A journey in the Mojave Desert with Cafe Leather
Riding Through the Mojave: Capturing a Motorbike at El Mirage Lake
There’s something about the Mojave Desert that pulls you in—its vast, open landscapes, the silence broken only by the hum of an engine, and the way light dances off the sand at golden hour. When my friend and I set out for El Mirage Lake, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to document something special.
The Journey
California’s roads are made for moments like these. The long stretches of empty desert, the crisp feel of the wind, and the stillness of the dry lakebed—it was the perfect backdrop for capturing my friend on his motorbike. With my Leica MP in hand, I focused on every detail: the way the dust trailed behind him, the light hitting his helmet, the textures of the cracked earth beneath his tyres.
I brought along a mix of Kodak 400 film and Kodak Tri-X 400, wanting to capture both the vibrant hues of the desert and the timeless contrasts of black and white photography. Shooting at El Mirage Lake allowed for uninterrupted views, a vast expanse where motion and stillness coexisted in perfect harmony.
The Gear That Carried Me
A good ride isn’t just about the bike—it’s about the gear that makes it comfortable, practical, and stylish. Among the essentials, my Cafe Leather motorbike gloves stood out. Handmade in Spain, they’re a blend of craftsmanship and function. The patina they developed over the trip added character, each crease and mark a reminder of the miles my friend covered. There’s something about high-quality leather that fits so naturally into an adventure like this—it ages with you, telling a story of every throttle twist and dusty road.
Capturing El Mirage
Shooting with the Leica MP at El Mirage was an experience in itself. The rangefinder’s simplicity forced me to slow down, to compose each shot with intent. The Kodak 400 film soaked in the sun’s warm glow, making the openness of the lakebed feel even more cinematic. Meanwhile, the Tri-X 400 created stark, high-contrast images, perfect for capturing the rugged textures of the terrain and the deep shadows cast by my friend as he rode past.
Some of my favorite shots from the trip were taken just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow that transformed the lakebed into something surreal. The silhouette of my friend against the open expanse, the worn leather of his gloves gripping the handlebars, the dust kicked up by his tires—it all came together in a way that felt raw and real.
The Road Back
As we packed up and headed back, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience. Film photography, much like a good ride, is about embracing the unknown. You trust the process, knowing that the results will reveal themselves in time. The Mojave, and particularly El Mirage, left its mark—not just in photographs, but in the memories of a lone rider against the endless desert.
