cyrsm05 Posted March 3, 2015 Share #1 Posted March 3, 2015 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello Everyone! My name is Cyrus and I'm a new and very happy owner of a Leica M6ttl. Glad I joined this forum as reading all the threads have very invaluable knowledge by many members of this forum. I currently shoot with a 40mm lens (probably my all time favorite now). I only use available light and reflectors. I shoot quite amount of portraits but being new to the rangefinder cameras, I'm not sure how close I can get for portraits. So far I only shoot as close as the center patch on my viewfinder are aligned and focused. But with my lens (knowing that it can be capture a wider scene), feels like I am not close enough. My questions are: Is it the camera? Although the patch does not align, can I still get closer using an aperature of f/5.6? Is it the focal lens I am using? Do I need to get a 90mm for close ups? Is it post production? Cropping with the enlarger. Here's a couple of examples of close up portraits taken by the Leica M6: https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/roryobryen/8229991478/in/search_QM_q_IS_leicam6+portrait_AND_mt_IS_all_AND_w_IS_all https://m.flickr.com/photos/mikepavlovsky/8487347086/in/search?q=leicam6%20portrait&mt=all&w=all Thanks in advance , cyrus Edited March 3, 2015 by cyrsm05 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 3, 2015 Posted March 3, 2015 Hi cyrsm05, Take a look here Leica M6 - Close Up Portrait. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
tobey bilek Posted March 3, 2015 Share #2 Posted March 3, 2015 (edited) I love the girls portrait just as it is. Beautiful. A tighter crop would ruin it. On to the problem. If you were to move in closer, then perspective distortion would result. The nose would become too large in relation to the rest of the face. Moving back creates a flattened perspective. With 35 mm format, the most natural portrait is created at a distance of 5 to 7 feet. The angle of view is controlled by the lens focal length. To get a tight face, use a 90 mm from 5 feet or 135 from longer distance. I normally set the focus to 5 feet on my 90 and just move until the near eye is in focus, recompose and take the picture. if all you have is a 50 mm, then crop the negative. The basic principle is always perspective is governed by where you stand, angle of view is controlled by focal length. Perspective is the size relationship between near and far objects. Do a few test shots from different distances and crop them to the same picture and you will see the differences. Keep that female model. She is beautiful and is able to pose for the camera which is something few can do well. Lighting is as important if not more so than cameras and lenses. Start with a single light and reflector to fill shadows. There are web sites on portrait lighting. Almost never does a light belong near the camera. Shadows are what create depth and modeling and give the portrait life. Google for Rembrant lighting for a start. His painted portraits are masterful. Edited March 3, 2015 by tobey bilek 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted March 3, 2015 Share #3 Posted March 3, 2015 Hello Cyrus, Welcome to the Forum. Tobey's advice & comments just above are quite good. As they usually are. When I clicked to see your pictures my computer said that they were not available. Is it possible for you to put actual copies of your photos here on the Forum? Best Regards, Michael 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyrsm05 Posted March 3, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted March 3, 2015 Thanks Tobey, You gave a very formative info! Seems like its all in the lens and you're right about distortion if using wide angle lens. I appreciate all your help and will take this in great consideration. Cyrus Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyrsm05 Posted March 3, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted March 3, 2015 Hello Cyrus, Welcome to the Forum. Tobey's advice & comments just above are quite good. As they usually are. When I clicked to see your pictures my computer said that they were not available. Is it possible for you to put actual copies of your photos here on the Forum? Best Regards, Michael Michael, I'll see if i can do that tonight. Cyrus Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyrsm05 Posted March 3, 2015 Author Share #6 Posted March 3, 2015 I love the girls portrait just as it is. Beautiful. A tighter crop would ruin it. Keep that female model. She is beautiful and is able to pose for the camera which is something few can do well. . Also, these are photos from flickr members, not mine just examples. I'm sure he appreciates your kind words! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.