It is very difficult to keep your mind active during the winter at this time of year, so I am exploring the market for alternative portraiture using the "new to me" M3 and film.
I have tried the typical studio portraiture with a 3-light setup, backgrounds and Nikon DSLR's...but they are a dime a dozen and do not have any character, at least IMHO. To try and compete professionally, I would need a studio ($$$$), advertising ($$$$), and a lot of luck just to do something that is not really a lot of fun.
So, does anyone have any portraits using a Lecia M-body and film (or digital if using the M8) that would illustrate an alternative approach to portraiture?
But if you are going to compete professionally, it's going to take a lot of money. At the high end, that is. At the low end, I suspect grainy B&W portraits would not be what this demographic would be looking for. Think K-Mart Portrait "studio."
Yes, I agree...
At the "high-end", I am curious about digital negatives that can be used for platinum printing.
At the "low-end", I am thinking of available light indoors and/or outdoors. Typical poses and light treatment are the most obvious variables I am curious about at the moment.
Also, what film(s) would be better for portraits such as these?
I like Ms for portrait stuff, it's kinky. =) available light is the way to go with Ms, in my eyes. anywhere, anytime.
I haven't used my M4 with studio and studiolighting so far though.
Personally Dave ... I like portraits best in as close as I can get with a fast 50mm wide open in natural light. Depending on the subject I also don't like them too sharp which is where my 1.2 Canon is excellent. The second one is with a 50mm Nokton ... which I don't have any more as I really like the look of the Canon better.
Each focal length brings something to a portrait. I personally prefer portraits with normal (50mm) - to normal wides (35mm, 28mm).
Here's a couple with a 50mm (the first is with M2, coll. Summicron, Neopan 1600, HC110B and the second with MP, Summilux 50 Asph., HP5, Rodinal, the last one MP, Summilux 50 Asph., TriX, Rodinal) :
While posed, studio work is nice, the informal style seems to be the trend nowdays (like what's shown above). A fast 50mm to 75 or 90mm will work well.
While posed, studio work is nice, the informal style seems to be the trend nowdays (like what's shown above). A fast 50mm to 75 or 90mm will work well.
75/2.5 Heliar
Awesome Image 1
Awesome Image 2
Todd
Todd,
I always love your work - while both of these are great, the second one of these is so immaculate !!
Cheers,
Dave
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I own a Leica and I am NOT a dentist (I don't even portray one on TV!!!)
I have an idea what I'm looking for but it only becomes real once I see it - Constatine Manos
ITS THE MAGIC I SEE IN THE Light, Texture, & Tone
that Intoxicates Me - Helen Hill
Have to agree with Simon on that child-with-cars portrait of Ron, that is a very strong image. If the kid were naked it would have been a Sally Mann shot! ;-)
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