Fred Mortagne - textures, materials, contrasts
The brain learns to think differently than when colour is the end goal. You focus more on textures, materials, contrasts.
Fred Mortagne
Biarritz, Geneva, Lyon, and even Vienna. Fred Mortagne travelled with the latest addition to the Q range. A preview test carried out by this demanding professional photographer and renowned black-and-white specialist. Here’s an overview upon his return.
Eclectic because he approaches photography without blinders. Rich and abundant because it is fuelled by passion. This is how Fred Mortagne’s photographic practice focuses as much on people—seasoned athletes or simple passers-by wandering through the streets of a metropolis—as it does on urban architecture. Such a diversity of approaches and situations requires highly versatile equipment. What better opportunity to test the new Leica Q3 Monochrom?
A sensor that is simply extraordinary
“I already know the Q range well, since I regularly use the Q2, in addition to a SL and an M6, among others. I appreciate its compactness, the robustness of its construction, its proven ergonomics. With the Q3 Monochrom, I discovered a sensor that is simply extraordinary. The image quality it offers is incredible, and its 60.3-megapixel resolution makes possible, in post-production, crop-ins that were unthinkable until now!” exclaims the newly minted fifty-year-old.
The brain learns to think differently
He then adds: “In reality, it’s as if the camera were equipped with a zoom—without the usual drawbacks.” The Lyon-based photographer explains that more than once he composed an image in the field, only to realise during editing that another framing—a much tighter one, like what a 90 mm lens would provide—was actually more interesting. “The Q3’s sensor offers a flexibility that, once the shooting session is over, becomes a precious ally.”
And what about the monochrome aspect of this camera? As we’ve seen, Fred Mortagne has long been devoted to black-and-white. So it was only natural that he felt immediately at home with this latest version of the Q3. “By practising this type of photography, your eye and mind gradually change. The brain learns to think differently than when black and white is the end goal. You focus more on textures, materials, contrasts. In this context, the Q3 Monochrome is, in my view, the ideal camera.”
The Leica Q3 Monochrom
The photographer was also able to rely on the tilting rear screen to fully concentrate on his shooting sessions. Not only does it offer greater user comfort, but it also allows him to focus directly by placing his finger on the screen. An undeniable advantage—just like the weather sealing (IP52 protection), which allowed Fred Mortagne to play with the mist from a fountain settling on the lens to create an artistic effect!
About Fred Mortagne
From skateboarding to video, from video to photography. Fred Mortagne’s path is that of a true enthusiast. School never interested him much when he was young. So it was through real-world experience that he built himself, forging a unique background. His strength lies in his ability to adapt to all kinds of environments and circumstances as he makes his way. He takes as much pleasure in capturing a skateboarder, a passer-by in the street, or the clean lines of remarkable architecture. His career is now widely recognised and crowned with numerous awards.
