Snow, espresso, lasagna, and an unexpected photography chat, brought by what I call "The Leica Social Effect"

Once again, Leica sparks another unexpected friendship. Featuring another visual storytelling for you, dear Camera Clara reader.

My friend Anton invited me to Ridgewood for a belated birthday lunch. I skipped the actual day (past Saturday) because I was sick, but Anton made up for it. The man should be working as a local guide. Every spot he’s shown me over our ten years of friendship has been stellar. Ukrainians know what’s good.

I drove to Ridgewood, parked, and we grabbed coffee at a local pastry shop. Everything is local, and Anton knows the history of these places.

I brought the M10-R with an orange filter to push more contrast from the black and white shots. The weather was warm for winter, with snow still on the ground. Black and white photography works well for snow because we all know it gets dirty and dark after a few days. But with high-grain black and white, that grime softens out. It passes as charm rather than pollution. It becomes more poetic.

I like walking through calm neighborhoods with my camera. On the way to Sook Pastry, I saw the Columbia Bank building and photographed it.

The coffee shop, owned by a French-Korean couple, has a warm European feel inside. Incredible pastries, and my espresso and ambiance was top notch.

After leaving the coffee shop and walking through the neighborhood, I saw this scene, I had to capture it. Try guessing why…

Lula is the name of Brazil’s president, and the composition felt symbolic with that twisted American flag right behind it. For context: Lula recently made Trump back down in negotiations over tariffs with Brazil.

Anyway, we walked toward the restaurant and I took a few more black and white shots along the way. These were shot in RAW and converted with DxO FilmPack 8 using my Kodak Tri-X simulation, which produces accurate results.

The Leica social effect

Time to eat. Anton and I sat down at a restaurant where a friend of his is the owner. His friend is Massimo Sola, and the place is called Sola Osteria.

We ordered an octopus appetizer with potatoes, followed by the best lasagna I’ve ever had in my life, cooked by Massimo himself.

When we finished eating, the Chef came to our table to talk to our friend Anton…

Massimo noticed my camera, and asked: “Is that a Leica? That’s cool! Which one is it?”

*Conversation starts*

This happens constantly. I’ve lost count of how many conversations started because someone spotted my camera. It’s ridiculous, honestly. Leica carries so much recognition that strangers approach me about photography all the time. I call this the Leica social effect.

We started talking cameras. Anton pulled out his Nikon. Massimo mentioned he was looking to buy one himself. Anton, reliable local guide that he is, gave him tips on nearby stores with the best deals. I took the liberty of photographing Massimo holding Anton’s camera.

I sent Massimo the pictures and printed one as a fine art print. I’ll sign it, frame it, and bring it to him the next time I visit. I’m making Camera Clara stickers to put on the back of framed photos, but here’s the one I printed in A3+ fine art:

Interested in buying a Camera Clara fine art print for yourself? Click here and check out the catalog!

This is what I love doing most. And regardless of whether Leica is good, bad, expensive, or fancy, one thing holds true: it’s a camera that will start conversations about photography, and get you new friends, which is all that matter.

After 20 minutes talking and having a good time, we had to return home to pick our kids at school, so I shot Massimo an e-mail with the photos, and now we are photo friends, he will let me know when he buys a camera, and we will photograph together.

His restaurant is VERY cozy and wam, certainlly a must visit if you are near Ridgewood, like, c'mon, seriously, look how cozy this photo is. Now imagine negative temperatures outside, and a hot lasagna with wine inside, along with friends conversation. Life is good, huh?

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PS: If you're interested on getting DxO FilmPack 8, use the code RAF15 for 15% off at the checkout. I don't earn any comission from this. I am just recommending good product.