Leica Announces 2012-2013 Akademie North America Workshops

LEICA CAMERA INC. ANNOUNCES 2012 – 2013 LEICA AKADEMIE NORTH AMERICA WORKSHOPS

Legendary Camera Company Assembles a Collection of Experiences, Inspiring Photographers of All Levels to Amplify Their Creativity and Skills

Allendale, NJ (July 18, 2012) – Leica Camera Inc. is pleased to announce an expanded 2012-2013 schedule for the Leica Akademie, North America. Beginning on August 29, 2012 at the Leica Store in Washington, DC and concluding on May 24, 2013 in Santa Fe, NM, the Leica Akademie will travel to 16 cities in the Americas with 36 program sessions designed to inspire and spur creativity while strengthening skills for photographers of all levels.

From one day photographic lectures to all-inclusive weeklong adventures, the Leica Akademie 2012-2013, expanded program offers a diverse series of exciting programs, encouraging the development of well-rounded photographers across North America.

Debuting programs include The Leica M Monochrom workshops, during which participants will have the opportunity to “test drive” the latest addition to the storied M-System, the first to deliver authentic monochrome photography in digital form. The Truth About Photographs program is designed specifically for intermediate to advanced Leica M photographers who want to explore developing a distinct photographic style. New Leica Destination trips provide the truly adventurous an opportunity to venture to the rugged mountains of Maine, take a walk in the footsteps of Ansel Adams in New Mexico or even contribute to a documentary project in Chilean Patagonia, all while growing creatively and skillfully as a photographer.

“The Leica Akademie provides a unique combination of creativity and inspiration with in-depth technical training,” said Roland Wolff, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Retail for Leica Camera Inc. “Our customers know that there is something very special about Leica photography, and our programs are designed to make them even better photographers. In addition, the Akademie helps to spread the lifelong art of photography to a new generation of photographers.”

Following in the footsteps of the original German Akademie’s photographic education dating back to 1934, the Leica Akademie North America was introduced in 2011. Since the Akademie’s debut, over 1,500 students have expanded their skills and creativity through 70 diverse workshops.

Open to experienced as well as entry level photographers, these experiential workshops are the premiere learning resource for existing and future Leica enthusiasts. In addition to the benefits of small class sizes and real world shooting situations, each participant has access to experienced Leica instructors, as well as a selection of guest photographers to provide coaching and inspiration through the sharing of their images, techniques and insights. The Leica Akademie experience is an invaluable tool for new photographers to develop an artistic identity, while also encouraging more experienced photographers to refine theirs. The North American Leica Akademie 2012-2013 includes distinctive programs highlighting the full range of the Leica portfolio.

Leica M Monochrom: The Future of Black-And-White Photography – These one-of-a-kind workshops unlock the Leica M Monochrom, the world’s first digital camera exclusively for full-frame, 35 mm black-and-white photography with a sensor designed specifically for this purpose. Participants explore a fascinating monochromic world by pre-visualizing scenes in black-and-white and discovering new ways of seeing while gaining a more profound understanding of lighting, texture, contrast and tonal gradation. The cost for attending this event is $249. Each participant receives a $150 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a brand new serial numbered Leica M product from any North American Leica Dealer.

Leica Destinations: All-Inclusive Multi-Day Photography Experiences – Leica Destination workshops combine fine food and exquisite accommodations with intimate and immersive photography experiences. Participants capture must see spots and off the beaten path local favorites while expanding their photographic knowledge in exclusive, real world shooting situations.

Leica Destination: Acadia & Mount Desert Island, ME / October 7-11, 2012 – Embark on a journey over the mountains, along the ocean shoreline, through the woodlands and beside the calming lakes of Acadia National Park in Maine. This trip includes four days of photography under the guidance of Leica Akademie Instructor and Product Specialist Justin Stailey. Like all Leica Destination programs, lodging and food is included in the event cost of $1,899.

Leica Destination: Preserving Patagonia / March 23-30, 2013 – This photographic journey through Chilean Patagonia is led by Conservation Photojournalist Bridget Besaw and is offered in conjunction with the Patagonia Sur Foundation. Valle California is framed by snow-capped mountains and encompasses more then 10 miles of the El Tigre River. This unique ecosystem is home to a combination of species not found anywhere else on Earth. Throughout the course of the 8 day/7 night trip, participants learn documentary and travel photography techniques and capture all aspects of the story of Patagonia conservation. The cost of attendance is $7,725 and includes round trip transportation between Puerto Montt, Chile and the workshop location.

Leica Destination: Big Sur & Monterey, CA / April 23-27, 2013 – Discover rolling green hills, sprawling beaches and iconic vistas with Leica Akademie Instructors Tom A. Smith and Tom Brichta along California’s Big Sur Coastline. This all-inclusive workshop includes visits to Point Lobos State Park, home of “Weston Beach,” Carmel Mission and the beautiful village of “Carmel by the Sea” as well as a few surprises along the way. Four days of real world shooting situations mixed with evenings of fine food and exquisite accommodations make this Leica Destination a truly unique experience. The program cost is $2,499.

Leica Destination: Santa Fe & Taos, NM, In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams / May 19-23, 2013 – Led by Photographer Alan Ross, a Santa Fe resident and former Ansel Adams Assistant, and Leica Akademie Instructor Tom Brichta, travel through the mystical light and landscape in and around Santa Fe, Taos and the historic pueblos of New Mexico. Designed for photographers with a special interest in landscape photography, participants have access to the full line of Leica M-System products as well as a limited number of S-System cameras. This all-inclusive trip includes 5 nights lodging, all meals, entrance fees and costs $2,999.

The Truth About Photographs: Developing a Distinctive Visual Style – A workshop for intermediate to advanced Leica M-System photographers who are ready to be challenged creatively, this multi-day workshop focuses on the creative process of making images. Led by renowned Documentary Photographer and Educator Quinton Gordon, participants experience a combination of dynamic lectures, shooting sessions, discussions and group review designed to increase visual awareness and help photographers to build or recognize their distinctive style. The cost for attending this workshop is $599 and each participant receives a $150 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a brand new serial numbered Leica M product from any North American Leica Dealer.

Better Pictures with Leica Compact Cameras: Digital Basics – This hands-on workshop explores common mistakes that often prevent photographers from capturing key shots. Focusing on taking better pictures without having to know all of a camera’s settings, a Leica Akademie instructor assists participants in moving from snapshots to photographs. This program is designed specifically for “point-and-shoot” photographers who prefer shooting on program or auto mode but want to learn more about composition, light and capturing moments without blur. Pricing is $149 per attendee.

Better Pictures with Leica Compact Cameras: Advanced – Designed for current owners of Leica compact cameras who want to learn tips, tricks and explore the flexibility of these cameras when taken off program mode. Topics covered include shooting in manual mode, use of scale focus, creative use of white balance, working with a flash, advantages of DNG or RAW formats and working with a camera in black-and-white. This session is ideal for photographers with advanced compact cameras like the X1, X2, D-Lux5 and V-Lux3. These individuals have a clear understanding of digital file formats and their camera’s menu but are looking for ways to be more creative and create images with a big impact. This advanced program costs $149.

Leica S-System Experience – Spend a hands-on day with the revolutionary Leica S2 professional camera system in various photographic situations including an outdoor/landscape environment and a portrait session in studio with models. With a class size limited to eight students, attendees of this workshop are guaranteed individualized instruction from Leica’s S-System Product Specialist tailored to their specific needs and interests. The $299 program fee includes the receipt of a $150 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a brand new serial numbered Leica M or S product from any North American Leica Dealer.

Leica Weekends – These intensive and exciting weekends cover the essentials of Leica photography and are led by a Leica instructor as well as a featured Leica photographer. From rangefinder basics to advanced techniques, each workshop is custom tailored to each host city and provides a weekend of learning, inspiration and camaraderie in the company of fellow Leica enthusiasts. The Leica Weekend Program costs $499 with each participant receiving a $150 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a brand new serial numbered Leica M product from any North American Leica Dealer.

The Leica M9 Owners Workshop: A Practical Session Designed for Owners of the Leica M9 – Specifically designed for current owners, this program allows users to shoot with their camera and lens while learning skills to enhance their M9 experience. The fluid nature of this workshop encourages group discussion, focusing on areas of interest or improvement, ensuring participants get the most out of their time. Putting theory into practice, gain expert advice during real world shooting situations to expand skills, working technique and confidence. The workshop also includes the opportunity to review images as a group and explore post-production methods in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. Workshop participation costs $199 with each participant receiving a $150 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a brand new serial numbered Leica M product from any North American Leica Dealer.

Leica Street Photography: Two Day Workshop – Pushing participants to try new techniques, this program distills the essence of iconic M-System street photography, which dates back to the flagship line’s introduction in 1954. The schedule of events provides inspiration to experienced M photographers while also extending an introduction to the history and techniques that helped establish the esteemed photographic genre. The two-day format allows for multiple shooting opportunities and feedback from a Leica Akademie instructor as well as a featured guest photographer. The cost for attending this event is $349 with each participant receiving a $150 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a brand new serial numbered Leica M product from any North American Leica Dealer.

For additional information and to sign up, please visit www.leicaakademie.com or email Akademie@leicacamerausa.com.