A person is standing on a rock in a stormy sea, holding a pair of binoculars.

It's our curiosity
that leads the way

Elias Maria with the Leica SL2-S

It’s in my nature to be hungry for new experiences. When working on a project, I approach the task objectively, and decide which tools and stylistic means are best suited to telling the story.

Elias Maria

Over the past five years, Munich-based cinematographer and photographer Elias Maria has achieved great success with his high-end video productions. Born in 2003, the artist followed his passion from a remarkably young age – quickly realising that moving images were his expressive medium of choice.

Most of Elias’ work has been centred around advertising projects for well-known brands, involving large teams and high-end professional equipment. He is also set to release a feature film. With a keen interest in cutting-edge technology, Elias is always happy to try out the latest innovations.

Photo: Elias Maria

Photo: Elias Maria

Photo: Elias Maria

Photo: Elias Maria

Photo: Elias Maria

Photo: Elias Maria

Sailboats are usually higher than they are long, so the 4:3 aspect ratio was the most aesthetic choice: a conscious reduction that left little space in the frame. Black-and-white brought a certain calmness to the film; colour would have added unnecessary information, rather than more meaning.

Instead of limiting himself to a specific style, Elias Maria adapts to the challenges of each situation. For his film about the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta, he worked with a small, flexible team.

I always have a Leica with me, be it a Minilux, an M6, M11, or a camera from the SL-System. The SL2-S delivers spectacular results – not just in still photography, but particularly when shooting films. We were blown away by the colours and the quality of the raw material.

For some projects, you have to travel light and stay flexible – which makes the SL2-S the perfect tool for the job. In the case of Les Voiles, it was also important that the camera and lens could withstand some hefty splashes of water.

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Elias owns several Leica cameras, and often opts for his analogue models. The quality and reliability of a Leica – be in still photo or video – is something he greatly appreciates.