7 tips for black & white street photography with Alan Schaller

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  • Опубликовано: 21 янв 2025

Комментарии • 701

  • @francisco5434
    @francisco5434 4 года назад +226

    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.

    • @850Tech
      @850Tech 3 года назад +6

      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)

    • @francisco5434
      @francisco5434 3 года назад +9

      @@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.

    • @850Tech
      @850Tech 3 года назад +1

      @@francisco5434 very true

    • @SketchTurnerZero
      @SketchTurnerZero Год назад

      Thanks!! Tha is a great tip!!

    • @PujicMafia
      @PujicMafia Год назад

      @@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!

  • @fruitl00p08
    @fruitl00p08 4 года назад +226

    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.

    • @thomastuorto9929
      @thomastuorto9929 3 года назад +3

      A well edited vid. Straight to the point.

    • @alexstrasser1
      @alexstrasser1 3 года назад

      True.

    • @a.gamberini3045
      @a.gamberini3045 2 года назад

      as cooph usually does, straight to the point with practical tips avoiding annoyng blabla, great video !

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Год назад +1

      Hate babblers

  • @nfornick
    @nfornick 4 года назад +225

    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

    • @darielkenneth2571
      @darielkenneth2571 3 года назад

      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.

    • @lennoxtravis9487
      @lennoxtravis9487 3 года назад

      @Dariel Kenneth instablaster :)

    • @darielkenneth2571
      @darielkenneth2571 3 года назад

      @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.

    • @darielkenneth2571
      @darielkenneth2571 3 года назад

      @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

    • @lennoxtravis9487
      @lennoxtravis9487 3 года назад +1

      @Dariel Kenneth happy to help =)

  • @AlejandroRamos-im4to
    @AlejandroRamos-im4to 5 лет назад +30

    Finally!! A photographer that goes right to the point on his tips. His work is just awesome!!

  • @davehenderson9105
    @davehenderson9105 4 года назад +10

    This man is my favorite street photographer of all time! I have been following his work for years

  • @TomKaszuba
    @TomKaszuba 5 лет назад +92

    Alan Schaller is my favorite photographer. His work is iconic. He is an inspiration. Thank you for making this video.

    • @ssa371
      @ssa371 4 года назад +4

      And he is master of the b/w dogs!

    • @adamcraig1468
      @adamcraig1468 3 года назад +1

      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

  • @GONZOFAM7
    @GONZOFAM7 5 лет назад +164

    Editing is varnish that finishes the table. I'm a woodworker too, this is a clear metaphor for me. Thanks.

    • @westyavro
      @westyavro 5 лет назад +3

      "'this is a clear ... " Actually it might be amber in some cases.

    • @jorgensen8
      @jorgensen8 4 года назад +3

      Then there are some really creative people who build a whole image in Photoshop.

    • @thothheartmaat2833
      @thothheartmaat2833 4 года назад +3

      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.

    • @Robert.Dickson
      @Robert.Dickson 4 года назад

      Great metaphor.

    • @TheoBunge
      @TheoBunge 4 года назад +1

      Yep. Rubbish in, rubbish out.

  • @seattlegrrlie
    @seattlegrrlie 4 года назад +16

    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

  • @LeonardoLaprano
    @LeonardoLaprano 5 лет назад +523

    This guy is sick. One of the best on instagram. Thank you

    • @TheCooph
      @TheCooph  5 лет назад +18

      That's what we think!

    • @brnzh
      @brnzh 5 лет назад +6

      One of the best, period, always an inspiration to me

    • @kociasek
      @kociasek 5 лет назад +24

      Forget IG, follow Alan on Flickr to view his work in high resolution and chronological order: www.flickr.com/photos/alanschaller

    • @alexis.x
      @alexis.x 5 лет назад +1

      I'd like to see his editing tips. Can't find anything on Alan's editing techniques.

    • @gicechicken7062
      @gicechicken7062 5 лет назад +1

      @@kociasek people dont give a shit of high resolution. Forget Flickr its dead

  • @Darkmatter321
    @Darkmatter321 6 месяцев назад +3

    Brilliant. No fluff, straight to the point and very useful tips.

  • @wahabdilawar
    @wahabdilawar 5 лет назад +47

    Finally... someone with excellent tips and brilliant shots to back his ideas. Just perfect.

  • @albertsmith9315
    @albertsmith9315 3 года назад +10

    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.

  • @newnatsfan
    @newnatsfan 5 лет назад +4

    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!

  • @circleofattention6021
    @circleofattention6021 4 года назад +8

    There's no such thing as bad light. Thank you for that! ❤️🙏

  • @dhaug
    @dhaug 4 года назад +4

    The analogy of editing as varnish on a well made table is spot-on!

  • @wissnasraoui
    @wissnasraoui 3 года назад +6

    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.

  • @carlschnier4089
    @carlschnier4089 3 года назад +1

    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

  • @andreasbeyer9921
    @andreasbeyer9921 3 года назад +3

    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!

  • @jenohogan9254
    @jenohogan9254 5 лет назад +13

    His work blows my mind. It makes me so happy.

  • @smaeyl
    @smaeyl 5 лет назад +29

    The master of BNW street photography. For me, one of the best street photographers in the World. Thank you for the tips, Professor.

  • @jpm74
    @jpm74 4 года назад +5

    This guys really hits the nails on the heads. Great lessons for new B&W photographers.

  • @mikerivers9634
    @mikerivers9634 5 лет назад +8

    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.

  • @TheC0wboyWay
    @TheC0wboyWay 4 года назад +19

    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.

    • @NathanMandjes
      @NathanMandjes 3 года назад +3

      That’s a very nice perspective.

  • @zeppelinstudio6
    @zeppelinstudio6 5 лет назад +12

    This guy push me into black and white world.

  • @mtallan
    @mtallan 6 месяцев назад +1

    Your photos are FANTASTIC. It's so great to hear tips from someone who is producing amazing work.

  • @RohitPant04
    @RohitPant04 5 лет назад +13

    Alan is my favourite b&w photographer. He really has so much creativity in all of his composition!

  • @fabiolfpetry
    @fabiolfpetry 5 лет назад +10

    Alan is one of the best street photographers alive! Great video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  • @JohannBauermeister
    @JohannBauermeister 4 года назад +2

    Wow. Refreshing to get advice from someone that’s actually good! Brilliant advice, incredible photographs...

  • @LimitedWard
    @LimitedWard 3 года назад +6

    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.

  • @xcx8646
    @xcx8646 4 месяца назад

    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.

  • @JackPickle
    @JackPickle 4 года назад +1

    Varnishing a table. That’s the best description of post production that I’ve heard

  • @COCOTEIER
    @COCOTEIER 4 года назад

    These black and white photos are really superb!

  • @usertoemas
    @usertoemas 4 года назад +1

    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

  • @MurphyKargesBass
    @MurphyKargesBass 4 года назад

    Brilliant video. Simple. Quick. To the point. No wasted anything.

  • @jonathanleavitt
    @jonathanleavitt 4 года назад

    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.

  • @sjsphotog
    @sjsphotog 4 года назад

    Superb B&W tips and tricks here. Excellent. More please.

  • @klartext2225
    @klartext2225 4 года назад +1

    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.

  • @gdoe00
    @gdoe00 4 года назад

    Alan Schaller is the master. Absolutely loves his works.

  • @stellaanger3479
    @stellaanger3479 3 года назад

    So happy to come across this video. Love black and white photos

  • @abelsinglavalls9926
    @abelsinglavalls9926 4 года назад +4

    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.

  • @ELAR15
    @ELAR15 5 лет назад +11

    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.

  • @framedge
    @framedge 5 лет назад +2

    One of my absolute favorite photographers on Instagram. Thanks for sharing these tips.

  • @metaheisenberg
    @metaheisenberg 2 года назад

    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...

  • @caelanwilliamson4284
    @caelanwilliamson4284 4 года назад +1

    Very clean video. Loved the tip about editing and the analogy about the table. It’s so true.

  • @JonathanHeresOficial
    @JonathanHeresOficial 3 года назад +1

    I cant tell if he is 35 or 50. Great photographer. Thanks for the tips!

  • @davidevans3359
    @davidevans3359 3 года назад

    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!

  • @rajat5894
    @rajat5894 2 года назад

    Wow...best 5 minutes on photography I have seen on You Tube!

  • @jacobgolden8599
    @jacobgolden8599 5 лет назад +3

    Yes! Alan is one of my absolute favorites. Thanks.

  • @sonicalchemyst
    @sonicalchemyst 3 года назад

    Brilliant tip. I also love how he looks like a Bond villain. Outstanding.

  • @moicoweegee
    @moicoweegee 3 года назад +1

    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.

  • @got2beable
    @got2beable 3 года назад +1

    the only Video you need when you start out on photography lol this teached me a lot already

  • @nore8141
    @nore8141 Месяц назад

    Thanks for the tips. Will be in England in 2 weeks time. Decided to make this a Black and White photo journey.

  • @laurelb8372
    @laurelb8372 3 года назад +1

    Very well presented, straight to point, will be helpful when next try street photography. Thank you

  • @fergusfitzgerald977
    @fergusfitzgerald977 9 месяцев назад

    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 !

  • @rd.gerdes
    @rd.gerdes 5 лет назад +2

    Outstanding tips and showcase of your work. I am really drawn to this style and these are such powerful images. Well done!

  • @aerialfilm1
    @aerialfilm1 5 лет назад +19

    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.

  • @bblair2627
    @bblair2627 4 года назад +9

    pretty much every pic used as an example was like amazing

  • @craigianmenzies
    @craigianmenzies Год назад

    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.

  • @rajivsharma3028
    @rajivsharma3028 3 года назад

    Whenever I am annoyed with my visualization. I come back to this video. Hearing him clears all the mist in the mind.

  • @JajabarBangladesh
    @JajabarBangladesh 4 года назад +1

    You are a great teacher. What a wonderful video. Specific and precise instructions. Simple yet very helpful.

  • @ravindrajahagirdar2701
    @ravindrajahagirdar2701 4 года назад

    Undoubtedly faaanstaaasticcccc ! What unique capturing,at the right moment ! Loved your work and tips too.

  • @bhupeshpatel575
    @bhupeshpatel575 3 года назад

    very crisp and to the point... loved it... will try to emulate in my own way...

  • @ultimatechrisso6592
    @ultimatechrisso6592 5 лет назад

    Saw his pictures in the Leica Gallery Frankfurt awhile ago. Absolutely fantastic black and white images, very creativ! I was very impressed!

  • @tommybui2990
    @tommybui2990 5 лет назад +10

    Omg, I’ve seen tons of your ART photos, finally u’ve showed up on yt 🔥🔥

  • @1davidpeter
    @1davidpeter 5 лет назад +1

    Thanks for your wise pointers and great pictures

  • @scottyg9167
    @scottyg9167 4 года назад +2

    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.

  • @thothheartmaat2833
    @thothheartmaat2833 4 года назад +3

    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.

  • @GaryR55
    @GaryR55 3 года назад +100

    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.

    • @amb8405
      @amb8405 Год назад

      but how is the best way to learn?

    • @Channel-xx8qt
      @Channel-xx8qt Год назад

      @@amb8405 shoot with RAW, processing to BW Jpeg

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Год назад +1

      @@amb8405by having the camera, reading, RUclips videos.

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Год назад

      ⁠process to Jpeg?

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Год назад

      Than wtf u talking about

  • @aaragon8876
    @aaragon8876 10 месяцев назад

    Following him for years... Talented eye thanks u

  • @robcarew5925
    @robcarew5925 4 года назад

    I love your pictures. My Photo Journalism teacher would have loved your work.

  • @MarttiSuomivuori
    @MarttiSuomivuori 5 лет назад

    Beautiful shooting. An artist and a pro.

  • @mr.l6982
    @mr.l6982 4 года назад +1

    You're the best! Good for you! Nailing it! One of the best in the world!

  • @josegulias
    @josegulias 4 года назад

    I started photography not long time ago... Alan discovers the bnw for me!! His work is inspiring!!

  • @RickGTI2019
    @RickGTI2019 2 года назад

    Your tips are very interesting and logical. I’ve been shooting b/w for 60 years , on film. I never over think my photography, I just shoot everything and let the chips fall where they may ! Thanks, Rick….. 📷

  • @DannerPlace
    @DannerPlace 4 года назад

    Concise refresher we all need from time to time, good job.

  • @HoLeeChit11
    @HoLeeChit11 5 лет назад +1

    Wow, this guy is amazing. Please make more videos giving advice like this and showing examples.

    • @TheCooph
      @TheCooph  5 лет назад

      Thanks so much! You will be amazed, there's a full playlist of those videos on our channel, check it out: ruclips.net/video/7ZVyNjKSr0M/видео.html

  • @dan_s_higginson
    @dan_s_higginson 5 лет назад +4

    I love Alan’s work!

  • @Hendoneabdar
    @Hendoneabdar 10 месяцев назад

    One absoluty best photographer out there!!!

  • @otedanyel9513
    @otedanyel9513 4 месяца назад

    At last a video about photo with some really good photos inside!

  • @kabaottoemulsion1869
    @kabaottoemulsion1869 3 года назад

    Soooo gooood ! What a pro! And using live view unlike diehard r/f shooter! very good!

  • @user-ww5xh7fh3j
    @user-ww5xh7fh3j 4 года назад

    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.

  • @dimakor5914
    @dimakor5914 2 года назад

    Finaly tips from someone who can shoot. Really good photos.

  • @christopherclarke6184
    @christopherclarke6184 8 месяцев назад

    I have the new Nikon ZF with the black & white switch , and love to go out and take B&W photos .

  • @Narsuitus
    @Narsuitus Год назад

    Thanks for an excellent video with excellent images and with many excellent reader comments.

  • @bernym4047
    @bernym4047 7 месяцев назад

    Another inspiring video to which I would add, my camera has a monochrome preview mode which helps when shooting black & white. Thank you.

  • @justinross9833
    @justinross9833 4 года назад +1

    Lessons from Snape is truly marvelous.

    • @anjaliverma5677
      @anjaliverma5677 3 года назад

      I thought that too. And both are amazing people 😁

  • @lolivars4304
    @lolivars4304 4 года назад +2

    Thank you so much for this wonderful tips. AMAZING pictures!

  • @sarbajitsarkar5254
    @sarbajitsarkar5254 5 лет назад

    He is a master of composition..Very inspirational.

  • @jasonhicks5473
    @jasonhicks5473 4 года назад

    very well presented, especially for students, short quick and to the point. love the music and pace and style of this video as it does not linger and reveals crisp examples with confidence.

  • @francosousa1329
    @francosousa1329 5 лет назад +1

    Just starting out on my photography journey; X100F in hand. Your input is most appreciated.

    • @lauraeiriarte
      @lauraeiriarte 4 года назад

      can't wait to have that camera !

  • @ragemodels
    @ragemodels 4 года назад +1

    Great simple and Eternal tips !!! Thank you and ur B/W images are Lovely !!!

  • @maestrom.8233
    @maestrom.8233 3 года назад

    Este video fue excelente, corto, conciso y preciso. Y además las fotos hermosas !!!!

  • @chrisbogart687
    @chrisbogart687 5 месяцев назад

    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 ❤

  • @milanambroz2809
    @milanambroz2809 2 месяца назад

    Brilliant! Master of B&W.

  • @charlesfleury100
    @charlesfleury100 4 года назад

    outstanding..the very best..big thanks

  • @thewildgoose7467
    @thewildgoose7467 5 лет назад

    Some brilliant examples of street photography

  • @theblazephotography
    @theblazephotography Год назад

    Awesome! excellent job has been done thanks for sharing have a nice day

  • @DTUFINOPhotography
    @DTUFINOPhotography 4 года назад

    I got a Fuji X100V and i've been shooting Solely in BW. its challenging but fun and awesome!

  • @evaeriksson9950
    @evaeriksson9950 5 лет назад +2

    Wow absolutely stunning images!

  • @kamv7261
    @kamv7261 4 года назад

    Incredible photos. Wow.