2022 has been a year where “normal” has begun to feel like itself again. Travel is increasing, people are getting together, and the pace of the world seems to be picking back up. As we continue to ride this momentum into 2023, we take a moment to look back at some of our defining and noteworthy moments of 2022. 

2022 began with the introduction of the Leica M11, a legend reinvented. The Leica M11’s iconic design combines the unique experience of rangefinder photography with the flexibility of state-of-the-art camera technology, making the M system more intuitive than ever. The capabilities of the  M11 were highlighted through the unique visual storytelling of our M11 ambassadors Kathryn Boyd Brolin, Devin Allen, and Brandon Ralph.

 February 

Our Countdown to the New Year continues with the month of February and the launch of the Leica watch collection. Leica’s passion for mechanical perfection and precise engineering, both essential in the art of photography, have culminated in the first-ever Leica timepiece collection. Combining more than 150 years of Leica’s brand culture, visionary design, and unmatched quality, results in distinct statement pieces, built with uncompromising quality and sophistication. The https://bit.ly/Leica-Watch .

March

Today we look back on March of 2022 and revisit the Leica Women Foto project. The Leica Women Foto Project is a platform created by Leica Camera USA that serves to empower the female perspective and its impact on today’s visual stories. This March we celebrated our third annual Leica Women Summit through a series of discussions, public lectures, and events in New York City as well as throughout our retail locations. We brought together a community of trailblazing visionaries whose commitment to both the art and business of photography is reshaping the industry today. This year, Leica Women Foto Project awarded three photographers $10,000 and a Leica SL2-S camera set each. The LWFP also awarded three additional applicants mentorship and representation through world-renowned VII Agency. The awardees exhibited their work alongside the work of 2021 Leica Oskar Barnack Award winner Ana María Arévalo Gosen.

April

Looking back on April, for the first time ever, Leica Store Los Angeles hosted the Leitz Photographica Auction preview. For two days in April, a total of 19 lots, featuring coveted pieces of unique Leica history were on display for an invitation-only event.

May

The month of May featured two distinguished collections of art. On the East Coast, Sebastião Salgado’s Master Works were exhibited at Leica Gallery Boston. The Master Works exhibit featured a curated selection of Salgado’s most distinguished photographs, woven together by the thread of humanity and our relationship with our natural world. Over on the West Coast, Joe Greer’s The Lay of the Land was featured at Leica Gallery Los Angeles. A love letter to the natural world, to faith, and to find your calling in the most unexpected places, The Lay of the Land is a window into the beautiful mind and heart of one of the internet’s favorite photographers. 

June 

As we continue our countdown to the new year this June saw the record-breaking sale of the Leica 0 series no. 105 Oskar Barnack at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction. The closing price for this extremely rare piece of mechanical perfection was 14.4 million euros (including buyers premium). At this year’s Photoville, we engaged with the community through a Leica-on-Loan program. Photographers Jose Tutiven and Ben Franke led two photo-walks allowing attendees the opportunity to share their perspectives through a Leica lens. We also took part in hosting two photo exhibitions at Photoville this year, Rania Matar’s “Where Do I Go?” and Luvia Lazo’s “Kanitlow”. .

July

Photography Camp x Leica took place in July and allowed for photography students to undergo a week-long intensive camp that highlighted different types of photography genres through the lens of master photographers around the world. Industry professionals joined the camp each day to inspire the students, offer their expertise, and guide them through hands-on photo shoots and creative exercises. Throughout the week, students were able to receive mentorship opportunities, portfolio critiques, and career guidance. 

August

With only a few days left until the new year we're taking a look back at August where we debuted the limited-edition Leica D-Lux 7 “A BATHING APE x STASH” in tandem with Stash’s opening reception of “And Now” at Leica Store Los Angeles. This exhibition was a full expression of photography and art and included a live display of Stash’s artistic process where he graffitied the wall of Leica Store Los Angeles for guests in attendance. We also partnered with the Wembley to Soweto Foundation to support young creative voices through a dynamic photographic experience for teens from communities with underfunded art programs. Through a donation of camera equipment and opportunity to exhibit works created by the students at Leica Store Los Angeles, our partnership with the Wembley to Soweto Foundation aims to enable young artists, regardless of means or socio-economic status, to express themselves and share their own stories through the art of photography.

September

In September Leica released the limited-edition Leica Q2 “Dawn” in collaboration with artist and musician Seal. This special edition camera set celebrates the human connection that’s ever-present in the art of making a photograph. Alongside the release of the Q2 “Dawn”, Seal met with students from the Las Fotos Project organization to discuss their photographic perspective and what inspires their visual stories. September also marked Leica Gallery Boston’s exhibition of Mary Ellen Mark's “Remarkable Women” featuring some of Mark’s most memorable images from her lifelong study on women’s issues. 

October

Looking back at 2022: For three days in October, Leica held the Celebration of Photography in Leitz-Park Wetzlar where passion and love for photography came to life. During the Celebration, Kiana Hayeri was awarded the Leica Oskar Barnack award for her project “Promises Written On The Ice, Left In The Sun”; a collection of photographs of women and girls living under war conditions and in Islamic Society, focusing primarily on drawing attention to the stories, strength, and dignity of the individuals. The Celebration ended on a high note with the reintroduction of a legend, the Leica M6. The M6 is an icon of analog photography and has been the camera of choice for many of the world’s best photographers since its inception in 1984.

November

Looking back at 2022: Leica Gallery Los Angeles featured a dual exhibition in November with Deborah Anderson and Nikki Reed. “The Light of Reverence” by Deborah Anderson featured her depiction of what is known to some as the Sioux Nation. Nikki Reed’s “Into the Unknown” is a photographic exploration of the artist’s compassion and connection to nature. We introduced our Leica watch collection to Leica Store DC in November, where we hosted an in-depth conversation in partnership with Hodinkee. The evening consisted of a panel discussion between President of Leica Camera North America, Mike Giannattasio, and Hodinkee’s James Stacey and Myles Kusaba. Guests in attendance were able to get a close look at the Leica watch collection and receive insight into the brand’s rich culture which led them to develop these historic timepieces. We also collaborated with Vision Workshops and Celebrate the Children school in Denville, NJ for a Photography and Communication Workshop for students on the spectrum. The mission of this workshop was to guide these students to share their stories and vision through a lens.