LSI is excited to be meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, a city known for its small-town roots and southern charm, its history, the Capitol of Country Music, and so much more. The New York Times recently included Nashville on its list of “52 Places to Go.” In addition to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville offers trendy shopping, live music venues and an up-and-coming food scene. It also boasts heritage architecture, fine art and a unique culture.
Our hotel is located in the heart of downtown, not far from the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, the historic Ryman Auditorium, and great restaurants. A short walk will take you to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and the Nashville Waterfront along the Cumberland River, and to lower Broadway (home of numerous honky-tonks), Printer’s Alley and more!
Registration has sold out! (If you wish to be on a waiting list, send an email to info@leicasocietyinternational.org.)
Scroll down to view the program.
Program
All meeting/sessions will take place in the Americana Room, located on the 21st floor of the hotel.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
3:00 PM Board Meeting (Folk Room)
7:00/7:30 ish Informal Meet and Greet (RTB Lounge located on 21st floor)
Thursday, April 18, 2024
08:00 Leica on Loan
Try out the newest Leica gear for 24 hours. Cameras and lenses galore.
8:00 Continental Breakfast
9:00 -9:15 AM President’s Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:15-10:00 Introduction of Attendees
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15-11:00 Getting Your Money’s Worth - with Josh Lehrer
After nearly fifteen years and thousands of customers, Josh has seen firsthand just about every way Leica gear is used, abused, bought, traded, collected, and sold. If there’s anything he’s figured out in that time, it’s how to make the most of your Leica equipment, to ensure the best ownership experience and of course, to end up with photos you will be happy with. Join Josh for a presentation aimed at helping you “get your money’s worth” from your Leica kit.
11:00 – 12:00 Photojournalism with the Leica M with Becky Fluke and Ray Di Pietro
Join Becky and Ray in a fascinating disussion about the pros and cons, and everything in between, from politics, protests, portraits, and pusic photography using Leica M digital and film bodies with Leica lenses.
12:00 -12:30 Photo Assignment Theme Explanation - Tom Smith
12:30 – 2:00 Lunch on your own
2:00 PM Shooting Your Photo Assignment
5:00 PM Dinner on Your Own
7:00 - 9:00 Dusk Photo Walk - Tom Smith & Nathan Kellum (meet in hotel lobby)
Join Nathan and Tom as they take you on an evening adventure in downtown Nashville. They will take you on an odyssey through neon lights at dusk and sights of places where old and new country meet.
Friday, April 19, 2024
8:00 Leica on Loan
8:00 Continental Breakfast
8:45-9:00 Announcements
9:00 – 10:00 Life with Leica - How Leica has Invigorated My Love for Community and Photography - with Nathan Kellum
Join us as Nathan Kellum offers insight into the beginnings of his photography journey in France and subsequent transition into a career at Leica Camera USA. Nathan will share his perspective on how Leica and the creative community are uniquely intertwined, from his experience within the company’s retail team, Akademie team and now working with the North American press and media.
10 – 10:15 Break
10:15 - 11:15 Light Your Story: Discover the art of shaping your story with intentional light with Mynxii White and Kiran Karnani, VP Global Marketing Hobolite
Discover the art of continuous light in this interactive demonstration and presentation powered by Hobolite. Explore how Leica Photographer and Director Mynxii White shapes stories with intentional light to create content built to inspire. Learn the impact and art of light in this not to miss experience.
11:15- 12:00 Harmonizing Light and Sound: The Art of Music Photography in Available Light with Becky Fluke
Navigating the unique challenges of shooting in dynamic and often unpredictable concert environments, from low light conditions to fast-moving subjects. Whether you're shooting in intimate venues or sprawling festivals, adapting your approach to capture the atmosphere of each performance. Learn the importance of observing your surroundings and adapting to the available light conditions. From being aware of the direction and intensity of light to mastering exposure techniques and the nuances of working with available light to craft compelling images that resonate with the rhythm and emotion of the music. Understanding the distinctive characteristics of different light sources, from stage spotlights to neon signs, and how to use them to your advantage. Selecting the right gear, choosing optimal vantage points, and optimizing your camera settings to achieve the perfect balance of exposure and ambiance in challenging lighting conditions.
12:00 – 1:30 Lunch on Your Own
1:30 – 5:30 Photo Walk
5:30 Dinner on your own
Saturday, April 24
8:00 Return Leica on Loan
8:45-9:00 Morning Announcements
9:00-10:00 Getting the most out of editing RAW files: Tips and Tricks - with David Knoble
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45 – 2:00 Lunch on Your Own/Last Photo Walk
2:00 - 3:00 Selecting/Editing Your Images
3:30 – 4:30 Sharing of Images with Commentary – Tom Smith, Nathan Kellum, David Knoble
6:30 Cocktails (cash bar - must be pre-registered)
7:00 Banquet (must be pre-registered)
Speakers
Ray Di Pietro Ray Di Pietro is a Photojournalist based in Nashville documenting politics, people, social issues, and current events. Alongside work as a Shutterstock news contributor (The Times, Time Magazine, The Guardian, People, The Daily Beast) has contributed to The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Rolling Stone and the NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, as well as locally for NewsChannel5, Tennessee Lookout and the Nashville Scene.
Di Pietro exclusively uses Leica M10-R, Leica M10 Monochrom and Leica M10-P digital bodies with Summilux 35mm f/1.4 asph fle, Summicron 35mm f/2 asph, Summicron 35mm f/2, Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 asph, Elmarit 90mm f/2.8 and Elmarit 135mm f/4 lenses for his photojournalism work as well as Leica M6 and Leica MP film bodies for 35mm film. You can see his work at raydipietro.com and on Instagram @raydipietro i
Becky Fluke’s journey through the lens began at the age of fifteen. Two decades ago, while still in high school, she started working with Sugarland, marking the commencement of a career marked by creativity and passion.
As a multifaceted photographer, Becky captures moments that weave compelling stories and evoke profound emotions. Her portfolio includes iconic names in the music industry, from emerging talents to established legends such as Chris Stapleton, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Miranda Lambert, Lionel Richie, and Barry Gibb. From touring with artists, to being a fly on the wall in a recording studio, to shooting album covers, her images immerse viewers in each moment's emotion.
Becky's commitment extends beyond the lens, evident in her dedication to supporting emerging artists and fostering community within the music industry. Whether photographing sold-out stadium shows or intimate club performances, her work resonates with the transformative power of music in every frame.
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, vibrant urban landscapes, and the profound depth of human connection, Becky's work goes beyond music photography. An avid traveler and explorer, she seeks inspiration from diverse cultures and experiences.
Nathan Kellum grew up in France and started capturing images at the age of 15. After earning his baccalaureate, he decided to move to the United States to pursue his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography. Since 2015, Nathan has worked at Leica Camera USA within its retail division, as well as with the Leica Akademie, providing training and support for creators of all levels. Today as the Product Communication Specialist, Nathan works with members of the press and media within the North American market on Leica’s current and upcoming products.
Kiran Karnani, VP of Marketing, HOBOLITE US, is a marketing leader with expertise in the premium and luxury lifestyle sector. She pioneered critical initiatives for Leica’s North American market, including the Leica Women Foto Project Award. She is an active member of Chief, a private organization for women executives. Kiran prioritizes leadership guided by compassion, authenticity, and integrity for tangible results in brand visibility, sales and community engagement.
David Knoble - Photo and bio coming soon
Josh Lehrer has been with Leica Store Miami since early 2010, beginning his Leica journey less than a year after graduating from RIT with a photography degree. Since then, he’s developed a strong passion for Leica collectibles, using vintage glass on modern cameras, and memorizing Leica part numbers. When he’s not chasing supercars around, you’ll find him co-hosting Red Dot Forum Camera Talk on YouTube, or spoiling his Golden Retriever, Enzo.
Tom A. Smith is on a mission to bring the experience of shooting with a Leica rangefinder to a new generation of photographers. Since leading the debut of the Leica Akademie, more than a decade ago, Tom has organized and led workshop experiences for more than 6,000 individual photographers worldwide, helping many to discover Leica photography for the first time.
With a background in theatre and journalism, it is no surprise that this graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design would find success speaking to groups about photography. Over the past 20 years, in the photo industry, he has developed a reputation for engaging audiences and presenting complicated technical information simply. As the V.P. for the Leica Akademie of North America, Tom now leads the team responsible for Leica’s staff product training and all public education programs. When not traveling, he is based in Jacksonville Florida.
A long-time supporter of LSI, Tom is excited to see the growth of the group over the last few years and looks forward to seeing everyone in Nashville. Instagram:@tasmitpictures
Mynxii White is an award-winning make-up artist, global beauty editor & LA producer for Schön! Magazine, creative director and photographer. She has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry working tirelessly to bring her unique creativity to every person with whom she works. Mynxii first got the attention of the industry when Tony&Guy named her Make-Up Artist of the year in 2004 for all of North America. Since then, she has worked with many notable people and projects including those with Ellen Von Unwerth, Leica's S Magazine, Floria Sigismondi, Stella McCartney and Ru Paul’s Drag Race. She is currently a featured educator for the Mastered Program with Nick Knight.