Along with Victorian Photography, we also love film and vintage lenses. By “Vintage” we mean lenses built 50 or more years ago. We use modern digital cameras with adapters to mount the old lenses. One of our favorite vintage lenses is the Helios 44. The optical design and glass used in the Helios gives amazing character and beautiful rendering in a portrait.
Madeline posed for tintype portraits in an 1860’s warehouse (images coming soon) but we also had some time for Helios 44 portraits. The portrait above is a classic Helios rendering. The window lights glow in the background and surround her with a beautiful haze.
But the Helios can also give a much sharper rendering if the aperture is closed down a little bit. These two photos have a lot more clarity and contrast but still give a beautiful light and color.
About Madeline – she discovered Hoop dance nine years ago which unlocked the vast world of flow arts, transforming what started as a hobby into a dream career by founding the Cloud Nine Fire Show in May of 2023. Through the grace of silk fans, the glow of LED props, the power of Fire, and the endless possibilities of flow, Madeline aims to inspire others to find healing in motion, tap into the flow state, and to always reach for what makes them feel truly alive.
Cloud Nine’s mission to elevate the vast world of Flow Arts by creating vibrant performances, providing Flow Arts education for surrounding communities, and by cultivating a welcoming space for both emerging and experienced artists.
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We hope you enjoy the full Helios set!
