Portraits with the Leica Q2

[@borisharold]

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

[@adventureStaley]

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?

[@Mulokaj]

Adventure & Art Portraits 🙏🏼

[@borisharold]

@@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

[@bingebinge3722]

@@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.

[@ziggy149]

@@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.

[@ijonaskisselbach6758]

Came for the Leica Q2, stayed for the talk on portraiture at the end. Thank you.

[@adventureStaley]

Really appreciate that Ijonas 🙏🏻

[@2x_eyes]

same here. really grateful to hear what was said about portraiture at the end. same perspective rings true with making music/producing/recording

[@martinandersen7628]

Some people on yotube says you can´t take portraits with the Q2, but you just proved them wrong... Thanks man!

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

you are a great man and a great photographer. The way you present these people is remarkable.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you pal

[@jayse1195]

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.

[@dunkkid23]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you very much 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@marcotonelliphotography]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

Lots of videos about that here. Dig in.

[@29jug11]

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!

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

Thanks

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you very very much

[@GordonWebster]

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 :-)

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks Gordon!

[@rafaelsmit4080]

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.

[@johananGR]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you sir

[@keibro13]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

Man that’s awesome Keith! Thanks so much for watching. Go crush it.

[@ronald7482]

Did you keep your 35 and 85mm?

[@keibro13]

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.

[@GoodLifeInSpain]

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!

[@adventureStaley]

Appreciate that

[@MikeMayerPhotograph]

Absolutely ingenious work Ben! Your portraits with the Q2 are stunning. Images with character telling a story 👍🏼😎

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks so much Mike!

[@fotodivision]

I sold my x100v a week ago and bought a Q2. Looooove it. Best decision . Another brilliant post. Gracias Amigo.

[@MrBillboeing]

Great pictures, nice to see what is possible with practice and a great eyes and passion for portraits.

[@adventureStaley]

Appreciate that! Theres a documentary Portrait video coming soon. It's going to be a good one. Thanks for the support!

[@teal.photos]

Oooh, YES! Excellent! Such a great video! So many great photos! Love it.

[@adventureStaley]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lucyo.]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

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!

[@jcbarker1]

So glad I found your channel. Great photographs and great wisdom. Thanks.

[@adventureStaley]

I’m glad you found it too Barker. Cheers.

[@JaysonSantos]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

Appreciate that

[@taylerprosser2024]

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!

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks so much Tayler! It's a powerful little tool. Appreciate you stopping by.

[@bugsybunny398]

I felt it was a lesson in capturing the landscape of the human form. Art definitely. Connecting with and loving people is always an adventure. Bravo.

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks very much for watching !

[@3sixty2degres]

Yes I totally agree with your vibration and the connexion how ever brief…

[@ninario5693]

I love this video.Very nice photos.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you

[@Ralf_Baron]

Very authentic program. Wonderful pictures. Great Learning. Thank you!

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@LuposVoice]

Very interesting video with gorgeous photos! Thanx!

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@joeharrisonnz]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

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.

[@JS-shim]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

Awesome! I love that camera! Thanks so much for stopping by.

[@parientilaurent]

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

[@abrooklyngirllinda]

This was fantastic to watch and learn from! Thanks.

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@paulsehstedt6275]

Great work! Nothing more, nothing less! Keep on rolling!

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@karljacobson8521]

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.

[@givemecookie4530]

Really enjoy your channel. The shots, the locations, but mainly your sense of humor. Love it!!!!

[@adventureStaley]

Thank ya Ronald

[@givemecookie4530]

I still have my father's Leica 111c he used in Korea during the war. Still working, he purchased two lens in wetzlar Germany during WW2 90mm 135mm my father was a artillery captain in Korea. He set up a dark room in a small trailer. His camera and lens were stolen in Korea, but he got them back. Great story.

[@adventureStaley]

Amazing story. You need to tell it.

[@givemecookie4530]

@@adventureStaley if your available this weekend give me a call at 913-782-5773 love to tell you the story. Ron, I'm south of Kansas City central time. If that matters. GO CHIEFS!!!!!

[@365_Mike]

Haven't seen portraits like this before. Amazing work and great story telling.

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@guentherkubiza]

By far the best video on photographic approuch & understanding. what you say and how you say it is on point. highest, most significant level. (i hope my english writing makes sense and i managed to express what i tried to say - ... ) ... i am going to subscribe now. looking forward to watching the next videos. Thanks so much. Kind regards, Kubi

[@adventureStaley]

Really appreciate this Kubi.

[@jackmatthews9390]

So so good and human! Loved it. Agree it’s about the human connection and being willing.

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks very much Jack!

[@gravity_dog]

You, my friend, are one inspiring human being. Keep up the awesome work, can't wait to see more!

[@adventureStaley]

Aww man thank you so much Magnus! Much more is on the way!

[@robertlingley5300]

Love the dramatic, B&W, high contrast!

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you Robert!

[@romzaish]

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

[@adventureStaley]

Really really appreciate that Romy.

[@christianrobold8790]

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....

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you very much sir!

[@nikwestphoto]

I also love portraiture and I'm loving your work and enjoyed this video. Gives me food for thought. Cheers.

[@adventureStaley]

Glad to hear it!

[@nicolaguidaphotography]

Definitively my fav photography channel so far.

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks so much Nicola!

[@ekjellgren]

Excellent shots! I just bought a used GRIII so I'm going to try to mimic those ;)

[@adventureStaley]

Go for it!

[@AlanMorrisSF]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

YES! Thanks so much for the comments Alan!

[@saqibchaudry9207]

Really enjoyed stumbling across this video... contemplating a Q2 purchase, but I really enjoyed the overall cerebral discussion you bring foreword here.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you so much! I glad you stopped by.

[@3sixty2degres]

Really nice photos! I enjoy the qay you go about your videos. I purchased the Leica Q on june 25 2022, yes 7 years later. I haven’t been able to put it down. I told myself I would put sone photography work money towards the Q2 but first I have to shoot the heck out of this one

[@bluueye]

awesome philosophy the shots of the dancers are amazing,,, I did a photoshoot the other day with a big camera/lens and a Fuji x100 and at the end the model checked over the shots and asked for 6 they loved and 5 of them were from the x100, just something about the how much like art those pics felt like,

[@adventureStaley]

Right on man! Appreciate you!

[@adventureStaley]

Right on man! Appreciate you!

[@jseasphotography8627]

Currently renting the q2. Excited to test it out.

[@cranswickart]

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

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you David

[@francoisaspesberro8958]

Love your art !! and I wish you were my friend I could hang out with :)

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@hom296]

Ben. Thank you. Amazing video and amazing thoughts.

[@reginaldgooden3495]

These are really nicely done and has given me some ideas with mu Q! Thanks

[@adventureStaley]

🤘🏻

[@whenderson7742]

Very Inspirational, I have a Q2 and it has been a struggle to find my way in portraiture. Your video was very helpful.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you for the kind words Bill. All the best out there.

[@jumbodog5955]

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

[@adventureStaley]

Much appreciated!Thanks so much for stopping by.

[@PhilHowcroft]

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 📷

[@JStephenYoung]

This is beautiful and has given me new inspiration for getting out with my Q2 tomorrow morning.

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jjbs58]

Ben - you got it. Artistic portraiture. WiITH a "CLASSIC" KILLER simplistic camera. Your sincere dedication to street, third world portraiture is very cool. Im hooked - keep goin. #Q2

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks pal

[@StrikeaBeat]

Amazing portraits I'm considering upgrading my Q to Q2 you've just inspired me to upgrade!!! Excellent work!!!

[@mattdayphoto]

Didn’t realize you had a channel! Instantly subscribed, always enjoy seeing your work. This was great.

[@adventureStaley]

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!

[@Rainism969]

This is by far one of the best photography video on youtube. Thank you, I’ve learned a lot from your video.

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks very much for watching!

[@Internationaljus]

amazing work! thinking of the q3

[@alanscott2996]

Great thought provoking stuff & yes great portraits - cheers

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you!

[@CDeeez94]

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@billyabroad8057]

Just discovered your channel while researching the Leica Q2. It’s my type of channel subscribed!

[@adventureStaley]

Oh man, thank ya so much Billy!! There are several Q2 vids coming up that I am very excited about. Cheers!

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

Ben, I think it's more then 1 year since I discovered this video and still believe that it is a gem!!!

[@adventureStaley]

Appreciate this

[@gianlucagrossi5065]

you are really great photographer and story teller...cheers from Italy

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you sir 🙏🏻 I just love Italy

[@johnabbott5097]

Your portraits are freakin awesome,your subjects are off the chart ! Fantastic!

[@adventureStaley]

Really appreciate that John!

[@HaraldSchubert]

Beautiful content, thank you for sharing all your insights!!!

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼

[@SteveEvans55]

Hi Ben, I've been thinking of ditching my bulky Canon gear and replacing it with a Q2 (getting to old to carry it). Then lo and behold, found your video on the same subject. Think it's helped me to make a decision. Thanks for sharing, Steve

[@adventureStaley]

Cool Steve. Have a new Q2 portrait video coming out very soon. Good luck!

[@colmflanagan5933]

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!

[@adventureStaley]

The good news is you never stop learning about photography. Thanks so much for the support Colm

[@dalesood]

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!

[@adventureStaley]

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!

[@dalesood]

@@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....🐇🕳💸

[@adventureStaley]

YES!!

[@matthadenmusic]

Inspiring portraits. Thank you.

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@anthonysalas9167]

I love your work brother. You have no rules to your photography. And that's what I love about it. You my Friend are an inspiration. Keep it up.

[@adventureStaley]

Means a lot Anthony. Thank you.

[@howardtyler7]

Superb portraits! Just got my Q2 and you’ve totally inspired me! Cheers from London England!👍

[@adventureStaley]

Cheers Howard, thanks for watching!

[@xPanDaemonx]

Stunning photos. Really great use of the lens

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks very much

[@JhullianCarlsson]

Ordered my q2 last week. Can’t wait to get it. Awesome video Ben

[@adventureStaley]

Bravo man!

[@PatrickKelliherlongwood]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you Patrick!

[@ryanthigpen]

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!

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jasonvian6404]

These portraits shots are mega, really !

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@SONGLANGTHEMOVIE]

OMG I love your photos. You've convinced me to get a Leica Q2.

[@adventureStaley]

Cool. Thanks for watching!

[@zenstudiosla8614]

Really awesome work and very inspiring!!

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you!

[@dpanayotv90]

Aaand you have a new subscriber! I love the vibe in your videos.

[@adventureStaley]

Appreciate it

[@JacquesConradie]

Really excellent - it's very refreshing to come across a KZbin video like this - and I love your portrait shots!

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you sir

[@eliaabdo2703]

Excellent portrait work, really dig what you were able to create with the Q2,. Yesterday I was considering selling all my gear and buying it, and today I bumped into your video, boom :D!

[@adventureStaley]

Boom!

[@Bryan-lu4du]

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

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks very much man.

[@robinsonsadventures2174]

Fantastic images!

[@carvera9496]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

I appreciate that!

[@Juan_Castillo720]

Great shots sir.... loved the portraits. Excellent results

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks a ton

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

You, as you say in English, nailed it, nailed the connection to other human beings! Recommending this video further on!!

[@cc_chapman]

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.

[@adventureStaley]

Awesome. Thanks for always showing up CC!

[@TheWooleybooger]

My favorite video to date and I’ve prob said it before but your portrait work is top notch always. Yes connection I agree is most important.

[@adventureStaley]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@BPLeroyLotusEvora]

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!

[@adventureStaley]

Awesome. YES. Our creativity is best defined by our limitations, not our options. Thank you!

[@wyattplaz6345]

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!

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you so much David. Really appreciate that.

[@patricejannet3370]

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.

[@applehillstudios]

Amazing work! Thanks for sharing. Helpful.

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@RobsonCabanas]

You are a incredible talented man!!

[@adventureStaley]

I appreciate that!

[@tobiasdavid3096]

Some very beautiful pictures. So far on my photography journey I learned how to use my gear. Improved on lighting, framing and angles. What I lack is the creative part. And I guess I‘m too shy for the communication with the person on the other side of the camera. Very enlighting video.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you. It takes the reps. Keep trying. I am naturally very shy. But I’ve fought through it. Be willing to be uncomfortable.

[@tonydicasa9254]

Very much enjoy and appreciate your portraits. WOW! Love to see a behind the scenes and processing of an image. Liked and subscribed :)

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks Tony. Those will be coming. As soon as we are not social distancing and I start shooting people again. Thanks for the support!

[@mikerooke1306]

Inspiring Ben - many thanks for your thoughts and portraits. I've kind of arrived in the same place using my 35mm macro lens on a Canon R5,, but your work has given me a real hit in the right direction. Keep posting please. Great stuff.

[@adventureStaley]

Appreciate you.

[@antoinesimonet5607]

Thank you so much for the inspiration ! Getting my first Leica Q this week, can't wait!

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks for watching man! Enjoy!!