Behind the Leica Lens: My Black-and-White Portrait Shoot for Restoration Hardware with the Leica SL Series
Photographer Selects is series where I reveal a full set of images from a recent assignment that were delivered to my client. I also share the assignment details and gear I used. Normally, only the best of the best make it to publication, but I thought it would be informative to see how I work a scene, the bad and the good shots I take, and what the client ultimately chooses (which isn’t always the same as what I prefer.)
Copyright © Justin Mott. All Rights Reserved. Leica SL2-S Voigtlander 75mm
In this article, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a recent black-and-white portrait shoot I did for Restoration Hardware (RH), featuring my trusty Leica cameras. The shoot was simple in concept but challenging in execution, capturing a single dramatic portrait of one of their designers at his studio in Ho Chi Minh City. Here's how it all came together.
The Assignment
The client brief was clear: one hero portrait image of one of their designers, Harry Worth, for their catalog, emphasizing natural light, deep shadows, and a clean, editorial feel. While black-and-white isn’t something I shoot often for clients, I jumped at the chance to work on this creative challenge.
The Gear
For this shoot, I relied on my Leica SL2-S as my primary camera, paired with an M10 as backup. My go-to lenses included the 24-70mm, 50mm, and 75mm, offering flexibility and precision for the variety of shots needed. Leica’s signature quality and dynamic range were perfect for capturing the dramatic interplay of light and shadow.
Although the plan was to rely on natural light, I also hired a local team to bring in a 500W constant light as a backup, ensuring I could mimic the desired look if needed. All my gear fit snugly into my Wotancraft 10L bag—my go-to for shoots like this.
Check out my Ultimate Gear Guide for my full list of gear.
Leica SL2-S with a Voigtlander 75mm 1.5 Lens.
The Process
After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City the night before, I stayed at the JW Marriott (yes, I’m a Bonvoy points guy!) and started the shoot bright and early at 6 a.m. Harry, the designer I was photographing, was a bit camera-shy—something I often encounter. Building rapport was key, so I spent time making him comfortable before directing him into natural, candid moments.
The star of the shoot ended up being a piece of plexiglass. Its reflections and texture added a unique visual element, making for dynamic compositions. I also used his pinboard filled with design sketches as a creative backdrop, adjusting small elements to frame him perfectly within the scene.
The weirder I look the better the photograph I’m capturing applies here.
Designer Harry Worth, myself, and the lighting team based in Saigon, Vietnam.
Post-Production and Deliverables
Given RH’s tight deadline, I processed the images that evening, applying basic color correction and tone adjustments. I uploaded low-resolution previews for client selection and provided the RAW files for their in-house retouching team. This efficient workflow ensured they had what they needed for their catalog production.
Lessons from the Field
This assignment reinforced a few key lessons:
Flexibility is Key: Last-minute changes are part of the job. Adapting to unexpected challenges, such as sourcing strobes locally, is critical.
Preparation Pays Off: Packing versatile gear, like my Leica 24-90mm lens, saved the day when speed and adaptability were required.
Authenticity Matters: Even in commercial work, clients increasingly value authentic storytelling. My photojournalism background helped me strike the right balance between natural and polished visuals.
Conclusion
This shoot was a reminder of the importance of preparation, creativity, and adaptability. Whether it’s building trust with a subject or improvising with props, every shoot teaches me something new. My Leica gear was instrumental in ensuring I delivered images that met the client’s expectations.
If you enjoyed this breakdown, check out my previous shoot for RH in Indonesia—it was a completely different experience with studio lighting, vibrant colors, and more challenges.
If you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look, don’t forget to check out my online photography workshops and coaching programs here. Whether you’re in Hanoi or halfway around the world, I’d love to help you take your photography to the next level!
Photographer Selects
For a more in-depth discussion and personal anecdotes related to this article, you can watch my detailed video below:
