Alec Soth, Social Media, and Photographing Strangers
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2024
- Alec Soth's Channel : @AlecSothRUclips
Interview : www.magnumphotos.com/theory-a...
Somewhere to Disappear Documentary : vimeo.com/387119903
Support the channel directly here : www.paypal.me/bryanbirks
0:00 - Photographing Strangers
5:27 - Overcoming Anxiety
6:21 - 4x5 Problems
7:10 - Alec Soth
10:25 - Future Darkroom Plans
Check out Artlist for all your music needs and get two months free on me : bit.ly/2W9ZWRJ
Check out Artgrid for all your coffee B-roll and stock footage needs : bit.ly/383G88p
view more of my work at : / bryanbirks
prints at : www.bryanbirks.com/prints
Buy some film and support the channel - bhpho.to/2Vi6HUr
The link above is an affiliate link. 
Кино
Looks like you’re becoming really comfortable photographing strangers 😄 I feel uneasy just by watching you do that... keep up the good work
Thank you! It’s definitely becoming easier specifically the last couple days but I still have my moments. It happens less and less the more I do it.
Oh man I loved the feeling you captured in the first part. That was different, and in a really cool way! I usually watch videos on my second monitor while I futz around with other things, but that made me stop what I was doing, roll it back, and give my full attention. Kudos that was wonderful!
Dude, printing, especially 4x5's, is otherworldly! I hope to graduate to 8x10 and do contact printing at some point as contact prints are crazy sharp and have this interesting look to them. But yeah BW and Color it's just something else! I think given the vibes you have in your videos, I think its' something you would really enjoy. Plus, you can give the folks you photograph true handmade prints and I think that really says a lot when you can give those to people. Not everyone I've given prints to appreciates the work that goes in but many do. It's bliss for me too knowing I made something with my hands instead of having to dork around on the computer and I think it really shows the human element more in the final product. But maybe I'm romanticising it. Anyways, printing is fun! I think you'll enjoy the hell of out it!
Thanks for the kind words. I am pumped to start printing. I've always processed at home so it was logically the next step. Can't wait to see the results.
huge YES ME TOO for your comment on the first shot
I did feel your sense of gratification when you were about to press down the shutter button, and I did see most of your fears of photographing stranger (my fears for sure..) rapidly fading away. You did teach me a great lesson, not just in photography matters. This video is a treasure!
Appreciate that. Thank you for watching!
Hey Bryan,
I occasionally take pictures of strangers when I’m tired of my usual stuff, and what I enjoy more than the actual photos are the interactions I have with people. I can very much relate to feeling like you’re “not giving back” , but I think it’s important to consider what you’re giving people just in that moment. Imagine someone would stop you on the street because they think you look interesting and want to take your picture, or someone rings your bell, says they love your car and would love to take your portrait. It very literally can make someone’s day. The idea to give everyone prints is fantastic, but please don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t blame yourself when you can’t give back anything “physical”. You are giving them something just by approaching them. These are moments they tell their friends and kids about.
That’s a good point. I myself would be pleasantly surprised if someone wanted to photograph me but I’ve never really thought of it that way. Thanks for the comment!
Awesome video, buddy. I love the perspective of being in the car for the first 5 or so minutes. It felt a little less personal which is kind of nice especially when shooting strangers is personal enough and not cramming another camera in their face is sometimes off-putting. Love that your giving back too, I think that's a great philosophy to have.
Yeah it feels strange but also less strange than running up with a camera. Lol First test prints in the darkroom will definitely be for the nice folks that let me photograph them.
Always a great day when you upload. I totally feel you on feeling overwhelmed with anxiety. I also find myself driving with no direction WANTING to shoot but paralyzed at the same time. I end up cruising which tends to help and I get to try again the next day. Keep killing it!
Overanalyzing everything to the point of paralysis. My specialty. Lmao
I do this multiple times a week lol. I do think that it helps when it comes to scouting locations but eventually I have had to just push myself to take the leap and just do it 📸
The honesty in your work shines through so strongly. Your images are a reflection of who you actually are. Thanks for sharing.
Hi. Just loved the start of this. Video brilliant job mate
The POV from the car, very fresh. Loved it. Also, the way you approached your subjects. And the photos, too. Great job.
This is one of the most helpful and insightful photography tutorials I have seen on RUclips, and I've seen hundreds. Thank you so much for addressing the emotional challenge of photographing strangers, and showing how to do it with honesty, friendliness and respect. Brilliant.
I look forward to future videos! Great work so far.
Thank you. Means a lot!
@@BryanBirks started looking into your work and website. You've for some wonderful work. I'm moving back to STL in July, from Alton originally. Would love to shoot some time or catch a beer. ig @nathanhoefert
I just got my darkroom functional in my basement in January. Printing really does add another level of enjoyment to the analog progress. Getting rid of the digital translation is a great thing. It just gets everything back to film, lens, and light. Looking forward to seeing your setup!
Your project, photographing strangers is great. Love it! Show us more.
Loved your content, loved the quotes, ,love your honesty. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Gerry 🤘🏻
Your struggle with not giving back really hit home for me. I’ve felt this in the past to the point of taking down photographs that I’ve made of strangers and then feeling unsure about starting over with my approach altogether. I just watched “Somewhere To Disappear” two days ago and this realization slapped me in the face. I’d been taking a break from portraiture and focusing on environmental landscapes because the solution to my problem wasn’t clear to me. I finally feel like my creative mind is clear again and I’m coming up with some ideas that I think will bring me and hopefully my subjects a lot of joy. Thanks for sharing your journey with this Bryan. Cheers!
I’m always thinking of the negative things and overanalyzing but somehow those thoughts have got me to where I am so I’m not mad. Just need to tamp them down occasionally.
That was well interesting, nice one enjoyed it thank you
Great video once again !!! I love your honesty about the process !
Honesty is my policy and middle name 🤓
Bryan "Honesty" Birks, it sounds good xD
I appreciate the way you documented the first part that felt super cinematic and very different, keep it up man nice work. also I kinda love how the portrait with Joanne has its focus, I feel it does reflect your interaction with them very well.
thanks my man. Yeah I was pretty bummed about the portrait at first but you learn to love it. The interaction made up for the missed focus anyway.
You and your channel has quickly become one of my favorites! Keep up the great work Bryan!
Thank you Douglas 🙏🏻
Really enjoyed hearing the interaction between you and the subjects Bryan. Love that shot of Jim too.
Jim is the goat. Probably one of my favorite photos I’ve taken. So many good details in it.
Bryan! Yes! Loved the motion graphics! Really loved the overall feel of the video and how raw it was.
I appreciate that. Thank you!
You’re inspiring because I share the same introversion and fear of approaching strangers. Loved the image of the guy and his pickup and the second couple.
Ahahah dude that moment of silence after the plow rekt you was so good! Portraits are also stunning, the one of Jim is my fave! Always good fun to see how other people interact with strangers to make images, and especially in this instance given that you get into Soth afterwards! The first time I watched "Somewhere to Disappear" totally shifted my perspective on making images, the fact that he'll go out to places without his camera at all to build a rapport with people and then return for the image is so sick. Very excited for the darkroom vibes! Happy to help in any way, although I reckon our mutual mate's have already sorted you out decently haha!
The plow literally took a shit on my car. Lmao I will definitely be hitting you up with any questions so I hope you’re ready 😅
Great video Bryan ! Very inspiring work, especially through these hard times. 🙌🏻
Thank you James ✌🏻
i watched your film and enjoyed it very much. i am from Michigan originally (don't know where this was filmed) so i have an appreciation for this winter experience. good work here!
Great video Bryan even though the 2 4x5 images didn’t come out the way you wanted the interaction and conversation with the two couples was soo nice to see keep going man. Love the last 3 shots aswell 👍🏻
Thanks Sam! I agree. The couples were fantastic 🖤
Good job Bryan. You will move past your unease with people, by simply doing it more often. I loved that video.
It is already starting to pay off and I don't get quite the nerves as in the past. Its about time! haha
Fantastic work!
Thank you 🙌🏻
Best video I've seen for a long time
Cool video once again dude! The 4x5 photos look great even with the focus issues you had. I can’t wait to see the finished project!
Yeah 4x5 is so detailed even if you miss a little bit it still doesn’t look horrible. Just a bummer that it was my fault 🤦🏻♂️
It's funny how we look at our own "mistakes" with regret, even though for the viewers, such things as missfocus are nothing compared to the end result. I don't mind much for such things, I really enjoy the final product and the feeling we can achieve from our audience. I know it might feel "unprofessional" at times, or beginner's mistake, but most of our influences comes from a time where things like that wasn't really an issue. also, in the end, film is all about going away from the pristine, at times unrealistic, quality of digital. Anyways, I really like your work and your approach. Celebrate it, even if it isn't perfect, cause life never is.
Agreed. The chase for a “perfect” image is enjoyable for me even though I’ll never take anything that is perfect. It’s the game within the game.
Limitations bringing out creativity is a neat concept. I live in a small town and it is surprising if you keep your eyes open every day, you will find things.
Despite the focus mistake, those portraits were great! I would be totally nervous and anxious about knocking on strangers' doors - but I love that you film that interaction and show how you introduce yourself to people. Can't wait to see where your project goes!
It’s very intimidating at first but does get easier. I highly suggest it!
Your an honorable photographer. Lots of respect and can’t wait to see more.
Thanks for the support always.
Had similar feelings about social media and for me, stopped using Instagram etc last year and have enjoyed my photography even more. Haven't gone into darkroom printing but also started just getting simple prints from the local lab and yeah, it's different somehow from just swiping through tons of photos digitally. Always enjoyed your honest candour and looking forward to your darkroom printing journey :)
this was awesome. I just subscribed as F, so thx for making this.
Incredible production quality and incredibly underrated, good shit !
Thanks James. Appreciate that 🖤
great video，great project，learned a lot about communication with strangers.
These people are such good sports. I also enjoy your process of making little adjustments here and there to your craft. Very inspiring.
Thank you Tom 🙏🏻
You won't regret the printing. I agree, it is the perfect book end to the project.
I am pretty stoked. Still waiting patiently to get it from the seller!
Thanks for that video, from Spain. Honestly thank you.
My pleasure!
feeling yah with the getting tempted to start printing because of William and Ribsy, got my own setup last week and cant wait to start using it asap!
4:11 makes me happy to see how lovely he holds her hand. I guess true love is still existing.
Drive-by 4x5! Loved the first part of the video. Developing prints at home is great, it's way more hands on and you pay so much more attention than when scanning and going to lightroom
Yeah I’m super stoked. Can’t wait to be involved in every aspect of the photo.
happy for you on the enlarger
Thanks Bill!
Your videos are just sooo pleasing to watch. The simplicity is just really calming an I like the klassik Musik in the other videos a lot! It makes wanna shot 4 by 5 soo bad. Greetings from a film photographer from Bonn Germany
I like classic as well but gotta switch it up sometimes! Cheers 🥂
love the storytelling and the authenticity
Thank you Joan 🖤🖤
Absolutely loved this video, it felt like I was sitting in the back of the car the whole time and was there with you. Also appreciate the honesty about anxiety and social media, could not agree more. Can’t wait to see some darkroom action over here on your channel! Are you planning to do black and white or color?
Black and white! Color is a little intimidating. Maybe in the future when I get my grip on b&w!
I love it when I see one of my favourite channels comment on one of my favourite channels. Is film photography the last vestige of humility online? 😉❤️
You got it! Be content with the experience and fulfillment, you encounter duing the process.
Trying to change that mindset for good. Slow and steady.
I really liked the included quotes - Great Video in generall! Also good thoughts on posting long-term-work - maybe its a good thing to keep some work a "secret" till its finished...
Yeah I agree. Everyone wants their work to be seen I think so it’s hard to hold back until the time is right.
Your opening shots reminded me of my hometown of Lorain, Ohio.
I haven’t finished watching this video yet, but I’m fairly certain you shot this in my neighborhood or nearby. I live in KS, very close to the KS/MO state line. Great video so far!!
Shot in good ole St. Louis. Probably indistinguishable from most Midwest suburbs tho. Haha
@@BryanBirks Wow! Looks exactly like Mission, KS. LOL! Thanks for letting me know. Love your channel..a lot!!
Loved the video and the message. Greetings from London - new sub.
Thanks for watching Dylan!
Please make a zine or whatever out of your classic car project. I just love the work. I’d definitely get a copy.
Already in the process! Hopefully will be out later this year/early next year 🤞🏻
Love it!
thank you Lawrence!
You are going big. keep them coming. The filming for some reason reminds me of some David Fincher movie.
He's one of the goats. Thanks for the comment!
Still love the image at 6:20 man! I got an enlarger and started printing the last 2 weeks and love it!
I am stoked to get into it!
HUGE yes to process over social media
🖤
Hey Bryan,
I've been following your channel for a while and really appreciate how your channel and work adds something new to the youtube space of film photography. Based on what you've talked about this videos and others I think you'd really appreciate Dan Milnor's videos on youtube if you haven't already come across them. He's a retired photojournalist and although there are many things I could say about him, I think that if you choose to look up it may be valuable to your artistic process and interesting because of his knowledge of photography. Cheers, Paige
I have watched a couple of his Q and As. Very real dude. Super knowledgeable and doesn’t bullshit. His first video about film you tubers made me think a bunch. Haha
Good content, brother 🤟🏻
🖤
Totally agree with these sentiments. I’ve been watching a lot of Alec Soth lately too! I have an extra Gralab 505 timer if you’d like it. Just let me know and I’ll ship it off to you! Darkroom printing is this whole other side of the process, looking forward to seeing you get into it!
Excited for your 8x10 journey! I’ll let you know about the timer. I’m still not sure what all comes in this lot. There’s a bunch of crap in multiple boxes 😅
@@BryanBirks Thank you! And totally understand that lol. It's a bit overwhelming sorting through a lot like that!
i love this video, love your videos. i’m wondering how you got the in car shot, it looks beautiful
I feel you about the sharing part. I used to try and share consistently, maybe once a day or at least a few times a week. But ultimately that doesn’t matter. I rarely post anything anymore to social media (I do on Flickr because it’s part of my backup) and I’m okay with that. I enjoy my work and that’s good enough for me. I get to see my pictures on the wall or on slideshow on the TV. I hated the feeling of having an image you’re really proud of, sharing it online and only having a few likes. Maybe people didn’t like it, maybe it was the algorithm but it does effect your work IMO. I’m about your age so I’m not an old man haha, so it’s not that.
I do feel more at peace though like you said, getting gratification from the process and doing it from yourself rather than for anonymous people online. I think my work is pretty good and occasionally I’ll throw one up on insta, but it doesn’t matter if people interact with it or not.
Oh and printing is so much fun. If you don’t feel like going out to shoot you can just make some prints of your existing work.
You can definitely get pulled in by the likes and comments. It had a hold of me for a while and I think I’m finally getting away from it. It’s always going to in the back of mind but hopefully I can take it so I can really share what I want 100%.
There's nothing like printing your own work in the darkroom! Hoping you take the plunge
glad I found you on Twitter.
happy to see you here!
I stopped after two minutes to say this video is amazing.
Hopefully you finished watching! 😂
Nice video Bryan. I have been making Cyanotype portraits of the people I photograph. You could look into that as well; atleast for your black and whites.
Funny enough I just watched a Matt Day video on those. Looks really interesting. Definitely a thought!
Awesome video! I would like to know which lens was used for first color photo.
Schneider Xenotar 150mm!
@@BryanBirks Thank you for the information.
Great video as usual! I was wondering what camera and lens do you use to film the videos?
Lumix S1 and a sigma 35mm f/1.2!
Thank you 🙏🙏
I am darkroom printing color prints right now! Highly recommend. I like it because it requires zero computers.
Color is definitely an idea but intimidates me more than black and white.
That's always been a problem for me. Exactly what do you DO with all these images. Before the web I had my own (very small) gallery that I opened one day a week, so that was easy, and now of course we have the web. But it's still best to have the actual process of making the image a goal in it's own right I think, that way your happiness is not as dependent on anyone else's opinions about your work, and certainly not the number of "likes" you get or whatever.
I spent years working in darkrooms and really do miss it. I may return to at least processing film but will never print again, too much faffing around for me these days. Ideally I would get my "fix" occasionally in a public darkroom or a friend's or something, but AFAIK there are none of the above in my area.
Henri Cartier Bresson did mentioned before that what matters is the photographs that you decide not to show to people.
I usually don’t watch photo vlogs, but when I do, there real as fuck. Keep being real and don’t sell out to square space and become a creator for the purpose of getting rich. I hate when a guy or woman creates a channel with honesty at heart, then eventually transforms into commercial gatekeeping bullshit with the same template and feel as the rest of the sheep. Keep it real bro. Subscribed!
I’ll always keep it real. I myself hate videos or channels that just feel like ads for gear/companies. Gets old really fast. Feels like I’m being sold artistry or creativity.
@@BryanBirks Check out Sally Mann! Inspiration. There’s a doc in here somewhere about her. It’s large format, she keeps it very real. You might already be familiar with her work but thought I’d pass it on.
Looks like Rochester, or somewhere upstate NY.
Just a technical question and I don't know, wether this was a stylistic choice of some sort but as you took the photos of those people in front of their car, you were shooting at an angle. Given you were using the 4x5 you could've tilted the focal plane to get them both in focus, right? It's your shot of course and you do you. I was just wondering while watching ✌🏼
That's cool
I have a mamiya rb67 and only have a 127mm lens I would like to do something similar to what you are doing so would suggest that I get a wider lens or is a 127 fine?
I think 127 might be a little tight. For environmental I would suggest the 90 on the RB. A little wider. But you can always zoom with your feet with the 127.
Have You seen Intrepid 4x5 enlarger kit? I'm thinking about buying it (I own a Graflex Speed Graphic 4x5 for two weeks now), but I don't know if it's a reasonable solution (vs enlarger). But it might be great... If You've heard anything pls let me know. Can't wait to make my own prints as well ;)
Best regards from Warsaw! I really like Your videos and approach.
I have seen that! The only thing is having to use your 4x5 as the actually enlarger for 4x5 negatives. Definitely a cheaper option but I’d rather have a stand alone setup.
@@BryanBirks If you have enough space for that - sure. Well, I will read some more opinions about this equipment. I don't know if it can be connected to my Graflex at all. Anyway, good luck with your darkroom!
Do you ever mention your youtube channel to them? Or do you assume, if they're a little savvy, they'll find it anyway?
I’ve never mentioned my RUclips. I think I would be more inclined if they were prominently featured in some way aside from far away shots and little audio snippets. I always shoot and edit to make sure if they do come across it they’re not offended in anyway as well.
Where’s all that old Alec Soth footage from?
Somewhere to Disappear documentary. Linked below!
Oh wow what mic is that?
It’s actually a new mic that was sent to me. The Hollyland Lark 150. I’m testing it out right now and will be mentioning it in a future video if all goes well with the tests. It’s pretty great so far.
Dang, you're getting creative with those masks in editing 😎
Haha I try, I try
AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT LIKES THE PENTAX PHOTOS BETTER?;)
Pentax is always good. Never fails me.
I thought the begining was a Tarentino Film :D.
It's good that you're putting yourself out there and getting over your barriers...
It's freeing.
I like how you just ring people's door bell and go "Hey cool car can I take your picture?" - do you often get a "No go away weirdo"? The part where Bill says "What was my name AGAIN? I did not tell you the first time" - LOL smartass. A channel I really like about dark room stuff is 'Shoot Film Like a Boss' ruclips.net/user/ShootFilmLikeaBossvideos - cool and funny guy from the UK who shows A LOT of dark room stuff. In most of his videos he does a shoot and then gets into his dark room shed and shows the whole printing process including test prints, failures etc. I actually bought one of his prints from his Etsy recently, looks amazing.
Bill was a funny guy. Talked about how he used to shoot 4x5 and 8x10! Most of the time if someone says no it’s just because they don’t want to be photographed. I think they are always flattered with the gesture.
I’ve watched some of his videos but I stayed away from the darkroom stuff. Will definitely need to dive in now!
Man man man. You really just ignored that Stop sign. Was about to write, that I love your work but Now. Don't know what to think anymore...
No cop, no stop 🤷🏻♂️
@@BryanBirks 3-way stop; good as go.
Rad
"Everything is @#$&" I come for the photos. I stay for those treats.
Happy to help haha
I am in St. Louis, I have a 5x7 cold light enlarger if you are interested...
I actually just picked up a Beseler 45MXT locally. Thanks for the thought tho!
@@BryanBirks Not a problem...thanks for the reply
Good video - real shame you plucked up the courage to talk to the couples and then duff the large format shots - must have been a real bummer. I think it is critical for the subjects and for your well-being to give them actual prints - digital files are OK and could be an extra so they can share the shot but nothing beats an actual print. I used to print B&W and it is not only easy but very gratifying - cannot comment on colour but seems harder and requiring processors etc. Keep it up - great to watch your journey. Really liked the shot of the car through the window 👍👍
Definitely a bummer but a mistake that I will learn from. I’m actually getting a prototype of the Lomo instant back that I can’t wait to use when I photograph strangers. Can give them something right away before I leave ✌🏻
@@BryanBirks Sounds like a good idea - sure I saw a RUclips video of a girl in New York the was taking 2 Polaroid shots and giving the subject one to keep. Her shots were good if I remember rightly 👍
Loved this video, super nice to watch and think about the process and the journey as part of creating a body of work. Think we got caught in the 'I need to scan this and develop that so I can show people and see what they think' instead of looking at our own work and processing it ourselves. Todd Hido did a lecture last week where he talked about printing his images out framing them and putting them right next to him on his desk and sitting with the image as they would be shown in a large space. Should check it out: ruclips.net/video/2C8JXsqOzxQ/видео.html think you would enjoy it!
Will definitely take a look at that!
In the second portrait encounter you appear to be on the next door neighbours lawn! If that's the case did you have permission?
No sir.
@@BryanBirks I've got to admire your honesty. Reason I mentioned it is where I come from you just wouldn't do that, and it would be a case of look at that cheeky bxxger on the lawn. But your area of the world may be different. It realy put me off watching the rest of the footage, like this guy doesn't give a hoot where he walks. On the other hand your respectfully asking permission to capture an image for a genuine goal in mind unlike a lot of street photographers who upload unsolicited images to social media. I will climb down from my pretentious high horse and watch the rest of the footage. Health.
@@micgent yeah I wouldn’t just go up and walk on someone’s lawn for a photo of anything. But if they see me doing it I’m very obviously taking a photo of the couple. In regards to unsolicited photos I agree. I get comments all the time about asking permission for these to be online but everyone and their mother does street photography without permission. It’s the same exact thing. Cheers.
Hey, Bryan,
I don't know if you are trying to monetize your videos, but if you do, it will be hard using Fuck word numerous times. YT is sensitive, just saying :) Nice photos despite the shift, btw :)
Yeah they ask about that before posting but I really don’t care. I just lie 😂
I watched some f your videos but was not too impressed. Not this one. I enjoyed it very much. Good job!
Appreciate the back handed compliment very much!
I might ask to take someones picture if they are out and about somewhere public, but I am not invading their privacy and going to their house. Thats creepy as f*ck.
There are doors. That’s why you knock buddy. 😂 also the fact that you obviously don’t like my stuff but still watch it out of pure hate is hilarious to me. THE DEDICATION