About this Event
The Art of Time: Leica Watch & Macro Photography
Join us at Leica Store Manchester for a special hands-on workshop exploring the worlds of watchmaking and macro photography with internationally renowned photographer and Leica Watch specialist Kristian Dowling (@kristiandowling).
For this intimate session, Kristian will introduce you to the Leica ZM1 and ZM2, revealing the design, mechanics and often overlooked details that make these watches special, before showing you how to find and photograph those details yourself.
You'll then put this into practice using two of the latest additions to the Leica SL-System: the Leica SL3-P and APO-Macro-Summicron-SL 100 f/2.8 ASPH.
Learn from Kristian Dowling
Australian-born photographer Kristian Dowling has spent more than two decades working professionally across photography, from celebrity and entertainment to fashion, major international events and luxury products.
His career has taken him from the Beijing Olympic Games, Cannes Film Festival and New York Fashion Week to touring as a photographer with Katy Perry, alongside assignments photographing some of the world's best known figures.
Kristian is also an experienced photographic educator and has taught photographers around the world for more than 20 years.
Alongside his wider photographic career, watches and watch photography have become a particular specialism. Kristian combines his photographic knowledge with an in-depth understanding of mechanical watches and today works closely with Leica Watch, delivering photography workshops, training and content internationally.
You can see more of Kristian's work on Instagram at @kristiandowling.
Discover what makes a Leica Watch different
Before photographing the watches, Kristian will take us beneath the surface of the Leica ZM1 and ZM2.
You'll explore their mechanical movements, operation and design, as well as the smaller details and features that distinguish Leica's approach to watchmaking.
Kristian will show you what to look for – the textures, finishing, materials, controls, reflections and mechanical details that give a watch its character – and then explore how those elements can be translated into an interesting photograph.
Photograph the details
With that knowledge, we'll move behind the camera.
Using the Leica ZM1 and ZM2 as our subjects, Kristian will guide you through the challenges and opportunities of photographing watches at close range.
We'll explore light and shadow, reflections, composition, perspective, focus and the selection of detail, looking at how small changes can completely alter the way a watch appears in an image.
You'll then have time to create your own photographs and put Kristian's techniques into practice.
Hands-on with the new Leica SL3-P & 100mm Macro
The workshop will also be an opportunity to experience two of the latest additions to the Leica SL-System.
You'll be able to get hands-on with the new Leica SL3-P and explore the close-up capabilities of the APO-Macro-Summicron-SL 100 f/2.8 ASPH. in a real photographic setting.
Rather than simply trying the equipment across a counter, you'll be able to use the camera and lens to tackle a genuinely demanding subject – capturing the tiny details, textures and reflective surfaces of a mechanical watch.
Leica equipment will be available to use during the session, although you're very welcome to bring your own Leica SL camera.
Your £50 ticket is fully redeemable
Tickets for this event are £50 per person, with the full £50 value redeemable against any purchase of £500 or more at Leica Store Manchester.
So whether something from the Leica SL-System catches your eye, you discover a Leica Watch you'd like to explore further, or there's something else you've had your eye on, your entire ticket price can be put towards your purchase.
Full redemption details will be provided at the event.
Who is it for?
You don't need to own a Leica camera or Leica watch to attend.
Whether you're a photographer interested in macro and product photography, a watch enthusiast interested in improving your photography, curious about the latest Leica SL equipment, or simply want to learn from an internationally experienced professional photographer, you're very welcome.
No previous experience of watch photography is required.
With the workshop limited to just 10 attendees, the session will be deliberately small and hands-on, giving everyone meaningful time with Kristian, the watches and the new Leica equipment.
Tickets are £50 per person and advance booking is essential. Your £50 ticket value is fully redeemable against any purchase of £500 or more at Leica Store Manchester.
Event venue & nearby stays
Leica Store Manchester, 9 Police Street, Manchester, United Kingdom
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