2025 LSI Spring Shoot Vienna, Austria

Schedule of Events

All sessions and times subject to change

All sessions will be in Ballroom 5 & 6 of the Intercontinental Hotel Johannesgasse 28, 1030 Wien, Austria

Phone: +43 1 711220 Click here for hotel location.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Arrival day for Participants.

19:00 Informal Meet and Greet (Hotel Lobby)

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Breakfast is included with your room reservation at the Hotel Intercontinental.

8:00 - 9:00 Registration and Leica on Loan

Try out the newest Leica cameras and lenses for 24 hours.  Cameras must be returned fully charged.     

9:00 -9:15 Welcome - David Knoble, LSI President & others

9:15-10:00 Introduction of Attendees   

As a way to get to know each other and “break the ice,” attendees introduce themselves in this informative and sometimes entertaining session.

10:00-10:15 Break (includes coffee, tea, juices, finger foods, snacks, and sandwiches)

10:15-11:15 Opening Remarks with Dr. Andreas Kaufmann

11:15 – 12:15 Leica and Vintage with Alex Sedlak, Dennis Iwaskievicz, and Michal Kosakowski

This presentation will offer an overview of the structure and team of Leica Camera Austria and Leica Camera Classics. We will introduce the Leica Classic Store Vienna and the global Leica Classic Marketplace, present selected highlights of the upcoming Leitz Photographica and Photographs Auctions, provide information on the Leitz Auction Roadshows 2025, and offer an overview of the procedures for bidding and consigning at the Leitz Photographica Auction.

12:15 -12:30 Explanation of Shooting Assignments

12:30-13:30 Buffet Lunch is in the hotel Restaurant Parlor (you must be a registered attendee) 

13:30 - 15:30 Group A - Guided Photo Walk (Fabian Sorger / Leica Akademie)
Group B - Free time for photos

15:30 - 17:30 Group B - Guided Photo Walk (Fabian Sorger / Leica Akademie)
Group A - Free time for photos

18:00 Leica Dinner

The Kaufmann family will treat LSI to a dinner at the Artner Restaurant, Franziskanerplatz 5, 1010 Vienna. The restaurant is a 10-minute stroll from the hotel. Click here for a google map.

Friday, May 16, 2025

Breakfast is included with your room reservation at the Hotel Intercontinental.

8:00 - 8:50 Leica on Loan

Try out the newest Leica cameras and lenses for 24 hours. Cameras must be returned fully charged. 

8:50-9:00 Announcements

9:00 – 10:20 Game Changer in Photography with Hans-Michael Koetzle

When in spring 1925 the Leica IA was introduced, not only another camera model entered the wmarket. The new Leitz Camera suggested a completely new approach towards photography. The Leica was small, lightweight and easy to handle. The use of 35 mm cinema film made photography cheaper and supported the visual experiment. So the Leica was a game changer in photography. It opened the door to a “New Vision”, a new perception of the world. The lecture by Hans-Michael Koetzle describes how the technical features of the Leica made a new world of images possible – iconic images by László Moholy-Nagy, Robert Capa, or Henri Cartier-Bresson. 

10:20 – 10:40 Break (includes coffee, tea, juices, finger foods, snacks, and sandwiches)

10:40 - 12:00 The Power of Imagination: How a Simple Dream Became a Reality with Pat Domingo

Photographer Pat Domingo talks about his journey in his photographic career and emotional path of what he calls "the power of imagination". A talk about the desire of being a photographer and the story of how his leica became a crucial part of his body of work and how it changed his life. Join him in a talk full of laughter, passion, struggles and wonderful coincidences.

12:00 – 13:15 Buffet Lunch is in the hotel Restaurant Parlor (you must be a registered attendee) 

13:30 - 18:00 - An Afternoon Excursion Featuring Three Diverse Presentations

In this whirlwind series of events you will have the opportunity to participate in three different presentations. Attendees will be meet in the hotel lobby and be assembled into three groups. Buses will transport you to the three locations in 90-minute intervals. Below are the events:

1. An Interlude of Music, Photography and Prose with Richard and Mona Rejino
   Join Mona and Richard Rejino as they play a piano recital at the beautiful Bösendorfer Salon . Bösendorferstraße 12, 1010 Vienna. The program will celebrate the splendor of music with solo and duet performances. You will hear and see photography set to music and prose and bask in the sounds of a beautiful Bösendorfer piano. (Click here for directions)

2. Photo Walk with Fabian Sorger

   This photo walk will begin at the Hotel Intercontinental.

3. Leica Camera Classics

   Enjoy a visit to the Leica Camera Classics (Westbahnstraße 40, 1070 Vienna - Directions) where you will have the chance to see (or buy) vintage and one-of-a-kind Leica cameras.

18:30 Leica Gallery Opening at the Leica Store Vienna (Seilergasse 14, 1010 Vienna - a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Click here for directions.)

This special gallery opening will feature the LSI recipients of the photography grants and the runner up. Join Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Leica Gallery Vienna curator, Laura Ettel and Bernhard Hoertnagle as they unviel the work of Tomasso Protti, 2024 LSI Grant Recipient, Mustafa Bilge Satkin, and Ana Sotelo 2024 LSI Women in Photography Grant recipient.

20:00 Dinner on your own

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Breakfast is included with your room reservation at the Hotel Intercontinental.

8:00 -8:50 Leica on Loan   Cameras must be returned fully charged. 

8:50-9:00 Morning Announcements 

9:00-10:00 LOBA Newcomer Award, World Press Award Winner Dominic Nahr -

In this illuminating session, Domini Nahr will focus on his work as a war photographer, with an emphasis on powerful images and what makes them resonate.

10:30-10:45 Break (includes coffee, tea, juices, finger foods, snacks, and sandwiches)

10:45 – 12:00 Discussing the work LSI Grant Winners with Karin Rehn-Kaufmann 

In this session, Karin Rehn-Kaufmann will have a discussion with Women in Photography Grant recipient Ana Sotello about her work and other topics.

12:00 – 13:30 Buffet Lunch is in the hotel Restaurant Parlor (you must be a registered attendee) 

13:30 - 14:30 Selecting/Editing Your Images 

Use this time to make your final selection and put the finishing touches on your image for the image review session at 14:30! Click here to upload one image.

14:30 – 16:00 Sharing of Images with Commentary

In this popular session, attendees will be asked to submit one image from their shooting assignments to be shown and hear constructive comments from a panel of photographers including Luara Ettel, Curator for Leica Gallery Vienna, David Knoble, and William Fagan.

18:30 Cocktails

19:00 Banquet (must be pre-registered) (Ballroom 5 & 6)

Enjoy the cocktail reception buffet-style banquet with unlimited beverages, wine and beer, mineral water, fruit juices.

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Optional ADD-ON Event (must be pre-registered)

8:45 Meet in hotel lobby

9:00 – 18:00 All-Day Tour  - Esterhazy Palace and Lake Neusiedl

Esterházy Palace, a symbol of Eisenstadt and the cultural heart of Burgenland, holds a rich musical heritage deeply connected to Joseph Haydn. Its Haydn Hall, renowned for its stunning architecture and exceptional acoustics, serves as the stage for world-class concerts. Once the residence of the Esterházy Princes, the palace now offers immersive insights into their lives and the brilliance of Joseph Haydn.

The charming town of Rust has an intriguing history with viticulture at its core. It's celebrated for both its exceptional wines and the numerous stork nests that adorn the area, making Rust a truly unique gem.

The breathtaking Lake Neusiedl region has the power to turn everyone into outdoor enthusiasts. The Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park, recognized since 1993, wraps around most of the lake, featuring vital wildlife habitats, especially for migratory birds. During the winter, the reeds are harvested once the ice becomes solid. You can explore the lake's natural beauty on a relaxing boat ride, paired with wine tasting for a delightful experience.

Program Schedule:
8:45    Meet in Lobby

9:00    Departure on Buses from Intercontinental Hotel

10:30  Guided tour through Esterhazy Palace 

             Short city walk through Eisenstadt

13:00  Lunch in Rust

             Short city walk through Rust

14:30   Boat ride on Lake Neusiedl

16:00   Departure

All sessions will take place in the Gold Ballroom.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

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 President’s Welcome & Opening Remarks - David Knoble

9:15-10:00 Introduction of Attendees

10:00 – 10:15 Break

10:15-11:00 The Fine Art of Printing in a Digital World - with Eric Luden

Eric Luden from Digital Silver Imaging explains why it’s essential to print your work, the importance of preparing your files for print and using a calibrated monitor, and other tools that make the process easier. He will cover various paper options for fine art and archival printing, and display options that don’t break the bank.

11:00 – 12:00 10 Years on Folly Beach with a Leica - with David Knoble

In this presentation, David will be showing what he looks for to get inspiration, how he captures the unique aspects of Folly Beach and how he turns challenges into new works of art.  You will learn his approach and how he creates landscapes that invite you to imagine being there and see firsthand some RAW files and the results of editing.  David will wrap up with a brief overview of why he uses certain equipment and what it takes to get these kind of images.

12:00 -12:30 Photo Assignment Theme Explanation - Tom Smith & Colin McKinley 

12:30 – 2:00 Lunch on your own  

2:00 Shooting Your Photo Assignment

6 :00 - 8:30 Group Excursion - “Blues and BBQ” Sunset Harbor Cruise

Locals will tell you that one of the best ways to experience the authentic beauty of Charleston is from the water. We are excited to offer a special “Blues and BBQ” Sunset Cruise on the harbor, complete with local cuisine and live music! VIP Pre-Boarding for LSI Spring Shoot members begins at 6pm, and the boat will depart at 7pm. Get ready for a beautiful evening out on the water with your fellow LSI members, and a unique opportunity to photograph the harbor area during golden hour!

Address: 10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC - Please arrive by 6:30pm!

This is about a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel. You can also take a taxi/Uber, or even a local bike taxi if you’re feeling adventurous!

Friday, April 25, 2025

8:00 Leica on Loan

8:00 Continental Breakfast

8:45-9:00 Announcements

9:00 – 10:00 25 Years of Uncovering Leica Stories - Sean Cranor

Sean Cranor reflects on key historical Leica pieces he's encountered, and how these vintage photographic tools have inspired his service to the photographic community for the past 25 years through Camera West. He'll highlight influential gear that transcends mere collectibility, emphasizing the unique impact of each piece through the stories they've told and continue to tell—stories that should inspire us to share our own with the cameras we carry and the photos we create.

10 – 10:15 Break

10:15 - 11:15 Red Dot Forum Camera Talk LIVE: Take it or Leave it - Josh Lehrer and David Farkas

If it’s a Leica camera or lens, odds are, David and Josh have left it home when they needed it most. After decades of photography, your favorite Leica YouTube hosts have decided it was time to finally talk about how ensure that you return from every photo outing with the fewest regrets and the most keepers. In this live version of Red Dot Forum Camera Talk, you’ll learn that with the right approach, you’ll (hopefully) never be without that critical piece of equipment again.

11:15- 12:00 Intro to Astrophotography - Colin McKinley

Join LSI Executive Director Colin McKinley for an exploration into the photographic techniques used to capture the Milky Way. In this presentation, Colin will explain step-by-step how to plan and execute your own photoshoot with the Galactic Core, from cosmic timing to camera settings.

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch on Your Own

1:00 – 5:30 Group Excursion - Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

At Charleston's world-famous Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, the show-stopping attraction is the romantic garden – and it has been for centuries. From the Audubon Swamp Garden to the historic River Walk, Magnolia has something for everyone. We invite you to stroll through these historic gardens, learn about the horticulture and nature thriving in the Lowcountry, survey the wildlife that call Magnolia home, and explore over 300 years of history.

Busses depart from Francis Marion Hotel at 1:15pm on Friday afternoon.  Return busses will depart from the plantation at 5pm to bring you back to the hotel.

5:30 Dinner on your own

Saturday, April 26, 2024

8:00 Return Leica on Loan

8:45-9:00 Morning Announcements

9:00-10:00 Using Simple AI Editing Tools in Lightroom and Photoshop  - Bill Royce

Focusing on the latest version of Lightroom and the beta version of Photoshop, this presentation will show members some very simple tools to include removing objects and distracting elements, enlarging the crop, changing the background, and the latest versions of Denoise, Lens blurand some very easy-to-use filters for colorizing and restoring old film images.

10:00 - 2:00 NEWLY ADDED: Gallery Showing - Prints from Digital Silver Imaging (Eric Luden)

Downstairs from the Gold Ballroom in Lauren’s Room (Mezzanine Level) you will find a small gallery of photographs taken by fellow attendees.
Get inspired by seeing other photographers’ work and by seeing the exception print quality provided by Digital Silver Imaging. There will also be special deals and promotions on prints for LSI Members, with personalized printing/ordering assistance from Eric Luden.

11:00 – 2:00 Lunch on Your Own - Last Photo Outing

2:00 - 3:00 Selecting/Editing and Uploading Your Images for 3:30 session

3:30 – 4:30 Sharing of Images with Commentary  - Sawyer Flint, David Knoble, Colin McKinley

6:30 Cocktails (cash bar - must be pre-registered)
7:00 Banquet (must be pre-registered)

Registration Now Open!

The 2022 LHSA - International Leica Society Annual Meeting & Conference will take place in Dublin Ireland from October 13-15.

Dublin is a warm and welcoming city, known for the friendliness of its people and famous for its craic (“crack”)—that mixture of repartee, humor, intelligence, and acerbic and deflating insight that has attracted writers, intellectuals, visitors (and photographers) for centuries. As William Fagan, our VP who resides in Dublin, says, "In Ireland, there are no strangers, just friends you have not yet met.”

We have also planned a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse. Built in the style of the Chicago School of Architecture 1904, it was originally used as a fermentation house. Today it’s Ireland’s number one visitor attraction – a gleaming, multimedia exhibition on everything from retro advertising to the craft of brewing, topped off with a pint in the 360-degree Gravity Bar. 

Program

To view the conference program, click here! (program and speaker list subject to changes)

Hotel Information

For the Conference we have reserved rooms in two hotels in the heart of Dublin where heritage and history blend seamlessly. They are across the street from each other and easy to access. We will send you links to make your hotel reservations after you register for the conference. We can confidently say that you will be staying at an iconic and luxurious hotel located in the center of of Dublin. We have negotiated a special rate (less than $300 per night!) at the hotel where we are holding the event, so please don't make other hotel arrangements! Register below.