Through the Lens of Leica: A Meeting with John Simmons
The weight of a Leica in my hands has always been more than just the sum of its metal and glass—it has been a bridge, a key, a passport. Through its viewfinder, I have encountered the world in ways that transcend the simple act of making photographs. But more than that, it has introduced me to people—storytellers whose lives and experiences have shaped my own.
There are countless stories I could tell, moments etched in time, friendships forged over the click of a shutter. But today, I want to talk about one in particular—meeting John Simmons.
The Call to Selma
It was at the Selma Photographic Nights Festival where our paths crossed. A festival dedicated to celebrating the power of photography, set against the backdrop of a city steeped in history. It was a three-day event, but those three days felt like a lifetime in the best possible way. That is a story for another day.
John Simmons was the guest speaker, and while his reputation preceded him—a renowned cinematographer, a documentarian of life, an artist who captured the essence of humanity in every frame—I had no idea just how deeply our meeting would impact me.
From the moment we were introduced, the conversations flowed effortlessly. Over cups of coffee, meals shared at quiet tables, and long walks through the streets of Selma, we spoke about photography, of course, but also about life, about the responsibility that comes with wielding a camera, about the importance of storytelling beyond aesthetics.
The Hero’s Journey
There’s something special about meeting someone who has walked the path before you, who understands the weight of the moments we chase, the silent poetry of a well-composed frame. John didn’t just talk about photography—he lived it. Every word he spoke carried the depth of someone who had seen the world through the lens long before I had ever picked up a camera.
He spoke of capturing truth, of honoring the stories we tell, of using our work to elevate voices that may otherwise go unheard. He reminded me that photography is not just about seeing, but about understanding.
And as we wandered through Selma, cameras in hand, he showed me—not in words, but in action—how to be present, how to anticipate, how to feel the rhythm of a place before pressing the shutter.
The Leica, in that moment, became more than just a tool; it became a conduit between generations of storytellers.
The Transformation
By the time the festival ended, I walked away with more than just a handful of photographs. I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper appreciation for the craft, and the realization that the true magic of photography lies not just in what we capture, but in who we meet along the way.
John Simmons, like so many others I have met through this shared love of image-making, reinforced something I have always believed—the camera is an exceptional tool, but its community is at par. The people behind the lens, those who dedicate their lives to telling the stories that matter, are what make this journey truly extraordinary.
And so, as I continue down my own path, Leica in hand, I do so with gratitude—for the moments, for the lessons, and most of all, for the people.
This is just one story. There are many more to tell. But for now, this is the one I wanted to share. Oh and for John if he is reading this, I am over here chasing ghost.
