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On The Road: The Aera C-1 Chrono captured by Leander Hoefler on the cliffs of Polignano a Mare
When did you start taking pictures?
Unlike most photographers, I got into photography quite late – in my mid 20s. But it quickly changed first my interests, and later my career.
How would you describe your style of photography?
I shoot a lot of different genres, from street and travel photography to classic commercial work. But what defines my photography is simply my love for harsh light, strong shadows and careful composition. So, if the light is right, I shoot it.
What are you looking for in a good shot?
I like to capture everyday scenes the most – picking out little details most people miss. Of course, light plays a big role here, but a limited colour palette is also important to elevate the ordinary into something special. These are the ingredients for good pictures. The really great ones hold some sort of feeling or emotion for me. Nothing particular, but that careless feel of a long summer day.
What camera and lens do you like to use and why?
I really enjoy the Leica Q3 43mm at the moment. It's the perfect focal length for me and, because it's so small, it comes everywhere I go. The quality is great and the limitation of a single lens really pushes your creativity.
Nowadays, video is becoming more and more important, and I also enjoy shooting some clips on my travels. For that I use the Leica SL3-S, which just offers a bit more flexibility for that use.
Nowadays, video is becoming more and more important, and I also enjoy shooting some clips on my travels. For that I use the Leica SL3-S, which just offers a bit more flexibility for that use.
Where were these pictures taken?
The images were taken in Polignano a Mare – a small town in Puglia in southern Italy. Italy won my heart long ago, especially the vibrant south. Polignano fascinated me the first time I visited it, because of the cliffs. I was very happy to return for this project.
What were you trying to express?
I love the sea – the colour and the sound, it's always so calming to me. I often lose track of time when watching the waves roll in and I wanted the images to reflect that calm and serene undertone.
The sea is also all about contrast – you can feel that with the tides or how life changes there, depending on the conditions. And I think the location represents that quite well. The pale-yellow cliffs, perfectly contrasting with the deep-blue sea. Also, those rocks are quite sharp, which is another nice contrast with the soft shapes of the water.
What do you think about the Aera C-1 Chrono?
Over the past year I've been in the process of ditching many digital or modern things and going back to old-school, tried-and-tested solutions. Because I found that often those gadgets might make things more convenient, but rarely better. Often quite the opposite.
I think it's important to know when to move forward with something new and when to rely on something proven. And now, wearing a classic wristwatch, after having used a smartwatch for quite some time, felt right. Italy, especially the south, is all about tradition, so the classic analogue design of the C-1 Chrono was the perfect companion for this trip.