Reclamation
The Art of the Deliberate Life
California-based photographer and filmmaker Brandon Ruffin presents Reclamation, a cinematic short inspired by time, presence, and the quiet beauty of what we choose to notice.
Shot entirely in monochrome, the film invites us to slow down, step away from distractio,n and return to what feels meaningful. It is a meditation on presence and on reclaiming what may have been forgotten amid the constant pull for our attention. An original poem written for the film by Alex Elle gives voice to the film’s message.
“This is a story about connection. The project began in early conversations with my long-term collaborator and producer, Xavier Cunningham. We discussed how removing distractions, specifically how the ZM 2 watch strips away the noise of modern technology, can yield a deeper, uninterrupted connection. That became the foundation of the film.”
Brandon Ruffin
Time Is Not Meant to Be Escaped but Remembered
Reclamation features actors Joshua Neal and Kristin Bell, unfolding the quiet story of a relationship that is living in the passive rather than the present.
Joshua’s character is drawn back to what matters, to the essential moments that often go unnoticed. Through stillness, reflection, and the passage of time, he is reminded that meaning is not found in escape, but in return.
“I believe we should all move through life by finding people who are passionate about the things you're passionate about, connecting with them, spending focused time together and making meaningful things.”
Brandon Ruffin
In Stillness, We Begin to See Again
Brandon brought the same restraint to the way the film was made. Created in monochrome, the absence of colour draws attention to what truly matters: light, texture, shadow, and emotion.
Working closely with Director of Photography Alex Ajayi, the team developed a visual approach around Leitz Cine Hektor lenses, moving fluidly between focal lengths from 18mm to 100mm to adapt to each scene.
The Leica SL3-S was used alongside dedicated cinema cameras throughout production, making it easy to match footage seamlessly in post-production. On his wrist, the Leica ZM 2 Monochrom served as a quiet counterpart, a timepiece that measures time with the same care the camera preserves it.
The Power of Monochrome
The Leica ZM 2 Monochrom is a mechanical timepiece made in Germany, defined by precise craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Its hand-wound movement, push-crown with seconds reset, and GMT function are housed in a 41 mm black PVD case.
Like Reclamation, it reflects a monochrome lifestyle shaped by simplicity and restraint. Though complex in its construction, the watch is straightforward to use, with no unnecessary features to manage or distract. Built to be worn without hesitation, it keeps pace with the demands of life and work. It is a tool that marks the time of a profound human connection.
The goal is to remove distractions so you can focus on the moment and the person in front of you.
Brandon Ruffin
About Brandon Ruffin
Brandon Ruffin (Ruff Draft) is an Oakland-based multidisciplinary artist whose work explores the intersections of identity, culture, and the human experience. By utilising the physical properties of contrasting light and colour, Brandon creates evocative narratives designed to serve as a mirror for the viewer—inviting a deep dissection of who we are and who we have the potential to become.
His 2025 debut photo book, Migration Patterns (Setanta Books), was recognised by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the top ten photo books of the year, leading to a landmark solo exhibition at the Leica Gallery San Francisco in 2026. Brandon’s cinematic work has been equally celebrated; his film “Faded Requiem” was awarded Best Narrative Drama by the San Francisco International Film Awards, and he contributed as 1st AD to the award-winning short film “Strength.”
In the tech space, Brandon serves as a researcher in Computational Photography at Google, where he pushes the boundaries of AI and machine learning to evolve traditional photography. His expertise was instrumental in the development of the Pixel 6, 7, and 8—the latter earning the title of “Best Smartphone” at the Global Mobile Awards.
A prominent community builder and contributor to Rolling Stone, The Guardian, and The New York Times, Brandon is a founding member of OAKSPC (Oakland Street Photography Club) and the Cameras and Coffee Club. Whether through lecturing at academic institutions or leading workshops for Apple and VSCO, he remains a central figure in the evolution of modern visual storytelling.
