One of the single most interesting aspects of photography I really enjoy working on over the years is portrait work. It’s a subject Ive really got into and really enjoy that one to one engagement. Each and every time I capture a portrait, I always see elements of improvement. That stems from me never being 100% happy with what Ive shot. I look back and think, I reckon next time I can improve on that. That’s all about learning for me. Something I do every day.
My camera choice here, my Hassy 500 C/M. One of the finest cameras ever made and so good for portrait work
Just one example of my portrait work is this shot of Shelley. Now, there are loads of you out there that believe to get the best out of a portrait shot is to “dress it”. A phrase often known as putting it all together. Im not of the opinion on that front. I believe that you’ll get the best out of your subject by making them relaxed, engage in conversion then open and close your shutter. Only my view, never rock up and shoot straight away. I loved this shot for one simple reason, Shelley just said to me “shall I sit here” and the camera did the rest. Under a minute from his arse on the chair, till the shutter closed
What film stock then? Colour or black and white
Well, I’ll always be a colour man, and thats a fact but some black and white stocks certainly adds their own elements. I love the deep contrast that the likes of Kodaks Double X gives. It also has a period look to it as well as you can see in this example of local artist, Stuart. When is comes to colour, Ektar is my main choice on both 35mm and medium format but I also love Velvia and Provia. Such rich tones….
Camera choices?
My two main choice’s here on the medium format front would be my Hassy 500 c/m and my Pentax 6x7. Both deliver great clarity and both have lenses that are equally matched and super pin sharp. On 35mm, a little mixed there. First choice would be my Konica Hexar closely followed by my Nikon F2. Again, great rigs and a great lenses selection across the board but I like to run with say a 50mm 1.2 and a 105mm 2.5. For me, Nikon produced their best lenses back in the 60’s and that why I run with those now. On the Konica front, any 35mm and 50mm versions. All pin sharp and great to work with
Why film then?
Well thats simple. It offers something that digi never will. Depth, contrast and its real! Everyone has their own opinion on photography and thats the beauty of freedom of speech. Im not saying Im right, all Im saying is thats my choice and I believe I get so much more out of my subjects with a rolls of film rather than a set of pixels - Judge for yourself, RD
