Illumination
“I have been a big fan of the SL series for a long time. The SL3, is a lightweight body and constructed with all the professional features I need.”
Oliver Halfin with the Leica SL3
Leica holds an illustrious legacy in photography, leaving an indelible mark on its evolution over time. Continuously pushing the boundaries of design, ergonomics, and craftsmanship, each Leica release represents a jump in innovation.
The SL3 effortlessly transitions between capturing high-resolution images to 8K video, adapting to diverse shooting environments. I tested the SL3 amongst the freezing cold pre-dawn landscapes of Monument Valley, Arizona and the windy and dusty conditions of Egypt's deserts, the SL3's robust build and dust sealing was impressive and reliable. The smaller body and lighter weight of the camera feels like the perfect size and weight for me.
How did you develop the concept for this project?
I developed the concept through a combination of artistic exploration, personal connection and collaborative synergy. I was drawn to New Mexico’s energetic richness, there’s a magnetism there, along with the raw beauty of the landscapes, which I experienced during a visit to White Sands National Park a few years ago. When developing this story for the SL3 release, I followed my intuition which led me back to the American Southwest and New Mexico in particular. I’ve been collaborating with Native Indigenous fashion designers frequently which has built my interest in storytelling within fashion and design that connects in meaningful ways; through culture, land, and history.
I connected with Amy Denet Deal, a Diné (Navajo) designer and community leader based in Santa Fe. Amy runs the brand 4KINSHIP, which uplifts emerging Indigenous talent and empowers fundraising initiatives on the Navajo Nation reservation (which is largely within the state of New Mexico).I developed a concept that would feature elements of this community work and showcase upcoming talents within different areas of art, fashion and culture related to that region and the reservation. Featured in the project are three amazing native talents, Than Povi Martinez, a dancer and model, Lucaa, a musician and model and Shawn Harrison a professional skateboarder and community leader. The aim was to create a narrative that flowed and took the viewer on a journey, weaving together the rich tapestry of New Mexico's awe inspiring changing landscapes and colour palette’s, Indigenous culture, and the transformative power of art and community initiatives.
Can you tell us a little about the visual approach to this project?
The visual approach aimed to showcase both the capabilities of the SL3 and the stunning landscapes of the region. Jo Kami the cinematographer, utilized a combination of Leica SL2-S and SL3 cameras for filming, employing a variety of lenses to capture the diverse scenes.
For the images I used the SL3 with a mixture of SL APO lenses and M lenses. I worked with only natural light, occasionally using a reflector, to keep it feeling organic. The SL3's color profile was a big beneficial factor too, the camera's ability to capture rich, nuanced colors helped to create a cohesive visual narrative that really reflected the essence of the environment and subjects.
What do you hope others will take away from this project?
I hope this project will inspire other photographers and filmmakers to create their own unique stories and snapshots of reality. Photography and filmmaking are powerful tools for sharing diverse viewpoints, and I believe everyone has something valuable to contribute. There's no single right way to capture reality – it's subjective, and that's what makes it so compelling. My hope is this work encourages others to explore their own unique perspectives through visual storytelling. Whether it's documenting different cultures and communities, exploring unfamiliar landscapes, or simply sharing a personal vision, every contribution adds depth to our shared understanding of the world. I hope this project reminds people of the power of visual media to broaden our horizons, spark curiosity, and foster empathy. By sharing our individual views of reality, we can collectively create a richer, more nuanced picture of the human experience.
