March of 2024, was my first return to UMF in Miami since 2012. I decided to attend again in 2025 and just got home from a really amazing time in Miami with my friend Ben. I bought a ticket for next year but we’ll just have to see if it works out. I’ve learned though that buying a Tier 1 ticket for $299 is easily sellable when the festival sells out 11 months later at a higher $399 price and I can move the ticket quickly to recoup my money if needed. Unlike this year, I already booked a refundable room before nearly everything ends up selling out.
If I do attend next year, it’ll be the 10th time I’ve gone since my first in 2004. Attending 10 out of 25 years of the event is pretty good for someone who doesn’t live in Miami.
Like last time, I shot exclusively with the Leica Q2 “Ghost” 28mm f/1.7 fixed lens full frame camera. I love it but most important, it’s allowed by festivals like this because it’s not a detachable lens. My Canon R5 would have produced better images but would not be allowed through the gates without a press pass. I don’t like being limited to one focal length but any compact zoom on the market won’t have the speed & sensor size of the Q2 allowing for a lot of versatility in really challenging lighting environments so the Leica fits that need.
I’m happy to have gotten all of the photos published while still in Miami. I took about 350 photos per day and I uploaded exactly 100 to Flickr. The album is here and my favorites are below:
