SITTING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY.
Golden Mornings at Fisherman's Wharf: A Leica Lover's Winter Stroll
Yesterday, I found myself with a rare slice of downtime before my inevitable return to the sun-soaked vineyards of Provence in Southern France. Seizing the opportunity, I ventured out with my brand-new Leica M11 Glossy Black Paint and Leica Q3-43, eager to put their shiny exteriors to good use.
The weather, predictably uncooperative, offered a fragile veil of sun peeking through the clouds—a perfect excuse to wander without actually getting anywhere meaningful. Accompanied by a fellow Leica enthusiast armed with his SL2S (because one can never have too many German Cameras, right?), we set out to decode the enigmatic colour science of our camera sensors. Spoiler alert: it's as complex as explaining why your cat insists on sitting on your keyboard when you are working.
Navigating Fisherman's Wharf was a delightful exercise in patience and agility. Picture this: two Leica aficionados, clutching cameras like lifelines, dodging hostile octogenarian power walkers, and let's not forget the last of the New Year holiday visitors, their attempts at blending in (wearing T-shirts that screamed “we love the 51st state” in neon green) were about as successful as a penguin at a desert rave.
But amidst the dodging and weaving, there was something magical about capturing the essence of a winter morning bathed in golden sunlight along the shores of Victoria’s inner harbour. The Leica M11, with its Glossy Black Paint finish, reflected the morning hues with a sophistication that made me almost forget about the relentless quest to avoid getting photobombed (shat upon) by an overly enthusiastic seagull. Meanwhile, the Leica Q3-43 proved the perfect companion for those spontaneous snapshots that demanded both speed and quality—because who has time for settings menus when a decisive moment is fleeting?
As we meandered along the wharf, our cameras clicked away, and each shot was a testament to the morning's subdued beauty and the resilience of us Leica faithful. Playing its part like a diva on opening night, the sun cast long shadows and highlighted the vibrant colours our new sensors so eagerly devoured. It was a morning of technical exploration, artistic expression, and camaraderie that only fellow camera enthusiasts can truly appreciate.
Ultimately, our time at Fisherman's Wharf was more than just a photography session—a celebration of light, lens, and the shared joy of capturing the world through a camera’s lens. As I packed up to return to the Luberon Valley, I couldn't help but feel a renewed appreciation for both the art of travel and the precision of my trusty Leica companions.
So, to all my fellow travellers and Leica aficionados, embrace those unpredictable mornings, wield your cameras with purpose, and remember that sometimes the best shots come when you're just trying to avoid grumpy octogenarian critics. Until next time, may your lenses stay clean and your adventures endlessly golden.
Live Well!
M.
p.s. If you have a spare moment, I would love to hear your thoughts or ideas in the comments box below the last image!
