Travel photography has been in Leica cameras’ DNA right from the very beginning. As early as 1914, Ernst Leitz II took a prototype of the original Leica with him on a business trip to New York, travelling by ship. He was not a photographer. What began as an ambitious practical test thus became the world’s first travel documentary of its kind. This endeavour was a success above all because of the camera’s ease of use, even by the standards of the time, and its robust, compact design, which continues to characterise every Leica to this day.
The Art of Truly Seeing the World
Walking through the world with open eyes, you will see unfamiliar faces and unusual gestures, as well as experiencing light that falls differently to how it does at home. While travel photography thrives on these differences, it finds its true power in what we share. A glance, a smile, a moment that needs no translation whatsoever. Capturing these insights while travelling, in all their beauty and with great precision, is one aspect of the art. The other is maintaining your own perspective while opening the eyes of those around you.
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As Varied as Travel Itself
There are places that have been captured a thousand times in pictures. Yet, as soon as we look at them through a different lens, we see them in a whole new light. Then there are places that are completely unfamiliar to us. Just like the people who live there. And yet, a single photo series is enough to bring them closer to us. The following artists introduce us to the world we live in, each in their own way. Let’s embark on a journey:
Changing Tides – Nic von Rupp with His Leica Q3 43
For Nic von Rupp, surfing and photography have gone hand in hand for as long as he can remember. As a big-wave surfer, his sport takes him to some of the world’s most remote coastlines, which hardly anyone else ever gets to see. Through his photography, he captures what remains long after the wave has broken: a view, a light, a landscape or a fleeting encounter that leaves a lasting impression. All he needs is the Leica Q3 43, which offers a particularly natural perspective. This camera is ideal for both portraits on the beach and capturing the vastness of a coastline, and is so easy to use that it never gets in the way of the moment.
I love capturing the essence of people, the rhythm of the waves and our fleeting memories
Nic von Rupp
People in Myanmar – Steve McCurry and His SL3
Steve McCurry has dedicated his life to travelling and portrait photography. His work is characterised by his ability to capture the drama in people’s everyday lives, as well as in extraordinary situations. He has primarily travelled to South Asia, the Middle East and Africa for his work. In 2023, he travelled to Myanmar, taking his Leica SL3. Mandalay, where ancient history meets vibrant modern life, has almost become a second home for Steve. Using the Leica SL3 and Leica SL-Lenses, he captures faces in his own unique, profound way – faces that seem to tell the story of a lifetime with a single glance.
I can’t think of anything more important than documenting the forces that impact the people on our planet.”
Steve McCurry
Closer to Faraway Places – Julia Nimke and Her Two Q3s
Julia Nimke prefers to travel alone and without a fixed plan. The experiences she has along the way often mean more to her than reaching a specific destination. It is the fleeting, unfinished and accessible moments that fascinate her. A foreign place has a lot of these insights to offer if you look closely enough: a fleeting play of light, a small curiosity in the seemingly everyday, an animated conversation in an unfamiliar language. Julia likes to use the Leica Q3 with a 28 mm lens for wide, atmospheric shots, and the Leica Q3 43 with a 43 mm lens for portraits and quiet observations. She enjoys seeing the different perspectives that can be created for the same place. The cameras actively help her get to know people and their points of view. On unfamiliar streets, they often provide an opportunity to strike up a personal conversation.
I look for small, imperfect moments that tell a story. They turn an image into something personal, something that belongs to my memory and not just the location.”
Julia Nimke
Leica Cameras for Travel Photography
They are visually stunning, robust, compact and reliable – the perfect companion for any travel situation. Photographers value them because they capture every facet of our high-contrast world, from grand scenes to tiny details. The following Leica cameras are particularly well suited to The Art of Travel Photography:
Leica Q
This is perfect for photographers looking for a compact full-frame camera with a fixed lens and fast, intuitive operation.
Compact full-frame camera for spontaneous, natural and high-quality shots.
It delivers superb image quality for photos and videos, even in a wide range of lighting conditions.
It combines simple operation and seamless connectivity.
Leica SL
This is ideal for photographers seeking exceptional image quality, flexibility and reliability while travelling.
A versatile lens system that adapts to its surroundings – from wide-angle to telephoto.
Reliable autofocus and robust construction for rapidly changing requirements.
Outstanding video and image quality, even in extreme conditions.
Find the Leica That’s Perfect for You
The best way to discover which camera and lens are right for you is in a personal consultation. Our friendly Leica experts are always happy to help, whether you visit us online at the Leica Store or in person.