For my 40th rotation around the sun my wife gifted me a beautiful, iconic piece of German engineering from yesteryear – the Leica M6 rangefinder.
It is the start of a new personal adventure in film photography, with many digital years having passed since my early point-and-shoots. And a slight obsession with Leica having formed since getting my Q.
Joe Greer is one of many photographers I follow on Instagram who got me especially interested in this camera. The above short is a wonderfully woven story of his relationship with this camera and the beauty of being intentional and present with film photography.
I look forward to many frustrating learnings and costly mistakes ahead…
One response
That’s an incredible gift, the Leica M6 is such a timeless piece of craftsmanship. Film photography really does slow things down in the best way, making every shot more intentional and meaningful. It’s a completely different mindset from digital, and honestly, the “frustrating learnings” are part of what makes it so rewarding.
Shooting on Kodak Portra 160 is a great choice too, beautiful tones and forgiving latitude. Sounds like you’re about to enjoy a very special creative journey.
Interestingly, that idea of intentional practice and learning from mistakes is also emphasized in professional development. Institutions like the College of Contract Management highlight how structured learning and reflection can help individuals refine their skills over time, whether in creative pursuits like photography or in professional fields.