alan frost photography

Photographic workflow – Part 2 ….. Image Capture ….. and why I chose to buy a Leica Q3

*Former church of Holy Trinity at Turner’s Puddle – now redundant*

I am sure that anyone reading this could write their own book about image capture, I know I could, so in this second entry which follows Part One – ‘Seeking Inspiration’, I shall briefly address my way of capturing a scene. This will not cover every aspect of my way of working but is more of an overview of the key methods I adopt before releasing the shutter. It might also help explain why I recently decided to buy a Leica Q3.

Principally I will be referring to my landscape photography as other genres – church interiors for example – require a different approach which I might cover at a later date.

First and foremost I consider myself to be quite a spontaneous photographer. Although I will go out specifically with the intention of making images I don’t often plan to capture a particular view or arrive at a location when the light will be at its most favourable. I would far rather wander around the countryside and respond to a scene, the light or a particular composition which appeals to me and draws my eye. Nor do I get up to be out before the dawn or stay out until well past the blue hour. I am a daytime photographer – which suits my lifestyle and the images I am trying to make. In summary I like to document the rural nature of the places close to my home.

Call me impatient but I won’t stay in one place for very long. In other words I won’t wait for the sun to move round or for clouds to shift in the sky. If the conditions aren’t right then I’ll simply move along and look forward to finding another scene to photograph. I do sometimes criticise myself for not slowing down but it’s how I am and it’s why I like to travel light. Always having a camera with me allows me to capture an image which might be missed.

For this reason I rarely use a tripod. In fact if I am out walking in the landscape it’s the last piece of equipment I will pack – I know it will not get used. I am not a lover of zoom lenses either. I much prefer using prime lenses but choosing which ones to take with me can be tricky. If I can choose only one lens then for years my default and arguably my favourite lens is the 50mm or ‘nifty fifty’, but it does have its limitations. So I then start to think do I need to pack something wider and or longer as well? The added weight plus the inconvenience of repeatedly changing lenses can be frustrating – but perhaps I am just being lazy!

Ever since 2012 when I purchased a second hand Leica Monochrom, I have largely remained loyal to the Leica brand albeit with a more recent foray into the world of Fujifilm with the purchase of a Fujifilm XT3 and Fujifilm X100v. As much as I liked these excellent cameras they have never replaced my love of Leica and in particular their wonderful prime lenses, which I really enjoy shooting wide open for creative effect. Until a few weeks ago my camera of choice was the Leica SL2S.

If you are interested you might like to read these two posts –

Switching from Leica to Fujifilm …… well not exactly

From Leica to Fujifilm and now back to Leica …. Why?

So why Leica and what camera settings do I use? I like to remain in complete control of the exposure and focus. It’s not that I don’t trust being on auto this or auto that, but I would rather take a little more time to adjust the shutter speed, aperture and ISO myself as well as focusing manually. I appreciate that almost any camera will allow me to do this, but the Leica SL2S makes it so easy for me. Perhaps its my familiarity with the camera controls coupled with a degree of muscle memory.

The manual focus only prime lenses are a joy to use. They have a dedicated aperture ring and a depth of field scale on the lens. The manual focus ring is not fly by wire and a quarter turn will take the focus from infinity to the closest distance. It’s mechanical and beautifully tactile and it just works. The Leica camera menu is intuitive, straightforward and far from complicated. Sorry Fuji but I have never got my head round all your menu settings.

I mentioned earlier that I rarely ever use a tripod. Weight and inconvenience aside I like to compose a shot with complete freedom. Raising or lowering the camera at will, moving my feet to the left or right, or getting closer or further away from the subject to get the view I want. I check my settings, focus and press the shutter. I often shoot wide open so I am usually working with a high shutter speed so camera shake is never really an issue. The SL2S has in-body image stabilisation so shutter speed is rarely an issue to achieve a sharp image. If I do want to shoot in a semi-automatic mode then I will usually choose aperture priority, adjusting the speed or ISO to suit. Controlling the depth of field and the main point of focus is a priority once I have dialled in the exposure. I’ll use the digital zoom to double check my focus if necessary. I can use ‘focus peaking’ but the viewfinder is so sharp and clear I don’t find it’s required.

Filters and do I use them? I have a collection of filters, a polarizor, neutral density and graduated filters (hard and soft) all of which I will very occasionally use but I treat them rather as I do the tripod. They can get in the way of spontaneity. Once again if I slowed down and took more time over capturing each image then I think they would get more use. They definitely have their place in photography but not always in my camera bag. This is true only because modern sensors can now capture a broad dynamic range and the hybrid mechanical/electronic shutter negate the need for ND filters, even when shooting in bright conditions with a fast aperture.

As I am a monochrome worker I will always have the screen set to give me a black and white preview of the picture I am taking so that I can an idea of tones etc. I have to give credit to Fuji with all their in-built film styles, including many excellent options for monochrome, but I shoot RAW and will always process the image and never use the JPEG straight out of camera. I’ll cover this aspect of my workflow in Part three. I always use the histogram to make sure the highlights aren’t blown. The level gauge and something called perspective control are also very helpful if you have converging verticals which you want to correct during processing.

Explaining all of the above brings me onto my recent purchase of a Leica Q3….. the version with a fixed 28mm lens, not the recently announced Q3 43, which has a fixed 43mm lens. I mentioned earlier that I had a Fuji X100v which I bought back in 2020. A highly regarded camera, but I always found the 23mm (35mm in full frame terms) to never be quite wide enough when I didn’t want to use my 50mm lens. Whilst compact and lightweight I almost found it too small to be reassuring to use. The Leica SL2S is quite a hefty beast but being quite large and very solid is to me much more comfortable to use.

So I decided I might sell my X100v and did some research into the Q3 as a replacement. I soon found a number of nearly new examples for sale at a much lower price than brand new. It’s far from being cheap to buy, as with anything made by Leica, so any saving is worthwhile. I didn’t take very long to make up my mind.

I have to say the Q3 is not really that compact, the lens is bulky, particularly when compared to the X100v which will readily fit inside a coat pocket. However it shares most if not all the things I like about the SL2S and has some other benefits which are lacking on the SL. The camera controls are very similar, the lens just feels like any other M mount prime lens. It has a maximum aperture of f1.7 which even on a 28mm lens can give me a very shallow depth of field in certain situations. It also has a macro facility which is quickly enabled by turning another ring on the lens. Like all Leica lenses the quality and sharpness is outstanding. Yes it’s larger and heavier than the X100v but to me it feels more like a scaled down version of the SL2S, so it instantly felt comfortable in the hand. Having made the switch I did add a thumb grip, soft release and I will probably add a hand grip as well, all of which I had on the Fuji.

*Various images of my newly acquired Leica Q3*

The menu system on the Q3 is very similar to the SL2S, so I can switch between cameras without having to think too much about what I am doing. Just like the X100v it has an articulated screen, which is something I miss on the SL. It has in-body image stabilisation, is weather proof and for the few weeks I have owned the camera it is already proving to be a delight to use.

I am greatly enjoying the challenge of using a 28mm lens as opposed to the 50mm. It’s opening up new creative compositions. Finally I should mention the 60mp sensor which is quite superb and offers the following crop modes of 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm. Even at 50mm it’s providing me with a 18.9mp file – The Leica SL2S has a 24mp sensor by way of comparison and I have never been disappointed with the images it captures. In fact I have always considered 24mp to be something of a sweet-spot. Turning the clock back my Leica M Monochrom had a 18mp sensor, so for convenience when I only want to carry one camera I feel very at ease using the crop mode on the Q3.

So in conclusion I hope this has given you an insight into my approach to image capture when I’m out in the landscape. My purchase of the Leica Q3 is a great companion for the SL2S. I can take it anywhere and given time may get more use than the SL and the ‘nifty fifty’.

All of the monochrome images in this entry were captured with the Q3, as indeed were the images in the first post in this series. They were all captured during a single walk not far from my home.

Photographic workflow – Part 1 ….. Seeking inspiration

*Out and about on the Throop Loop walk close to my home.*
*More images from this walk feature in this post.*

This is the first post in a short series in which I aim to describe my photographic workflow from the very beginnings to the final print. In this post I will write about how to find inspiration. Future posts will cover image capture, my editing process and lastly making the print.

At the start of this year I made a pledge that I would put more effort into making new work and to immerse myself into this great creative hobby which I and so many people enjoy. However if you lack inspiration or enthusiasm this has to change.

I guess we all go through periods when our desire to be creative wanes, and when this happens we need to find fresh inspiration that encourages us to pick up a camera and seek out new subjects or different ways to make photographs. If you have been making images for many years this can prove problematic. It’s all too easy to fall into a rut and think; ‘I have photographed that scene before’ or ‘I simply can’t be bothered to make the effort to go out – the weather is against me and the light isn’t right.’ All valid reasons but I believe they can be overcome by a fresh dose of inspiration.

I can only speak for myself but I find I am inspired in a number of ways.

I will often begin by going to my collection of photo books, selecting a few from the shelf and from there I start thumbing through the pages with a decent cup of coffee for company. I read about the photographer, their approach, thought process, technique and perhaps most importantly studying their photographs. And when I say study I don’t mean flicking quickly from one page to the next, as we do when scrolling through images on Instagram, but actually taking time to really look into the image. I look at the choice of subject depicted; its composition; how line, texture, form and contrast have been used to enhance the image and how these elements assist the narrative or feel of the picture. In other words ‘what can I learn’ from images made by photographers whose work I admire and which gives me pleasure.

*The Recent Past by James Ravilious and A Life a biography by his wife*
*Robin Ravilious*

In the past few weeks I have been revisiting the books I have by James Ravilious, Chris Chapman, Chris Tancock, Fay Godwin and Don McCullin (his landscapes). These five photographers all work in monochrome and the first three could be all be described as rural documentary photographers. Their images typically capture a way of life in the countryside and this appeals to me greatly. Their work often includes people which are nearly always absent in my photographs but I like to think I am recording or documenting the countryside around where I live.

*Wild Goose and Riddon by Chris Chapman*

*Land and Our Forbidden Land both by Fay Godwin*

Alongside books I find inspiration from watching YouTube videos about these and other like minded photographers. There are of course very many excellent photographers who are making a good living being full time YouTubers, but all too often in my view their formulaic approach to their craft is more about gaining likes and subscribers to boost their channel. I can’t blame them but endless gear reviews, visits to honeypot locations and well worn ‘how to do this, and how to do that’, is fine upto a point but this type of video isn’t for me. I am more interested in films, talks or interviews with and about the photographers that inspire me. They are fewer in number but I find them very interesting and inspiring even when I have watched them before.

A selection of videos which you might find interesting.

A documentary presented by Chris Chapman regarding his friendship with James Ravilious made in 2022 – duration 24 minutes.

A documentary about Fay Godwin – duration 49 minutes

A film about Chris Tancock – duration 12 minutes

Don McCullin – The Stillness of Life – duration 8 minutes

I haven’t bought a photo magazine for years but I used to subscribe to Black and White Photography Magazine and still have a pile of them which I will occasionally pick up and read. Much of the imagery isn’t to my liking but some of the articles have a value and are worth re-visiting.

*A pile of Black and White Photography magazines*

I have yet to discover many podcasts which make me want to listen on a regular basis. I would however highly recommend Lenswork an online photography magazine by Brooks Jenson. Almost without exception every day he broadcasts ‘Here’s a thought’ – This example called ‘Take a Risk’ was published just a few days ago on the 22nd February. It lasts about 6 minutes and is well worth a listen.

Inspiration can also be found by being in the company of other photographers or artists. I haven’t been a member of a camera club for many years, and I rarely participate in workshops. Almost without exception the period following a workshop has kick started my desire to pick up a camera and start shooting. This was certainly the case when I attended a retreat towards the end of last year run by Paul Sanders, my first workshop for many years. Paul gave me new ideas, guidance and encouragement. A confidence booster which we all need from time to time. You can read more about my experience here.

I don’t like to mention it but it’s true to say that the purchase of new equipment will virtually guarantee and inspire us to take photographs. A new camera, lens, tripod, camera bag or simply a new accessory will get the shutter release button working again. New gear often isn’t necessary of course but if it inspires new work then what’s wrong with that? I have been guilty of treating myself to new equipment on more than one occasion, and I shall revisit the topic of equipment in Part 2 of this series – Image Capture.

There are other situations which help inspire the desire to make photographs. Being on holiday or travelling and exploring a location which you haven’t visited before is an obvious one. There are though limits on how far and how often. Time and finances are both limiting factors. As an outdoor photographer a favourable weather forecast for the next day might be all you the encouragement you need to pack the camera bag and head out. Mist or fog, the promise of snowfall, a stormy day down at the coast or simply the chance of good light and interesting cloud formations can all inspire.

There may be other situations which will inspire us to pick up a camera knowing it could help improve one’s mood. Certain ‘life or work events’ which cause stress and anxiety can prove to be all the inspiration necessary. Being outdoors and taking photographs is an excellent antidote for stress. It is well recognised that exercise whilst experiencing nature is beneficial to our health and general state of mind.

Lastly I believe that when we make new images which we like and enjoy, this very act will inspire us to try and repeat the exercise and make more pictures which we are happy with. Success breeds success you might say. These images don’t have to be liked or critically acclaimed by others; although positve feedback does help of course. It can be quite sufficient to make images which please the creator and the creator alone.

I liken this to when I used to be a regular golfer many years ago. I could have a dreadful round, spraying the ball all over the place, but if I struck one decent shot or holed a long putt then I would look forward to the next time I played. This analogy is no different to the small number of pleasing images on a memory card which is full of pictures just waiting in anticipation for the delete key to be pressed.

*The river Piddle looking towards the farm at Turners Puddle*

These are all forms of inspiration which I find helpful. Some are more tangible than others but they have all been of benefit to me recently or in the past.

It perhaps goes without saying that the photographers I have chosen to feature are my particular favourites and you will have own preferences but the principle remains the same. I also have no doubt that you will have your own ideas on where and how you find inspiration and any thoughts you may have would be welcomed in the comments section.

In the meantime I am inspired to make new work and I have been doing so recently.

I have included a small collection of recent images made on a walk which I call the Throop Loop. A regular circular walk which is quite close to my home. There are familiar sights aplenty but the eye soon learns to see and discover new compositions when inspired to do so.

*Seek and you will find – a finger post on the Throop Loop*

Not being hamstrung at Hamworthy ….. having fun for the sake of it

Sometimes I get hamstrung by the type of images I think I should be making. I am very aware that it can be limiting just to photograph my preferred subjects or feel I should only be working on the various photo projects I have underway. As a consequence the pure fun of just being out and about and capturing what I see, irrespective of genre or purpose, is rather liberating. Without the constraints of needing to fulfill a particular brief or objective, I am instantly reminded of why this is such a wonderful and enjoyable creative hobby.

This selection of six images were all shot last week at Hamworthy in Poole on the Dorset coast. The sun and blue skies made a rare winter appearance and I simply took the opportunity of making a few images of scenes that appealed to me.

The strong light and subject matter were arguably outside my usual comfort zone. The pictures don’t form part of an ongoing project. They are purely black and white images captured and made for the pleasure of doing so.

I was having fun and isn’t that what really matters?

A countryside wander around Winterborne Kingston

Grey, cold, and damp….. a typical Winter’s day in the south of England. Despite these conditions I very much enjoy wandering around the countryside, and in particular photographing the various farm buildings I encounter. They hold a certain fascination and are often in a state of disrepair. It’s a subject I keep returning to, and I don’t imagine this ever changing. The combination of a walk in the Dorset landscape with a camera for company is always a pleasure irrespective of the weather; although warm, waterproof clothing and a good pair of walking boots are a requirement.

The walk began and ended at the church of St Nicholas in Winterborne Kingston. A fine display of snowdrops reminded me that Spring isn’t so very far away.

Telephone boxes ….. project planning and research gets underway

*Outside the Post Office, Cheap Street in Sherborne*

It’s a little over a week since I posted my first entry on the topic of photographing telephone boxes. Documenting them, their uses and their place in the environment. I was quite excited then and I am even more excited and motivated today.

I have already spent quite a lot of time giving consideration to how this project might evolve, and whilst I have some parameters in mind, I don’t want to restrict myself too much too soon. I want to maintain flexibility in my approach and just see where this initial concept takes me.

What I have decided is that I would like to share not only the images but also the process with you. Explaining my ideas, and providing answers to some of the questions which are raised. It helps me to write down my thoughts and it may help you if you are also considering embarking on a photographic project. I don’t consider myself to be an expert but I hope you will find it interesting and maybe useful.

Initial Planning and Research

One of the many appealing aspects of this project is the number of boxes in existence in my home county of Dorset in the UK. Not as many as there once where of course, but that’s why I want to tell their story before they all but disappear. In order to find phone boxes to photograph I could jump in my car and aimlessly drive around hoping to stumble across them, but that would be very wasteful of fuel, time and almost certainly lead to considerable frustration.

Fortunately a quick internet search coupled with Google Street View can provide me with a lot of information. Without stepping out of the door I can sit in the warmth and comfort of my home and ‘travel’ around the county, and that’s exactly what I have been doing this past week.

When I find the site of a box I record it on My Google Maps, placing a coloured pin in the exact location. Changing the colour of the pin I can readily identify which locations I have been to and which ones I still need to visit. When I say the exact location, I mean precisely that. From a photographic perspective I need to know which side of the road the box is sited and establish the likely angle of view so that I can time my visit according to where the sun is will be in the sky . To date I have already identified 56 locations but some have much more photographic appeal than others, so I will select those which I believe have the most promise. I have used My Maps in the past and I like the fact that you can click on a pin and add notes as well as images which serve as a useful source of reference.

Street View is an extraordinary tool, but I use it with caution, as it cannot be relied upon 100% of the time. Whilst searching I found a box near the Sandbanks ferry at Studland. It stood adjacent to the sand dunes. A great subject to photograph but unfortunately when I dug a little deeper I established the box had been removed back in 2020. Arrrghh!…..but it did save me a lengthy round trip. It also served as a reminder that these boxes will not always be part of the landscape and will over time be consigned to the history of this country.

*The box near the Studland Ferry prior to its removal in 2020*

Two new images

My wife and I visited the town of Sherborne earlier this week so I took the opportunity to make a couple of images of the two boxes outside the Post Office in Cheap Street. The first is at the top of this page. It also appears in the Google Street View of the same location, but without all the pavement works. Although a rather chaotic scene I enjoy all the various street furniture and the disruption caused by the works taking place.

The second image (shown below) depicts the box which now houses a defibrillator. In this picture I like the inclusion of the person carrying her bag with ‘Love Books, Love Reading’. It adds another level of interest.

*The second box by the Post Office in Sherborne*

These two images are very different to those I included in the first post. Those were rural in nature but they do contrast well with the town locations. I am already quite clear in my mind that I want the project not to be just a collection of photographs of phone boxes – not record shots in other words – but images which incorporate the surrounding environment. If there is to be a story there needs to be context and if this includes a human element to broaden the narrative then all well and good.

I don’t need to put a definitive name to this work at such an early stage but I consider it helps to call it something. The Telephone Box Project is something of a mouthful, so I thought the Phone Box Story had more appeal and I can abbreviate this to PBS which I think has a rather nice ‘ring, ring’ to it! Apologies for this terrible joke but I’ll stick with the ‘Phone Box Story’ and it’s shortened version of ‘PBS’ for the foreseeable future.

There are plenty of thoughts and ideas running through my brain right now so I anticipate posting a further update soon.

Do comment on any aspect of this project, I would welcome your feedback.