She, then and now (film).

2012, Film, Inspiration, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Leica M2, Leica M3, Portrait, Teaching point, Voigtländer 40mm f/1.4 Nokton

A few years ago, I realized I had never captured her on film.

It was important to me for some reason.

So I started shooting film again.

_

(please click on the images to view)

2009:

↑Leica M3, Fuji X-tra 400, and Voigtländer Nokton 40mm @ f/1.4.

2010:

↑Leica MP, Ilford HP5 Plus 400, and Voigtländer Nokton 40mm @ f/1.4.

2011:

↑ Leica M2, Ilford HP5 Plus 400, and Voigtländer Nokton 40mm @ f/1.4.

2012:

↑Leica M2, Kodak Tri-X 400, and Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH @ f/1.4.

_

I look at these images now, and follow the path of light:

originating from the late afternoon sun,

filtering through the window,

touching her face before reflecting off,

traversing the distance between us,

bending in the glass elements of a lens,

and finally etching her image onto an organic emulsion.

_

The film, like the viewer, is forever altered.

And it all happens in a fraction of a second — just like growing up.

—Peter.

13 thoughts on “She, then and now (film).”

  1. Elias's avatar

    Peter… I love these shots… your images are full of warmth & beauty. I believe that the person behind the camera has the ability to make his subjects feel and appear special…
    I usually get comments when i photograph friends and family, that somehow in my pictures people say they look better than in real life….and thus I feel that I have made a small, yet positive contribution to their lives….

    Lets hope your daughter looks at these now and later in life and appreciates your love and devotion for her…..ALL BEST… Elias

  2. sojournerphoto's avatar

    Peter, I understand and share your need to photograph your children with film, at least in part. The physical record feels to add meaning to our images and reflects the real physical connection we have as parent. They are some how a reflection of us, albeit with their own unique life and path.

    Mike

    1. Peter | Prosophos's avatar

      Thanks for understanding Mike.

      Mike, as an aside, is your website not up and running anymore? When I click to your link, I no longer see your images…

    1. Peter | Prosophos's avatar

      Thanks Trevor!

      First of all, happy 7th birthday to your son! I just had a look at your gallery and would echo your sentiments that your photography has “grown” as he has. Wonderful to see.

      As for my family images being my finest work… thank you. My images always reflect what is most dear to my heart.

  5. greg g49's avatar

    A wonderful series. If I thought I would ever apply the time, energy, and discipline necessary to learn to and then actually develop and scan my own black and white, I’d return to film in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, being honest with myself, an M6 and 40 Nokton (no Summilux’s in my budget) would most likely gather dust on a shelf while lazybones just found it easier to use something digital, but there is no substitute for the look of film so long as you’re in control of it.

    As for the images, they’re all wonderful, but the third one on the stair landing looking out the window with hand palm up as if trying to weigh or negotiate with what she’s seeing is just an incredible moment to have captured. (or at least that’s how I’d “read” it despite there being a myriad of other more mundane possibilities) 🙂

    BTW, I’m glad Mike posted a link to his site as it’s now in my bookmarks.

    1. Peter | Prosophos's avatar

      Thanks “lazybones” ;)! There is definitely more work involved these days in shooting film, as the world has decidedly moved in a non-film direction. Still, I cannot help but be drawn to it, both for the results AND for the process.

      And I too am glad that Mike posted his link…

  6. Martin Victor Garcia's avatar

    Awesome, awesome shots!!! I was wondering if you are processing your film yourself or having a professional lab do it? Also, do you scan it yourself? Thanks and continue the awesome job!

    Martin G

    1. Peter | Prosophos's avatar

      Thanks Martin!

      I develop and scan the film myself… I’ll put together a short description of what I use in a future post… it’s nothing fancy but I thought I should do it since people have requested it. Thanks again!

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