Portraits on the Lumix GH5 and Leica 42.5 f/1.2 Nocticron
Video clips captured on the Lumix S1 and Lumix 24-70 f/2.8 by Jennifer Maring
This past week we created some beautiful childhood portraits with one of our favorite camera and lens combinations. There is much debate about what camera system is best, and everyone certainly has their favorites. We have many favorites! For us the choice comes down to this… “What camera is best for the job, or look we are trying to achieve.”
Sure, we could choose from an array of full frame or medium format cameras and the work would be stellar as well. We certainly have more expensive cameras in our gear bag, but truth be told we have enough experience with each to know which camera to turn to for each individual situation. So, let’s dive into why we chose the Lumix GH5 here, and also why the Leica 42.5 f/1.2 as well.
Let’s talk Micro 4/3 and the GH5 first… M43 camera systems have a smaller chipset than full frame, yet a larger chip than the majority of point and shoot style or consumer based cameras out there. The smaller chip means the camera can have a smaller footprint, but so too can the lenses. Smaller and lighter cameras and lenses are just easier to work with in hand held situations especially on long days such as during weddings and events. But, in cases when children are involved it often comes down to speed, and AF accuracy. Ultimately when you photograph children, they rule the session. Sessions are often based on how they feel, and their individual personality. We know Jessica as we have photographed her since she was a baby. She has an amazing, bright, fun, artistic personality. We knew she would want to play. As you can see, the GH5 has the speed and AF accuracy to capture action as it’s unfolding very gracefully. This means she simply gets to play, and the best part, so do we!
Sun flare into the lens creating more of an abstract portrait. Printed large scale this type of photograph forces the viewer to use their imagination, and creates a work of art for home or office that is a conversation piece.
Now lets look at the lens. Arguably the Leica 42.5 f/1.2 Nocticron is one of the best lenses ever made for the M43 format. It’s rugged build, extended metal lens shade, and remarkably fast aperture set it apart from all others in this focal length. It’s incredibly sharp where it needs to be. In fact, it’s so sharp we often pull the clarity slider back in Lightroom a bit. Doing so softens the overall image, but it also adds a hint of glow to the highlights. Out of the gate, the lens has phenomenal contrast. Yet, in situations like this, shooting into the sun, contrast isn’t the flavor of the day. Instead we aim to create some photographs that are a little more abstract and thought provoking. So, we may choose to pull a little contrast out in post in moments like this. Yep, that’s the beauty of shooting RAW, contrast is optional! I love the image to the right because of the fact that you can barely make out her face. Print this huge as a metal lithograph, frame it up, and you now have a gorgeous conversation piece in your home. A work of art that isn’t so blatantly obvious, and one that will keep people entertained. They won’t be able to take their eyes off it!
As an abstract painter I’ve learned this... Leave something to the viewers imagination! It’s the reason that abstract paintings and painters sell their work for 100x that of most artists who are blatant with their brush strokes. Not to take away the shear talent of those who can paint with detail, but in general detail doesn’t keep they mind entertained, and this is after all the “Art of Photography.” Although it has it’s place, don’t take perfection and technical so seriously. Instead, let the work breathe, force the viewer to work to understand it. Better yet, created it in a way that they will never be able to. Otherwise, it’s just another pretty picture with no real hook, and nobody will care enough to study it for long periods.
Back to the Nocticron… At f/1.2 there is a beautiful roll off to the highlights of this lens. It’s AF speed is unbelievably fast even in dark situations, and obviously even when shooting directly into the sun. With 20+ years of experience as a professional photographer this is among my favorite lenses of all time, and on the GH5 it’s simply a joy to work with. I never find myself struggling or having to do a work around to get what I seek.
Whether you are a pro photographer, video artist, enthusiast or parent who’s seeking a photographer who can capture your loved ones beautifully know what cameras and lenses to turn to is important. Truth is the camera doesn’t have the vision or know how to produce remarkable photographs. The camera doesn’t know where it’s a stationary tree or a child running at full speed. Great photographs come down to the artist behind the camera. But, knowing the right camera and lens to choose for the job is an art in itself, and has taken us years to develop that knowledge, experience, time, and a lot o money spent in order to have all these options at at fingertips. Learn more about or work on our portfolio websites… If you are interested in the Panasonic Lumix GH5 or learning more about the Leica Nocticron, links are provided throughout.
PERUSE SOME PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THIS PORTRAIT SESSION
MARING VISUALS
INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHY
