagram posts and even a long form Substack article. I’ll share some links below together with the latest YouTube videos.
July travel
I’d not planned to travel for most of July as the UK weather is normally better so I arrange shoots in London and try to cycle most days. I received a last minute Leica workshop request to teach a fellow Leica photographer on a yacht in Egypt. It sounded both amazing and unbelievable at the same time but we settled on meeting in France instead as the logistics would be much easier. More on that below.
July ended in Spain as I flew out to join my family (brother’s family plus Mum) on their summer holiday. Not a photo trip but I took a few cameras. Here is a sample photo from one of our hikes. (I hope I captured something similar on film!) –
Prints and 2026 Photobooks
If you missed previous newsletters I bought a printer for home use. I still need to finish the detailed blog post but the next goal is to get organised and start to think about this year’s photobooks.
It seems most of you prefer my model photobooks to individual prints as the last set of books mostly sold out with the first month last year. In the past I sold budget friendly A5 zine books but after buying a printer, I’m now inspired to make something a bit nicer for 2026.
Currently, i’m looking to make small magazine size books (bigger than A5, smaller than A4) so they are still cost effective to ship overseas. The plan is my usual model photography books (2 designs in mind) plus my passion project Gdansk, Poland (second edition) book. (Bigger with additional images to the original).
If you’re interested in my next photobooks you can receive updates as I’ll order a limited quantity from the print house. You can also find my prints below –
- Large prints (Limited prints, run of 10 for each size)
- Girls with Cameras (Collectable postcards, set of 5)
- Analogue Travels (Collectable postcards, set of 5)
Thanks for those of you that already bought prints!
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More from the Czech Republic shoots
As I was still in the Czech Republic at the start of July (with Patreon friend Tobi) here are a few more model shots from the trip. I still need to develop my film. (See my Travel ebook for how I pack for these trips if interested).
Model photography eBooks
Always wanted to try model photography? Start today with my eBooks!
UK Shoot (#1)
I don’t shoot with UK models so much these days (unless I’m teaching a Leica workshop in London). Since moving from Coventry down towards London some years ago I lost my model friend network. Now I tend to just work when I’m in the UK and shoot more when I’m overseas.
That said.. the benefit of UK shoots is I don’t need to fly so I can carry more gear. This means being able to use bigger lights or light modifiers, bigger heavier lenses, bigger bulkier film cameras and the like. During the summer months we often have sunlight for shooting so I arranged a few model sessions in July to test some new lighting gear ahead of the planned YouTube video.
The first photoshoot was a location shoot with Natalie who I found on Instagram. You can see the full BTS video on Patreon but below are a few sample images. (You might recognise these from the Zhiyun X200 LED video).
UK Shoot (#2)
The second model shoot was in London and I met up with model friend Justina who’d just returned from a 3-year break. It was great to catchup and again I was testing lights for YouTube (and lenses.. the usual!)
Again you can see the full BTS video on Patreon and below are a few sample images. (You might recognise these from the Zhiyun X200 LED video).
UK Shoot (#3)
For the third shoot it was just lucky timing. A model contact from Budapest was in London visiting for a few days with her sister so I met them and spend a few hours shooting with Bori.
The BTS video is on Patreon and you probably recognise her from recent videos and the cover of the latest video. Here are a few sample images (the usual, RAW files + MrLeica preset added). I took a few photos of both of them before they left to fly home and the shot I posted to Flickr proved very popular.
Leica workshop in Cannes
So as I mentioned in the intro, the original plan was for me to meet my fellow Leica photographer student on a Yacht in Egypt (as requested) but we thought South France would be a lot easier logistically.
After his Egypt trip, my student arrived to Cannes and I flew there to meet him. He knew the city well so he arranged my accommodation in the centre (just off Promenade de la Croisette if you know it) and a car came to pick me up from the airport.
When I arrived to Cannes I was instantly overwhelmed by the beauty of the place. Beautiful people in beautiful clothes surrounded by beautiful “stuff”. Luxury yacht, super cars, expensive hotels and boutique shops. Everyone looked like a model and there were “11/10 ers” ten to the dozen walking around. I’d never seen so many super model looking people all in one place.
As a “recovering introvert” I immediately felt out of place and like I didn’t belong. I didn’t have the looks nor the clothes so felt very self conscious walking to my apartment along the strip (with everyone else out dressed to impress).
I met my student the next day and I started to get a feel for the place. We had a drink at The Carlton Hotel (if you know it) as he knew the senior staff from years before. I helped him with his various Leica camera. That was the overall goal for the trip.
Day 2 we drove out to see more local towns in the mountains then had lunch at one of the exclusive beach bars. My first Leica workshop in a beach bar! It was interesting for me to see how everyone interacts in these places.
Day 3 I went for a morning run along the Promenade de la Croisette before we started the workshop and it was really interesting. I’ll share the full write-up in a future Fitness and Wellbeing themed eBook but in brief, fitness is a great leveller.
When I was clothed I felt out of place. Running topless along the same beach promenade sweating from the 30+ degrees heat, suddenly the same super model-looking people (doing their morning runs) were looking at me. For an hour I felt like I fitted in and that gave me confidence that lasted the rest of the day.
Once you strip back the expensive clothes and jewellery to just beach wear (or running kit), it doesn’t matter if you’re a young millionaire or an average Jo. Bystanders eyes wander towards the person that maintain a fit physique rather than the designer clothes. I suddenly felt like I fitted in so I went for another run on the last morning before flying home.
Running for me is more than just exercise. It’s an efficient way to see more of a new city faster, whether doing a recce for photoshoot locations or running with a camera taking tourist photos. I ran with a film camera both mornings so I’ll likely make a YouTube video if I got some nice shots.
Later in the day we drove to the nearest camera shop that sold Leica gear. My student exchanged his Leica SL3 for the new Leica SL3-P to get the better autofocus.
He used a Leica M11-P for his main camera and a Leica Q3 for family events so I was helping him consider which camera suits what occasions the best (to save him bringing all cameras on all trips).
We ran out of time to invite a local model for a photoshoot but it sounds like we’ll do that the next time we get together. Cannes really won my heart with all the beauty (as someone that likes to photograph this) so I hope to visit again soon.
Leica workshop, London
In additional to teaching in Cannes, I did my usual Leica workshops in London. A student flew in from the US to meet me so I asked model friend Basia to join us. Norman was already comfortable with portraits but was newer to the Leica ecosystem, specifically the Leica M11-P.
I took my Leica M10-P and showed him how I light my models and he seemed to really enjoy it. (See my Workshop Testimonials for some of the feedback I receive from students if you’re interested).
Workshops in Europe this summer
After teaching in Gdansk, Prague and Cannes with possibly Paris and Germany coming up, get in touch if you’re planning to visit Europe this summer and want to arrange a day together. Check my availability
Help via Zoom
Zoom calls let me assist photographers around the world remotely. Whether it’s new cameras/ lenses, portrait lighting techniques or portfolio reviews I can help. Read the Zoom testimonials and check my availability.
Workshop survey
Complete the survey to register your interest in a MrLeica workshop near you.
Leica Club guest posts
If you enjoy using a Leica camera and want to share your story plus some of your images, get in touch. Here is the latest article from Aaron –
Wide Open Images and Wide-Open Tools – Aaron Bludworth (New)
Future travel plans
Here are my provisional travel plans. Maybe I’m coming to a city near you or somewhere you’d like to visit. Feel free to contact me to organise a workshop.
AUGUST 2026
- Spain – Joining family for their summer holiday
- Germany – Possibly 1:1 teaching (tbc)
- TBC – I might book something last minute
SEPTEMBER 2026
- Gdansk – Meeting a few Patreons
- Paris – TBC, probably 2 days of 1:1 teaching
- Cannes – Maybe, if I can fit it in
OCTOBER 2026
- Budapest – Probably as it’ll be overdue by then
- TBC – I’ve not had time to plan anything else yet
Coming to London?
Check my availability if you’d like to meet up while you’re in London –
Digital photographers
If you follow me you know I love Leica cameras and my preference for film.
- Digital cameras – Leica CL, SL 601, SL2S, M262, M10P + Lumix S9
- Lenses – See all lens reviews. I’m testing a few I can’t mention yet
- Editing with presets – All my images are RAW + LR preset
Mandler 50mm f1.4
If you bought the amazing (yet affordable) Mandler 35mm f2 (Leica King of Bokeh remake) you’re understandably very excited for any news on their new Mandler 50mm f1.4 (Leica Summilux 50mm f1.4 Pre-ASPH v3 remake).
I’ve been testing a 50mm prototype lens for Mandler and shared my feedback. Now I await the final production version so I can finish the YouTube lens review. As soon as they give me the green light I’ll share the video and they will likely make the lens available on their website the same day.
Many of you have asked me about 50mm price. The last time I checked it wasn’t quite finalised. I’d like to think the 50mm price will be in line with their 35mm lens (perhaps a bit more so they don’t run at a loss) as that is the Mandler mission (as I see it). Leica look lenses at affordable prices, so more of us can enjoy these types of lenses (and the final images they produce).
View GearList for recommended products & discount codes
Film photographers
- Film – I bought Kodak XX for 2026 but shooting colour/ old XP2 first
- Cameras – Really enjoying the Leica M4 and Leica MP 0.85 combo
- Film Developing – I use 1:3 Kodak Xtol + dash if Rodinal in 3 reel tanks
- Film Scanning – See this video for how I scan film using a Valoi Easy120
- Darkroom Printing – When I get time – Mostly 5×7 + some 8×10
- Photobooks – Sold out but receive updates for the next print run
- Prints – You can now order limited prints
Film (on-hold)
New film developing is planned for August as I must have 30+ rolls backed up in the fridge (since the spring). My goal is to test a new film developing process plus new scanning and editing workflow. Lots of experimenting to do and I’m excited for the results.
Look out for the film related YouTube video as it’ll contain my best film images from the last 4 months or so (models and travel).
Directory: Leica Repairs + Leica YouTubers
Have feedback following a Leica service, repair or CLA? See the Leica Repair Directory page. What are your favourite Leica YouTuber channels?
Latest YouTube videos
Catch up on YouTube videos (Last 30 days) –
Leica body cap lens (viltrox 28mm AF)
New light lens lab 75mm f1.5 “Z21”
How i light my portrait (zhiyun x200 led)
new! TTArtisan 50mm f1.8 AF “Neo”
new 75mm from voigtlander
Latest blog posts
400+ written posts (+ full res images) to supplement my YT videos
Best 75mm lens for Leica M (2026)
New Breed! TTArtisan Autofocus Lenses for Leica
Best LED for Portraits (100W + 200W)(Buyer’s Guide)
Patreon post (shared)
Join over 1000 members to see more content. Here are some Patreon articles you may have missed (Join us today!)(Patreon testimonials) –
- “Do you still use Photoshop?“- Free to view
- “UK Photoshoots BTS” – Members
Latest Substack
If you want more content you can also follow me on Substack. I post regular short form posts plus long form articles when I get the time. Here is the latest –
Coming up next month..
I’ve almost caught up with my pile of new lenses to review so in August I hope to get onto some other topics (plus the Mandler 50mm f1.4 which I’m excited about).
I’m hoping to arrange more UK shoots this month as I have new lighting gear to test. I might also book a last minute trip overseas somewhere later in the month. Subscribe to stay up to date and receive the monthly Leica newsletter for all the new releases.
YouTube video – spotlight
I’ve already posted the first video for August where I discuss how companies are making lenses more affordable using different approaches. I feature two new 50mm lenses for Leica L mount with very different designs. Watch here.
Later in the month I hope to share my new film developing/ scanning/ processing workflow and talk about a few digital cameras including the Leica M EV1. Stay tuned!
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