Tip #8 The golden hour is for color. In b/w photography, you want the opposite. Be out at midday, when you have bright highlights from streaming sunlight and dark shadows present. Those stark contrasts promote form where b/w film shines. You can get good reflections on windows during daylight hours that would be transparent at night. Tip #9 Although digital software corrects lighting issues in camera, if you are using actual film, you can greatly improve contrast of sky, foliage, even brick buildings with color filters. Instead of blown out skies, you can see moody, even stormy looking skies with orange or red toned lenses. You can create some really dramatic effects. Blue filters can bring out the texture of aged hands or faces in a close up. A yellow helps cut those skin blemishes if you want to soften a complexion.
Reading your comment took me back to the Film Reel Era Thanks ! it was wonderful to shoot not knowing how the developed result will look after the dark room process ! And I have used Color Grad Filters those days on Skies as you have described above. Wonderful comment and thanks for the extra 2 Tips ! ( Specially #8)
@@850Tech Glad you liked it. I too miss that mysterious outcome, where you had to preplan every shot. Digital removes that step and you can just reshoot until you get the results you like. But, it’s a crutch that can fail you when those magic, once-in-a-lifetime moments happen. It can remove that creative process that makes you a photographer and not just an extension of a machine.
@@francisco5434I got that one too often in my composition, regarding editing. I find I rely adjusting my crop in post vs nailing in in the field more than I’d like. Thanks for the info, great tips!
0:21 #1 Shoot b/w on purpose 0:48 #2 Focus on what makes b/w interesting 1:25 #3 Adapt to your light situation 2:12 #4 Make good use of your environment 2:45 #5 Capture a good range of contrast 3:24 #6 Change perspective 4:09 #7 Edit wisely
You probably dont care at all but does any of you know a way to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot my account password. I would love any tips you can give me.
@Lennox Travis thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
I just had to suffer through the stupidity of people who claim to love Ansel Adams yet believe photography is only what is done in camera with no developing. Ansel Adams said that the camera is for composers and the dark room is for conductors.
Understanding Ansel Adams' 'Zone System' is what really made photography easier for me. I hear other photographers say you can't have clipping because there's no detail in absolute black or white, but it's that clipping that will clear your image of the dreaded grey fog.
The "editing" is the digital equivalent of processing film and prints. It is as necessary to the process of digital photography as photographic chemicals and enlargers are to film-based photography. If you eschew the use of digital editing software, you are confining yourself to what came out of the camera. Ansel Adams never thought his images were "complete" by merely tripping the shutter and then using standard processing. His "Moonrise: Hernandez, New Mexico" wasn't as it was shot. Every photographer who ever had control over the processing of his film and prints always applied some degree of "manipulation" either in the enlarger or the developer tray. I've been doing photography since 1971, when I was a photo lab technician. The camera is only the beginning. The final image, whether on film or a digital sensor, requires processing, which is the final stage of the process of photography. Think of your software as an enlarger and developer. Too many people think of "Photoshop" whenever digital "editing" is mentioned.
I have never seen a better 5 minute lesson that if followed can give years of improvement. I set one of my Fujifilm bodies to permanent B&W, and go out to ONLY shoot mono with it. It really changes the way you "see" when you don't keep switching with color.
Excellent video. My additional tip is go to the same place at different times of day on different days. Sometimes, it can completely change the look of the place
Water is outstanding, rain, raindrops, puddles, reflections, still water, ripples, bird baths, it’s endless. Just imagine not being able to see color, now imagine what the image would be like if you could and someone described the color to you
his photos are simply mind-blowing, and this video gave me the energy to go out and shoot, even though im living in a place where street photography is harder to do than other places.
So many pro photogs say never shoot in B&W because you can make any color photo b&w. I completely disagree, just as he says...seeing the world in b&w is so different than seeing it in color. Great tips!
Tip #8: Frame within the frame. Or the so-called "sub-framing." It doesn't only make the photo more interesting, it also helps improve your composition. As a beginner in this art form, this is the style that I have applied to my photos which also helped me get better at composing my images.
Plain speaking and great advice. I like the tip about editing being the varnish on a well made table. If the photo isn’t there to start with forget it. So many great B&W film photographers (eg. Angel Adams, Brassaï, Henri Cartier-Bresson) used their intuitive skill to nail their shots knowing there was barely any headroom left for editing the image during the processing. There is a debate which interests me about ‘processing your picture to achieve success’ versus ‘the impact of a shot as it appears in reality’. In other words you can process the life out of a shot if you ain’t careful! But I like Alan’s approach since it’s not that complicated and makes perfect sense.
Good video. I'm so happy that No. 1 is what it is. I get very tired of internet-forum 'experts 'telling everyone to just shoot everything in raw and decide what to do with the file in post. They don't realise that they are broadcasting their total lack of artistic vision to anyone who has some idea what photography (and art in general) is really about.
This was extremely well stated. Even just the first tip alone is super important. I've been hesitant to shoot in B/W since I don't really understand it and was worried I'd end up with bad shots. But clearly, the only way to get better at it is to go all in.
He is my inspiration... been following his style for 3 years now, suddenly i am finding myself going through these tips again for the fact that his photography has been so captivating for me...
My #1 Tip: Shoot as if you’re shooting on film in 1980 and no photo editing software exists. Too many rely on photo editing to replace fundamental skills and artistic vision. When I (and everyone else) shoot film, I tend to really think about composition and lighting much more than when shooting digital and subsequently my “keeper” rate is much higher than when I shoot digital. Digital is great but knowing that I can review what I just shot and then retake the photo on the spot takes the urgency away from really thinking BEFORE I shoot. Just my 2 cents.
Photos were edited in 1980 - and before! We used techniques in the darkroom to burn and shade, different grades of paper and other techniques. You can't do it all in the camera.
@@awpqq my point was meant to encourage thinking about what makes a great shot instead of just firing away thinking the shot can be “made great” in post processing. But there IS a reason why my keeper rate is much higher when I shoot film and that’s because I contemplate each shot much more than when I shoot digital.
Wonderful photos. The best. Will try to schedule one of the London walks. If I can add a tip, wait for fortuitous things to happen. Some scenes seem boring - two people eating dinner in a cafe -- until suddenly one of them will make a wild gesture. You need to be ready and watching for it. And always have your camera with you. When you run across a fortuitous situation, stop what you're doing and start shooting.
I would only add something that he showed but didn't comment. That is print the photos that you like! It is important and at the same time very satisfying to look at your pictures on paper.
Really interesting! I liked so much. My tip: Shot B&W film. Fixed Iso, fixed Lens and what day brings to you. Don't loose time looking menus and fotos already taken. Shot and go for the next.
as someone who hated black and white when i first started 5 years ago to now me only wanting to shoot in black and white this was very helpful and i will be looking more into Alan’s work
I'd also like to add that I identify with your example pictures. They "are what they are". No need for any explanation - which is faithful to the Street genre. Well done!
For better street and candid photos of strangers, not looking like a creep helps tremendously. Alan’s grooming, attention to his attire, appearance and manners make him appear gentlemanly and non threatening. Given the same skills, talent and Leica, I don’t believe a poorly groomed hygienically deficient slob in disheveled clothing with an abrasive personality would produce images nearly as stunning as Alan.
Very eloquent and clear, great advice and some great advice in the comments. On grey days I do prefer black and white, being the UK you get those a lot. For people I prefer black and white, not sure why, maybe the lack of disraction by the removal of colour.
Seeing this for the second time now - a very welcome exception to all the tech blabla and endless new model testing here on YT. Alan, you give great advice. And then you always DELIVER. Not one mediocre pic here. So what is my advice after many years of photography (I'm 63)? Use the best camera: the TALENT 2020 from LEIJIKON! ;-))). And your EYES. This way, you don't have to buy ultra-expensive stuff like the Monochrome. Just use a good 35mm or 50mm lens (the one for my Nikon came at under 150,-€) - then THINK for 10 minutes. And then start.
I do a bit of Street -mostly with my iPhone which is super - occasionally my old M8 . This photographer produces some lovely work ! I have some nice photos different but none as beautifully created as this photographer! His comments are totally correct - especially what he said about editing - this is where a lot of Post Processing Savy photographers go wrong - you can so easily overwork images in post !
I watch a lot of b&h videos and after seeing this dude's I've been thinking about it a lot. He makes street photography look really interesting. I've never really been interested in it. Just lately I've been thinking more about black and white but the people who say it's for making boring color pictures more interesting. Getting so tired of the passive aggressive stupidity in the photography world. This dude uses shadows really well and I'm always bringing out details in shadows rather than fully embracing the hard dark shadow. I also like his use of 20mm. It's a really interesting focal length.
Great tips from a practical, and skillful professional. My two cents: Just do it! Don't overcomplicate your camera setup, lens configuration, or your editing process. Personally, I use the X100V because of its fixed lens. I choose a film simulation that I like and simply go with the flow, never editing my work. This is my version of street photography.
Tip #8 The golden hour is for color. In b/w photography, you want the opposite. Be out at midday, when you have bright highlights from streaming sunlight and dark shadows present. Those stark contrasts promote form where b/w film shines. You can get good reflections on windows during daylight hours that would be transparent at night.
Tip #9 Although digital software corrects lighting issues in camera, if you are using actual film, you can greatly improve contrast of sky, foliage, even brick buildings with color filters. Instead of blown out skies, you can see moody, even stormy looking skies with orange or red toned lenses. You can create some really dramatic effects. Blue filters can bring out the texture of aged hands or faces in a close up. A yellow helps cut those skin blemishes if you want to soften a complexion.
Reading your comment took me back to the Film Reel Era Thanks ! it was wonderful to shoot not knowing how the developed result will look after the dark room process ! And I have used Color Grad Filters those days on Skies as you have described above. Wonderful comment and thanks for the extra 2 Tips ! ( Specially #8)
@@850Tech Glad you liked it. I too miss that mysterious outcome, where you had to preplan every shot. Digital removes that step and you can just reshoot until you get the results you like.
But, it’s a crutch that can fail you when those magic, once-in-a-lifetime moments happen. It can remove that creative process that makes you a photographer and not just an extension of a machine.
@@francisco5434 very true
Thanks!! Tha is a great tip!!
@@francisco5434I got that one too often in my composition, regarding editing. I find I rely adjusting my crop in post vs nailing in in the field more than I’d like. Thanks for the info, great tips!
This was fantastic! No long intros, no babbling on, your just gave us what you advertised.
Easily the best RUclips video I've felt I've seen in years.
A well edited vid. Straight to the point.
True.
as cooph usually does, straight to the point with practical tips avoiding annoyng blabla, great video !
Hate babblers
0:21 #1 Shoot b/w on purpose
0:48 #2 Focus on what makes b/w interesting
1:25 #3 Adapt to your light situation
2:12 #4 Make good use of your environment
2:45 #5 Capture a good range of contrast
3:24 #6 Change perspective
4:09 #7 Edit wisely
You probably dont care at all but does any of you know a way to get back into an instagram account??
I somehow forgot my account password. I would love any tips you can give me.
@Dariel Kenneth instablaster :)
@Lennox Travis thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm.
I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Lennox Travis It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thank you so much, you saved my account :D
@Dariel Kenneth happy to help =)
Editing is varnish that finishes the table. I'm a woodworker too, this is a clear metaphor for me. Thanks.
"'this is a clear ... " Actually it might be amber in some cases.
Then there are some really creative people who build a whole image in Photoshop.
I just had to suffer through the stupidity of people who claim to love Ansel Adams yet believe photography is only what is done in camera with no developing. Ansel Adams said that the camera is for composers and the dark room is for conductors.
Great metaphor.
Yep. Rubbish in, rubbish out.
This guy is sick. One of the best on instagram. Thank you
That's what we think!
One of the best, period, always an inspiration to me
Forget IG, follow Alan on Flickr to view his work in high resolution and chronological order: www.flickr.com/photos/alanschaller
I'd like to see his editing tips. Can't find anything on Alan's editing techniques.
@@kociasek people dont give a shit of high resolution. Forget Flickr its dead
Understanding Ansel Adams' 'Zone System' is what really made photography easier for me. I hear other photographers say you can't have clipping because there's no detail in absolute black or white, but it's that clipping that will clear your image of the dreaded grey fog.
That’s a very nice perspective.
The "editing" is the digital equivalent of processing film and prints. It is as necessary to the process of digital photography as photographic chemicals and enlargers are to film-based photography. If you eschew the use of digital editing software, you are confining yourself to what came out of the camera. Ansel Adams never thought his images were "complete" by merely tripping the shutter and then using standard processing. His "Moonrise: Hernandez, New Mexico" wasn't as it was shot. Every photographer who ever had control over the processing of his film and prints always applied some degree of "manipulation" either in the enlarger or the developer tray. I've been doing photography since 1971, when I was a photo lab technician. The camera is only the beginning. The final image, whether on film or a digital sensor, requires processing, which is the final stage of the process of photography. Think of your software as an enlarger and developer. Too many people think of "Photoshop" whenever digital "editing" is mentioned.
but how is the best way to learn?
@@amb8405 shoot with RAW, processing to BW Jpeg
@@amb8405by having the camera, reading, RUclips videos.
process to Jpeg?
Than wtf u talking about
Finally!! A photographer that goes right to the point on his tips. His work is just awesome!!
I have never seen a better 5 minute lesson that if followed can give years of improvement.
I set one of my Fujifilm bodies to permanent B&W, and go out to ONLY shoot mono with it. It really changes the way you "see" when you don't keep switching with color.
Bw more depth
Excellent video. My additional tip is go to the same place at different times of day on different days. Sometimes, it can completely change the look of the place
This man is my favorite street photographer of all time! I have been following his work for years
Brilliant. No fluff, straight to the point and very useful tips.
Finally... someone with excellent tips and brilliant shots to back his ideas. Just perfect.
There's no such thing as bad light. Thank you for that! ❤️🙏
Alan Schaller is my favorite photographer. His work is iconic. He is an inspiration. Thank you for making this video.
And he is master of the b/w dogs!
I cant believe hes the same age as me. I always think of him as some older artistic icon. It must be his genius coming through
Water is outstanding, rain, raindrops, puddles, reflections, still water, ripples, bird baths, it’s endless. Just imagine not being able to see color, now imagine what the image would be like if you could and someone described the color to you
his photos are simply mind-blowing, and this video gave me the energy to go out and shoot, even though im living in a place where street photography is harder to do than other places.
The analogy of editing as varnish on a well made table is spot-on!
I take street photos with my Olympus EM 10 Mark II and an adapted Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm f1,8 and it´s a great thing. Thank you for your tips!
Your photos are FANTASTIC. It's so great to hear tips from someone who is producing amazing work.
So many pro photogs say never shoot in B&W because you can make any color photo b&w. I completely disagree, just as he says...seeing the world in b&w is so different than seeing it in color. Great tips!
This guy push me into black and white world.
Tip #8: Frame within the frame. Or the so-called "sub-framing." It doesn't only make the photo more interesting, it also helps improve your composition. As a beginner in this art form, this is the style that I have applied to my photos which also helped me get better at composing my images.
Plain speaking and great advice. I like the tip about editing being the varnish on a well made table. If the photo isn’t there to start with forget it. So many great B&W film photographers (eg. Angel Adams, Brassaï, Henri Cartier-Bresson) used their intuitive skill to nail their shots knowing there was barely any headroom left for editing the image during the processing. There is a debate which interests me about ‘processing your picture to achieve success’ versus ‘the impact of a shot as it appears in reality’. In other words you can process the life out of a shot if you ain’t careful! But I like Alan’s approach since it’s not that complicated and makes perfect sense.
The master of BNW street photography. For me, one of the best street photographers in the World. Thank you for the tips, Professor.
This guys really hits the nails on the heads. Great lessons for new B&W photographers.
His work blows my mind. It makes me so happy.
I cant tell if he is 35 or 50. Great photographer. Thanks for the tips!
Alan is one of the best street photographers alive! Great video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Good video. I'm so happy that No. 1 is what it is. I get very tired of internet-forum 'experts 'telling everyone to just shoot everything in raw and decide what to do with the file in post. They don't realise that they are broadcasting their total lack of artistic vision to anyone who has some idea what photography (and art in general) is really about.
Varnishing a table. That’s the best description of post production that I’ve heard
This was extremely well stated. Even just the first tip alone is super important. I've been hesitant to shoot in B/W since I don't really understand it and was worried I'd end up with bad shots. But clearly, the only way to get better at it is to go all in.
Alan is my favourite b&w photographer. He really has so much creativity in all of his composition!
Wow. Refreshing to get advice from someone that’s actually good! Brilliant advice, incredible photographs...
Brilliant video. Simple. Quick. To the point. No wasted anything.
These black and white photos are really superb!
He is my inspiration... been following his style for 3 years now, suddenly i am finding myself going through these tips again for the fact that his photography has been so captivating for me...
So happy to come across this video. Love black and white photos
My #1 Tip: Shoot as if you’re shooting on film in 1980 and no photo editing software exists. Too many rely on photo editing to replace fundamental skills and artistic vision. When I (and everyone else) shoot film, I tend to really think about composition and lighting much more than when shooting digital and subsequently my “keeper” rate is much higher than when I shoot digital. Digital is great but knowing that I can review what I just shot and then retake the photo on the spot takes the urgency away from really thinking BEFORE I shoot.
Just my 2 cents.
Photos were edited in 1980 - and before! We used techniques in the darkroom to burn and shade, different grades of paper and other techniques. You can't do it all in the camera.
@@awpqq my point was meant to encourage thinking about what makes a great shot instead of just firing away thinking the shot can be “made great” in post processing. But there IS a reason why my keeper rate is much higher when I shoot film and that’s because I contemplate each shot much more than when I shoot digital.
Alan Schaller is the master. Absolutely loves his works.
A good tip is to occasionally come back and watch this video again to remind yourself of the importance of the basics of black and white photography ❤
Wonderful photos. The best. Will try to schedule one of the London walks. If I can add a tip, wait for fortuitous things to happen. Some scenes seem boring - two people eating dinner in a cafe -- until suddenly one of them will make a wild gesture. You need to be ready and watching for it. And always have your camera with you. When you run across a fortuitous situation, stop what you're doing and start shooting.
Wow...best 5 minutes on photography I have seen on You Tube!
I would only add something that he showed but didn't comment. That is print the photos that you like! It is important and at the same time very satisfying to look at your pictures on paper.
Following him for years... Talented eye thanks u
Really interesting! I liked so much. My tip: Shot B&W film. Fixed Iso, fixed Lens and what day brings to you. Don't loose time looking menus and fotos already taken. Shot and go for the next.
Superb B&W tips and tricks here. Excellent. More please.
Omg, I’ve seen tons of your ART photos, finally u’ve showed up on yt 🔥🔥
Brilliant, very helpful and informative. thanks for sharing,
as someone who hated black and white when i first started 5 years ago to now me only wanting to shoot in black and white this was very helpful and i will be looking more into Alan’s work
I'd also like to add that I identify with your example pictures. They "are what they are". No need for any explanation - which is faithful to the Street genre. Well done!
Sir, I came across your work just by chance.... and am enthralled. You clearly get it! You sure your name isn’t Henri? Your reportage is stellar.
For better street and candid photos of strangers, not looking like a creep helps tremendously. Alan’s grooming, attention to his attire, appearance and manners make him appear gentlemanly and non threatening. Given the same skills, talent and Leica, I don’t believe a poorly groomed hygienically deficient slob in disheveled clothing with an abrasive personality would produce images nearly as stunning as Alan.
Very eloquent and clear, great advice and some great advice in the comments. On grey days I do prefer black and white, being the UK you get those a lot. For people I prefer black and white, not sure why, maybe the lack of disraction by the removal of colour.
Yes! Alan is one of my absolute favorites. Thanks.
Incredible photos. Wow.
Thanks for your wise pointers and great pictures
Whenever I am annoyed with my visualization. I come back to this video. Hearing him clears all the mist in the mind.
Seeing this for the second time now - a very welcome exception to all the tech blabla and endless new model testing here on YT. Alan, you give great advice. And then you always DELIVER. Not one mediocre pic here. So what is my advice after many years of photography (I'm 63)? Use the best camera: the TALENT 2020 from LEIJIKON! ;-))). And your EYES. This way, you don't have to buy ultra-expensive stuff like the Monochrome. Just use a good 35mm or 50mm lens (the one for my Nikon came at under 150,-€) - then THINK for 10 minutes. And then start.
I do a bit of Street -mostly with my iPhone which is super - occasionally my old M8 .
This photographer produces some lovely work !
I have some nice photos different but none as beautifully created as this photographer!
His comments are totally correct - especially what he said about editing - this is where a lot of Post Processing Savy photographers go wrong - you can so easily overwork images in post !
very crisp and to the point... loved it... will try to emulate in my own way...
pretty much every pic used as an example was like amazing
Yes I agree. ❤
Very well presented, straight to point, will be helpful when next try street photography. Thank you
I watch a lot of b&h videos and after seeing this dude's I've been thinking about it a lot. He makes street photography look really interesting. I've never really been interested in it. Just lately I've been thinking more about black and white but the people who say it's for making boring color pictures more interesting. Getting so tired of the passive aggressive stupidity in the photography world. This dude uses shadows really well and I'm always bringing out details in shadows rather than fully embracing the hard dark shadow. I also like his use of 20mm. It's a really interesting focal length.
Very clean video. Loved the tip about editing and the analogy about the table. It’s so true.
Very inspirational advice, thank you Sir.
One of my absolute favorite photographers on Instagram. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Some of the better tips I've heard for sure.
Awesome! excellent job has been done thanks for sharing have a nice day
Great video !!! Loved the content and presentation. Thanks
Concise refresher we all need from time to time, good job.
outstanding..the very best..big thanks
This guys photos are amazing.
Beautiful shooting. An artist and a pro.
Great tips from a practical, and skillful professional. My two cents: Just do it! Don't overcomplicate your camera setup, lens configuration, or your editing process. Personally, I use the X100V because of its fixed lens. I choose a film simulation that I like and simply go with the flow, never editing my work. This is my version of street photography.
Thanks so much for this video. I have always been drawn towards black and white but really never had the courage to pursue it. Inspired.
Thanks for an excellent video with excellent images and with many excellent reader comments.
Undoubtedly faaanstaaasticcccc ! What unique capturing,at the right moment ! Loved your work and tips too.
Brilliant tip. I also love how he looks like a Bond villain. Outstanding.
I started photography not long time ago... Alan discovers the bnw for me!! His work is inspiring!!
Some brilliant examples of street photography
You are a great teacher. What a wonderful video. Specific and precise instructions. Simple yet very helpful.
Another inspiring video to which I would add, my camera has a monochrome preview mode which helps when shooting black & white. Thank you.
Outstanding tips and showcase of your work. I am really drawn to this style and these are such powerful images. Well done!
Saw his pictures in the Leica Gallery Frankfurt awhile ago. Absolutely fantastic black and white images, very creativ! I was very impressed!
At last a video about photo with some really good photos inside!
Just starting out on my photography journey; X100F in hand. Your input is most appreciated.
can't wait to have that camera !
So good. Thanks for the tips. Keep your videos coming.
Finaly tips from someone who can shoot. Really good photos.
Great video , very educational.
Excellent. Basic yet crucial.
man.. his photos are amazing
One absoluty best photographer out there!!!
Este video fue excelente, corto, conciso y preciso. Y además las fotos hermosas !!!!
Tip 8 Put your EVF (RAW + B/W jpg ) on Monochrome (if possible) to get a direct feeling how your photo is going to loo like !!
I like this photographer's work very much
You're the best! Good for you! Nailing it! One of the best in the world!
I love your pictures. My Photo Journalism teacher would have loved your work.
No such thing as bad weather. excellent. That's gonna open me up to everyday is a good day instead of, ooooh, looks a bit overcast etc.
Great advice and I LOVE your photos. My favorite tip regards varying your perspective - imo this separates "photographers" from picture takers....