4x5 Ektachrome + Big News

[@SecondThought]

Congratulations! Very well deserved. Your work is excellent (both photography and KZbin). Keep it up!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Will do!

[@mattdayphoto]

The discipline pays off. Congratulations on all of it, man. Most importantly, good on you for noticing the shift in style when wanting to deliver to a specific client or viewer. I don't think many photographers realize this is something we all have to be conscious of because it's natural and it happens to all of us.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Matt. Not only for the congratulations but for putting up with my shit and the growing pains that come with being a creative online. A lot of grace on your part and I can't thank you enough for that.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

"good on you"??? Ol' Matt Day is as unimpressive in his English as he is in his KZbinr level photography.

[@BryanBirks]

Hope all is well, random person on the internet. I know all too well that leaving comments like this is usually because of an insecure creative existence.

[@mattdayphoto]

@@linjicakonikon7666 are you flirting with me right now? 🤭🥰

[@harshavardhansalgaokar]

I see a Bryan Birks video uploaded, I press play

[@BryanBirks]

There he is just like the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. 🍻

[@brettwood737]

Bryan, the chose you because your work is excellent. You've worked hard to improve your skills and knowledge and it is paying off.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Brett! Have a good new year.

[@ivunchow]

Congrats Bryan and good luck with your future projects! Big fan of yours and I love watching your progress through these videos.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Ivan. Cheers, buddy 🍻

[@Mrzippy3]

Congratulations on your new opportunity. Bryan, you photos are excellent. Beautiful portraits. You are too tough on yourself I have been watching your channel for a while and it is great to see your continued growth. You are a humble person which I think is a way to keep you grounded but don’t forget to enjoy your successes and not tear yourself too much in the pursuit of excellence. Sometimes too much self reflection can inhibit us from recognizing how good our work is, or giving credit where it is due, in my experience. I wish you continued success as you move forward.

[@BryanBirks]

I’m still working on balancing out self reflection and self criticism and while I agree that I can be tough, I think that my self criticism has made me progress much faster than if I was complacent in myself. But yes, you can only do that so much and I’ll definitely be looking at chilling on the deep reflection and just focus on making work. Thanks for the comment and support!

[@WatchDSSID]

You definitely made the right decision - stay with the style you’ve developed already - it’s EXCELLENT….and congratulations NYT!! - Peter.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Peter! I plan on doing just that.

[@TheFireThief84]

Congratulations Bryan, well deserved!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, sir!

[@actionimagesphotography]

I actually love the first shot with the blue car. The way you have him in the middle of the open area of leaves and the slight swirl of the lens is very cool.

[@BryanBirks]

Yeah I definitely don’t hate it. I think when I describe my thoughts it might come off more harsh than I actually think. It’s perfectly fine but I just prefer the others over that specific one.

[@WillemVerb]

Wow that first shot on Ektachrome is stunning, so many layers to look through. Also excited to see what you come up with for The NYT. Congrats!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you so much, Willem. Really means a lot. The first shot was fun to look through with all the details. I spent a solid ten minutes just scanning it and trying to find small spots of magic.

[@DavidEvenson]

Congratulations on the NYT interview. That’s the stuff. You’re going to kill it.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, David.

[@robthys]

Congrats on the NYT Bryan! So dope

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Rob!

[@point_and_aim1437]

Congrats, Bryan, NY Times is a massive gig, but also they are privileged to have you on board with them equally. I love your approach, great video once again mate.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it! Just happy to have the opportunity.

[@kailebcarrphoto_]

Ah, stoked for you man! Congratulations!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Kaileb!

[@lucuslanders8033]

Your perspective is very moving. This is the first video of yours I’ve seen and I’m very excited to watch more. I have a friend on the New York Times call sheet. He has done a few projects for them and they were all very big for his career! Best of luck!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Lucas. Just going to take it as it comes. No clue if I’ll get anything but the opportunity is amazing.

[@Al_Bx]

Honestly your "assignement" looked great!

[@TheAppleNow]

This accomplishment is 100% deserved; all the daily grit and drive (no pun intended) compounds into a thing like this. The Times is lucky to have you.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate the support as always, Eric!

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

Another great video - congrats brother.

[@BryanBirks]

Much appreciated, Robbie. Cheers bud.

[@carbonejack]

Great insight and learning experience. Don't try to be something you're not. Go with your strengths. And yes, your images have a certain style to them. Hard to put my finger on it, but there is a quiet, subtle power to them. Wonderful subjects and nice lighting.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Jack 🖤

[@fernandodefrance5663]

Congratulations!! great work, you deserve it. All the best!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much!

[@xaviegarcia2657]

Congrats Bryan! They couldn’t have picked a better person for the job!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it! (But they definitely could have picked someone better 😂)

[@hosepdeyrmenjian8556]

Excellent presentation, informative and motivating. Excellent job and congratulations. Keep it up.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Hosep!

[@tom.allez2134]

Congrats mate. Well deserved 🤜🏼

[@AManWhoWasntThere]

Love the portraits with the blue car and the pink house! Congratulations on the NY Times gig!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you so much 🖤

[@andyvan5692]

at 11:15 this is a good shot, you are using the movements creatively, to 'selective focus' on what you want, and remove distractions with the nice blur curtain the format is known for! with the first car shot, you could have done the same thing, use Sheimflug principle on the car (as if it was a big product shot, in a studio)- aka the twin speaker shot in "Large format; a professionals choice" youtube video, by Calumet Photographic; and then add the person, using the iris setting to widen the dof to allow the person to be in the shot, and in focus.

[@tomwestbrook]

Very wise to see the divergence of styles before too much time passes. Be you, man.

[@TimDobbs]

Congrats mate ... well deserved .. love your work, another enjoyable video

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly, Tim 🍻

[@kenblair2538]

Great job, Bryan . Looking forward to hearing about any assignments you get . Dennis, that just may be his personality . It's just a moment in time . The more you work/study people, the quicker you'll know the personality . Your doing great and it's all coming together . KB

[@BryanBirks]

We shall see. Thank you, Ken 🍻

[@kenblair2538]

Oops, corrected name.

[@israelreza1518]

Great video and photos. Huge congrats on The NYT news!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks so much!

[@philduval5220]

Well done with the NYT gig.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Phil.

[@BillMcCarroll]

Congratulations Bryan...hard work and perseverance pays off eventually, gotta believe!

[@BryanBirks]

Yes it does. Patience is key. Thank you!

[@NunoAlmeidaPhotography]

Beautiful work as always and congrats on the big news, well done!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much, sir 🍻

[@kzed0]

Congratulations!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you!

[@jeremygarretson5482]

A month or two ago the same thing happened rd with me and NYT. I'm supposed to be their regional photographer for real estate and travel. registering for their website was a process, but I was so thrilled to be considered. Hopefully something comes of it. I know exactly how you're feeling.

[@BryanBirks]

That’s rad. I’ve talked with a couple of people and though it might take some time, it’ll come. Just gotta practice that patience.

[@ChristopherRusanowsky]

Congrats! If they reached out to you they will assign you to a story. Keep doing your thing man more people will notice.

[@Thursby7181]

way to go dude. your work is great. its awesome to hear nyt reached out to you!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for the support, Marcus!

[@chrisdunderdale]

Congrats man! You full deserve it.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it, Chris!

[@iddogoldberg]

Congrats man. Great News

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, sir 🍻

[@soccerjockey]

congrats dude. you've earned this opportunity!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Josiah!

[@4r1777]

Congratulations man that news is inspiring.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you so much, Ariyah 🖤

[@wayfairing_soul]

Congrats!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Steven!

[@weezintrumpeteer]

Man, your videos are so refreshing coming from countless other film-based YT channels. Really, really enjoying them. Congrats on the NYT gig, that's huge a d really enjoyed the photos in this episode.

[@BryanBirks]

Happy to hear that and glad you enjoyed it. Thank you, kindly!

[@matthewyarnell]

Massive congrats on the big news! Well deserved. Also, Modern Instances by Stephen Shore is one of the best books on photography I’ve read. Highly recommend.

[@BryanBirks]

I just listened to a Shore interview and that was heavily discussed. I may need to look into it.

[@dylanjevin150]

Congratulations on your well-deserved opportunity, Bryan.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate you 🍻

[@unchartedthickets]

Great job on getting the NY Times gig! Looking forward to your rehash video and the introspection.

[@BryanBirks]

It should be a good one. Thank you!

[@j.k5654]

Bravo 👍🏾

[@BryanBirks]

🍻🍻

[@dambranslv]

That is so cool! Wish you the best of luck and hope you'll get great value out of it.

[@BryanBirks]

The value will be immeasurable for sure.

[@alvinperez372]

Exceptional video yet again! But more importantly, a big congratulations to you, Bryan! 👏🏽 This is a well-deserved opportunity and I can’t wait to see your work!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much, Alvin 🖤

[@BobbyMartinezPhotography]

Great video, your style has definitely influenced me and my channel.

[@BryanBirks]

Happy to hear that. Thank you, Bobby!

[@henryohead]

Yes! Congrats, man! I know this new opportunity will be the first of many. And kudos to you for catching yourself as you found yourself being tempted to adopt a style that other people do and instead sticking to the style you've developed. I have a feeling that awareness is going to serve you well in the long run. Cheers!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Henry. I think my self awareness has always been a plus but putting that into action and growth has always been hard for me. Styles are strange because it is a culmination of others that make your style. Finding it is tough but you just have to be patient.

[@coreymagz3145]

Congrats on getting that gig! I love the graveyard shots so much, I'd love to see more stuff along these lines. Something about being able to see an entire city from one perspective is super interesting to me.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Looking down is my favorite landscape shot for sure but the places in Missouri where you can do that are few and far between.

[@daveyg.6775]

The Louisiana photos were amazing! something about them makes me feel but I can’t describe what they make me feel.

[@BryanBirks]

That’s good to hear. Thank you!

[@mikoajstarzynski3738]

Mazel Tov! ;) You totally deserve this.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@TeamStarside]

Well deserved Bryan! You're incredibly talented and love how you break down your shots in videos. It doesn't matter how much "experience" you have. Your results show your talent

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you. Really appreciate that!

[@seoirseosial]

Congratulations, Bryan. I'm delighted for you. As regards the portraits you put up this week, I'm glad that you decided to include the landscape oriented portrait of the guy with the blue car against the pastel pink house. It is, IMO, one of the best portraits you have taken to date...perhaps BECAUSE of its orientation. It feels more like a documentary portrait than any of the others. Keep up the good work, Bryan.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, George. It is definitely something I’m working on as I always set up with portrait orientation. But sometimes things just call for a change in perspective. I don’t always catch it though. This time I did and I think it worked. 🍻

[@jpiersma]

Congratulations Dude!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly 🖤

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

i'd say there is more to that dennis portrait than you think, i see a story in that expression

[@BryanBirks]

That’s nice to hear. Thank you.

[@jonberlin6131]

Congratulations, Bryan, you deserve it!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Jon 🍻

[@aristoioannidis7490]

Kudos Bryan. Congratulations!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Aristo!

[@scottw5791]

Congrats Bryan! That's awesome news!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it, Scott!

[@gorakphoto]

This whole thing is incredible. The portraits in front of the pink house are certainly a strong fave and mate, huge congrats on the recognition. Well deserved and look forward to watching this develop. And, as Matt said, good work on noticing the style shift. That's why we make practice shoots like that, right? Better then than on assignment, yeah? Anyway, great work and beautiful video.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, dude. And yeah, I assume I wouldn’t have made photos like that on an actual assignment but who knows? Just have to stick with what I have been doing and save the experimentation for KZbin videos.

[@SathyaPeacock]

Amazing news Bryan 😊 excited for you 👊🏽

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly, Sathya. Very pumped!

[@Thomasbrownphoto]

Congratulation on the news. Really love the honest thoughts with it too, you are dead right - they contacted you for what YOU are doing. Congrats again dude!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much, Thomas! Cheers.

[@clarhettcoalfield3616]

Bryan, so stoked to hear the news about the freelance work with the NY Times... great news. Looking forward to the next video, this one was a wonderful exploration of Ektachrome which isn't always easy to shoot with flat lighting scenarios, alternately you managed to get a number of very good photos with the film and that is impressive. Cheers, well done.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, dude. I want to love Ektachrome because I do love the look but it’s just so tough when you have Portra that is so consistent and way more versatile.

[@janmalterohm4047]

Congrats! Also really love the image of the Shore gravestone, I think it would be a great print:)

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! The light was indeed hitting pretty nicely that night. Definitely surprised me!

[@derkarhu5079]

Welllll...you *can* get much better dynamic range out of slide film, with a bit of work, and the ability to have your lab do custom processing for you...not a big deal, you know, just a 1/2 stop pull in the lab, shoot 1/3-1/2 stop lower ISO, and you can make even Velvia 50 do a 20-step Kodak strip...

[@alanholzmanphoto]

Brian, thanks for another great video. I rarely use film but love seeing your wonderful work. A huge CONGRATULATIONS on the New York Times deal. You are among some of the most talented in the business.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Alan. I am working my way up. Still a lot to learn but I got a lot of time to figure it out. Happy to have you along for the ride.

[@joseelement7695]

Dude. Nice. Looking forward to seeing your work in the New York Times.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Jose. Hopefully sooner rather than later but in the end, just happy to have the opportunity.

[@whowho8470]

I appreciate how honest you are when you analyze your photos. I would be grateful if you would not use foul language in your videos as sometimes my kids watch them. They are learning photography. Thx.

[@BryanBirks]

My apologies. That one slipped.

[@SteveKleinheider]

Congratulations on your opportunity with the New York Times! That is awesome! Again...a nice video and good photography!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Steve. Very excited about it. Thanks for the kind words 🖤

[@ChrisToombes]

Congratulations on the NYT contract. Regardless of how they found you, talent will always shine through and it’s absolutely deserved. I’m sure this is the start of a very successful career and wish you all the bast moving forward. 👏👍

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Chris! Definitely hope that it’s the start of something great but just happy to have the opportunity. Excited to document some of the process as always.

[@AtlantaTerry]

Geezzz... didn't you listen??? It was the New York TIMES! Not the Post.

[@ChrisToombes]

@@AtlantaTerry it was a typo, why so aggressive

[@BryanBirks]

@@AtlantaTerry if I didn’t care about a mistake like that then why do you care? You’ve commented 9 times on my channel and from what I see you’ve received one like from me. And I like or reply to 99% of comments. So I’m assuming most of what you say is negative. Why is that? Why comment? Just stop watching or dislike the video and move on with your day. No reason to bring your negative energy onto other people.

[@iamdesertpaul]

You videos are so inspiring. Makes me realize maybe I won't get shot if I ask to take people's photos.

[@BryanBirks]

You need “midwest nice” people to photograph. 🍻

[@alexeaton6344]

Congratulations man! Well deserved. Will you be able to shoot the 4x5 for your freelance projects? Kinda assume so since its your medium but wondering if they requested a change there for speed-sake?

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Alex. The way I shoot and process everything is pretty quick so speed won’t be an issue. So I hope most of the assignments I do, if I get any, will be of the slower kind and not in a fast pace environment. But I also could be completely wrong. Lol

[@andrewgifford7740]

There's plenty of emotion in Dennis, I feel, perhaps a bit suppressed, but I feel it's trying to burst out his eyes, good stuff Dennis and Bryan!

[@andrewgifford7740]

And congrats on the freelancer sign-up!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you thank you 🍻 Maybe that’s more of what I meant in my explanation. I feel like it is just beneath the surface but the time that I had wasn’t enough to get it all out. Thanks for the comment and appreciate the support!

[@andrewgifford7740]

@@BryanBirks I think you captured the pressure that a lot of middle aged people feel, neither young nor old, and with both many decades ahead and also the sense of a closing window of choices and freedoms. He's positively fizzing!

[@tylerhuttosmith]

Fuck yeah dude! Glad to hear it! Congrats and not sure who the news publication is, but first guess would be a paper in St Louis, but it could also be a bigger national one like the NY Times. Either way, well deserved dude.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Tyler! I actually emailed multiple publications, newspapers and magazines in St. Louis and never heard back. This was a while ago but I thought I had a decent portfolio at the time. I never had any luck with any companies in St. Louis, big and small.

[@tylerhuttosmith]

Nevermind just saw it and damn man, congrats!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! That was a solid guess. Haha

[@andym8581]

Bryan, your a well matured photographer...we need to hang out!

[@BryanBirks]

Only took a solid three years to start showing it. Haha come to Missouri and we can grab a beer.

[@honestpat7789]

If you want to get emotion out of a car guy, just start talking about their cars 😉😂

[@theo_korner]

Just a question from a non-native speaker, is there a difference in cases when to use headstone and when to use tombstone?

[@BryanBirks]

They are interchangeable these days but in the past I’m sure they had different meanings. I’m honestly not sure why I called it a headstone in this instance because I usually say tombstone. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@liamivarsson]

man.. where do i start🤯

[@BryanBirks]

At the beginning.

[@theconnorbacon]

Hey Bryan! Just curious where you get your development + scans done?

[@BryanBirks]

I do everything at home. So the E100 was processed with an E6 kit from Film Photography Store. Portra is with the Cinestill kit. Then I scan with my digital camera...a Lumix S1 and Sigma 70mm macro. Convert everything with Negative Lab Pro!

[@theconnorbacon]

@@BryanBirks dedicated to the craft, love it!

[@ruffprophetproductions]

im curious, do you find that (Dennis for example) "regular" folks just dont have interesting emotions? or maybe their stories/feelings/emotions just dont fit with what you're trying to capture with your work right now? edit: and a HUGE congrats on the NY times contract !! thats amazing, and well deserved. i actually liked the photos you did of your mom, but i do agree it wasnt your style, but sometimes its good to try different shit out and im glad you got to do that. also good that it reinforced you believing in yourself, thats dope how shit like that turns out sometimes

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! I think it is a combination of being reserved and a little bit of just not having "it." Whatever that is. When I look at the iconic portraits from people I idolize, the subject just has "it." Whether it was there or if the photographer pulled it out of them, I will never know.

[@AtlantaTerry]

You keep saying the car was blue. The man is wearing a blue Denim jacket. The car looks to be turquoise.

[@BryanBirks]

Out of all the things to say this is what you pick.

[@dustinroderick]

The New York Times. 👌

[@BryanBirks]

Nailed it.

[@RostykMakushak]

🤥 I hope Dennis not watching :)

[@BryanBirks]

Nothing against Dennis. Just being honest with self criticism and the photos. Some people it works, others it doesn’t. Nothing wrong with that.

[@RostykMakushak]

@@BryanBirks I meant it as a joke of course :) Bryan, I am a big fan of your photography. I can totally relate to the situation you described. I am currently working on a personal project about amateur sport activities in local community park. I document all kinds of male subjects practicing all kinds of sports. I approach people and ask them for a photo. So I totally understand when you asked someone for a portrait but later you realize that this photo is lacking that character, it doesn't fit the spirit of your project. Btw I totally do the same to get a shot - pursuing subjects (sometimes following them places :) And I totally share with you the same anxiety when asking people for a photo - doesn't matter how many times I've done that - this initial anxiety and "being shy" sort of - it just never goes away.• And CONGRATULATIONS on NYT freelance thing! So cool!!!

[@paulsharratt8748]

NY Times

[@paulsharratt8748]

Your work has a distinctness that reminds me of Kenneth O'Halloran, an Irish photographer. Take a look at his projects and then his commissed work for magazines including the NY Times magazine. You may notice his directness in his portrait work and how he carried his style through to his assignments. For me it was an easy guess right after you said big news.

[@BryanBirks]

Kenneth and I follow each other on Instagram. We’ve never spoke to each other but he has amazing work. Really fantastic portraits.

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

we'll forgive you this once- but if you use the phrase 'this changes everything" in the title, you're done.

[@BryanBirks]

YOU WONT BELIEVE THIS

[@faynan4165]

Congratulations!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly!

[@paulhilbink3844]

Congrats on the Times gig Bryan - your work is awesome!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Paul! Really appreciate the support.