The Journey
There’s something truly captivating about venturing off the beaten path. It’s in these decisive moments, these spaces, that travel becomes more than just a journey — it becomes an exploration of the stories waiting to be told.
When a photograph doesn’t just capture what’s in front of you, but the impalpable essence of the subject, you need a camera that can keep pace with your curiosity. One that has a familiar and natural touch, and travels seamlessly with you wherever your voyage leads.
Knox Bertie explores the vast steppe, as echoes of rich traditions fade into history and a new picture of Mongolia emerges. The Q3 43 is more than just a tool for taking pictures; it’s an extension of your creative spirit, always ready to explore the world and immortalise your journey.
Mongolia has long fascinated me - a land both distant and unfamiliar yet rich with history and a sense of magic. The vast, open landscapes and extreme climate evoke memories of my own upbringing in the wide expanses and endless skies of Canada. There’s something poetic about the way harshness and beauty coexist in places like this.
Mongolia’s history is as visually striking as its landscapes. From the era when its empire was the largest in the world to the remnants of Buddhist temples and the lasting imprint of Soviet occupation, the country's past is etched into its present. Traveling on the Trans-Mongolian Railway to the Russian border at Sükhbaatar, you constantly feel the weight of history - a blend of grandeur and hardship that lingers in the architecture, the land, and the people.
MomentsUnknown Instagram Competition
Leica Camera Australia
Taking inspiration from Knox, share your #momentsunknown with us on Instagram for your chance to win a limited print from his recent Journey to Mongolia.
Steps:
- Upload a photo you've taken that epitomises the road less travelled as a post on Instagram
- Use #momentsunkown in the description
- Tag @leica_camera_aus
- Make sure you are following @leica_camera_aus
Terms and Conditions
Multiple images/entries accepted. Any image submitted according to the above conditions is eligible for all judgings. Prizes may not be substituted. Winners will be notified by Direct Message on Instagram and will have 24 hours to confirm their valid delivery address, otherwise they shall forfeit the prize. All decisions by Leica Camera Australia are final. Competition only open to residents of Australia. Competition opens 14th March 2025. Judging for prizes occurs at 6 pm on the 17th, 19th, 21st, 24th and 26th March 2025. Prize pool includes five different Knox Bertie prints limited to a single A4-sized print (prize) of each chosen at random, excluding frame.
Yet Mongolia is also a country of contrasts. Sandwiched between Russia and China, its small democracy faces unique challenges. Nowhere is this more evident than in Ulaanbaatar, where rapid urbanisation has led many rural migrants to settle in the surrounding Ger Districts - informal settlements where daily life is shaped by both resilience and struggle. The city itself is striking, with Soviet-era buildings dominating the skyline, neon lights cutting through the thick pollution of coal-fired stoves, and a constant interplay between tradition and modernity.
Despite these challenges, Mongolia’s people remain fiercely proud. Their rich traditions, deep-rooted history, and unbreakable spirit set them apart, and you can feel this pride in every encounter.
These photographs are a glimpse into my journey - riding the Trans-Mongolian Railway, wandering through the streets of Ulaanbaatar, and exploring the Ger Districts that stretch into the surrounding mountains. Through these images, I hope to capture both the harsh realities and the enduring beauty of this extraordinary place.
- Knox Bertie
The Q3 43 lets you capture every nuance of light and shadow with stunning clarity. The full-frame sensor and unequalled lens bring out incredible detail. Whether it’s the warm glow of a streetlamp at dusk or the ethereal miasma of pollution creeping through the streets, the images you take aren’t just photos; they are vivid and timeless memories. It’s a camera built for those who want to immerse themselves in the unknown – without getting bogged down by settings.
So, wherever the road takes you, whether it’s a hidden corner of a distant city or an overlooked vista in nature, the Leica Q3 43 will be there to capture it all. Let the journey unfold. Let the world surprise you. And let your Leica Q3 43 be the storyteller that brings it all back to life.
The path less travelled is waiting for you. Don’t just see it – capture it.
About Knox
An enigmatic street photographer from Sydney, Australia, Knox Bertie explores the relationship between people and their urban environment. Typically shooting in black and white, Knox steps out of his comfort zone by shooting in colour with his Q3 43, as he explores the Mongolian landscape and its people.
