John Bragg
Well-known
The change in our world wide lifestyle brought about by Covid 19 prompted me to start making portraits of family and loved ones. We are indeed fragile beings whether we like it or not, and it has become the norm to flash images, (many of them of little lasting meaning) between ourselves electronically. When do we take the time anymore to properly make a visual record and frame a few prints ? Here are a couple of my family members who didn't escape the one eyed gaze of my FM2n. I hope I did them justice as both are notoriously camera shy.
Vivienne Portrait by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr
Eddie portrait by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr
Vivienne Portrait by E.J. Bragg, on FlickrEddie portrait by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr
John Bragg
Well-known
A family member in that we are very close and friends are the family that you choose.
Carole Portrait by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr
Carole Portrait by E.J. Bragg, on FlickrArchiver
Veteran
These are great! And what a worthwhile project, too.
John Bragg
Well-known
Thankyou. Beats having nothing to photograph. They may not be famous, but it is great to make a connection and see a genuine spark in their eyes.
gavinlg
Veteran
Really nice John, I think documentation of family is one of the purest and most endearing ways photography can be practised.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Cool portraits.
Nobody in my family likes BW and darkroom prints, except me
Nobody in my family likes BW and darkroom prints, except me
Dan
Let's Sway
Might also try backing away to make more of an environmental portrait. That extra visual information could convey so much more about each of them as individuals, making the resulting photos less about your style and more about the sitter.
John Bragg
Well-known
That is something that had crossed my mind. I have plenty of environmental shots of family. Perhaps an idea for a project over a year maybe ? I may load the Leica M6 and be the proverbial fly on the wall.
John Bragg
Well-known
Of course we need to include the youngsters. They are the future afterall.....
Emily by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr
Emily by E.J. Bragg, on Flickr
charjohncarter
Veteran
I like all of those John. You have a knack for portraits.
John Bragg
Well-known
That's very kind John. Thankyou sir. I would say that despite the perspective of the 50mm, as opposed to say an 85 or 105, it makes for easier hand holding at relatively slow speeds. I would still like an 85mm Nikkor though.
Retro-Grouch
Veteran
An admirable project, John. A hundred years from now, someone who doesn't yet exist will be very thankful that you made these images!
Two hundred years ago, only the wealthy and powerful could bequeath images of themselves to the next generations, and then only in the form of paintings. I often consider what the impact of the medium of photography has had on our sense of family and personal identity. In some ways, it makes the creation of simple family photos a very weighty responsibility. Every success with your project!
Two hundred years ago, only the wealthy and powerful could bequeath images of themselves to the next generations, and then only in the form of paintings. I often consider what the impact of the medium of photography has had on our sense of family and personal identity. In some ways, it makes the creation of simple family photos a very weighty responsibility. Every success with your project!
charjohncarter
Veteran
My son-in-law's father gave my a M42 85mm Sears lens (Mamiya). The focus ring goes in a different direction from my Takumars so I don't use it except for portraits.
You seem to like wide open or close to it portraits (which I also like) and it is great for that style. But you are right about handheld work.
EDIT: maybe look around for a third party 85mm for you Nikon.
John Bragg
Well-known
Yes to wide (ish). Usually f2.8 or thereabouts. I have a very nice Af Nikkor 85mm f1.8 D but I can't bring myself to use it on my FM2n. I have a couple of Tamron zooms that also happen to focus the opposite way to Nikkor lenses.
The adaptall 2 mounting system is brilliant as I can adapt them to my OM system in seconds.
robert blu
quiet photographer
A great project with a nice series of portraits. They look very natural. Bravo!
How are your subjects cooperative? Do you give them directions or do they pose in a spontaneous way?
How are your subjects cooperative? Do you give them directions or do they pose in a spontaneous way?
John Bragg
Well-known
Hi Robert and thanks for the kind words. I direct and as an exercise, it is making me better at it. I keep it very short and like Jane Bown was fond of saying. Ah! There you are ! The personality shines through, hopefully.
Michael Markey
Veteran
Very nice John ....
Shab
Veteran
Really great project! I love your portraits! Well done! And thanks for sharing!
Bingley
Veteran
Very nice portraits, John. Keep going with your project!! BTW, I have the Nikkor 85mm f2.0 and it’s a terrific optic. You should definitely look for it for your FM2n.
The suggestion to step back and try some environmental portraits — in addition to the tight head shots you’re doing — is a good one IMO. Using a 35mm lens on your M6 might be a good way to go.
John Bragg
Well-known
Thanks Michael.