365 Days With my Leica M9

While a large segment of the population are working on their New Year’s resolutions at this time, photographers have eagerly started their 365 project where they endeavor to capture a image each day.  In fact, another blogger highlighted several unique 365 projects that inspired me to start my own.

It seems easy to do so but it’s actually a very big commitment.  Richard Radstone’s 365 project is difficult because he actually has committed to photographing a complete stranger every day.  Talk about forcing yourself outside your comfort zone.  I’ve read several of his posts.  He does a wonderful job and I wish him luck.

My favorite project is An AfternoonWith.  The author actually spends an afternoon with one individual to create their portrait and document their space, but it really is about connecting with people.

So what about my 365 project.  Mine is going to be 365 Days With my Leica M9.  I have committed to shooting strictly with Leica M rangefinders sometime this year.  I say sometime because I have commitments to projects ill suited for the Leica and really requires I use my DSLR equipment.  Also, there is a learning process during the transition.

Since I have shot mostly sports and events, I end to be a run and gun photojournalist.  It’s about catching the peak action so I sometimes have difficulty slowing down for portrait shots.  The Leica is perfect for portraits, event and street photography.  It’s the perfect photojournalism camera because it also allows you to get close to your subject without scaring them with a big honking camera.  Also, the Leica  has few bells and whistles.  In fact, the Leica M9 only shoots aperture priority and manual.  You are forced to learn about your camera and photography in particular without all the fancy bells and whistles of a DSLR.

Since I am starting this late, I am going to post eight images at once taken from the last few days.  I will post the images I capture in batches or weekly in all likelihood as opposed to each day.  Wish me luck.  My project is open ended in that I do not have specific images in mind. It’s about learning with my favorite camera that I carry just about everywhere.