Color Film · Kodak Film · Leica Camera · Rangefinder Camera · Vintage Camera

Photographing my Daughter Using a Leica

One thing I have learned since becoming a mother is taking pictures of a baby is not easy! They are almost always going to come out blurry from movement.

the Photoshoot

Kelsey and I were sitting in Alaina’s nursery one afternoon, and the light coming in through the window was beautiful. I am always looking for good lighting, everywhere I go. I can’t resist it. So I ran and got my Leica M6 because it was already loaded with Kodak Portra 800. I wasn’t sure that I would be able to catch good shots because Lainey was moving a lot and the only light was coming from the window.

a photoshoot with an infant and a Leica
Alaina and Kelsey

the Colors of Kodak Portra 800

To my surprise, the photos came out really well! I am really loving the colors I get from Kodak Portra 800. I have noticed that the lower the ISO with Portra, say Portra 160, the colder the photos are with more blues. The higher the ISO, like these on Portra 800, the warmer they are with more reds.

a photoshoot with an infant and a Leica
Mommy giving Lainey a kiss

Please take a moment to sign up for my articles in your inbox!


a photoshoot with an infant and a Leica
Lainey’s eyes of wonder

the Strength of a Leica

Two factors that helped to get these photos was the accurate meter, and quick shutter of the Leica M6. Don’t get me wrong, I have several other cameras that have fast shutters at a fraction of the cost of a Leica. I am only saying that in this instance, the strengths of the Leica M6 really helped me get these shots. Having an accurate meter that is easy to read, coupled with a fast shutter, helps when needing to nail a shot quickly.

Final Thoughts

These are some of my favorite photos that I have taken of my daughter so far. I was excited to share them with you all, and I hope you enjoyed them. Some things to take away, if you are hoping to take photos of your future baby or existing infant on film: Have a camera with fast shutter speeds, film with a high ISO especially indoors, and a nice source of light.

If you have found this article or any of my articles helpful, and would like to support my work, you can make a donation or see the affiliate links below. I also have two zines for sale. Either way, thank you so much for reading.

Until next time, stay motivated and keep shooting.

 

 

Buy a Leica M6 from KEH.com
Kodak Portra Film at KEH
Get 40% off Regular Priced Gear

To Shop for 35mm format film camera on KEH – CLICK HERE
Shop for 35mm format film camera on Ebay – CLICK HERE

To Shop for Medium Format film camera on KEH – CLICK HERE
Shop for Medium Format film camera on Ebay – CLICK HERE

These are affiliate links to KEH Camera, Ebay, and Amazon. Simply purchasing through these links, you’re supporting my work with no additional cost to your purchase. It’s greatly appreciated.

4 thoughts on “Photographing my Daughter Using a Leica

  1. Beautiful pictures Aly.

    Interesting note on the colours of Portra 800. I found they leant greener than the lower ISO Portra offering, but that might be because I do actually shoot 800 at 800, while I regularly take 400 out at 250-200 and 160 out at 100-80. Not for the “pastel tonez”, just because I get a more even exposure usually.

    There are definitely advantages to the Leica and I’m glad you point out that other cameras are available 🙂 I don’t have one but I do have my Contax G1 and when I take it off AF and guesstimate range at f/11 I don’t really go wrong, and it shoots super quickly. The AF on it really is fickle, though, and if you don’t find some high contrast area to focus off, then you can be stuck waiting for days. Literally.

Leave a Reply