RJW
2922
A roomful of Leica, and a man from Denmark
Those taking a look at this post can probably be classified into one of two groups:
a. Those don't know who Thorsten is, and
b. Those who are thinking, "That Thorsten?". Well, the answer is yes. That Thorsten.
Thorsten von Overgaard is a Danish writer and photographer, specializing in portrait photography and documentary photography, known for writings about photography and as an educator. He has photographed celebrities, and statesmen such as Hans Blix, Bill Clinton, and the Danish Royal family. He has produced images for Getty Images, WireImage, LIFE and Associated Press. His (almost exclusive) weapon of choice is the Leica M9.
One of Thorsten's claims to fame is his long and inclusive 18 page/chapter review of the M9. I appreciate his photographic knowledge and his writings/photography interest me. A large part of his year is taken up with travelling the world and teaching, or more appropriately inspiring, people in rangefinder photography.
And so I found myself in a room with 14 other likeminded individuals. Some new to rangefinders from SLRs. Some lifelong Leica users. One a movie cinematographer looking for a change of media. Some who exhibit their photography.
As with any gathering of enthusiasts, we bring out our toys. 1, 2, 3, .... approximately 20 Ms appear in the room (including display models from the sponsoring camera store). Each with a lens or two. Even a couple of noctiluxes. Voigtlander also made an appearance.
Thorsten sets his M9 on the table. It is battered and bruised. The lens hood is bent and scratched. Exactly how a well loved and used camera should look...
Uh oh. Where was I sitting? Which one is mine? Is that your 'lux or mine?
A small tip for anyone with Thorsten. Don't sit next to him - he slaps very firmly when you give a "wrong" answer.
After discussions about photography and theory, we hit the unsuspecting streets of Perth, looking for light...
Thorsten in action....
Creating light...
Walking the street...
Pardon me, but this looks better in colour...
Some cameras are rare. This one is 1 in 100. And in case you're wondering, yes it does belong to him, yes he does use it (including the bag), yes he is shooting a noctilux in bright outdoor sun, and yes most of us gasped when we saw it.
Here's a small video interlude for those interested about it...
We practice portraiture photography...
Most of you familiar with Thorsten know that Thorsten often travels with his friend/muse Joy Villa. Joy is an actress, singer and model. She uses an M9 as well...
Joy goes into "model" mode...
And we all become engrossed in the experience.
Tips and tricks learnt as we go...
Joy loves the camera. Can you tell?
We end our day discussing and practising workflow. This photo taken with the 90/4 macro lens in non macro mode I was kindly lent.
All in all, an interesting and fun day and practical experience gained at the same time.
My thanks to Thorsten for sharing his knowledge so readily.
And my thanks to Saul and Howard for allowing me into their Camera Electonic store long past its closing time to do a bit of shopping.
Thanks for looking.
Regards,
Richard.
This message has been edited by DRMW on 2012-11-24 17:36:58
A roomful of Leica, and a man from Denmark
Those taking a look at this post can probably be classified into one of two groups: a. Those don't know who Thorsten is, and b. Those who are thinking, "That Thorsten?". Well, the answer is yes. That Thorsten. Thorsten von Overgaard is a Danish writer and...
Its a wonderful lens
but not something that I could utilise on a regular basis. Even f1.4 is too shallow sometimes. Regards, Richard.
Glorious Session
Very involving photos, I feel transported. Hey, you are excellent with the Leica Glass. Admitted, its was a "Thorsten who" for me but now we know ! Btw, that portrait of Joy has 4 black streaks in the top left corner ? What is that ? Me ? Am goona get the...
Thanks flamenco
You'll enjoy the X-E1. The 4 black lines are just the overhead electrical and telephone lines. You see them better in the first colour photo of Joy. Even ugly lines can be rendered nicely by Leica. :) Regards, Richard,
Super post, Richard...
What a day you had. With great people, nice stuff, sharing the same passion, hmmmm, what a day! Ytou made me laught a lot with Thorsten. A true character! Thanks for the very nice pictures, my friend. I have to say that I am more and more tempted by the P...
Many thanks Nicolas and you are already
a very accomplished photographer. Glad you enjoyed the story. Regards, Richard.
Great experience!
Such a great day to be outside taking photos as well! Lovely photos as typical from the Lux. I even learn something from your post! The reflector seem to do wonders! Your portraits of Joy seems so alive she look like she'll jump out of the photos. Stunnin...
Thanks very much Sidney
It helps to be shown how to do things by a pro using the same equipment. Regards, Richard.
Richard, those photos proof ...
that you know how do use the Leica M and I trust you could do this before the workshop as well :-) Nonetheless the WS seems to be good fun and to spend the day with passionated people, addicted to the same camera system & lenses - hard to beat. It was...
Exploring the world of Leica
is always a pleasure. And what a fun day it was. Many thanks for your kind words Oliver. And I am always in praise of your photos. Regards, Richard.
Ridiculous
It's almost a decadent experience just to watch that video.... thank you, your post is like eating too much fine chocolate.:)
Tats what
my wife said... almost... when I told her the price of the UN Freak .... which I badly need ! LOL
Everything in moderation
and every now and then, in excess, can't be that bad for you, can it? :) The first and probably last time I'll get to see that combination kit in real life. Regards, Richard.
Perspectives: What I saw. What he saw...
What I saw... What he saw... Copyright Thorsten Overgaard 2012. ...
I enjoyed every moment ...
... of this post, Richard. I'm sure you had a great time and absorbed lots of ideas you didn't even realise at the time. The problem with the portraiture is that you need to carry an assistant everywhere with you to hold up the reflector. I already hear t...
Despite everything you think you know about photography
it never hurts to get some personal guidance/experience from an expert. I got the chance to ask quite a few questions of Thorsten whilst taking a break from "shooting". Its amazing how the reflector adds to the quality of light. Much better than using fla...
Thanks for looking???
:) It would be a crime not to look at these amazing pictures you took and this awesome post Thank you Richard... now I need Leica M ...badly...bloody hell...that boys from Down Under are nothing but trouble :) Most cordially Damjan
Well Damjan....
I do know how much "you like to watch, ummm, look". :) :) :) You are far too kind. You know it is our job to be "trouble". Regards, Richard.
I like
watch...sorry watches very very much and sometimes the look is not bad either ;) Cheers Damjan