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.

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(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.

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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.

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The film, like the viewer, is forever altered.

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

—Peter.

The twinkle in his eye.

2012, Favourite, Inspiration, Leica 75mm Summilux (Canada 🇨🇦) f/1.4, Portrait, Teaching point

This one was challenging, but ultimately very rewarding.

He was constantly moving, with his back toward me most of the time, making a decent shot difficult (it’s always a struggle at this age when kids start getting mobile, but — on the positive side — they’re still “naturals” in front of the camera).

So, I tried a few times throughout the day to capture him… without success.

Then, at the time of the “golden hour“, he was once again looking out the window.  As he turned here, and smiled, a shaft of soft light from outside acted as a gentle spotlight on his left face and shoulder.

As I couldn’t back up any further from where I was, I could just fit him within the 75mm frame lines.  And I tried my best to hit focus, as this wonderful combination of expression, light, and composition would likely not repeat itself.  Fortunately, it all came together.

A  Life’s Little Moment to be cherished.

(please click on the image to view)

↑Leica M9 and Leica 75mm Summilux @ f/1.4.

Commenting on the commentary (a follow-up to my post on Steve Huff’s site).

Favourite, Inspiration, Q&A

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Two days ago, my “Photographing your family with the BEST photo equipment” article was featured on SteveHuffPhoto.com.

The piece generated much commentary, and I’ve read through all of it.  Almost all of it was overwhelmingly positive but, surprisingly, a few negative responses emerged.  I write “surprisingly” because I always choose my words very carefully and I know there wasn’t anything controversial or provocative in my post.

It was meant to be very positive, in fact.

But this is the internet age, where making a statement like “I like pizza” will generate a handful of negative responses.  Arguing with the responders is not productive, of course.

You know, I realized several years ago just how inconsequential all the frantic machinations of daily life can be, when we don’t take the time to appreciate each other.  The only important thing — the only enduring thing — when you strip away all the pretenses, is this:

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“How we treat each other is the only thing that counts.”

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So, instead of trying to respond to a few negative comments, I’d like to take the time to post a personal “thank you” — on this very site — to all of the wonderful people who got my post.  For their very eloquent comments (some critical, but at least constructive) I’d like to specifically thank these individuals:

_____________________________

Neil Buchan-Grant

Ashwin Rao

Duane Pandorf

Colin Steel

Photozopia

Jonny

Harry

Danniel Schwartzkopf

William Jusuf

Joanne Puyat

Travis

Robert T Wilson

Armanius

Leo

Duncan

Flamingjune1967

Denis

cidereye

Laugaut

Jack

Michael S.

Nacho Pello

Mark S

Peter Laaba

derekdj

Bryan Campbell

Paco

Guillaume

Andrew

Chrstine Lee

William Jones

Matus

Rick Alan

jim

David Young

Kelvin

Mo Han

Jason Howe

Richard ford

Dariel Palacol,

Dj0502

Joan

Andrew Ryle

Gauge Caudell

Orestis

John

des

Manny

Peter

Charlie

Marc Weisberg

Tyson Ng

c.d. embrey

Bianca

Felipe MĂ©ndez

Dan L.

Henk

Jun

Radar

Twitch

Enzo

David Young

Denis

John Driggers

Greg

dan

Chris Smith

Garazd Vahen

Jag Siva

Jacob

Steindid

Godfrey

______________________________

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Last but not least, I want to thank Steve again for his generosity in allowing me to share my words and images on his wonderful site.

—Peter.