a man with a leica

An interesting man…

It’s been a few weeks now, that I actually have the M240 and I’m using it for work. I’m loving the comfort and security with which I’m shooting now. When on assignment I only take this small bag with me and it’s very liberating.

A couple of weeks ago I shot an interview with Jan Cremer, one of the most interesting writers and painters of the Netherlands. The setting was in his studio, at an improvised table where Rick the Leeuw- artist, writer, poet, interviewer and many more- interviewed Jan. A more photographically interesting setting I couldn’t wish for.

Though I had to use a bit higher ISO (800, sometimes even 1600) I had complete confidence in the camera. Post processing was a bit more work due to the mixture of daylight and yellowish tungsten and all the colours of paint on the wall, fooling my camera. Every angle I was shooting from had a huge different effect on the white balance. This wouldn’t have been a problem if I had shot with the Monochrom, but the magazine obviously wanted colour. (And to be honest, who wouldn’t in a colourful setting like this). As it wouldn’t add to the interview I didn’t interrupt, but set a standard white balance at the start and used it throughout the whole lunch.

The interview was as interesting and inspiring as taking the photos. Stories of traveling, living in poverty as an artist, sacrifices you make to reach your goal, living in the moment to enjoy the surprises life presents you, it was all there… I loved it.