Earlier this year I treated myself to a really nice lens for my Lumix. After looking through the various lens offerings, the Leica Summilux line of high-end M43 lenses really stuck out. I was particularly attracted to the Summilux 25mm/1.4 II and eventually bit the bullet. While I was really after the nifty fifty focal length, the lens is also touted as an ideal portrait lens thanks to its wide 1.4 aperture. Although I've taken the lens out for occasional photo walks, I decided to get my tripod out and practice taking my own portrait. I spent a couple of afternoons around home finding different settings and thought I'd share my experience being the main subject of my own photos. 

This sequence was inspired by this mirror I'd recently thrifted and hung in our bedroom. These were off the cuff, and I wasn't wearing my contacts or glasses, so gauging the focus and exposure took a lot of trial and error. This was by far the most challenging sequence, but it's also the one that evokes a sense of accomplishment in me. 

The bokeh in these shots made me want to play with the layers in the photo. In these I'm holding up the small potted lavender plant I keep out on our balcony. I was after a pop of color and I'd say the purple accomplishes that. 

I decided to hold a bouquet of dried flowers as I didn't know what to do with my hands.

Despite the focus and distracting nail color, this is one of my favorite shots.

I wanted to try this top-down angle, but the ground was quite uneven. Though I trust my tripod, I was too apprehensive to keep my camera in such a precarious position for much longer.

Recreating the photos from the day prior. Despite it being redundant, I like it.

This was my first attempt at being my own subject and I genuinely enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. setting up my tripod, posing, and figuring things out on my own were challenges I'd never really faced before. I'm looking forward to my next burst of inspiration to have another portrait session.

Camera: Panasonic Lumix G95

Lens: Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 II

Processed in Lightroom