Yes, it is official, I’m co-teaching a Leica workshop in Palm Springs. Justin Stailey, @justinstailey, is doing most of the heavy lifting. I’m in the back of the room trying to sound smart by repeating things Justin already said. Believe it or not, after all these years of using this equipment, I THINK this is my first official participation in a Leica workshop. I have to say, it’s really damn fun. And, Leica does a nice job of packaging for students. Folders with the entire class offering, in perfect black on black Leica style.

Not to mention the hats, the bags and the notepad, again branded with that Leica style. If you think this stuff isn’t important, think again. The key here is the thought behind this. What are you, as a student, gonna want when you leave? The hat and bag are great, shows your brand appreciation, but more importantly you have the entire classwork program in your folder for future reference. My guess, you could sell these on Ebay and people would pony up for them. Don’t do this by the way.


In addition to Mr. Stailey, both Ebi and Mary Joe from Leica are also here teaching, training and offering their knowledge of forty-five plus years of Leica experience. Let me repeat that….45 years. These Leica folks are a different breed because Leica is a different brand. Leicas are more than cameras, which is something that drives some people crazy, but yet brings millions more into the Leica fold. As you know, I fell into the Leica fold in or around 1989, so I can’t speak objectively about this.

Time flies here as the tech specs are replaced by the shooting specs, which are then replaced by actual shooting. I’m here to show a little work, provide the reasoning behind why I use this particular flavor of camera and to provide whatever other advice they can pull from me. Oh, I also got a Leica hat…did I mention that? I’m not saying Leica is a cult, but I cried when I got the hat.

As you can see, there is a line of M9′s bodies behind me, which are calling my name. Students are able to borrow these babies, and lenses, testing the water for what will next land in their shoulder bags.
If you get a chance to take one of these workshops, go for it.