Editorial Portraits | full breakdown

[@WillemVerb]

We've all watched the work you put in to get here and watching it pay off through these assignments is super inspiring!

[@BryanBirks]

Very happy to hear that my friend. You know how much you’ve inspired me throughout the years. Just happy to be here. It’s all gravy at this point 🍻

[@Maorta_]

Glad you shared the hating part. I think a lot of us have gone through that phase for the exact reason, because we are insecure of our work.

[@mikehessphotography]

I have to say I enjoyed this video a lot. It is refreshing to see a photographer share actual work they have done for assignments. So many social media shooters live in their little bubble and have no idea what it is like to shoot for someone else that is paying.

[@BryanBirks]

I don’t blame them at all. I’ve had a lot of privilege and luck get me here on top of putting in the work. Some photographers don’t get that break and simply have to do it that way. No wrong or right way but I agree in that this side of the work needs to be shown and talked about more prominently.

[@coreymagz3145]

Love the closing thoughts on the shit-talking, etc. I've seen a KZbinr be so incredibly overly combatant in their own comments section simply because people disagree with their spicy, "real" takes on things and it blows my mind.

[@BryanBirks]

Just insecurity disguised as knowledge. I know because that was me. Dunning-Kruger effect. The less you know the more you think you know.

[@ordinaryhunter]

Not being an asshole online is the best advice (besides staying consistent with your work) that you can take. I was with you my friend, and I lost some respect of people who I supported and admired over it, regardless of how small or petty it was. There are people who I’ve never even talked to who will not give me the time of day because someone in their circle said I was an asshole. You can look at any number of brands or businesses and you’ll see that the community is not that big. What you say online sticks with you and even the smallest interactions matter. I’m so proud of you though, and I have definitely learned from your example whether that’s just starting a KZbin or trying to be less negative online.

[@BryanBirks]

Open forums like Twitter and Threads are the worst because you’re rewarded with likes and comments for your terrible opinions. In an instant message or DM it’s a one on one conversation and you don’t get points for your shitty takes. One person online can agree with you and that makes people believe they are right.

[@bialogard1917]

You’re becoming a pretty legit photographer. I would say these kind of assignments take out the best of you in terms of results. Follow the rabbit

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Pressure definitely helps.

[@abigailgeiger2787]

Great job. I saw the story online. Your hard work has served as an inspiration for many, myself included, and you deserve the many fruits of your labor.

[@timmyd999]

That first silhouette shot is stunning

[@khanscombe619]

Awesome. You’ve grown so much in your creative works. So proud of you. (: you inspire me to try & be less shy out from behind the camera

[@AtlantaTerry]

As an architectural photographer, I have learned to ask if a facility will have crews on hand to "help me" with lights or moving things around. The first time it happened to me, I was quite surprised because I was so used to doing all the work by myself.

[@garonkiesel1646]

I have stared at 14:01 and 14:04 for no less than 10 minutes. Wow! I don't know what else to say.

[@smichaelpridgen]

Thank you for taking us to school with your mastery of light and framing!

[@BryanBirks]

I don’t know about the term mastery but you are welcome. Haha

[@alexeaton6344]

Been awesome to watch these assignments start to roll in and work into your videos. Feels like just the beginning.

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoy. I hope you are right!

[@anyavanona]

45 min for everything🤯 jeez you are amazing!👏 I’d panic if I had only 45min for shooting (especially with 4x5!)😅

[@J.ortegadesign]

These are amazing man! Appreciate the vulnerability about how you used to be and how you’ve grown past shit talking. I need to prepare way more 😅

[@BryanBirks]

Ha I think I over prepared but it worked out!

[@TimDobbs]

Excellent insight into this photo shoot mate ...

[@rokudoingstuff7915]

It's such a good thing you had the courage to talk about the tabu of the sh*t talkers! That's important! Nice job!

[@BryanBirks]

I see it because I lived it. Thankfully I cleaned up my ways.

[@benwagnerphotos]

These are exceptional. I particularly love the motion blur with the guitar in the background, something really catching about that.

[@inkaststudio]

Congratulations! The shot came out clean! 👍🏾

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you 🫶🏻

[@SummersSnaps]

I too would be proud of that work. Mission success!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, bud 🍻

[@nickystewart]

This is so inspiring, Bryan. Great work!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks so much!

[@RustyTripod45]

Quite an interesting experience. Glad to see that you have come this far.

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@maxwellwellmax878]

wow loved the images!, im glad Im not the only one who's never heard of the gentleman lol. Thanks for your videos Bryan!. Happy Thanks Giving.

[@BryanBirks]

Apparently he is a big deal in the dance world. The more you know!

[@chromagraphphotoart]

Great work Bryan. The lounge shot also really pops, because he's dressed in clothing suitable for the period. I love Art-Deco interiors and the guy himself is really cool too.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you!

[@shaundonnelly4537]

You've absolutely smashed this assignment Bryan, from prep to execution!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it! Thanks for the support. 🙏🏻

[@richardevans8480]

Really wonderful to see your honesty, your thought process, and your photos. Thanks for sharing.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching!

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

Great stuff❤

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching!

[@semigekko]

Congratulations Bryan, it’s been a pleasure to follow your journey in the industry. Here’s to more assignments coming your way!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Hoping the same 🍻

[@TheKetchupPacket]

Really happy for you getting more assignments, and getting to incorporate your 4x5 work. Great video, with sage advice.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, TheKetchupPacket. 🖤

[@ralfpulmanns1459]

congrats, great to see you taking these amazing shots and couldn’t agree more: communicate and don’t be an ass. I would add one: make everyone around feel valued so they become part of your project.

[@BryanBirks]

That’s a good one. Thanks for the comment.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Awesome dude! I love how you break down the process and your thoughts as you're going through the day!

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoy, compadre 🖤

[@germancreatives88]

Beautiful Art!

[@WatchDSSID]

Tremendous images - I’m sure they’ll offer you more commissions!!

[@BryanBirks]

Hopefully!

[@iammarcdaniel]

Stage/events are hard to get that right angle and not be in peoples way. Did a solid job on it!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it!

[@andymcgarty3099]

Congratulations. Just superb images. Great mix of action, portraits and behind the scenes relaxes shots. Love the 4x5 portraits in the bar. Another step closer to that Pulitzer. Well done, that man.

[@BryanBirks]

Still don’t know about that Pulitzer but it’s a nice goal to have. Haha

[@dazza81]

You're talented and you've been working really hard to perfect your craft. I'm so happy you got this opportunity and you definitely made the most out of it. Now just don't stop and keep going!

[@BryanBirks]

Trying my best! Thank you.

[@markmarkley3689]

Great shots, and nice retelling of your process. Wishing you continued success!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks so much!

[@mezayrapetyan131]

That was awesome. Those photos came out so good! And great advice.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it 🍻

[@chris_jorge]

U killed it! 🔥🔥🔥

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Chris!

[@jonasthepigeon]

Really great work, I love the dancing shots and the one in the lobby as well❤

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@garymorrow9324]

Once again I learned so much from your video. Thank you!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnnyMcMillan]

Literally just about to hit the hay and did the "ahhh sure I'll check youtube for a sec..." and this delight came up! Really great seeing amazing things coming your way after all the hard work you've been doing!!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, sir. Late upload on this one but I didn’t want it to sit. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@simotamas]

Thank you for this insightful video Bryan! It’s amazing to see how those images came out. Wonderful work. Hope to see more of these kind of videos in the future. It’s always inspiring!

[@BryanBirks]

Hoping to have some bts in the future but it’s always hard to get in the moment!

[@tedphillips2951]

Really nice work & narrative!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly!

[@dresedavid]

what a better way to finish my day :) awesome photos like always. That portrait in the lounge is just gold

[@BryanBirks]

Hope this video puts you to sleep in the best way possible.

[@kevinscotton]

You did a really incredible job with this work, I’m so glad to see you succeeding!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much 🖤

[@GilmerCreative]

Killer work man!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it, kind sir.

[@jasongastelum1675]

You are a good photographer.

[@mixmasteralan]

Wow... photos are stunning!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you!

[@shomanightmare]

good advice, particularly the last bit about being an asshole..

[@BryanBirks]

It’s personally what I would want to hear.

[@aaronthecameraguy]

Dude great work! Seems like this was a fun project, I bet more fun stuff coming your way!

[@BryanBirks]

One can only hope. Thank you!

[@TomRaneyMaker]

Very nice work!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@GlobalShutterNY]

Great work - I have had issues shooting in theaters with union people telling me that I could not place strobes on a stand on the floor - it's a union job! Wondering if you had that issue at all for the portrait work...

[@BryanBirks]

No issues like that. I didn’t even have any lighting equipment of my own. I just used the lights that were on the stage for the show.

[@GlobalShutterNY]

I actually did shoot for the Times for a few years - but just performance work (theater/dance/music) - and surprisingly got an A1 front page image once - of a flock of sheep that were part of a performance at the Park Ave Armory! Keep up the great work! @@BryanBirks

[@Raeling]

New subscriber. I love your work and I appreciate your transparency in all your videos. How were you able to shoot in such low lighting, movement without using flash? Even shooting wide open for the portraits, the light is so low. What ISO were you at?

[@BryanBirks]

Film is 400 speed and the exposure was 1/2 a second.

[@Raeling]

@ Ah that explains it thank you! Love your videos, your honesty and transparency.

[@AtlantaTerry]

Was the performance venue near to you or did you have to travel?

[@BryanBirks]

15 minutes away!

[@AtlantaTerry]

What usage rights did they want to license?

[@drwatsonismine]

Just wondering what digital camera you’re using for this work. Beautiful Photos. Film and digital. You are inspiring.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Lumix S1.

[@drwatsonismine]

@@BryanBirks wow. Thanks.

[@hmuz8388]

hey! Will there be any more analog artisans stuff in the future?

[@BryanBirks]

Yes. Hoping to line up some people soon!

[@hmuz8388]

looking forward to it! @@BryanBirks

[@ericjwormely8410]

Fantastic

[@BryanBirks]

Cheers, Eric!

[@ЕвгенийМалышкин-з6к]

👍

[@corinnevonreding8341]

Merci !

[@BryanBirks]

THANK YOU