LSI Spring Shoot 2023 - A Captivating Event in Rome
I am thrilled to share the exciting news that the first European Spring Shoot organized by the Leica Society International (LSI) took place in the enchanting city of Rome. From Thursday, May 18 to Saturday, May 20, photographers from around the globe gathered in the heart of Rome for a remarkable conference. Rome, often referred to as the eternal city, offers a photographer's paradise with its ancient ruins and vibrant streets, brimming with endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking images. Moreover, the city's residents are known for their friendliness and willingness to be subjects of photography.
Having gained extensive familiarity with Rome due to my fiancée, Aliya Smagulova, currently residing in this beautiful city, I had the privilege of serving as the Program Chair for this remarkable LSI event. I aimed to curate a diverse lineup of speakers, both local and international, to provide a rich and insightful experience for the attendees. Thanks to the support of Leica Camera Italy, we were able to arrange a Leicas on loan program, along with a reception at the exquisite Leica Store and Gallery located in the heart of Rome. Furthermore, Leica Camera AG graciously supported us by providing a distinguished speaker directly from Germany.
Undoubtedly, the most memorable aspect of the trip was the incredible individuals I had the pleasure of meeting. The group consisted of around 40 passionate photographers hailing from 10 different countries across the world. We bonded over our shared love for Leica cameras and photography, making it a truly enriching and inspiring experience.
During the informal meet and greet in the evening, it became evident that the group had already formed a strong connection. I anticipated a fantastic three days of immersive photographic experiences.
The event commenced on Thursday with a warm welcome from Brad Husick, the President of LSI, who provided an overview of the Leica Society International, showcased photos from the Spring Shoot in New Jersey, and introduced the attendees to the exciting prospects awaiting them through-out the event. Brad Husick remarked, "LSI Spring Shoot is an exceptional opportunity for individuals who share a passion for photography and Leica to come together, learn from one another, and gain insights into their own photography."
Following a brief coffee break, it was my turn to present my work, paying homage to women and delving into forgotten eras such as the roaring twenties, old Hollywood glamour, and 1950s Italian pin-ups. I was pleasantly surprised by the attendees' enthusiasm and the multitude of questions I received about my photographic style, techniques, and equipment choices.
We were fortunate to have the presence of Simona Ghizzona, a renowned Italian female photographer. Simona is not only acclaimed for her compelling photographic work but also recognized as a women's activist and TED Speaker. She shared with us her well-known and award-winning projects, including "Odd Days," a documentary exploration of eating disorders, and "Isola," her latest project using self-portraiture to narrate her relationship with family and the surrounding environment.
To challenge the attendees during the photo walks, I encouraged them to avoid cliché postcard shots of Rome and instead focus on capturing specific colors, such as green, white, and red, as well as powerful black and white street scenes. While I provided this guidance, I emphasized that it was merely a suggestion and not a competition. Nonetheless, I informed the participants that they could submit their selected photos for a review conducted by Jono Slack from the UK and myself.
Before venturing out into the streets of Rome, the hotel treated us to a delightful Italian lunch and refreshing beverages.
My fiancée, Aliya, had diligently prepared several photo walks, which the attendees received via email. While the suggested routes were provided, everyone was free to explore wherever their photographic instincts led them.
The first photo walk revolved around the picturesque and artistic streets of Via Margutta. This iconic street gained fame through the award-winning movie "Roman Holiday" starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Located just a few streets away from popular tourist spots, Via Margutta exudes a tranquil atmosphere, offering an abundance of captivating photographic opportunities. It was heartwarming to witness the willingness of Romans to pose or be photographed, as evidenced by the stunning examples we captured.
Friday began with another warm greeting from Brad Husick, who outlined the day's schedule. Due to heavy rains in Northern Italy, the representatives from Leica Camera Italy experienced travel delays, resulting in the commencement of the Leica on Loan program on this day. This provided attendees with an excellent opportunity to test the latest and most advanced cameras and lenses from Leica Camera.
Jono Slack, a Leica beta tester and photographer, enlightened us with insights into his work and approach to photography, as well as his expertise in reviewing camera equipment. His presentation, "Luck, Heresy, and First Stage Thinking," capti-vated the audience.
After a brief coffee break, Italian photographer Marco Casino shared his enthralling stories of capturing images in the slums of South Africa, highlighting the challenges he encountered during his time there. Casino focused on visualizing and creating narratives that reflect the intricate nuances and details of phenomena stemming from the internet and real-time information society.
Richard Rejino, Executive Director of LSI, immersed us in his world of music and photography. His personal project, "What Music Means to Me," beautifully illustrated how he seamlessly merged his three passions — music, photography, and writing — resulting in a book, a museum exhibit, and a means to communicate the transformative power of music.
Following a delightful lunch, we embarked on the second photo walk. It was heartening to witness the group sticking together, with almost everyone participating in the same photo walk. Aliya unveiled one of Rome's hidden gems, the Chiostro Del Bramante, a stunning Renaissance building commissioned by Cardinal Oliviero Carafa around 1500 and designed by the architect Donato Bramante. Regarded as a pinnacle of Renaissance architecture in Rome, the building currently serves as a space for exhibitions, meetings, and concerts. The beautifully adorned coffee place within the premises showcased magnificent lighting, creating numerous opportunities for capturing stunning photographs, as can be seen in the later photo selection.
The photo walk concluded at the magnificent Leica Store, which boasted a splendid collection of used and special items. The knowledgeable staff provided us with an unforgettable experience, complete with Champagne and snacks.
Throughout the event, we dined independently, yet a signif-icant portion of the group chose to gather, sharing food and wine, enveloped in an authentic Italian ambiance.
The days flew by, and before we knew it, we arrived at the final day, preparing to bid farewell to everyone. Saturday commenced with the presence of Stephan Schulz, the Head of Product Management, Professional Photo System at Leica Camera AG, who generously dedicated his weekend to joining us in Rome. Stephan provided an insightful overview of the SL system's history, Leica's approach to professional photographic solutions such as the S and SL systems, and the evolution of strategic ideas and the connection to the L-Mount Alliance.
During the last photo walk, we ventured to Villa Borghese Park, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. Participants had the opportunity to capture their final shots before the anticipated photo review session.
Both Jono Slack and I were pleasantly surprised by the diverse range of photographs and their outstanding quality during the photo review. The photographers successfully captured the essence of the Spring Shoot, showcasing Rome, its people, and its hidden gems from a unique and creative perspective.
The Spring Shoot concluded with a truly unforgettable banquet, providing a perfect culmination to this extraordi-nary experience.
The event exemplified the international reach of the Leica Society, solidifying its status as a truly global organization with strong connections across the world. The memories created and the friendships forged during this Spring Shoot will be cherished for a lifetime.
