It is that time of the year again, you know the one where you say you’re not going to drink everyday but then parties happen. Yup, it’s Christmas! Things always seem to get crazy busy in December and this year was no exception, but having a good ten days to see friends and family has been a real treat. Of course, this is another opportunity for me to make some photographic work but the proper personal stuff that I love to make when I get chance.

So this year, Leica UK very kindly sent me over the latest black and white only digital camera - The Leica M11 Monochrome. As I knew I would be documenting Christmas and sticking to black and white, this was a very exciting prospect of using this beautiful bit of kit.

As I’ve already been asked a bunch of times, '“why wouldn’t I just use a colour camera and convert to black and white?” I thought I’d just preempt that here for those that might not know or haven’t yet googled it. Basically the Monochrome cameras produce a much cleaner image and give a greater tonal range, as well as having the ability to shoot in extremely low light with little compromise. The results are images that have a stunning rendition with noise that looks incredibly grain like, meaning organic looking black and white images. To my eye this camera paired with my vintage 35 Summicron lens produces photos that go beyond simply documenting my family and friends and start giving the captured moments a timeless soul.

That all being said, my plan was to simply shoot my experience and just let the camera do its job, so I could be a part of the festivities and simply react with a quick shot when the moment took me.

So grab a brew, as there’s a lot of imagers here (if you care to look through all of them) and enjoy my Christmas photo essay.