Leica Q2: The Perfect Companion

In our latest blog post, Leica Photographer Lee Dobson discusses his connection to the Leica Q2. Lee talks through his projects and the versatility of the Q2 in capturing some of life's beautiful moments. 

Balancing personal and professional photography

Photography to me is about the people, the subject, the emotion and the story. To create a connection, a moment in time, to hold your breath and freeze beautiful, immersive moments. 

Over the past twenty years of working as a professional photography I always have at least one personal project on the go as I feel for some commercial shoots you are shooting for the clients and not your own creative needs. 

I love the balance of doing both because they both complement each other perfectly. Over two decades of working commercially all over the world has helped me fine tune my approach to each and every subject and situation. In my personal work I approach with the sensitivity and human empathy needed to connect with my subject even before I pick up a camera. 

Portrait shot for a healthcare campaign © Lee Dobson 

The Leica Q2 is the perfect companion

My journey to using Leica was a simple choice for me. I wanted to break down the barrier between myself and the subject even more- to be able to create a stronger connection between the viewer and the image. 

I feel that big cameras and lights can be overwhelming for lots of people and the Leica Q2 was a no brainer. It's small and unassuming with bags of resolution. The Q2 gives the best quality and colour science straight out of the camera! 

Street photography with Tanzy (TT Management) in Newcastle © Lee Dobson

First Shoot on the Leica Q2

The first shoot I did with the Q2 I decided to approach Tanzy, a model I had worked with previously, on a commercial shoot. I arranged a date to shoot some street portraits around Newcastle city centre. With nothing pre-planned we met for a coffee and watched as the rain poured down! All I had on me was my Q2- no lights and no reflectors. 

About to shoot with a very experienced globally published model, the little Leica Q2 broke down all barriers and instantly able to connect. A few shots in, amid heavy rain, I showed Tanzy the results on the back of the camera. She was blown away by the raw quality. We walked the streets and shot for a few hours until. 

I always try and convey emotion in my work and the Leica did not disappoint. 

Capturing emotion

I was asked to shoot a beautiful portrait project "Woodhouse Women" in County Durham. This was a very emotional project that required a sensitive approach and the Leica Q2 was the obvious choice. 

To capture the photos I used 1 Elinchrom ELB 1200 balanced with the available light. The work was used for a digital and print exhibition. 

My approach needed to be simple, to get to know my subject and to show what they feel; if only for a brief moment as they open their hearts to the world and tell their story. 

The Woodhouse Woman Project© Lee Dobson

Versatility is key

The best thing about the Q2 is it's simple and natural approach to photography. The below image was shot for a campaign called 'My Big E-Conversation'. I walked onto the shoot with 2 DSLR's and my Q2 slung around my neck. After having a coffee with the lady I was photographing I wanted to keep the connection we had. I started to shoot on the Q2 as we wandered round her garden, shooting glimpses of her life as she paused to reflect. This natural approach helped capture the beauty of the project in a light I haven't seen before.

My Big E-Conversation© Lee Dobson

Macro to landscape

The macro and landscape shots show just how versatile this camera really can be. One minute I am shooting work for a campaign and the next I am where the wild things roam! The Q2 nails every situation you throw at it and has incredibly beautiful results. 

     Wanderings © Lee Dobson    

   Country Durham © Lee Dobson

   Son Harry © Lee Dobson

The most important part of shooting is talking and connecting while the subject forgets the camera is there, giving each image an honest and real feel. I take the Q2 everywhere with me now, to the point I frequently forget I have it. This camera is amazing at capturing real life moments that tell a story.

See more of Lee's photography at https://www.leedobsonphotography.com

Follow Lee at @leedobsonphoto