Portrait on longer lens is "just" a perfectly executed portrait, 28mm gives context and story to that person, feels more natural.

I’ve tried every focal length in the last decade or more but I love the 24 or 28mm focal length because it makes the viewer feel like they are in the scene whilst viewing the portrait which is so important for the image as a whole and creates a feeling of

* A sense of intimacy
* Stronger connection
* The feeling of standing where the photographer stood

What I like about your 28mm portraits: your interacting with your subjects and your subjects are interacting with their environment (i.e. no bokeh).

The thing is that with a 28mm, you include not only the person, but also the natural habitat of that person - and that makes each portrait more unique and interesting.

Hay Paul so happy to hear such an accomplished portrait photographer say the 28mm is hard. I think you are bang on with the fact that you are standing close to your subject and that wide angle pulls us in. When the 28mm hits it does make a striking image and you seem like have a very calm and warm personality so I'm guessing that helps in spades.

I think that the smartphone has paved the way for the ‘acceptance’ of portraits taken with a 28mm lens. People are used to seeing such images and to the sense of intimacy they create. Traditional focal lengths for portraits often seem more distant, or at least are perceived that way nowadays. What’s more, they provide more context for the person in the picture.

Paul, I have been a huge fan of your photography for years now. Having spent time on the streets with you during our workshop has been both inspirational and of course informative. Thank you for placing your thoughts and techniques on video. I look forward to each one.💯

Beautiful portraits as always Paul. I wish I had the kahunas to get up that close to people with a 28mm or even 35mm lens. Kudos to you and The Street Thief for not only having the courage but also the drive and passion to capture them.

As always, fantastic portraits and your editing is amazing as well, Paul. I recall when In fist started, I preferred long focal lengths as I wasn't comfortable being up close to the subjects. I quickly got over that and I've even shot portraits with my 16mm lens now. The viewers do feel like they could literally touch the subject in the portrait. Thanks for sharing your work, it's always an inspiration for me.

Thanks for a great feature and wonderful portraits. The one at 8:14 really stands out to me. I think that we have gotten so accustomed to viewing the world with our iPhones and their standard focal length of roughly 28 mm equivalent. And I don't mind that either. I also shoot an Elmarit 28 mm on my M10 about half the time but tend to cherish the images from my 50 mm Summicron, when it comes to portraits or even my vintage Minolta 45 mm or 50 mm lenses on the M10. Both the 50 mm and 28 mm do include enough of the environment even if blurred to set a scene and put the object in their context. I also like the head and shoulders characteristics of my 75 mm and 90 mm lenses, but in practise use them far less often. Your imagery is truly inspirational Paul, thanks!

Love your portraits.  I’ve enjoyed shooting portraits with both the Q2M and currently the Q3M immensely.  My level of satisfaction is pretty consistent.  I also enjoy doing architectural, and travel photography, along with contemplative photography. Shadow and light are major themes for me.  Truth be told, I photograph whatever catches my eye.  The tonal  range on these cameras is exquisite!  

I would like to add that what I enjoy most about your reviews of the Q2 and Q3 Monochrom cameras is your commitment to these cameras in your work flow.  A few years back your videos got me interested in the Q2 Monochrom, I bought the camera and the rest is history.  You share a genuine experience, not a quick review of your first impressions.  Most camera reviews out there remain shallow in that regard, so kudos to you for sharing your genuine experience.  This is a quality terribly missing with most camera reviews.  Thank you!

Hello Paul
Toujours aussi beaux vos N&B ❤❤📷📷🙏🙏

The lens on the Q is just amazing. I only had the original Q before I switched to an M and while I love my 28mm lens, its definitely not the same crisp detail I remember from the Q.

Spectacular photos as usual. Just great. Thanks.

Thx for the Video 🙏 Just preordered your Book. Love your work.

Dominating, PR. Lovely stuff.

I love the IQ here, great shots too. I met a guy who’d sold his gear to shoot weddings exclusively with the Q2M. Bold move but I can kind of see why.

Cool video

Hi Paul. I was going to ask you the question about sending your book. I’m eagerly waiting to discover your beautiful photos my friend. JB from France.

the 28mm versions, in particular on that optimized for monochrom sensors, seem to mimic the so called "medium format look"