Echoes of Light: Faces and Forts in Manila with Leica Q3 Monochrom
Alan Kwang (@a_travelling_salesman) showcase glimpse everyday moments with the Leica Q3 Monochrom

In Manila, Philippines, the streets hum with life, history, and quiet resilience. Through the lens of Alan Kwang and his Leica Q3 Monochrom, we glimpse everyday moments that carry the echoes of the past and the joy of the present.



At the heart of the series is Fort Santiago, its weathered walls standing as a testament to centuries of history. Amidst the shadows of the fort, children laugh and play, their smiles bright against the monochrome textures of stone and sunlight. He captures these fleeting moments, the tilt of a head, a hand brushing the wall, a glance toward the lens, where history and daily life intersect.




The black-and-white photographs transform every frame into an emotional study of light, shadow, and texture. The fort’s crumbling walls, the folds of clothing, the glint of sunlight on skin, all are heightened, revealing the quiet endurance of those who make their living in the shadows of the Philippines’ colonial past. Every smile, every gesture, tells a story of resilience, imagination, and hope.



Alan’s journey through Manila is more than sightseeing; it is a travel through time, light, and human spirit. With the Leica Q3 Monochrom by his side, he reveals how the extraordinary often hides within the everyday, ready to be discovered in a fleeting moment of clarity, connection, and quiet observation.
About the photographer
Alan Kwang (@a_travelling_salesman) captures the pulse of life through his Leica M and Q systems, creating a visual diary that preserves both fleeting moments and enduring stories. His photography journey began years ago with a simple cellphone during frequent business trips, evolving into a deep passion for street photography and the art of observing the world unobtrusively. Alan excels at documenting unposed expressive moments, small fragments of daily life shaped by their surroundings. Shooting often from the hip, he has mastered the ability to capture authenticity even when asking a subject to pose is impossible. The result is imagery that is natural, intimate, and brimming with character. His work embodies a philosophy of quiet, joyful observation, revealing life’s subtleties with clarity, empathy, and style, turning ordinary moments into timeless stories.

Leica Q Monochrom - Storytelling Using Light and Shadow
With its special black-and-white sensor, the Leica Q3 Monochrom distils photography to its purest form: where composition is shaped solely by light and shadow. The fast Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH. lens, paired with a 5.76 MP OLED viewfinder and a tilting touch display, creates a crystal-clear view of your subject. The 60 MP monochrome sensor with Triple Resolution Technology (60, 36, 18 megapixels) captures photos and videos in outstanding quality, even at high ISO settings.
Shop NowLeica News
Stay connected to the world of Leica. Subscribe to get notified about product launches, special offers, upcoming workshops, events and exhibitions.
RELATED PRODUCTS






