Leica M3, Canon 50 f/1.5 LTM Sonnar, Kodak T400CN

f/8 @ 1/50

The tule fog enveloped us last week, making for moody and atmospheric mornings.  I flashed back to a series from two years ago I shot and wound up a roll of B&W in the Leica M3 hoping for a little of the same magic.  Ava seemed to match the somber mood of the morning and wore only her most petulant expression, but at least she was moderately still.  The Canon Sonnar resolved the light beautifully and gathered a few comments on its own.  People just aren’t used to seeing film cameras, even less ones from the 1950s.  It is a particularly pretty combo, the M3 and the chrome Canon, and makes me feel special just holding it.  But they’re no shelf queens and the two make images just as well today as they did 50 years ago.

walking meditation …

little napoleon …

portrait with slide …

full gallery here

A Leica, a 50 and a couple of rolls of Tri-X are all you ever need …

Leica M6, Canon 50 f/1.5 LTM Sonnar, Arista Premium 400 (Tri-X 400)

After the big day was done, Leon and Cindie treated everyone to a backyard BBQ.  Maggie and Alex opened up their pile

of loot and we even had a little cake for the kids.  We did some patio sitting, cold beer drinking and had a good old time.

Very happy to get a shot of all the kids together; we don’t get many opportunities like this very often.

Waiting patiently for the cupcake cake …

Who are those old folks ; )  If I’m lucky, that might be me someday …

Love that Sonnar signature, makes for a lovely profile shot of Lauren here …

I’ll be Leon couldn’t have imagined this some 20+ years ago when these two were in diapers.  I’m steeling myself for the future

and hoping it turns out as well for Naomi and Ava as it has for Lauren and Maggie …

I got the crazy weave lamp!  I think Maggie would have given up everything for just the lamp.

Another Sonnar moment, it’s just lovely how it draws the light …

Thanks to all back in the heartland, until we see you again.

Some more here

Leica M6, CV 28 Ultron f/1.9, Arista Premium 400

f/1.9 @ 1/30, natural light

Nana and Ava …

And these shots prove why I need two 28mm lenses : )  You just can’t shoot if you don’t have the light and only f/1.9 will gather

enough light when you’re inside.  The Canon 28 f/2.8 has it’s charms for sure but when it’s speed you need it has to be f/1.9.

Canon 5D, Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L

more after the jump …

reading the paper …

then off to the park for some swing time …

and then just looking adorable : )

full set here

First up is little Naomi …

One more after the jump …

And next is Rosemary and Brienna …

I’m not sure if I’ll continue the Mothers and Daughters or try to find a new theme for the new year.  I am pleased that I made some nice images and

got to meet and shoot some wonderful people, thanks again to those that sat for me.

I’ll be putting the best of in a FaceBook album here

Leica M6, CV 28 Ultron f/1.9, AristaPremium 100

f/1.9 @ 1/50 or so

I opened up the aperture to blow out the window behind the subjects and give an ethereal glow to the scene.  The film (re-badged Tri-X) has a nice low contrast look and makes babies appear soft and angelic, not that this baby needs the help : )  The 28mm focal length let me get the full scene in the frame and still push the subjects a little to the side, which is a more interesting composition to my eye.  And that full bay window behind them is made for portraiture; I told Marc he’s got a golden setup.  He just needs an M8 and a fast 35 and he’ll be shooting rings around me in no time.

Canon 5D + Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L

I’ll be sorting through and picking my favorites but I thought this was a nice start.  As expected, the 5D really shines for portraits and I only wish I could spring for a full set of mono lights and triggers.  Simplicity does have it’s virtues and you can do a lot with natural light and a single speedlight for a little fill.

See more on FaceBook

Have a backlog of images to blog, now that the Summer book is out and the Yearbook is done, I’ll be pushing new posts at a more rapid clip.

Chris

Canon 1D Mk II, Canon 20-35 f/2.8 L, Canon 50 f/1.4

All shots done with natural light

Last and not least is Krysty and Nyack together.  I love to see the emotion come out between parents and children and I consider it a privilege to be there with a camera.  It really is why I shoot, thanks for letting be a part of your lives.

For the full set, go here

For free downloads of the set, go here

Canon 1D Mk II, 24-70 f/2.8 L, 580ex (2) and natural light

The boys brought their new hats and the girls just brought their nice smiles.  The moms tried to stay away but I got them in for a few group shots.  One of the local tv stations was setting up a live broadcast at the garden but luckily they wrapped before I started shooting.  The rose garden is a popular location in town and you’ll always find a lot going on, from picnics and school groups to rose fanciers and those just looking for a quiet place to take in the scenery.

See the full series here: Carillo family photos