After a long day of exploring New York City, my wife returned to our hotel room. After dinner, I felt re-energized and headed back out to photograph the city at night. I grabbed the Leica M 246 for some time to myself.

The Leica M cameras are a throwback to an earlier era of photography, requiring manual focus and deliberate operation. Setting the exposure, focusing the lens, and composing the frame all require extra care. I find using the camera most satisfying when I’m photographing alone. My first destination was Grand Central Terminal.

I started with a close-up of the iconic clock above the information booth in the center of the Main Concourse. I wanted the clock to glow while still showing the American flag hanging proudly in the background. I had the 50mm lens wide open, which softened the background while keeping the clock sharp. Unintentionally, it almost appears as though the clock itself is illuminating the flag.

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