The Must-Have Leica Book of the Year
Quarterly dives into books shaping my creative journey
I’ve been meaning to start a habit of sharing some of my favourite photo books with the Church & Street community. But that’ll have to wait because today’s book deserves its own spotlight.
Back in June, those of us who made it out to the Leica 100 Years Celebration in Wetzlar were gifted a copy of 100 Leica Stories. Put together by the LFI team, it’s a collection of some of the most interesting, weird, and straight-up legendary stories from a century of Leica cameras.
So today, I wanna share what the book covers, dig between the lines to tell you what stood out to me, and wrap up with a few of my favourite stories. Let’s get into it.
At A Glance
Picture this: I’m back home after a wild few days in Wetzlar with the global Leica crew, and the withdrawal’s starting to hit. I crack open 100 Leica Stories, hoping to almost ‘go back’ in a way, if that makes sense. To my surprise, I tore through the first half in one sitting.
Every 2–3 pages are dedicated to a single story from Leica’s history. And no, it’s not just about the cameras. There are stories of photographers, campaigns, and even bits of Leica lore that help connect the dots on things you may have only heard in passing.
The binding is incredible. The printing is clean. The pictures jump off the page. What struck me most is how much it feels like an approachable textbook from an art history class. There’s a healthy amount of negative space in the margins, perfect for scribbling notes or highlighting things. For someone like me, that’s how I start linking passages to my own journey or future projects.
The pacing is fun too. You never know what kind of story is coming next. There’s this vibrant, rapid-fire, time-jumping energy that keeps the pages turning. It’s like you’re chasing the next “oh sh*t!” moment. And if you’re a Leica head, trust me, there are plenty of those.
Between The Lines
During my first read-through, I’d go story by story. Read it, study the visuals, then stick a post-it on the ones that landed the hardest. Later, I’d come back and highlight key details to really internalize these moments. Now, why the hell would I do that?
Because I genuinely believe there’s so much value in understanding history. Whether it’s our own or the history behind the tools we use, that understanding has a way of shaping how we move forward. That’s how I approach most of the art and media I consume.
And it’s that mindset that made me appreciate parts of Leica’s history I’d never heard about. Like this one: if it weren’t for a guy named Walter Kluck and his team in Canada, we may not have the Leica M system today. Arguably the most iconic camera series in the world.
Or this: someone actually wrote a song called the Leica Camera Song. That someone was Larry Towell, a seasoned Magnum photographer. He wrote it as a tribute to photojournalists out in the field, getting their hands dirty to tell real stories. I had to look it up, and here’s my favourite line:
I’d take her up to heaven,
because she’s been through so much hell.
This old Leica camera,
that Oskar Barnack built so well.
Another story that hit hard? The pages about Gabriele Micalizzi, and how, if it weren’t for a Leica SL, he might’ve lost his face or even his life while on assignment in Syria. I had the chance to meet Gabriele at the event in June, so seeing his story documented like this made it feel even more meaningful. It was powerful to see his experience etched into history.
Seriously, the mix of stories in this book and the way they’re structured makes for an unforgettable read.
Stories That Shape You
The story that hit me the hardest, and actually changed the direction of my next project, was about an expedition to West Greenland in 1925. A group of German explorers took a prototype Leica camera, one of the first in the world, to document this desolate part of the planet. But get this: all visual records from that trip were destroyed during WWII, as far as anyone knows.
So there I am, sitting at my desk, 100 years removed from that expedition, fresh off a global campaign where I was introduced as a Leica ambassador, coming back from a celebration of 100 years of Leica photography, and literally in pre-production for my own trip to West Greenland.
What. Are. The. Odds?!
This moment in my life, this book, this history. For all of it to line up like this, I had to pivot. After reading that story, I started shaping an idea for something new that I could create when I travel to Greenland. It lit a fire under me.
I say all this because sometimes all it takes is a few pages from the right book to spark one of those ‘ah-ha’ moments. And from that, you can carve out a journey that arcs your life toward something richer. Honestly, that’s what pushed me to write this piece in the first place.
Who Is This Book For?
Let me take a moment to mention that this story isn’t affiliated with or influenced by Leica or the LFI team. They have no idea I was preparing this story. Genuinely, I was surprised and delighted by the experience of flipping through this book, and I just wanted to highlight it while it’s still available for sale.
Now, should you buy this book? Look, let me spoil the Book Review format on Church & Street for a second. If I’m writing about it, it’s because I think you should grab a copy while you still can. That said, maybe this book isn’t for every photographer. If I had to get a little prescriptive, I’d say it’s best suited for folks who already own a Leica and find a lot of meaning in the photography journey.
If you love photography, whether it’s a hobby or your profession, and you’re the kind of person who’s always soaking things up and looking to grow, and you happen to be walking that path with a Leica by your side, this book is absolutely worth picking up. And if that’s not you, well, your mileage may vary.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Los Angeles: Leica Akademie: Video for Photographers
Next month, I’m leading a two-day workshop for photographers who are new to video. You’ll get a practical introduction to filmmaking using the Leica SL system, with a focus on branded content and visual storytelling. Lear more here.
In late September, I’m heading to India for a street photography adventure across the North and South. A few seats are still available for those looking for a deep, immersive photography experience. Learn more here.
Mexico City: Día de Muertos Meet-Up
Toronto Studio Photography Workshop
I’m developing a two-day studio workshop for late-November in Toronto covering my approach to planning, lighting, and delivering bold studio work. If you’re interested, email me to join the waitlist.
Arctic 2026 Photography Adventure
In 2024, I traveled to Svalbard with Quark Expeditions and it was unforgettable. I’m planning a return trip in 2026 with a group of photographers. This is not a workshop. It’s an excuse for like-minded storytellers to visit one of the most remote places on earth. If that sounds like you, fill out this form to learn more.
Previous Favourites
NEW August Contest!
This month, I’ll be giving away a $200 gift card to the Moment Shop where the winner can save big on their next camera, lens, bag, or courses. Moment has so many creative products to choose from and $200 can absolutely make for a great deal.
How will I pick the winner? Make sure you’re signed up for this newsletter then leave a comment on at least one post from this month. I’ll be randomly picking one person, confirming they meet the requirements and contacting them directly before announcing the winner publicly.
Once again, this contest is void where prohibited by law. Good luck!
My thanks to the team at Moment! Not only for this contest but for being the longest supporter of my work online. They’re a lean team of passionate creators that truly believe in supporting other creatives on their journey. Whether it’s a new camera, lens, workshop, or just some great articles, visit ShopMoment.com today.
What’s Next?
Like I mentioned earlier, I’m heading to Greenland next week with my friends at Quark Expeditions. It’ll be my first time there, and while I’m keeping my expectations in check, I’m preparing like it’s the most important job in the world. Keep an eye out for some exclusive stories in the weeks ahead.
Next month, I’ll be hosting a free talk at the Leica Store in Los Angeles. If you’re in the city on Friday, September 12, let me know by email or Instagram DM so I can add you to the guest list.
GB
It sounds like a photography social history book to add to my collection. Thanks for sharing, Gajan.
100 Years is so good. The team did a great job with it. Awesome review here.