I haven't stopped thinking about that Portrait with Diablo since I saw it on your IG haha, I went on an expedition with a mate today and shot some LF color for the first time (6 Sheets of the exact same frame to test a bunch of different expired stuff lol) and was telling him about your photograph on the drive. We both agreed that it's a master level portrait, and the sort of image where you can instantly tell that the person who made it knows very much what they're doing, and has been through a lot of trials to reach that point. Well done man, that pictures gonna live rent free in my head for eternity haha
That brought a big smile to my face, William. Thanks so much, my man. I know for a fact that you are going to murder some sheets of 4x5 in no time. Just like everything else you do!
There's a trick and technique to the Paterson tank. To anyone who still watches this: First of all, the reason that your lid blew up was that Blix when being mixed creates an endothermic reaction that takes some time to fully subside. You need to wait quite a bit after freshly making Blix, or do the following. After mixing, stirring, and waiting long enough, pour the Blix into a flexible bottle. Press quite a bit of air out of it and screw the bottle cap on. Now shake. If the bottle gets hard, there's still gas build-up. Open the bottle, let the gas out, repeat. Once the bottle doesn't get hard anymore, the reaction is mostly over and your Paterson tank won't blow up. It's also much less likely to leak. As a general tip, the way a Paterson tank stays sealed is through negative pressure. After filling it up, don't just put the lid on and that's it. Put the lid on, then with the palm of your hand(s) you pressure the dent in the middle and at the same time you lift one bit of the cap with your finger tips. Excess air escapes, it makes a slight farting noise. Now immediately press the lid down again. It will get sucked onto the rim by the small negative pressure you created and therefore seal much better. The technique isn't perfect, you might sometimes leak a drop here and there, especially of the Blix. But it makes a world of a difference compared to when I lost entire milliliters of Blix for each roll I developed. I read about this in a forum post made by some old schooler, because of course it's not in the instructions. Lol. Since I went to university, my sense for practical thinking is not very developed, therefore it didn't really occur to me as a matter of common sense. Haha. Hope this will help someone, someday
As an aged (66) large format photographer, I admit to shedding a few tears as you described this particular portrait, the subjects, and your creative journey. Amazing work Bryan.
In my opinion, with large format being a much slower process than other formats, it definitely leaves you with that dead space in time while setting things up to take advantage of by getting to know the person you're shooting. This allows the subject to somewhat let their guard down a bit. I feel that definitely shows through your photos.
For sure. We were talking about everything under the sun while I was setting up. Nowadays I go slower on purpose so that happens more. Plus it gives me time to really focus and zone in on the photo.
Hi Bryan. New film shooter here. Due to where I am and unavailability of large format and other reasons I decided to stick to 35mm and medium format black and white only. I started home developing just recently and stirring with the stick gave me better images than inverting the tank. Grain is finder and image quality is great. I’ll keep doing both in batches and see and compare. But that stick works better than it ought to.
Amazing to have put in all that time, effort and thought, to have raised your skills - and in that moment not to have screwed up one of the many elements that can lead to failure in LF, and to have captured this. You can justly look at this and think "yeah, it was all worth it". Every photographer needs for it all to come together like this at some point. Nothing is more motivating to keep going, and work at it further. Thanks for sharing both the portrait and what went into it.
Thanks for the kind words. It’s still something that I’m chasing and have probably only done it once since then. I have it hanging on my wall and it’s one of those photos that is both inspirational and daunting because you never know if you’ll match it again. Lol
Who's emotional? I'm definitely not, it's those damn onions I was cutting a llittle while ago 🥺❤ Bro, it's SO satisfying to watch you progress, from a humble start to where you are now. Great things await, I'm sure.
Hell yes. Don't apologize for getting emotional. You can't make good photography without getting emotional. This portrait is incredible. I totally relate hearing you talk about the frustrations of shooting film, all the hard work, getting down on yourself all the fucking time for your work not coming out the way you envision it...when you have those moments that pay off, it feels so momentous. You should be proud of yourself! Beautiful work
These large format portraits are so gorgeous. the tonality, the focus falloff, the neutral colors... I understand why you use that equipment ;). Great photos / content!
I really enjoyed your video. The portraits with the first and second car owner are beautiful, especially this picture of Jason and Diablo, that you like so much. I also liked the picture with the view down a hill towards Jason. And the portraits with Chris and (I assume) his girlfriend are so happy, nice, warm and beautiful.
Great pictures, great video, great youtuber, keep them coming, thanks for your hard work. Your approach is faultless, listening to people, as well showing patience and kindness.
Holy shit!! Those are now MY favorites. Excellent work Bryan. You're your own hashes critiq and it's paid off in dividends. It keeps you improving and not getting stale. Excellent, excellent, excellent!
Hello Bryan, I started watching your video only a minute after you uploaded it, just in time when arriving back from work (I'm in Europe ...). I'm sorry for the bleach to spill on your valuables: it truly is some nasty soup that can leave hard to remove stains ... What has helped me when processing color film in a Paterson tank is keeping one edge of the lid a crack open while pushing it down in the middle, then close it entirely. This causes air to escape and creates kind of a vacuum which may prevent the lid from detaching during inversion. Thanks for another inspiring video on your ongoing portrait series btw (and for enhancing the inspiration by becoming a bit emotional at the end).
Thanks for the tip, Norbert. That was my usual method as well. For the blix, though, even when I would do that it sometimes led to a small leak or in that last case, a small explosion. Not sure what I was doing wrong or if I have a faulty lid but the stick method is doing wonders thus far. Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching!
Very well done and inspiring! I'm 60 and just getting back into film a bit! I shot nearly all 35mm back in the day. Now I'm playing with medium format. It great to see so many younger people getting into film! I'm blown away with the work I'm seeing done with large format and may very well give it a try sometime! I'd be happy to get results like you're getting sometime!
I switched to stick agitations and it makes the developing process just a little more pleasant overall. My neighbors below me also probably appreciate the lack of banging the air bubbles out in the tub
I can't believe I haven't been doing it all along. People would always say it sucked. But then again, people were always talking smack about the Mod54 and I don't have any problems with that either. I am starting to think the internet is full of lies!
@@BryanBirks I have done that stick thingy but by far more consistent and better results I have from rolling the tank. 3d print rollers, put that tank onto it and just roll, its best. Uses less chemistry and by moving it all around, it is much more consistent :)
Amazing work man. I can only imagine what you feel when you see the shot. People may see a beautiful portrait but you see your resilience, thousands of dollars invested, and the TONS of emotional and mental strength that it took you to overcome your fears. A testament of your passion for the art of photography.
Agreed. This is a stellar portrait, Five stars and then some. Fabulous video. Love the RAW emotion and your honesty. Keep up the good work. BVA from KANADA
Congrats Bryan. I know that feeling of pulling a negative out and being overwhelmed with emotion after putting so much effort into your work. And yes, I’ve cried and cried. Great milestone.
Great video. I have recently begun to shoot 4x5 and your videos is a great source of inspiration and knowledge. I like the even slower pace with large format compared to medium format. Looking forward to coming videos from you.
It has been a while. But like a good friend you always know they are going to be around and that they will have something to say. It is a brilliant portrait. It is a portrait that took time, took consideration and that delivers. Indeed they all do. Love tis channel.
My god. The last couple of colored photos are powerful. I totally agree with you on how large format photography is more than just the act of taking a picture. It's about the interaction with your subject, it's a scene study, and so much more.
Thanks for the comment, Ethan. I just photograph differently with large format. It is a whole different experience that I love. I think you should definitely get back to it!
Beautiful work. And, I'm glad you do it for the reason you do. Sharing people's humanity in ways that keeps others from being able to dismiss it is my deepest passion in photography as well. I think getting others to see and care about things they otherwise wouldn't is photography's greatest purpose. Ansel Adams' landscape photography is perhaps the most famous case in point. I hope history remembers your work similarly. :)
Unreal. Love your tonality, the pacing of the video, the explicit details of the setup, and obviously the shot. I can tell you put a lot of work into this video. Very well done.
Really stunning work, Bryan. Pulling off that portrait must have been immensely rewarding! Your commitment to the whole process is really inspiring to see.
Stick agitation works perfectly fine, it's exactly the same thing, because it's full emersion method anyway. Inversions in paterson usually used only for film development to safe chemicals and not feel full tank. And just in case - bleach-fix just go for completion of the process, if you make a spill, just put more in the tank and go for the same time, it's kinda impossible "overfix, bleach" if it was still light tight.
Yeah true about just putting more blix in. At the time I didn’t have any extra so I just sloshed it around a little bit extra to make sure the film was completely fixed. I’ve heard that over-fixing is hard too so that’s nice to hear.
Last night I was reading the book "Edward Weston - Photographs from the Edward Weston Archive at the Center for Creative Photography", by Steve Crist, which combines 125 of his photographs with excerpts from his daybooks. One of the quotes for some reason made me think of this video, which I had watched the week before, so I thought I'd share it. "The camera can only record what is before it, so I must await and be able to grasp the right moment when it is presented on my ground glass. To a certain point I can, when doing still-life, feel my conception before I begin work, but in portraiture, figures, clouds, -- trying to record ever changing movement and expression, everything depends on my clear vision, my intuition at the important instant, which if lost can never be repeated. This is a great limitation and at the same time a fascinating problem in photography." - Edward Weston, 1919
Bryan that video and of course the story was inspiring. Well done Bryan, l think you can stop focusing on perfection because you have just ramped up to exceptional. 👏
So nice to see that all the technical experience you gained in these years now allows you to really make large format useful and worthwhile in telling a story with a photo. These portraits are beautiful.
Large format is starting to make more and more sense the more that I learn. In the beginning you sometimes think, "why am I even messing with these movements?" But now I hardly ever take a shot without adjusting at least something. Thanks for the kind words.
Wow ! Bryan, you have come a long ways. Practice , practice, and it shows. Working with pets is a challenge in it self, throw in a 4x5 camera , well you know. I'm still shooting my 5 rolls of color film, and will process my first C41, sometime in the Spring. I have found several YT'r using the stick method for C41. That's the way, I'm going to process mine. Never tried the inversion method for B&W, as I hate messes, cause I have to clean it up, myself. Again, great work. KB.
Thank you, Ken! Black and white has never given me any problems with leaking because it isn't as gaseous compared to blix and color developer. But stick method has worked wonders for 4x5 at least!
I got emotional for you. It is such a turbulent ride to find one's self-worth, the constant questioning and the mind taking over the will to do the things you want to do. Glad to see you persevere and do such amazing work. Can´t wait for the book.
Thank you, Tiago. It is definitely a learning experience and something that has had plenty of ups and downs. Nice to hear your excited for the book. In due time!
I shared that portrait on IG as soon as you posted it and thought to myself that it was some of the best work that I'd seen from you. It's so nice to feel that we're evoling in our craft and that all the effort is worth it.
Nice work. One technique on the Patterson tank lid that you might know already but that helped me stop ever having leaks again is to press down on the middle of the lid as I push it on the tank. It creates a bit of a vacuum when it pops back up after being put on the tank and keeps the lid on real tight. Unless of course your lid is damaged or deformed. Keep it real.
Thank you, Victor. See, I always did that and it worked most of the time. I’m not sure why I’ve had problems the last couple of times. I may need to check my lid for any defects.
Hard to choose, but both of those shots with Diablo and Jason are awesome! I really do love the first for the larger environment, and color from the scene, however the second really captures the two of them so well. Amazing job, and you are right to be proud of creating such a timeless photograph! Awesome work as always. Been following your channel for a good few years now, and it’s great to see you grow in your photography, but also the recognition for the work you produce. It’s all well deserved for the hard work you have put in👍
Face in focus...tilt to focus on feet......refocus on the face.....tilt to focus back on the feet (only you'll need less tilt now)...eventually both in focus. Focused on face now....swing to focus on Diablo........re focus Jason's face.......swing to refocus Diablo (less swing needed now)....eventually both in focus. This is the dance. You did it with live subjects.............un.......believable! A description just about this dance maybe with examples as you go would be a GREAT video. Trouble for me is I cant dance. haha but I know what all this takes When you said, `When I pulled it out of the tank.'............ I knew what was coming and I nearly broke down and wept for joy and I didn't even take it! But I know the struggle, the disappointments and the moments when it works........... man!
PS People will look at it and that's a nice happy snap! And they'll look at it, and they'll look at it and they wont know why they like it and they wont know why they cant quite take their eyes away from it and why it stands out.
Enjoyed the Video as always, I really liked the final color portrait, the B&W was nice, kinda Haunting even, but the Color was so nice and peaceful. Thanks for your work!.
I was definitely a fan of the black and white. Probably one of my favorites for sure but in terms of the project, not the best. They both have their uses!
My opinion is emotions are real ! Never apologize for being yourself, for being real ! Beats the shit out of phoney everyday in every way ! Keep it up, I loved every portrait you accomplished and to be honest I like the b&w the best, but I'm an old fart that's just learning 4x5 myself. Just found you today and subbed. Very impressed ! Larry
11:12 - awesome shot my friend. They look like partners in crime. It is always a joy to watch your calm and creative videos. You found your inner ZEN. BTW: This is one of the best portraits I have seen for a long time.
Well done, Bryan. That is a very good portrait, its so good to see YOU happy with your art. Just keep doing what you are doing and the BEST is still yet to come bro.
Appreciate that! I have no worries that good things are coming. It is just being patient with it all and accepting the growing pains. Thanks for the comment.
That portrait made me emotional too and I don’t know why. There is something about how it all comes together, especially with your backstory behind it. It’s so inspirational watching you on your photographic journey. That photo book is going to be 🔥!
Bravo! - it's definitely a portrait to be proud of Bryan. All the roadblocks, stumbles and setbacks are just you "paying your dues". By shooting film, in large format and processing it yourself you are swimming in the deepest end of the pool but if you can keep on challenging yourself and refining your skills, even greater successes await...
I enjoyed that and have just subscribed. I've just been looking at large format pics 4x5 and came across your site. I thought it was funny the way you described how tricky it was trying to get everything in focus for that colour portrait and the dog just not playing ball. Then bam there it is. It's almost like greatness lives near the edge of disaster.
Not a huge portrait shooter but love watching your videos and seeing the process Bryan. You nailed that shot & definitely should be proud of it man. Appreciate the time and effort.
Beautiful portrait. Beautiful subjects. Beautiful story. Easily the most heartwarming story I've seen in photography. Thanks for allowing us to partake in this journey. I really admire your personality and the authenticity that comes through in your videos.
Once agin you rocked the photos. Your chill approach just draws people (and dogs) in to allow you to go deep inside them. When that photo gets published I'm buying your book...for that photo alone. Your commentary just added to the photo...I will remember that as well. Congrats on making an important photo, especially to you.
Thank you, Gary. It is without a doubt a great feeling to produce something you truly love. That's how I feel with this photo. Happy to hear your thoughts about it. Cheers!
What's super great is that the dog and man also look so well matched. There's a kind of mirroring of body language and expression, its amazin. This along with your talents just makes the whole thing come together. Fantastic. Retire now on a high! Get out whilst you still can!! xD
I legit had that thought cross my mind. Haha I'm not sure I will top this. But I thought the same thing last April when I thought I had taken my best and favorite portrait then...onwards and upwards!
mate, leaking blix is a nightmare! i found a technique to prevent it in 95% cases. I put the lid in warm water first (my theory is it makes it a bit more flexible/rubbery), then i put it firmly on, lift the lid a little on one side and push the centre of the lid down (like you would try push out as much air as possible). Again my theory is that it acts like a membrane and seals much better. For some reason it happens only with blix. Great content btw
you have set the bench mark now .. expect everything to be better than that moving forward :D.. now you are into twiddling the stick , can I recommend the rollei c41 color kit ... you may find it has more latitude in the temperature range ... and secondly for f... sake get a cinestill water heater /control device to regulate your water temp if that's a problem with you , it takes the pain away for the most part .. all the best BB ...
I haven't stopped thinking about that Portrait with Diablo since I saw it on your IG haha, I went on an expedition with a mate today and shot some LF color for the first time (6 Sheets of the exact same frame to test a bunch of different expired stuff lol) and was telling him about your photograph on the drive.
We both agreed that it's a master level portrait, and the sort of image where you can instantly tell that the person who made it knows very much what they're doing, and has been through a lot of trials to reach that point.
Well done man, that pictures gonna live rent free in my head for eternity haha
That brought a big smile to my face, William. Thanks so much, my man. I know for a fact that you are going to murder some sheets of 4x5 in no time. Just like everything else you do!
I see a Bryan Birks video uploaded, I press play
This is the way. Take notes, everyone.
Such beautiful work man. That portrait really is something else.
Thank you, Serr. Means a lot 🖤
Wow, this photograph has it all. Unbelievable!!!
Thank you kindly 🖤
There's a trick and technique to the Paterson tank. To anyone who still watches this:
First of all, the reason that your lid blew up was that Blix when being mixed creates an endothermic reaction that takes some time to fully subside. You need to wait quite a bit after freshly making Blix, or do the following. After mixing, stirring, and waiting long enough, pour the Blix into a flexible bottle. Press quite a bit of air out of it and screw the bottle cap on. Now shake. If the bottle gets hard, there's still gas build-up. Open the bottle, let the gas out, repeat. Once the bottle doesn't get hard anymore, the reaction is mostly over and your Paterson tank won't blow up. It's also much less likely to leak.
As a general tip, the way a Paterson tank stays sealed is through negative pressure. After filling it up, don't just put the lid on and that's it. Put the lid on, then with the palm of your hand(s) you pressure the dent in the middle and at the same time you lift one bit of the cap with your finger tips. Excess air escapes, it makes a slight farting noise. Now immediately press the lid down again. It will get sucked onto the rim by the small negative pressure you created and therefore seal much better.
The technique isn't perfect, you might sometimes leak a drop here and there, especially of the Blix. But it makes a world of a difference compared to when I lost entire milliliters of Blix for each roll I developed. I read about this in a forum post made by some old schooler, because of course it's not in the instructions. Lol. Since I went to university, my sense for practical thinking is not very developed, therefore it didn't really occur to me as a matter of common sense. Haha.
Hope this will help someone, someday
Immensely helpful. Thanks!
As an aged (66) large format photographer, I admit to shedding a few tears as you described this particular portrait, the subjects, and your creative journey. Amazing work Bryan.
That is nice to hear, Jeff. I am not an emotional guy, usually, but all of the comments and support is really fantastic. Happy to have you here.
This portrait gives me the chills
Your portraits definitely tell a story 📷👍
Appreciate that!
In my opinion, with large format being a much slower process than other formats, it definitely leaves you with that dead space in time while setting things up to take advantage of by getting to know the person you're shooting. This allows the subject to somewhat let their guard down a bit. I feel that definitely shows through your photos.
For sure. We were talking about everything under the sun while I was setting up. Nowadays I go slower on purpose so that happens more. Plus it gives me time to really focus and zone in on the photo.
Never cease to impress and inspire me!
This is hands down one of the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen. period.
That means a lot to hear that. Thanks for the kind words, Jake!
Being moved by your own work is one of the best feelings in the world. It makes all the botched rolls of film and self-flagellation worth it.
Indeed. Too many times I have sat and felt down about my work. Mostly because I am always comparing. Not today. Thank you, Hannah.
The photos in this episode made me pause and gaze! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
In today's quick world that is very high praise. Thank you!
Hi Bryan. New film shooter here. Due to where I am and unavailability of large format and other reasons I decided to stick to 35mm and medium format black and white only. I started home developing just recently and stirring with the stick gave me better images than inverting the tank. Grain is finder and image quality is great. I’ll keep doing both in batches and see and compare. But that stick works better than it ought to.
I commented on this portrait in another forum, it is magic. This portrait is the intersection of perseverance, skill, and heart.
Thanks for the kind words, Mike. Everything did indeed come together perfectly for that brief moment. Glad I was there to capture it.
Amazing to have put in all that time, effort and thought, to have raised your skills - and in that moment not to have screwed up one of the many elements that can lead to failure in LF, and to have captured this. You can justly look at this and think "yeah, it was all worth it". Every photographer needs for it all to come together like this at some point. Nothing is more motivating to keep going, and work at it further. Thanks for sharing both the portrait and what went into it.
Thanks for the kind words. It’s still something that I’m chasing and have probably only done it once since then. I have it hanging on my wall and it’s one of those photos that is both inspirational and daunting because you never know if you’ll match it again. Lol
I love your portraits -they are technically good and capture lovely moments of 'inter-being'.
Appreciate that, Paul. Cheers!
Who's emotional? I'm definitely not, it's those damn onions I was cutting a llittle while ago 🥺❤ Bro, it's SO satisfying to watch you progress, from a humble start to where you are now. Great things await, I'm sure.
Thank you, Alexander. One can only hope. It is a slow and steady race for sure.
Stoked for you, Bryan. It hits different when you pull a negative out of a tank and you just know, even before inversion.
Truly. Thanks, Russell!
Hell yes. Don't apologize for getting emotional. You can't make good photography without getting emotional. This portrait is incredible. I totally relate hearing you talk about the frustrations of shooting film, all the hard work, getting down on yourself all the fucking time for your work not coming out the way you envision it...when you have those moments that pay off, it feels so momentous. You should be proud of yourself! Beautiful work
Thank you, Sadie! So nice to hear. Glad you can relate. It’s a great thing when it all comes together 🙏🏻
These large format portraits are so gorgeous. the tonality, the focus falloff, the neutral colors... I understand why you use that equipment ;). Great photos / content!
Thank you so much!
I really enjoyed your video. The portraits with the first and second car owner are beautiful, especially this picture of Jason and Diablo, that you like so much. I also liked the picture with the view down a hill towards Jason.
And the portraits with Chris and (I assume) his girlfriend are so happy, nice, warm and beautiful.
Thank you for the kind words, Max. I am also a fan of the hill one as it is a bit different from my usual portraits!
Great pictures, great video, great youtuber, keep them coming, thanks for your hard work. Your approach is faultless, listening to people, as well showing patience and kindness.
Thanks for always watching and supporting 🖤
Holy shit!! Those are now MY favorites. Excellent work Bryan. You're your own hashes critiq and it's paid off in dividends. It keeps you improving and not getting stale. Excellent, excellent, excellent!
Hello Bryan, I started watching your video only a minute after you uploaded it, just in time when arriving back from work (I'm in Europe ...). I'm sorry for the bleach to spill on your valuables: it truly is some nasty soup that can leave hard to remove stains ... What has helped me when processing color film in a Paterson tank is keeping one edge of the lid a crack open while pushing it down in the middle, then close it entirely. This causes air to escape and creates kind of a vacuum which may prevent the lid from detaching during inversion.
Thanks for another inspiring video on your ongoing portrait series btw (and for enhancing the inspiration by becoming a bit emotional at the end).
Thanks for the tip, Norbert. That was my usual method as well. For the blix, though, even when I would do that it sometimes led to a small leak or in that last case, a small explosion. Not sure what I was doing wrong or if I have a faulty lid but the stick method is doing wonders thus far. Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching!
That's so great that you nailed critical focus on both Jason and Diablo. Well done Bryan and glad to see that all of your hard work is paying off!
Thank you very much, John. Your support is always noticed.
You're a true artist man. Much love and respect
Appreciate the support!
Very well done and inspiring! I'm 60 and just getting back into film a bit! I shot nearly all 35mm back in the day. Now I'm playing with medium format. It great to see so many younger people getting into film! I'm blown away with the work I'm seeing done with large format and may very well give it a try sometime! I'd be happy to get results like you're getting sometime!
I switched to stick agitations and it makes the developing process just a little more pleasant overall. My neighbors below me also probably appreciate the lack of banging the air bubbles out in the tub
I can't believe I haven't been doing it all along. People would always say it sucked. But then again, people were always talking smack about the Mod54 and I don't have any problems with that either. I am starting to think the internet is full of lies!
@@BryanBirks I have done that stick thingy but by far more consistent and better results I have from rolling the tank. 3d print rollers, put that tank onto it and just roll, its best. Uses less chemistry and by moving it all around, it is much more consistent :)
@@BryanBirks I use a similar one and it’s been easy and have had no issues so far. Aside from my own dumb loading issues
Amazing work man. I can only imagine what you feel when you see the shot. People may see a beautiful portrait but you see your resilience, thousands of dollars invested, and the TONS of emotional and mental strength that it took you to overcome your fears. A testament of your passion for the art of photography.
Thank you, Jorge. Do not remind me of the thousands of dollars. Hahaha
Agreed. This is a stellar portrait, Five stars and then some. Fabulous video. Love the RAW emotion and your honesty. Keep up the good work. BVA from KANADA
Dude hate to sound like a basic photo bro. BUT THAT PORTRAIT IS A BANGER! so much emotion and feeling in this photo. I adore it.
Haha thank you very much!
Stunning portrait, that feeling when you finally achieve that shot you’ve been working towards is a magical moment
Truly! Thanks for the kind words 🖤
Congrats Bryan. I know that feeling of pulling a negative out and being overwhelmed with emotion after putting so much effort into your work. And yes, I’ve cried and cried. Great milestone.
It is truly a wonderful feeling. Appreciate it, Colin.
That shot of Jason just stopped me dead in my tracks when I saw it on insta. You should feel rightly proud of yourself. Thanks for sharing the story.
That is high praise in the age of social media and 1 second attention spans. Haha thank you, Joseph!
Fantastic shot! That environment portrait with Diablo was insane.
Thank you, Nik!
the last one is so awesome picture!
Love this series of shots - and the story too. Thanks for sharing.
Great video. I have recently begun to shoot 4x5 and your videos is a great source of inspiration and knowledge. I like the even slower pace with large format compared to medium format. Looking forward to coming videos from you.
You are an artist! great shot on Diablo and his human Friend!
It has been a while. But like a good friend you always know they are going to be around and that they will have something to say. It is a brilliant portrait. It is a portrait that took time, took consideration and that delivers. Indeed they all do. Love tis channel.
Hell yes! Absolutely stellar photograph!
My god. The last couple of colored photos are powerful. I totally agree with you on how large format photography is more than just the act of taking a picture. It's about the interaction with your subject, it's a scene study, and so much more.
Thanks for the comment, Ethan. I just photograph differently with large format. It is a whole different experience that I love. I think you should definitely get back to it!
Beautiful work. And, I'm glad you do it for the reason you do. Sharing people's humanity in ways that keeps others from being able to dismiss it is my deepest passion in photography as well. I think getting others to see and care about things they otherwise wouldn't is photography's greatest purpose. Ansel Adams' landscape photography is perhaps the most famous case in point. I hope history remembers your work similarly. :)
Congrats for the critics’ Choice 23 so far. Wish you good luck 🍀 for the 19th of April.
Unreal. Love your tonality, the pacing of the video, the explicit details of the setup, and obviously the shot. I can tell you put a lot of work into this video. Very well done.
Really stunning work, Bryan. Pulling off that portrait must have been immensely rewarding! Your commitment to the whole process is really inspiring to see.
Thank you, Bryan (Y Bryans unite!). It is extremely rewarding and makes all the missed shots worth it for sure.
Stick agitation works perfectly fine, it's exactly the same thing, because it's full emersion method anyway. Inversions in paterson usually used only for film development to safe chemicals and not feel full tank. And just in case - bleach-fix just go for completion of the process, if you make a spill, just put more in the tank and go for the same time, it's kinda impossible "overfix, bleach" if it was still light tight.
Yeah true about just putting more blix in. At the time I didn’t have any extra so I just sloshed it around a little bit extra to make sure the film was completely fixed.
I’ve heard that over-fixing is hard too so that’s nice to hear.
what an amazing result! you should definetly be proud!
Last night I was reading the book "Edward Weston - Photographs from the Edward Weston Archive at the Center for Creative Photography", by Steve Crist, which combines 125 of his photographs with excerpts from his daybooks. One of the quotes for some reason made me think of this video, which I had watched the week before, so I thought I'd share it.
"The camera can only record what is before it, so I must await and be able to grasp the right moment when it is presented on my ground glass. To a certain point I can, when doing still-life, feel my conception before I begin work, but in portraiture, figures, clouds, -- trying to record ever changing movement and expression, everything depends on my clear vision, my intuition at the important instant, which if lost can never be repeated. This is a great limitation and at the same time a fascinating problem in photography." - Edward Weston, 1919
Thanks for sharing this story.
Thanks for sharing you though process! Love the portraits, very human!
Thank you very much 🖤
Amazing video. Love the RAW honesty of this. The portraits are stellar. Five stars and then some. BVA from Canada
Appreciate it!
Bryan that video and of course the story was inspiring.
Well done Bryan, l think you can stop focusing on perfection because you have just ramped up to exceptional.
👏
Appreciate that! 🖤
So nice to see that all the technical experience you gained in these years now allows you to really make large format useful and worthwhile in telling a story with a photo. These portraits are beautiful.
Large format is starting to make more and more sense the more that I learn. In the beginning you sometimes think, "why am I even messing with these movements?" But now I hardly ever take a shot without adjusting at least something. Thanks for the kind words.
Since seeing you switch to Large Format, your work as taken giant step forward. I absolutely love the photos in this video!
Appreciate you, Allan!
Simply brilliant!! Looking forward to this book!!
Thank you, Daniel. One day, one day!
Wow ! Bryan, you have come a long ways. Practice , practice, and it shows. Working with pets is a challenge in it self, throw in a 4x5 camera , well you know. I'm still shooting my 5 rolls of color film, and will process my first C41, sometime in the Spring. I have found several YT'r using the stick method for C41. That's the way, I'm going to process mine. Never tried the inversion method for B&W, as I hate messes, cause I have to clean it up, myself. Again, great work. KB.
Thank you, Ken! Black and white has never given me any problems with leaking because it isn't as gaseous compared to blix and color developer. But stick method has worked wonders for 4x5 at least!
I got emotional for you. It is such a turbulent ride to find one's self-worth, the constant questioning and the mind taking over the will to do the things you want to do. Glad to see you persevere and do such amazing work. Can´t wait for the book.
Thank you, Tiago. It is definitely a learning experience and something that has had plenty of ups and downs. Nice to hear your excited for the book. In due time!
Beautiful series on the whole, that Landscape wide at 12:24 is amazing! Lighting is perfect!
Well done Bryan. Fantastic portrait!
Appreciate that, Timothy 🖤
I shared that portrait on IG as soon as you posted it and thought to myself that it was some of the best work that I'd seen from you. It's so nice to feel that we're evoling in our craft and that all the effort is worth it.
It is a long and winding process for sure. But definitely worth it in the end. Thank you, Nuno.
An incredible portrait on so many levels. Absolutely wonderful.
Many thanks!
Loved watching the process leading up to taking that photo. You are making great work Bryan!
Thank you kindly, Jeffrey!
Excellent 👌
I really enjoyed your diary of events and thoughts.
The last image and couple image show All those hours of Time spent 😀
Enjoy the moment
Glad you enjoyed it, Stuart. Thanks for the support!
Maybe now would be a good time to look at just how far you have come 👍
Nice work. One technique on the Patterson tank lid that you might know already but that helped me stop ever having leaks again is to press down on the middle of the lid as I push it on the tank. It creates a bit of a vacuum when it pops back up after being put on the tank and keeps the lid on real tight. Unless of course your lid is damaged or deformed.
Keep it real.
Thank you, Victor.
See, I always did that and it worked most of the time. I’m not sure why I’ve had problems the last couple of times. I may need to check my lid for any defects.
Bryan, great to hear you express how pleased you were with that shot. Congratulations to you--that is a fine portrait!
Thank you very much, Pat!
Hard to choose, but both of those shots with Diablo and Jason are awesome! I really do love the first for the larger environment, and color from the scene, however the second really captures the two of them so well. Amazing job, and you are right to be proud of creating such a timeless photograph! Awesome work as always. Been following your channel for a good few years now, and it’s great to see you grow in your photography, but also the recognition for the work you produce. It’s all well deserved for the hard work you have put in👍
Oh I cannot wait for your book to come out!!
Thanks for the support, Steph. In due time!
This last set of photos were really good. They give off a lot of emotions. Absolutely love the one with Jason alone with all the junk behind.
I love that one as well. I was going to invite Diablo down to stand with him but he was sound asleep and I didn’t want to wake him. 🐶
Very lovely pictures. absolutely beautiful. really enjoyed watching the video. was great fun and inspiration. keep up the great work mate.
Face in focus...tilt to focus on feet......refocus on the face.....tilt to focus back on the feet (only you'll need less tilt now)...eventually both in focus.
Focused on face now....swing to focus on Diablo........re focus Jason's face.......swing to refocus Diablo (less swing needed now)....eventually both in focus.
This is the dance.
You did it with live subjects.............un.......believable!
A description just about this dance maybe with examples as you go would be a GREAT video.
Trouble for me is I cant dance. haha but I know what all this takes
When you said, `When I pulled it out of the tank.'............ I knew what was coming and I nearly broke down and wept for joy and I didn't even take it! But I know the struggle, the disappointments and the moments when it works........... man!
PS People will look at it and that's a nice happy snap! And they'll look at it, and they'll look at it and they wont know why they like it and they wont know why they cant quite take their eyes away from it and why it stands out.
I couldn't dance at all in the beginning. Just watch my first large format video. Haha thanks for the kind words, Tony!
Fascinating video/story (and interesting portraits), really enjoyed it, thank you.
My excitement for this project & its publication grows with every upload man. These are genuinely lovely shots
Really wonderful, well done and absolutely keep going. There is luck but then again luck is created by just keep going in the direction you want.
Thank you so much.
Enjoyed the Video as always, I really liked the final color portrait, the B&W was nice, kinda Haunting even, but the Color was so nice and peaceful. Thanks for your work!.
I was definitely a fan of the black and white. Probably one of my favorites for sure but in terms of the project, not the best. They both have their uses!
My opinion is emotions are real ! Never apologize for being yourself, for being real ! Beats the shit out of phoney everyday in every way ! Keep it up, I loved every portrait you accomplished and to be honest I like the b&w the best, but I'm an old fart that's just learning 4x5 myself. Just found you today and subbed. Very impressed ! Larry
11:12 - awesome shot my friend. They look like partners in crime. It is always a joy to watch your calm and creative videos. You found your inner ZEN.
BTW: This is one of the best portraits I have seen for a long time.
Appreciate the kind words, pal 🖤
@@BryanBirks your work deserves to be in a large format book. I would buy it.
Well done, Bryan. That is a very good portrait, its so good to see YOU happy with your art. Just keep doing what you are doing and the BEST is still yet to come bro.
Appreciate that! I have no worries that good things are coming. It is just being patient with it all and accepting the growing pains. Thanks for the comment.
Film photography just has so much emotion in it! Love it 👌🏼 awesome work!
That portrait made me emotional too and I don’t know why. There is something about how it all comes together, especially with your backstory behind it. It’s so inspirational watching you on your photographic journey. That photo book is going to be 🔥!
Thank you for the kind words, Bernd.
Bravo! - it's definitely a portrait to be proud of Bryan. All the roadblocks, stumbles and setbacks are just you "paying your dues". By shooting film, in large format and processing it yourself you are swimming in the deepest end of the pool but if you can keep on challenging yourself and refining your skills, even greater successes await...
Ah yes the deepest end. Thank you, Doug. It is both humbling and extremely rewarding.
I enjoyed that and have just subscribed. I've just been looking at large format pics 4x5 and came across your site. I thought it was funny the way you described how tricky it was trying to get everything in focus for that colour portrait and the dog just not playing ball. Then bam there it is. It's almost like greatness lives near the edge of disaster.
Thanks for watching!
Glad you did a video on this one, its really is soulful portrait and I was excited to hear the story behind the image. Great video great portrait!
Not a huge portrait shooter but love watching your videos and seeing the process Bryan. You nailed that shot & definitely should be proud of it man. Appreciate the time and effort.
Thanks for the comment and the support!
Mesmerizing photography!
Thank you, Sonya!
Great portraits. I like the images you share with us. Thanks, Bryan.
My pleasure!
Beautiful portrait. Beautiful subjects. Beautiful story. Easily the most heartwarming story I've seen in photography. Thanks for allowing us to partake in this journey. I really admire your personality and the authenticity that comes through in your videos.
That means a lot, Michael. Very pleased to hear that.
Once agin you rocked the photos. Your chill approach just draws people (and dogs) in to allow you to go deep inside them. When that photo gets published I'm buying your book...for that photo alone. Your commentary just added to the photo...I will remember that as well. Congrats on making an important photo, especially to you.
Thank you, Gary. It is without a doubt a great feeling to produce something you truly love. That's how I feel with this photo. Happy to hear your thoughts about it. Cheers!
Following your evolution on large format I must say I am glad to see such a fine result on the last photo! It must feel rewarding! Congrats
If you have been here since the beginning then I must thank you. You had to witness all of the problems. Haha thank you!
What's super great is that the dog and man also look so well matched. There's a kind of mirroring of body language and expression, its amazin. This along with your talents just makes the whole thing come together. Fantastic. Retire now on a high! Get out whilst you still can!! xD
I legit had that thought cross my mind. Haha I'm not sure I will top this. But I thought the same thing last April when I thought I had taken my best and favorite portrait then...onwards and upwards!
@@BryanBirks I'm only joking of course. You're not allowed to stop now. You belong to us, slave to making us nice images! Mwahahaha xD
You're doing everything right. Keep it up!
Appreciate that. Thank you!
Great portrait Bryan and I'm glad it made you emotional, that's the absolute correct response to your passion. Well done mate!
Appreciate that, Phil! 🖤
That portrait is truly amazing. You really nailed that quotation with that shot. Beautiful!
Strand had a lot of good quotes about photography but that was definitely the one that stuck with me the most.
fantastic work Bryan. Your hard work absolutely paid off
Thank you very much. Means a lot.
Lovely Bryan
mate, leaking blix is a nightmare! i found a technique to prevent it in 95% cases. I put the lid in warm water first (my theory is it makes it a bit more flexible/rubbery), then i put it firmly on, lift the lid a little on one side and push the centre of the lid down (like you would try push out as much air as possible). Again my theory is that it acts like a membrane and seals much better. For some reason it happens only with blix. Great content btw
you have set the bench mark now .. expect everything to be better than that moving forward :D.. now you are into twiddling the stick , can I recommend the rollei c41 color kit ... you may find it has more latitude in the temperature range ... and secondly for f... sake get a cinestill water heater /control device to regulate your water temp if that's a problem with you , it takes the pain away for the most part .. all the best BB ...
Hey man, thanks so much for sharing the process, ideas, philosophy and result. What you do is inspiring and beautiful
nice work sir.. remember , answer is always no if you don't ask.
Very true. Something I always try to remember.