The camera was the perfect companion for this trip. First of all… it is dead silent… never attracts attention. Add to that the ability to shoot extreme ISO’s (I shot up to 12,800)  for photos I don’t think I could have made otherwise. That said, the quality of light at any time of day was photographable and in the end I feel that I made some photographs I probably couldn’t have made without this camera.

What led you to acquire the Q? 

I’ve been shooting with Leica’s (M4, M6, M7, M9 and the M) since I began my career back in the mid-70’s. I’ve continually looked for the right camera to help me take my work forward and the “Q” has done that again. Lightweight, extreme sharp, fast 28mm lens, up to 10 frames-a-second and off the charts ISO all wrapped up in a classic Leica design made this the perfect combo for me to use on this trip.

It’s a formula that has proven to be very successful.

How do you see the evolution through the years of your photography after having explored many other places?

I’ve been extremely fortunate to have had the photography career I’ve had. It’s taken me around the world several times and to all seven continents. And throughout that time the one thing that continues to drive me is the chance to make new work and grow as a photographer. Too often photographers get to a point where they’ve made good work but they become complacent. Some call this style. And the problem with style is that things continuously go in and out of style. It’s more important to work toward having an overall vision. And that requires a photographer to continually keep trying to move the work forward. It’s not easy nor does it always yield great results. But, when you do connect with a new way of seeing things, that excitement is what can help take you to your next step photographically. That’s what I’ve continued to try and do.

Many of these images like the “Window Washer” show day-to-day activities and show the people’s behavior in the city, what were you trying to achieve here?

I recognized a unique moment and point of view for making the photograph and jumped on it. I’ve shot window washers before but never from this perspective. It was all about capturing the moment.

Several geometric shapes can be found in images such as “ Tokyo International Forum”and “Lighted Sidewalk”, does capturing these shapes in relation to the people circulating through these areas something intentional?

I think so in that I’ve always had a strong appreciation for pattern and design which I think helps to create tension in the composition and bring the viewer into the photo.

The image of the wall of water looks as if it was an impressionist painting from the early 1900’s with bright yet washed out colors. How did you achieve this picture?

This was in the hotel in Tokyo. I had just checked in and was on my way to the elevators when I turned around and saw this water wall separating the lobby from the dining room. Any photographer would be crazy to pass up a chance to shoot something like this. But the fun part was playing with exposure (varying the shutter speed) to see the effect that could be created.

You also shoot on the Leica M, what are the main differences with this camera?

Everyone has asked me since I’ve had the “Q” would I be selling the “M”. The answer is, “No”. They are really two very different cameras. LIke all cameras I’ve owned, I’ve always tried to match the right “tool” to the job. They both have their place in my work. With the M which is a pure rangefinder, I tend to “shoot first and ask questions later”. It’s more about working with spatial relationships as well as watching “the moment” present itself.

That said, I’ve created a self assignment since I received the “Q”… that throughout 2016 I will make a photograph (meaningful, I hope) everyday using it. The pressure is on, but hopefully the results will be worthwhile.

Thanks Arthur!