Leica will host experiential workshops in 16 North American cities

Allendale, NJ (May 2, 2011) -- Leica Camera, Inc. announces the North American debut of the world-renowned Leica Akademie, bringing experiential programming to 16 cities through the initial 25 workshops starting on July 9, 2011 in Santa Barbara, CA and concluding on December 11, 2011 in Miami, FL. Following in the footsteps of the original German Akademie’s storied tradition dating back to 1934, a priceless series of photographic lectures, workshops and hands-on experiential learning days will travel for the first time to thousands of committed Leica aficionados in the United States and Canada.

“With a rich European heritage, the Leica Akademie has been helping Leica enthusiasts enhance and deepen their Leica experience for over 75 years,” said Christian Erhardt, Vice President of Marketing at Leica Camera, Inc. “The Akademie’s goal is to increase the fun and enjoyment of photography, expand photographic knowledge and bring the total Leica experience to a new generation of photographers.”

Open to experienced as well as entry level photographers, these experiential workshops are the premiere learning resource for Leica Users. In addition to the benefits of small class sizes and real world shooting situations, each participant will have access to experienced Leica instructors as well as a selection of guest photographers who will provide coaching and inspiration through the sharing of their images, techniques and insights. The inaugural North American Leica Akademie includes five distinctive programs highlighting the full range of the Leica portfolio.

Leica Weekends: Our Premier Leica Akademie Events -- These intensive and exciting weekends will cover the essentials of Leica photography in two full days of hands-on learning. Held in five destination cities across North America, each workshop will be led by a knowledgeable Leica instructor as well as a featured Leica photographer. From rangefinder basics to advanced techniques, this workshop is custom tailored to each host city and is the perfect opportunity to have a priceless weekend of learning, inspiration and camaraderie in the company of fellow Leica enthusiasts. The Leica Weekend Program will cost $495 with each participant receiving a $300 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a brand new Leica serial numbered M product from any North American Leica Dealer.

The Leica M9 Shooting Experience: Spend a Day with the Masterpiece -- A full day of programming enables prospective and current M9 owners to experience all the world’s first full-frame digital rangefinder camera has to offer. The workshop serves as a comprehensive introduction to the incomparable M9 and its exquisite Leica M lenses. Additionally, participants will benefit from a two hour field trial, invaluable instruction on how to get the most out of Leica M9 files and instruction on basic Lightroom workflow. The Leica M9 Shooting Experience is $199 per participant with all attendees receiving a $149 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a brand new Leica serial numbered M product from any North American Leica Dealer.

Leica Street Photography: Your Gateway to a Great Tradition! -- This full day program distills the essence of distinguished M-System street photography, which dates back to the flagship line’s introduction in 1954. The day’s schedule of events is designed to provide inspiration to experienced M photographers and a solid introduction to the history and techniques that helped establish the esteemed photographic genre that witnessed and defined our world. The cost for attending this event is $249 with each participant receiving a $149 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a brand new Leica serial numbered product from any North American Leica Dealer.

Leica Digital Black and White Photography: See the World in Black and White -- This one-of-a-kind workshop encourages participants to explore the fascinating monochromic world of black and white photography by pre-visualizing scenes in black and white as well as exploring new ways of seeing. Participants will gain a more profound understanding of lighting, texture, contrast and tonal gradation. The program incorporates a class lecture and real world shooting experience utilizing the Leica M9 or X1 cameras and focuses on capturing images and processing with the easiest workflow. The cost for attending this event is $249 with each participant receiving a $149 voucher that can be used toward the purchase of a brand new Leica serial numbered M product from any North American Leica Dealer.

Leica Compact Camera Photography: Getting the Most from your Leica Compact Camera -- Leica’s portfolio of compact camera is heralded for its sleek design, superior optical performance and outstanding image quality. This workshop, aimed at everyone from beginners to experienced shooters, enables participants to get the most out of these outstanding cameras by exploring their powerful potential. Leica instructors will be on hand to explain complex concepts, review the cameras’ exposure modes, scene modes and manual settings as well as answer any questions. The cost for this event is $149 per person.

For additional information and to sign up, please visit www.leicaakademie.com or email [email protected].