"Of Bypaths and Wonder" seeks to capture the quiet allure of our meanderings and the thrall of the unfamiliar. It is a tender vision of the paths treasured by wanderers—an invitation to get lost in the hidden byways of both nature and human experience, and to seize that unmistakable something that resides in the transient glances and forgotten corners.

Drawing from a deep appreciation for the subtle wonders that often go unnoticed, the texture, pulse, and radiance of an instant are layered to create a sense of reverence for the once-hidden narrative, revealed. The aha, that in the alchemy of little pictures, a fresh perspective can come to be. In translating the ambiguous, the minute, and the slant into elegantly luminous images, Panlilio hopes to share what, in that time and moment, took her breath away.

Entirely shot with the Leica M11, the series is a meditation—an exercise in slowing down to see what is often missed. With the M11, photography and the activity of looking becomes deliberate—and the camera a tool for contemplation, allowing the photographer to attune to the gentle rhythm of light and forms. “Of Bypaths and Wonder” revels in the beauty that hides in the small, in-between glimpses that would have otherwise escaped our attention.

Angela Panlilio is a photographer whose artistic journey began as a hobby while living in Hong Kong in the early 2000s. Initially drawn to travel and street photography, she gravitated toward a veiled approach to image-making—often shooting through glass, windows, and other textured in-betweens—embracing obscurity, ambiguity, and layered redactions as a way of capturing the wispiness of a moment and the impalpable.

The limitations of the pandemic prompted an inward turn, leading her to revisit and rework past photographs. This period of titration, experimentation, and exploration marked a transition—toward a more interpretative, nuanced approach to visual storytelling.

Her work has been featured in several group exhibitions. Her first solo show, Into Light, was held in November 2024 at Artinformal Gallery. Of Bypaths and Wonder will be her second solo exhibition, opening at Leica on March 14, 2025.

Leica Store Philippines is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant community of photographers and image-makers. Through exhibitions, workshops, and collaborations, it provides a platform for artistic expression, fostering a deeper appreciation for photography as creative labor. 

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in November 2024, the store marks a decade of supporting the local photography scene. More than just a retail space, it serves as a hub where both seasoned professionals and passionate enthusiasts can engage in meaningful dialogue about the power of visual storytelling.

Coinciding with this milestone, 2025 is a historic moment for Leica Camera AG, which commemorates 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century. Since the revolutionary Leica I was first unveiled at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925, Leica has continuously redefined the way the world captures and experiences photography.

As part of this tradition, Leica Store Philippines remains committed to upholding the Leica legacy—championing the art of seeing, promoting craftsmanship, and continuing to be a witness to history through the lens.