M Magazine is a new publication featuring the work of Leica M photographers. The publication is avaialble in print as well as online and app versions and its “photo first” design aesthetic puts the emphasis on the images instead of drowning the viewer with advertising. Hit the jump for more details on the premiere issue M Magazine.
The first issue of M Magazine features the work of the following Leica photographers:
Bruce Gilden
Photographed with Leica M4, M9.
Bruce isn’t your typical photographer and the black and white and color work presented in the first issue of M Magazine aren’t your typical Gilden photographs. The black and white photos were shot before Gilden started using his trademark off-camera flash. They’re edgy and off-beat and offer an unique glimpse into the humanity of New York City in the seventies. The color work was shot 33 years later in Rochester, New York and most of it has never been published before. The juxtaposition of the two bodies of work offers a glimpse into the photographer’s vision as it has evolved through the years.
Trent Parke
Photographed with Leica M6.
The first edition of Trent’s book, Minutes To Midnight sold out almost immediately. His dark ethereal images reflect the awe and wonder he has for the unique interplay of light and shadow in his home of Australia.
Ciril Jazbec
Photographed with Leica M 240.
Ciril was the recipient of the 2013 Leica Oscar Barnac Newcomer Award. In 2014 he travelled to Satut, a small village in northern Greenland whose population consists of 200 people and over 500 sled dogs. The work is stark and yet warmly embraces its subject with a kindness and respect not often seen.
Jan Grarup
Photographed with Leica M9, Monochrom.
Jan has been photographing the unrest in Central Africa and his haunting black and white images paint a dark and dangerous picture of civil war and a country on the edge of collapse.
Anton Kusters
Photographed with Leica M9.
Belgian photographer Anton Kusters spent two years with the secretive Japanese Mafia, call the Yakuza. The work is an impressive portrait of the Japanes crime syndicate as he follows them from strip clubs to funerals. Beautiful and honest images that reflect a profound respect for the subjects.
Alex Webb
Photographed with Leica M6, M9.
Portfolio of Alex’s work from the book Memory City. The book examines a city on decline after the demise of Kodak and the black and white images were shot on Kodachrome. The images are gritty but still showcase Alex’s the near mystical to command the frame into perfect order. Beautiful work.
M Magazine
60 years have passed since the launch of the Leica M3. The concept of the Leica rangefinder camera, with its unique combination of fine optical and mechanical precision, compact dimensions and intuitive handling, is a living legend.
The same can be said of the pictures taken with this camera. Whether the civil war in Central Africa or the problem districts of Caracas – countless stories are being told with the Leica M system. The LFI loan pool also contributes towards this: Leica cameras are being lent continuously to photographers around the world, so that they can produce very special stories. Discover the world of Leica M photography with exciting reportages and haunting picture series, news, films and the complete M Magazine.
The book-quality magazine is exclusively dedicated to M photography, presenting great pictures taken by renowned photographers, all wrapped up in a completely new outfit. Both format and content lay-out are solely focussed on the photograph. The M Magazine, concentrates on the essential and celebrates each picture – whether part of an extensive series or a single, unforgettable image.
The first issue of M Magazine is impressive to say the least. The breadth of work that is covered is remarkable and the quality of the images is first rate. The only issue I have with the online publication is that the text is presented as an image so it’s not searchable. This is just a minor issue and hopefully it will be corrected in future versions!
What’s your take on M Magazine? Post your feedback in the comments and keep the conversation going!