Finally. A photography channel that: 1) stresses photography as an art, not just a reason to buy new toys, and 2) is run by a truly excellent photographer. I love your work, and your minimalist approach to gear is a real inspiration!
What a world of difference between your portraits and the sappy TikTok headshots of cute girls. It’s nice to see less bokeh, less smiling, more of their true character.
Alfred Eisenstaedt said "It is more important to click with the people, than to click with the shutter". Which as you say is the real way to master street photography. Great Vlog, love the channel.
I've been makings street portraits for the last few months and that first portrait of the day can be the biggest hurdle. I've found that most people are accommodating. I get a no on occasion, but I've learned to not take it personally. I carry a little 4x6 album and show it to people when I'm trying to open up a conversation.
I’m very fortunate living in Thailand because the Thai people are naturally outgoing and I am asked if I will take their photo more than I need to ask. Street photography in Bangkok for instance is a pleasure
I just found your channel after wandering into the Leica Store in Manchester…. And my subsequent RU-vidry that has followed. I must say I am loving your videos, your photography and your balanced delivery. Looking forward to more.
Thanks for the content I’ve been getting street portraits. I shoot street and switch to portraits when possible. It’s been a interesting aspect of my photography journey.
Thanks for this video. I think the advice to ask people who are with someone else and who don't appear to be in a rush to get anywhere is spot on. I do occasionally approach people and have no fear of doing so but people on their own are sometimes a bit uncertain as it's an unusual request. And I love your portraits. Superb.
Hi Paul, I like your approach and you are absolutely right. I am doing street portraits and photography for a long time. Before I start asking people I also make contact. People with dogs love it if you ask them about their dogs. And you have to be super friendly. I would like to add that the photographer has to set up the camera properly before asking anybody. Using auto iso (up to 6400) and 1/125 sec and f 4 on my Leica CL with 35 mm 1.4 APSH is a good starting point for me. Last week I ordered my Leica Q2 monochrome.
Great video Paul, I have actually watched this before but was worth a second viewing. I got exactly the experience you mentioned when I approached a Muslim gentleman sitting on a bench with 4 of his children. He was VERY suspicious at first, but by the end he was asking his kids to sit up straight and look at the camera, and when I emailed him the image I am pretty sure he liked it because he asked me for a colour copy. I had to explain that I used black and white film, so there's no colour version (although there are now AI apps that can colorise photos).
Love your style love mono, as a carlisle lad myself working in solway studio Devonshire Street 35 years ago I was in charge of black & white darkroom just loved working with monochrome. Thinking of getting leica Q3 having a go at street photography myself after seeing your photos you've definitely given me inspiration, great photos well done!
I may know you mate! I would have been a young boy working next to you! Or rather probably getting in your way! I was there part time around the same time
Haha my mam owned solway studios Jean. I worked there 6 years it was interesting I mainly shoot wildlife and landscape but have always been a lover of black & white especially portrait ive been watching lots of street photography videos but your photos have caught my eye they are brilliant keep them coming may bump into one day!
Thanks for sharing your tips. I can see all of the portraits you shown in the video have soul and character, they are very nicely taken. I probably won’t have the courage to take street portrait myself.
I've also photographed the gentlemen at 1.35 not as a direct portrait but as a street shot while I was passing, got quite a shock when I recognised him on you video, same jacket on too at the same coffee shop
I just found your channel and I am so glad I did. You and your photography stand out as real and organic, which is so refreshing. And you are very talented. Thank you for putting the effort to make these videos. I just subscribed.
Enjoyed this video mate. Nice portraits. This is something I’ve been meaning to try and overcome. I can do portraits no problems at events, but getting over that street awkwardness I never managed.
Thanks for this video, Paul. I've been creating street portraits for over thirty years -- using film -- and I feel comfortable with the process of connecting with people. That being said, I would value some counsel on how to achieve -- with a Leica Q2 monochrom -- that glowing / radiant look which your images have (and which I can produce using my M6 and Tri-X)! I just don't know where to turn to learn the the technique which replicates my old push-process ... Any pointers would be appreciated -- I am entirely new to digital photography!
I’m shooting a mix of TrIX and the Q2M. I treat my development of these digital files in a very similar way to darkroom printing. One of the challenges is to get contrast into the flat RAW files on the Q2M. It’s not a complicated process I do but get in touch if you would like to be on one of my zoom workshops and I’d happily walk you through my whole process from the capture to the editing with the Q2M
Simply beautiful images. I'm so jealous of your boldness since I'm somewhat of an introvert. Going up to a complete stranger to ask them to pose would be more stressful to me than doing some life threatening physical stunt. Plus, at least here in the U.S., there can sometimes be a paranoia about cameras and privacy concerns. Your portraits are certainly inspirational. Enjoyed this presentation a lot.
really love your videos and your shots. I own my Leica Q2 also thank to your videos. I use the "normal" q2 because I use also colors, I love this camera
I came across your youtube channel and I should say I love your photography style. I love monochromatic photos myself and trying to build up my portfolio. i dont have a niche yet but really liking street at the moment. You got a new sub Paul. :)
Great video, Paul and lovely shots. I would disagree on one point. I think it's okay to ask people on their own if you can take their portrait. As long as you're clear about your intentions and have friendly, open body language then it puts people at ease and you can create great shots.
I would be interested to see how you process your files with the monochrom sensor as I am on the pre order for the m11 monochrom, but might get one of the other m monochrom or Q2M camera. Your work is beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks so much for watching. I do the editing as part of my workshops. The files are extremely flat on the M10M, M11M and Q2M. So they need a good bit of work.
I have a couple of old Kodak “Grey cards” in the back of my camera bag… one side is the 18% grey and the other is… a 90% white which makes a great small reflector, I even have some baking foil to fold onto the card if really crispy, harsh light is needed, If I decide I need a larger reflector, I just whip out a newspaper 📰
I just watched a few videos from your channel. Your images are superb and you speak with an authority earned from experience. I hope your channel does well... Regards.
Great tips Paul thanks! I just bought a Q2M and this is just what I need. Do you post-process your images or are they straight from the camera so awesome looking 👀
Hello Paul. I just watched your street portrait presentation and loved it. I am interested a In an on line b/w work shop with you as an experienced amateur photographer but very new to the Leica Q2. With wishes for a very happy new year. george daher chiang rai Thailand
Hi there, so glad you’re enjoying the videos. If you want an online workshop just have a look here and get in touch so I can book you in. www.paulreidphotography.com/workshops
Dear Paul, sensationell your videos!!! Got a question: Are your wonderful and intense pictures you show in the video first printed, scanned and then placed in the video? Very rare, to see such powerful portraits ...printed so well...Thank You so much!!!
Thanks for the video I too shoot with the q2 monochrome but I am a little nervous about asking people on the streets and using a 28mm lens for portrait work.
Hi there, thanks so much. I don’t use any presets as I use a monochrome sensor. There are no presets. They are edited from a flat RAW file from scratch
Hi Frank, a lot of the look is achieved using the RAW files and editing in Lightroom in a very specific way. From the shooting settings to the edit I have a system. I’d be happy to have you on one of my online workshops if you really want to know everything.
Some great images Paul. As the Q2 has a wide 28mm lens, typically how close are you getting to your subject? or are you a “normal distance” away, then cropping in? - I’m guessing if you are not cropping, then some subjects could feel you are uncomfortably close? - Thanks - Peter.
Great question. I’m moving toward a monochrome camera as my photos are 90% B&W, but the Q2 mono at 28mm is too wide and the streets in the US aren’t very friendly these days. 50mm is my street portrait favorite, 35mm is sometimes 😂too wide. So I’ll ask as well, how close to people can you get with that 28mm or do you crop in post? Love your art!
Hi Peter, it’s very close indeed. Strangely though it seems to cause the opposite effect. It makes for a much more intimate portrait. People seem to open up more.
Just got my own Q2M. I’m not shy about asking people if I can take their portrait, but I tend to overlook my settings. You seem to have a nice balance between a razorsharp face and beautiful bokeh in the background. Do you have a preferred aperture to achieve that with such a wide lens? Also, love the business card idea. I’m gonna steal that 😊
Great portraits and very thoughtful comments. I appreciated your comments about filters but was wondering whether you opt for a naked lens or do you use a protective (UV) filter?
Hi Geoff, I don’t ask for a release and never sell images of people without their prior knowledge. Sometimes they do ask for copies and I do give them one
Amazing portraits!! Wondering if you get people to sign releases as well? Do you usually send them a copy/do you get request for a copy of their portraits?
I never ask for release forms. There is never that much time really and I like things to stay relaxed. I give them my details and sometimes send the photos also.
High paul first i love your channel I am an Amatuer photographer of around 10 years and i kicked about with my first camera i got as a 50th birthday present a Fuji film 26X zoom fine Fine Pix S i have now upgraded my equipment (still beginner level ) to a Nikon D3500 and im very keen on learning all aspects of photography including street/monochrome i am now 61 years old and taking my photography pretty serious i have various lenses and my question is my New camera kit cost £700 and my lenses total cost £ 870 do you think im aiming to high on buying lenses that are more expensive than my camera im looking at a wildlife zoom lens 150/600mm at £1,200 do you think im over shooting my photography abilities .
Paul, great photos. I wish the Q2 came with a 50mm. I would get it in a heartbeat. I have a recent video contemplating switching my Harley for a Leica M. If you can, check it out.
@@paulreidphotography Thank you for your answer.. one last question.. .. which photos are better in black and white.. do you take them with q2 monochrome or q3,,? Which do you prefer for black and white photos?
Enjoyed this video mate. Nice portraits. This is something I’ve been meaning to try and overcome. I can do portraits no problems at events, but getting over that street awkwardness I never managed.
