Yes, in this era of smartphone photography, the legendary German camera brand Leica is actually opening a store in downtown Washington, D.C.

Pretty! The Leica M9-P, a "professionally targeted digital rangefinder"

I first learned about Leica as a freshman photography student; I idolized the photojournalism master Henri Cartier-Bresson, who shot only with his Leica Rangefinder.

Henri Cartier-Bresson with his Leica in 1957

I “settled” for Nikon (after a freshman year utilizing my old Honeywell Pentax 35mm to the max), as Leica gear is incredibly expensive. It has become a glamorous sort of brand, coveted by enthusiasts for it’s sleek, minimal design and superior engineering and optics (and connection to the greats, no doubt.) Robert Capa shot with Leica, as did Alfred Eisenstadt, Edward Steichen and Man Ray. If those names aren’t ringing a bell, these photos might:

Loyalist Militiaman at the Moment of Death, Spanish Civil War, 1936, by Robert Capa

The Kiss, 1945, by Alfred Eisenstaedt

And look at this guy:

Stanley Kubrick with a Leica in 1949

Back to the store, which looks like it should be an interesting experience, with the entire range of Leica photography and sport optics products represented.  Even if you’re not ready to lay out some serious cash, there are other draws. Roland Wolff, Leica’s Director of Corporate Retail says the DC store will create a “completely immersive experience into the world of photography.”   There will be a photography gallery (images shot with Leica equipment), a demonstration studio and workshops will be offered. The Grand Opening is May 2 and 3 at 977 F St NW!

I imagine you can do that at the new store! (ad from 1938 catalog)

This only happens twice a year, and one of those times is in a few days: the Library of Congress opens up it’s magnificent Reading Room and allows photography.  Normally this room isn’t open to the public (unless you go through the process of getting a Reader Identification Card). Massive marble columns, domed roof, multiple balconies, bronze statues, amid the soft light and hush of the library. If this sounds appealing, you can head over there on Monday, President’s Day, between 10 and 3.

Photo Source

Wow, doesn’t this look like fun! As a photographer and student of interactive media, I thought Photographers i (clever name) was worth a mention. The pilot edition of this interactive magazine is available for 1.99 at the App Store for iPads and other tablets.

There are interviews (with some pretty big names!), audio clips, and big beautiful HD videos that allow one to view a photographer’s process. You can literally “see the story.” And for those who are partial to a more traditional magazine experience, there are still slideshows (swiping a finger…like turning a page!)

It’s a bit funny to me how we still call an app like this a magazine, even though in the traditional sense it’s quite different. It’s more like television, but it’s not that either. I suppose it’s just somewhere in that overarching term of  “interactive media.”

So here’s a video intro to the app for anyone who’s interested:

Let me know if you’ve downloaded Photographers i and if you’d recommend it!

Popular blog DCist hosts a yearly photography contest for locals to submit their best photos of the area. This past week they announced the 2012 winners, all of whom will have their framed work up at the Long View Gallery from March 21 through April 1. I chose three of the winning images to link to here (sorry it’s not more visually stimulating.) Each of these photos brings a new perspective to landmarks that have been photographed probably millions of times (well, maybe excepting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial which was dedicated only last October). Always inspiring.

Summer Storm, Kennedy Center

Stairway to Lincoln

MLK in 150 Seconds

And I just love the attitude in this one: H Street Fashion Show

Full list of winners and more information is here.