Can you shoot Portraits with the Q2? Is it Art? Or is it an Adventure? You decide! PRINTS HERE - staley.darkroo... Website: benstaley.com/ IG: / staley Music by Bo Blount
Nice work and good exemple that’s there is nothing like a portait lens or a landscape lens ... would you consider showing us your post processing for the q2 dngs ? Thanks
Thanks Bo. I hadn't considered that but... Maybe? I didn't really want to do that kind of channel but if folks are really interested I could show the editing fairly easily. Spoiler alert, I do very little editing most of the time... Would you rather see Portraits or Landscapes. Or both?
@@adventureStaley thanks ! please don't turn your channel into a boring tech one :-) . I m just curious to see how much other Leica's owners push the sliders in Lightroom ( or whatever software) as I feel Leica DNG's don't need as much processing as other RAW files . So I am not that much after a specific genre but more how to boost gently and in a natural way the Q2 files . many thanks
@@adventureStaley When given the options, the answer would almost always be... both? :D Great video! It might help to have a Instagram link as well in order to promote your channel.
@@adventureStaley I’m late, but both. I’m in the beginning process of trading up to the Q2 Monochrom from the Typ 246 Monochrom with the 35mm Summilux; which I also had committed to for a year a - my year was up this past September and I’m still shooting with it and love it. The low light capability alone of the Q2M has me ready to give it a go.
In an environment where all we hear is how the q2 isn’t a camera for portraits, you just proved them all wrong. Fantastic work! This just proves that while it might take more work to get the shot, you can definitely get the shot. Thank you!
I'm a long-time photographer who just recently got a Q2 and love taking environmental portraits, so I really enjoyed your video. It was inspirational on many levels!
I loved it! I like especially those portraits when the light hits the faces from above, it gives some extra symbolic meaning. I also believe we are made of energy and that we may and do project it to our surroundings. When I photograph my family or friends is definitely about light and shadow. Light is something that I notice first and then search for the perfect angle. Best portraits "happened " to me when there is mutual acceptance and both photographer and the person photographed are on same frequency, love frequency.
YES! Awesome observations Lucy! When we start looking at the light all the time we become tuned to it and can capitalize on opportunities. Thanks for always showing up here!
Wonderful wide angle portraits! So great to see portrait work beyond the usual "85-105 with compression". The ambience of the environment really contributes to the subject rather than detracting or distracting. Your channel is awesome and inspiring - thank you :-)
Exactly what I love about wide angle portraiture. Not only is the connection between you and the subject of importance, but also the connection between the subject and his/her environment. That makes the portrait so much more interesting than the average 85mm shot.
Brilliant work. The photographer is always the most important element. However, as a Q2 owner, I can sincerely state it's the first camera I've owned that makes me look like a better photographer. You are 100% correct on the angles. Shooting up close with this great wide angle lens, I have produced the best potraits of my life.
I agree with your thoughts. I went off portraiture because it became “same, same”. I used 85s and 135s, which was like shooting fish in a barrel. I now have a Q2 as a carry around camera, and you have inspired me to go back to portrait photography. Great video, BTW.
Yes. Everything has it case. I’m selling my 135 though, as it sees little use. I also have some tiny Voigtlanders: the 35 Skopar and the 50 Heliar. These are small and light with a vintage rendering. I also have a Voigtlander 28 Ultron. I believe that rendering is as important as focal length. Clinical is not always best.
I stumbled here looking for portraits done on the Q2 and now I’m leaving as a subscriber. I appreciate your knowledge, experiences, and your philosophies. Thanks for the video.
You created a wonderful world with beautiful people. I can’t thank you enough. Your love and respect is clearly shining through the portraits you take. … and of course I want a Q2 now.
Great vid the last 2min was pure gold. I do wish people in these comments would focus more on the process than the fancy German camera, guys you can do this with any 28mm lens on any camera, you dont need a Q2, save your money and go shoot something cool.
Thank you very much Joe! Glad you stopped by. I agree in sentiment but this 28mm lens IS something special. You buy the lens and get the German camera for free. Heh. Cheers.
Just stumbled upon this and instantly loved it all! I've been thinking to try my Ricoh GR (2013 one) for portraits and this video has really inspired me. Thank you sir, subscribed! All the best, -Jay.
Great video. Just bought a Q2. Normally I shoot with a Canon 85 1.2. But falling in love every day more with my Q2. The pics look great. Would love to see more about how you shoot the portraits.
A huge thank you ! You have opened my eyes. I have just acquired a Leica Q , I love portraiture, I paint portraits…. You have educated me today. More please!
One of the best videos about photography I’ve ever seen. This is not about the Q2. This is pure photography. Everyone can apply what you are saying on an iPhone. Really inspiring.
What is the most important component in a portrait? It is the eyes. Getting the connection between the subject’s eyes and the viewer is the most important.
Hi Ben, Thank you very much for this great "introduction" into portrait shooting with a 28mm lens (and the Leica Q2). Just 5 days ago I had my first portrait session with the Q2. I bought the camera 8 months ago and used it mainly for street, landscape, cityscapes. Not having my DSLR plus 85mm lens available, I now used the Q2 for that purpose. And I was stunned about the outcome. Lovely pictures, fantastic technical quality and yes, some distortion because the photographer did not have the knack of it yet. But this is clearly worth pursuing further. Thanks a lot for this nice "subjective" intro into the subject with this camera. Oh and your portraits are fab, top notch....
Matt! Dude, thank you very much! Long time watcher of your content. Been wanting to start this for years and you were one of the OG dudes who helped me believe this could be done without being a total DB. I love your authenticity. In fact I reference you in the next video - it's already uploaded and will be live next week. Dude, thanks!
Connection: Works both ways. My best work comes when both the subject and I are working in sync. These portraits are magical both for the subject and me. Great VID.
The connection IS the most important part. Everything else matters of course, but if there is no connection then it isn't going to be as great of a portrait. So many great shots, but I truly loved the locals and the dive bar ones the most.
Thank you for you video, i wanted to by a Q2 and now i will. So so right about connexion secret in portrait. I feel this so deeply . its all about vibration and connexion . I love you portraits and your sensibility . Thank you so much🙏. Laurent
In these times of overstimulation and a plethora of options that become too many, leanness is something many strive to achieve. Getting back to simple things, enjoying these to the bone. That is an alternative to the shallow multitude of options everyone wants us to know about, try out and finally buy. After years of using a lovely Canon G7X point-and-shoot, I transitioned to the Leica Q2 last year, and have loved every minute of the camera. I use it for everything from macro over portraiture to landscape photography. I carry it around in a small back pack with 3 Litra Pros, some filters a charger and a battery, in addition to my travel Gitzo tripod. I also get what you said so well about human connections: either beyond our senses, or because of a turbo-charged combinatorial input from all of them, some connections between people are fantastically intense. Your video was an excellent tutorial on all of this. Thank you!
Thanks so much for making this video, Ben! If there was any question about why to get a Q2 or at least a high quality fixed lens camera.... the lack of distortion and edge to edge sharpness is outta this world. I also love the line "I got to the point where those long lenses were a crutch for me, I wasn't growing, I wasn't stretching, I wasn't learning." Which is fascinating on a number of levels. One is that your long lens stuff is mind-blowing. So engaging. The way you get your subjects to show expression is a unique talent. That said, seeing what you've done with the wide lens; starting to also include the environment around your subject. So many amazing shots in there, man. I also agree - I got bored of long lens stuff and started leaning to the wide. I almost always shoot well under 85 now. It's WAY harder - because you now need a good location, or posing becomes super critical - but it makes a world of difference. I also love what you say about the most important element being your connection to the subject. Couldn't agree more. So many great insights in here. I hope more people see this!
Bro - Thanks so much for this! Now I just need your on camera skills, heh. Its harder than I expected! I appreciate the support and cant wait till we get to hang for realz. You know what I'm craving now? Medium Format Film - This Sh!it never ends!
@@adventureStaley Oh yeah man! I even picked up a 100 year old Zeiss fold out MF camera. It's a little gnarly to focus and to frame up - but still super simple optics and MF looks so special. Eyeing up a proper one like a Bronica or Mamiya next. Down the rabbit hole we go....🐇🕳💸
You seem to be a good human being, just discovered your channel and subscribed. I love the interaction you had with your subjects in the portraits. That connection transpires in the video
This was a stellar video and a Master Class on Portraits. You sold this camera for me, and I feel the key to making good portraits is the ability to step out of your-self and immerse yourself in the energy that surrounds you! Yes, sounds very Force sensitive, but the basic premise applies. Enjoy the adventure!
Cracking set of portraits. Best Q2 review I've watched . I shoot strangers on the street , with permission and usually shoot 50mm 'ish . I am inspired to go wider and may click ' buy ' on a Q2 monochrom 📷
Fantastic work! Love it.. especially the Namibia work 👌... couldn’t agree more about the connection to the subject... the last bit was very intriguing... looking forward to more of that .... Fantastic work
Really enjoyed stumbling across this video... contemplating a Q2 purchase, but I really enjoyed the overall cerebral discussion you bring foreword here.
Greet video. I’ve been to the Leica store here in New York twice this weekend debating the purchase of a Q3. My biggest fear is not being able to shoot portraits with a 28mm but you just blew up that theory! Seriously gifted my friend. And I think what inspired me the most is your connection with the subjects. Keep the videos coming!
Awesome portraits. It forces creativity, it forces you to be outside of your comfort zone and not play it safe. All of your work is excellent, but my favorites are with this Q2
the Q2 was recommended to me by my friend Peter ( a great photographer) as i’m having difficulty in focusing my Nikons and the M10… i’m 78 and a retired( or just tired ) photojournalist for 50 years… i’m developing genetic macular degeneration but i’m not giving up without a fight… ( have a great DR who loves photography so doing some experimental treatments so here’s hoping!) …your work is fantastic! so yeh think i’ll pick up a Q2 !( and after years of lugging around heavy equipment my back and knees will thank you as well!
I decided to keep my Q2, instead of downsizing to the new Fuji x100vi. Couldn't go without the full frame goodness. Videos like yours inspired me to fully utilize it's capabilities. I'm upgrading my SL2-S instead, for the SL3.
I'd like to give this or any other prime lens a long term exclusive go. Walked across Spain with just a 35mm and it was transformative. Missed a lot due to restrictions, but gained more.
Ben, I must say I've been really digging your content. It's beyond refreshing when considering the plethora of channels discussing more gear than photography. I have a few channels I follow which get to the heart of photography. They take the philosophical position of "craft over gear" which is right in my wheelhouse. On the digital side of things, I'm a Fujifilm shooter, primarily for street photography and professional work. I shoot film as well, only rangefinders and the Leica Q, not the Q2 because I can't afford it, yet, has been on my radar to become my primary everyday camera. You've inspired me because I'm simply amazed by the images you've captured with this fixed lens camera. Keep it up and thank you for sharing your perspective.
Thanks so much Dadisi! This is the best kind of feedback to get! I’m sticking to my guns and will likely never get more technical than this video. Really appreciate your support. Get out there and shoot!
@@adventureStaley glad to hear it. I shoot everyday if I can. Shoot for 30 mins today in-between appointments and will do another two hours later this afternoon. Feel free to check me out on IG, @streetphonicz. Have a great weekend.
Fabulous work, and a thoroughly enjoyable and informative video. I've been considering the Q2 since it came out, and you've pushed me quite a bit closer to taking the plunge. Thank you!
Brilliant video and wonderful photos, I love the dramatic and moody tonal contrast. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts at the end as to what makes for an interesting portrait. I’m a portrait painter and have loved portraits all my life; I completely agree with the importance of relationship and connection with the subject, it’s the unspoken relationship between artist and sitter which is the secret to expressing something that goes much deeper than just a good likeness. Thanks for the video. David
Your works inspired me how I use the Q for portrait, using I use for street photo, light construction, record things etc. I’m the Q man start from Q and Q2M
I don’t know how I got here but you are speaking my language, you are 100% right My perspective I call it entwine with the subject ; thanks for sharing
Thanks for the video. A review of the Q2 with out being a product review. Love the way you left me thinking at the end of the most important thing about portraits. Never thought about it that way. Always looking to improve through gear and you just thought me to learn something completely different and challenge myself. A lesson for many things in life. Thank you and Thank you. Keep up the good work and challenging us.
Glad I found this channel, something of quality to binge :) Man, the last 3 minutes were the best! I'm heavy into intuition and vibrations and trying to ease them or ease someone elses before a shoot. So you were spot on, nobody really talks about this side of photography. Also, you may have sold me on shooting my lifestyle/fashion stuff on a 28mm (I only do it for street). I usually like a 50mm to just give me enough context. But I loooove context with my shots, and you showed 28mm just gives me more of that.
Thank you for your genuine generous honesty. Your truth truly sheds light on the reality of photography if you will. It really helped me with my own perspective of photography. I’m not much of a talker, however I’m sponging up & learning as much as I can. Sincerely, thank you.
Just discovered and subscribed to your channel whilst researching the Q2. There are some seriously good portraits on this video. The black and white image of the girl in the bar absolutely stopped me dead in my tracks. Awesome stuff!
Thank you Ben for this non-tuby video of yours! You are an artist with a vision. Someone who uses a tool like a camera for motives outside "camera-tests". You are completely right about the photographer being the most important ingredient to great photography. Clearly visible in your images, it is you and our conncetion to all these amazing artists that make these photos so beautiful. However, I am pretty sure the results would have been quite different if you had shot them with a Canon 1Dx MK III or with a wet film plate camera or with a 600mm lens. So, in a way, some camera/lens combinations are better than others for certain projects/creative objectives. And some gear is more suited to some photographers than to others. A Leica Q2 is such a tiny device it almost disappears in your hands, it reduces the psychological distance between you and your subjects. The 28mm lens forces you to get in really close. All this has an effect on your beatiful results. Thank you, agian.
Thank you! Enjoyed your film. I’m coming from the opposite angle having leapt to a Q2 and not taken photos since I was a teenager about 30 odd years ago. Love seeing what you’ve done with portraits! Gosh I’ve got some learning to do!
Hay... I love your stayll to take the picture of people with the Leica Q2. I use the canon 5D mk3 end 28mm bet some time I use the 50mm 1.4 or 35mm L but I go back to the 28mm and wen I se your work 😍 love it. I must work more ...
Thnak you for this work, I’m thinking about buying a Q2 to replace my Sony. I was wondering about portrait shots. By looking your video I learned more than expected. Thank you again and really great pics.
Really enjoyed this and subscribed immediately. I came looking for information on the Q2 but got so much more. I am originally from New York but have been living in Vietnam more than 30 years and have been shooting all my time here mostly with DSLR and various lenses but I bought a baby Leica D-Lux 7 two years ago (yea I know its really a Panasonic but it has a nice Leica looking body and real Leica lens) which also has the lens fixed to the camera and I realize that the little camera takes better images than the stuff I had been using and so I have begun toying with the idea of a Q2. I like the idea of being forced to get close to the subject as there is no longer any question about what you are shooting and the detail being close with a good camera and lens will bring things out that can never be gotten from a distance. Now I am looking forward to viewing more of you content since this one was made...
