🔴 Monthly Recap – Sep25
Newsletter: 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
How is it September already? For August I was in Brighton and Prague creating YouTube content. (Thankfully the weather was mostly dry and sunny which always helps!) Multiple Leica photographers emailed me to schedule a day together in London (a mix of Leica and models) and the rest of the month I was likely testing lenses or making videos.
Blog Insiders: New platform coming!
If you don’t yet follow the blog now might be a great time to get involved. My plan is to merge Patreon, Leica Clubmembers and Blog Insiders all into one new do-everything platform. This will be a mix of free access and tiered access and bring all my services into one place. It’s going to take some time to set up as I’ve got a 4-year content archive on Patreon but I’m excited to see the end result and I’ll keep you updated with progress.
Help me, help you! (Poll)
Regular reader or perhaps your first time?
Please answer 5 quick questions so I can better understand your interests. Thanks!
Leica SL2-S presets
I did promise that my new Leica SL2-S preset pack for Lightroom would be out in August. Sorry, I’ve been struggling to shortlist 5 favourites from the many I’ve developed so it might end up being a 6-pack. Next I need to find time to put a blog post together to show before and after photos so you see the effect of each preset. These are what I use to edit the Leica SL2-S photos I share on the likes of Flickr. Find all MrLeica presets here and coming soon!
Booking workshops just got easier
Finally I’ve updated the site so you can now both (1) check my availability, and (2) book your workshop (and Zoom calls) as easy as when you buy a MrLeica preset pack. Just add items to cart, checkout and done. Sorry it took me so long to automate!
Photo books and prints (Poll)
As a model photographer using both film and digital, I want to offer photo books or zines plus special limited handmade darkroom prints. If that sounds of interest please share your preferences here and I can get organised!
Leica Owner? Join the Leica Club
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Brighton Patreon Meet
Patreon friend Tobi flew to the UK and we met in Brighton for a few days of sea, sun and photos. We didn’t book any models so instead did the usual tourist style street photography. You might have seen me interview Tobi for the Leica M9 chopstick video!
In addition to testing lenses for YouTube you’ll see me trying out another product on my Leica camera in the next video. Brighton is a fantastic place for photos if you’ve never been. I really should visit more often, even if just for the run along the coastline in the mornings!
(Thanks to those of you that stopped me to say hi! It’s always nice to connect with you guys and chat about Leica and photography).
Portfolio shoot – Czech Republic
You may remember that last month I was in the Czech Republic testing the TTArtisan 75mm f2 lens for YouTube (This video). I scouted a model for that trip that I wanted to work with again so we agreed on a follow up and I flew to Prague to meet her. The plan was to make some portfolio-worthy images to include in a future phonebook or to print in the darkroom.
Jolana and I spent two full days creating photos so sorry in advance for lots of posts. (It was so nice to have my own muse for 2 days. I didn’t want it to end!) After shooting 4 rolls of B&W film I’ve been trying to post digital images in colour to mix it up a little. (Don’t worry I still like B&W).
Model photography eBooks
If model photography is something you’ve always wanted to try but you just don’t know where to start check, out my eBooks. The Model Photography Handbook is the book I wish I had access to when I was starting out. It answers all your common questions (I collected 1000s of questions from you guys for over 12 months while writing the book) and provides an easy to follow step-by-step framework to follow.
Leica workshops
Most of my Leica and model photography workshops are in London but I teach in Europe too. For September I’m back in Poland to teach so I can’t wait! Check my availability if you want to meet me in London, Budapest, Gdansk (or anywhere else you see me traveling too).
London workshops
Teaching in London this month, I met up with one of my regular students Sundeep who has become a great friend. This YouTube video shows some of what we got up to and the lighting we used with our 2 models.
I also had a new student Joern fly in from Germany so it was fun shooting alongside him. You might have seen us on YouTube – this video. This workshop included nude photography and the model was someone Joern found via European model networking websites. (Download my free eBook to see how I find models).
For both workshops, students requested my former “Go Big” 9-hour workshops (now called “Extended”) and we still ran out of time both days. Almost everyone books my 9 hour workshops so I’ve added optional bolt-on Zoom call options for follow-ups after the day. Check my availability with the new calendar option!
Eastern European models
After frequent photoshoot trips in Eastern Europe during the last 15 years I’m perhaps known for these model photography images. If you’d like to see what all the excitement is about you can request to join me overseas for an exclusive 1:1 experience (workshop day). I arrange our models, a studio if required and can help you with finding accommodation. (I’ve done this for so long now I probably need to write the book! Hmm, maybe that should be my next eBook?)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/49258368006/Poland throwback, 2019
MrLeica 1:1 workshops
The beauty of 1:1 teaching vs. groups is I can meet your individual needs –
- Lightroom+Photoshop editing
- Film and digital cameras
- Portfolio reviews + Instagram
- Vintage lens/ camera help
- 1 or 2 professional models
- Available light, LED or flash
- Try before you buy (lenses)
- Indoor spaces or outside
- Leica gear shopping (old&new)
Remote tuition via Zoom
Zoom calls are like my face to face workshops that I teach in London (and overseas). I help photographers when buying new cameras or lenses, or assist with mastering your Leica camera. Students ask me to mentor them so I cover that too. (Check my availability).
Perhaps you’ve just got into the Leica ecosystem or portraiture and you’re trying to fast track your progression? We can set up weekly or monthly calls to review your work and iron out any difficulties you are having. Feel free to get in touch and check out the Zoom testimonials.
Complete the survey
Use the survey to register your interest in a MrLeica workshop near you.
Future travel plans
Contact me to book a workshop. Here are my provisional travel plans –
SEPTEMBER 2025
- Poland, GdaÅ„sk – Private workshop + Photoshoots (GdaÅ„sk trip – YouTube)
- Netherlands –Â Private workshop + Photoshoots (Previous trip – YouTube)
- Czech Republic –Â Photoshoots (Previous trip – YouTube)
OCTOBER 2025
- Budapest, Hungary – Join me for a private workshop (Budapest trip – YouTube)
- TBC – Want me to visit your city to run a 1:1 workshop? Get in touch!
NOVEMBER 2025
- Valencia, Spain – Join me for a private workshop (Valencia trip – YouTube)
- Alicante, Spain (near) – Join me for a private workshop (Alicante trip – YouTube)
Coming to London?
Check my availability if you’d like to meet up while you’re in London and book here.
Leica+Model Workshops
Digital photographers
If you follow me you know I love Leica cameras and my preference for film vs digital.
- Digital cameras – Leica CL (travel), SL, SL2S (portraits+video), 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
Download Leica presets
View GearList for recommended products & discount codes
Film photographers
- Film – Fallen well behind with my b&W film developing but I’m close to starting again!
- Cameras – Leica M7 is still my current camera of choice (See video)
- Lenses – As above, multiple new lenses in the pipeline
- Film Processing – See old newsletters for details on developing, scanning and prints
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) –
Best 28mm for Leica? Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 28mm f2 VM
Best 28mm EDC lens? Brightin Star 28mm f2.8
How I film myself as a solo YouTuber (Detailed gear breakdown*)
Discovering that light is more important than a nice lens for portraits
Convert your dead Leica M9 to a M9M Monochrom.. using a chopstick!?
35mm Mega-test: Is the Voigtlander 35mm APO-Lanthar king for M-mount?
Refreshing! Modern lens that isn’t clinically sharp – 7Artisans 75mm f1.4
Latest blog posts
400+ written posts (+ full res images) to supplement my YT videos. (I’ve got a few articles written that I just need to finish and post – soon*).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/54697789487Flickr non-model photo of the month (Most liked)
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) –
- “Converting Leica M9 with a chopstick (part 2)(more detail)” –Â Free to view
- “When packing for an important photoshoot” –Â Members
Coming up next month..
September is looking busy with 3 overseas trips, workshops and new products being shipped to me for review. As autumn approaches I’m less inclined to run and cycle outside in the rain so hopefully that will inspire me to get back in the darkroom! I’d love to make some limited-run handmade black and white prints for those of you that enjoy my work. (Did you complete my books and prints poll?)
YouTube video – spotlight
The first video in September showcases a product that combines vintage cameras with modern technology. I’m just waiting to get a roll of colour film developed by a lab and I can put the video together. That one is a surprise but coming up I’ll make a part 2 35mm lens test review with more 35mm lenses for Leica M mount plus hopefully a high power portable lighting solution for portraits. Follow on YouTube so not to miss new videos!
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