Chuck Palahniuk and Large Format Portraits

[@lilyangell9934]

Bryan! Your videos are sooooo good. It's so special to hear about your process and the stories behind your photographs. I'm not sure if it's the little tinklin'-tunes and violins that you add in, but I'm always left with tears in my eyes. I think it's not the violins as much as it is your portrayal of the phenomenon of being afraid to do something, and doing it anyways. The accomplishment of that and the reward of a beautiful portrait is moving. As always, thanks for sharing.

[@BryanBirks]

That is amazing to hear, Lily. I can really only feel the emotions you mention after months without watching. While editing I become desensitized in a way so I’m glad that the feelings resonate with you! 🖤

[@hhhghhhhhhhhh]

لا إلاه إلا الله

[@emr5081]

I love the pace of your storytelling. Beautiful portraits! Just beautiful.

[@Latinocr]

I imagine that if you had a small portfolio to show to the people you want to ask for a portrait that would increase the positive answers to the request. Love your portraits!

[@BryanBirks]

I agree. I actually showed Jesse multiple photos and portraits. He just wasn’t too keen on getting his own. Good idea though for sure.

[@WillemVerb]

Incredible images Bryan

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you so much, Willem.

[@terrywbreedlove]

beautiful work

[@susanhuber7807]

I really enjoyed this and I have no idea about making portraits as I am a landscape photographer but I always involve a human element somewhere. I like how you approach people. I generally rake a small portfolio or use my iPhone to show ppl my website. I use 8 x10 primarily but for quick portraits of my homelands and ppl I use my ancient iPhone and get their email mails or address and mail the results as soon as I can. Ppl really appreciate that. I do very quick images before they get into their "poses". Sometimes I will stop at rest stops and ask if I can photograph a group or family and they always says yes. When out in the field. I just wave at ppl passing by and they soon come over and ask about the " strange" camera and ask why I use it. I often let them see the image on the ground glass and that awes many. Ppl are very happy to talk about their lands.

[@KevinRusso]

Really nice work.

[@UG-23]

4:15 - Oh yeah! This helps a lot! Until the excitement filled us, without thinking about anything, do our job. It's so familiar 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🔥🔥

[@dfigphoto]

What a great way to start the day. Thank you for making these videos.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you for watching 🍻

[@ericacarrillo8034]

beautiful photos👏🏼

[@dalliswillard1843]

Wow, these are fantastic.

[@FrankAUnger-bz8fo]

Great video! Thank you.

[@roderickfield1855]

Exquisite, story and pictures.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, sir. Cheers.

[@alexanderstertz4378]

Love your work so much Bryan! Thats all i have to say. Love your work so much!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Alexander!

[@BraeHunziker]

12:07 simply amazing. Love the narration, there’s a lot to take away. Just keeps getting better and better!

[@BryanBirks]

That photo took me an ungodly time to edit. I didn’t even know what colors were by the end of it. Haha I’m happy it turned out decent 😂

[@christophersmithphotograph2275]

You Sir are a Master...I believe books will be written about you, stories will be told, your journey and the way you tell it have struck a cord with me...FYI I also live in IL and a small farm town...and does it ever have some photographic scenes to offer...VERY VERY inspired by you! Thank you for being you. You Sir are my favorite visual/audio story teller. Thx

[@robbiemurrie7562]

The portrait of him looking off into the distance isn’t just a beautiful portrait but there’s feeling in his face. You look at that and get a sense of how his day’s been, what’s on his mind. That’s something I aspire to with my own image making, great job.

[@BryanBirks]

I wish I could say that I did something special in anyway but I guess all I really did was be there in that moment, and get lucky to a certain degree (a very high degree), but again, that is more than most people are willing to do. Just try to get in those moments, Robbie. 🍻

[@geebes2112]

Wonderful video, Bryan. Thank you!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate you, Matt!

[@gonzotravelling]

Fantastic man! Now this is inspiring. I've been thinking about portraits with my new (old) Hasselblad.

[@dow2278]

The narration is superb… inspiring…

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate ya!

[@cjl1434]

Really nice video with the complimentary music. Short enough to watch before bed ;)

[@brianwilsonperkins178]

Wow, thanks for share your work, thanks for the timing speaking very clear, great video and wonderfull photography, Thanks.

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@christiannawrathsmith9483]

You are amazing. Congrats for your work!!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you so much!

[@Sir1Snorteaus]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching! 🍻

[@ReimannPembroke]

Driving 40 minutes 3 times is serious dedication and it was well worth it!! Honestly having him with his back to the camera turned out better than I think having him facing the camera would have. It really makes this seem more like a still from a movie and less like a portrait

[@BryanBirks]

40 minutes in the Midwest is chump change. Haha I am really excited about the opportunities that this new way of posing will bring. Just want to do my best to keep it authentic and not staged though. Might be tough.

[@MeumGaudiumRivegauche]

You are the only photographer I follow where the length of the videos are always far too short. You are inspiring, captivating and your passion is contagious. Please don't stop dude!

[@BryanBirks]

Can’t stop. Won’t stop. Video length is tough. I try to make it long enough to get a singular point across but short enough where it’s not boring. But when I’m editing, I think everything that I’m saying is boring so it’s nice to hear that it really isn’t. 😂

[@dianeschuller]

Bryan I haven't commented for a while (didn't want to be annoying saying the same thing all the time). But I just have to say this old lady really finds your videos, your thoughts, and your discussions very real and so worthwhile. Thank you for sharing all of what you share.

[@pauldavidkemp]

Brilliant as always x

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Paul!

[@NordicLab]

Excellent work as always! Keep pushing!

[@BryanBirks]

I plan on it. Thank you!

[@kirknorburyfilms]

incredible photographs! I'm so glad you went back to get that blue truck, very much worth it.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Kirk!

[@christopherbutton1804]

so great mate! beautiful portraits and beautiful message to the video. has immediately inspired me to go out and take more photos. Thank you

[@BryanBirks]

Amazing to hear. Thanks, Christopher 🖤

[@willbarford2298]

smashed it again. once the project is complete would love to see all the selected images together or in a show.

[@BryanBirks]

A show is a dream. I guess we will see.

[@PeterGallagher1]

I love that first portrait of the young man smoking and sitting on the tailgate. The shot with his back to you, awesome. I really appreciate your work and the overall asthetic and pacing of the videos. Thanks

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Peter!

[@deldridg]

Mate, you have a new subscriber in Australia now. Thank you for this wonderful piece of work. Your portraits are stunning and I have quite an emotional response to them. They really reveal the beauty, character and vulnerability of your subjects - almost laid bare. I have a beautiful Chamonix, a stack of gorgeous lenses and plenty of film I haven't touched in years. Thanks to you, I am committed to making a few portraits this week. How about that! Cheers and thanks from Sydney, Dave

[@BryanBirks]

Wonderful to hear, Dave!

[@khanscombe619]

Awesome

[@Xinbaby999]

this is soooooooo good!!!! HUMAN ELEMENTS that's the exactly what I'm looking for too

[@cody_wood]

Such a beautiful video, this project is very interesting. Finding myself in many of these photos so thank you for making them. What a beautiful feeling to make a photo that so perfectly exemplifies what you want from a project.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Cody!

[@ShirtlessMenNetwork]

Your storytelling gives your already beautiful work a level of impact that is immeasurable. It's this sort of intangible element that makes your videos a true pleasure to watch. Thank you for sharing your work and your experiences.

[@nickdeak]

You’re an artist man, absolutely stunning work and determination.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Nick. Means a lot my man. ✌🏻

[@timeremapperegor1249]

your storytelling layered with a background ambient music is so spot on, that it feels like you’re reading a book. congrats, keep up the good work !

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you. Again, sometimes I feel like I am rambling but I am happy that it resonates.

[@willmccleland2383]

Another great video! And incredible work!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@PhillipJ]

I thought I recognized the JB bridge. Good vid…fresh!!! Love the ideas and location. Good work!!👏👏👏👍

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Phillip. JB is a godsend. Right next to where I live. Easy access. Love it!

[@Gedagnors]

Thank you for inspiration!!!!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching 🖤

[@nicolaimedbo]

kid on the hood photo is awesome!

[@jasonblake5576]

Great work Bryan!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Jason 🖤

[@ShawnPBruce]

Dude, so many wonderful portraits in this video.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, buddy. Cheers!

[@heswithfilm]

beautiful video. thanks for making.

[@BryanBirks]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@johnkelly-pd3vq]

Amazing last portrait with his back to the camera, loved them all but this stood out, watched this at 6,20am, set me up for the day. Cheers

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it, John! 🍻

[@marcmcmullan8155]

Hey Brian, came across you channel just this week and its so so good. Love your video and the story behind what you are talking about. The portraits in this video are stunning. Love the one of Jessie with his back to the camera....just stunning. Please keep sharing and putting your work in front of us as its truly inspiring. Can't wait to see some more. Cheers Marc from New Zealand.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Marc. Really appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@briansokolowski4499]

Wow man. New to your work. Don’t stop.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Brian 🍻

[@mikehessphotography]

I have been watching this series for a long time. This is easily one of my favorites. The photo of Jesse looking into the back of his truck, not facing you is amazing. Even without seeing his face, he looks contemplative. You don't always need the eyes or face to get emotive images. Looking forward to seeing all of these together in a collection.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Mike. Means a lot!

[@stayuntilforever]

Great portraits! Print one and put it on your wall!

[@BryanBirks]

There’s a 30x40 of Travis on his tailgate in my living room. Haha

[@drdirt8276]

Travis #2 with the smile is the best. That smile that says "I have a secret."

[@marcelwurm3431]

Hey Bryan. Great work of yours! Keep going man. I mean it. Nice Vids and great Photos. Honest and direct.

[@BryanBirks]

I appreciate that!

[@MrCodyswanson]

Bryan, I don't comment on youtube videos a lot but I just wanted you know know that you're my favourite youtuber. The brutal honesty you share about your process rings so true. I honestly don't understand why you don't have more subscribers, your videos bring me joy. Well done sir.

[@BryanBirks]

Happy to hear that! Glad you get something out of them. Subscribers will come. I envy some that have more but then I think about the negatives that will come along with that so I can wait patiently for that day.

[@allanroney]

Your portraits are quite something. Wonderful.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate the comment. Glad you enjoy them!

[@avdidit]

Please don't stop making these videos.

[@BryanBirks]

Never!

[@aleksandrbykov198]

I love your videos man! I believe that more people should see them!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, sir!

[@builtbytitan]

Really enjoyed this. Been watching photo videos all day. This was the best. Making an “average” person beautiful…to make people realize that they are in-fact… beautiful. I loved it.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks so much. 🖤

[@gogomoe140]

Nice work. keep Evolving.

[@BryanBirks]

Will do 🍻

[@christoombes7875]

This is what photography is all about, totally authentic and really inspiring work. Stunning portraits that capture the subjects perfectly and make the viewer feel as if they've know them for years.

[@BryanBirks]

That’s a great thing to hear, Chris. Truly. That’s all I really want out of the portraits.

[@christoombes7875]

@@BryanBirks you’re very welcome, always look forward to your films 👍📷👍

[@futuristpictures]

Man, each one of those shots got more and more stunning. You must have an incredible body of work for this project so far, I can't wait to see your book!

[@BryanBirks]

The photos come more slowly these days but the results are much better most of the time. It’s just about finding the subjects…that takes a bit. I appreciate the support!

[@jessewillem]

This is a nice video man, the production value is top! And your photography style is clean. glad to have found your account.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you!

[@marcuswhitmore5591]

I’m always chuffed when there’s a new video from you, Bryan. Really enjoyed this one. Fantastic portraits. The quality of your content is second to none. 👌

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly, Marcus. Glad you enjoy!

[@vtavares00]

amazing photos, Bryan. We can all see your progression in not just the technical execution, but the feelings your photos are capturing. Awesome work.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Victor. Your support is always appreciated!

[@uubankwang]

I'm sure this has been suggested before. But having a few beers always helps me to approach people and ask to take their picture. lol

[@BryanBirks]

One shot of whiskey did it for me. I would suggest only doing that if you are walking around though. I learned that the hard way. Not cool. Lmao

[@philipu150]

I enjoy hearing your insights into the creative process. We all struggle with variations of these n different ways. I would recommend a short, excellent book titled Art and Fear, the Perils and Rewards of Artmaking, one of the more insightful books on the challenges faced by creative artists.

[@Sebonelo2]

I appreciate your videos a lot man.

[@BryanBirks]

I appreciate your comment a lot, Eric 🍻

[@mehmetkara2752]

amazing

[@jakebloomwood9406]

Lovely

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Jake.

[@TheKevPeng]

The thumbnail (portrait of Travis) for this video really drew me in, Bryan. I just got a 4x5 monorail cam myself and to learn, I've been soaking up whatever LF videos I can find on KZbin and reading as much as I can. The pace of this video and the quality of the photos makes me optimistic for the journey ahead. Just know your stories and your shots have impact.

[@Owenwithee]

Man... I saw this and thought, Chuck Palahniuk shoots portraits? And the thumbnail lead me to believe that he's quite good at it!

[@BryanBirks]

Ha he would be quite the artist if he could do both!

[@Owenwithee]

@@BryanBirks Your photograph is so powerfully iconic, that an entire film could be written around it.

[@keithfox2995]

Keep it up, I think its great stuff!

[@timdajan8326]

This video just singlehandedly pulled me out of a creative hole. It is an extremely moving watch, the way you talk, the stories connected with the creation of these photos, the music and of course the photos themselves hit a deep spot. I don‘t know if it‘s because I‘m coming out of a dark time, but your video almost moved me to tears at several points throughout. Besides the emotional impact, you inspired me to take more time with my photos, and patiently valuing the moment I am capturing. The photos speak to me on a deep level, I loved every single one. Thank you for making my day.

[@BryanBirks]

Wow, thank you for the thoughtful comment. Means a lot to hear that!

[@DavRaw]

I really want a book with this series.

[@BryanBirks]

One of these days. It'll happen.

[@saikatduttachowdhury535]

Beautiful portraits. "Nothing of me is original ..." It really resonated with me.

[@Speanz]

Hi, darling And I really like this frame at 08:53 This smile looks real, like many people in life You captured that moment! Yes, it may look strange, but it is very beautiful and honorable. Great job and great shots very atmospheric video

[@BryanBirks]

I may have been a bit curt with my initial thoughts. It’s a fine portrait, just not the exact mood I’m going for. Appreciate the kind words!

[@secondbob7707]

Bryan…I stopped this video at 6:45 in to say how much I enjoy your work. It’s great to see how your work is evolving. I know you know this but don’t get down if you don’t take a shot. If it doesn’t feel right…there’s a reason. -robb

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate the kind words. 🖤

[@FilmGarrett]

I love you videos. Keep them coming.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, sir 🍻

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, sir 🍻

[@MicaelWidell]

Sometimes the process of kicking yourself over not doing what you need to do, is what's needed to build up the courage and determination to just do it when the chance comes again. You have a great way of telling the story around the photos, which makes the video so much more interesting than many photography youtubers.

[@BryanBirks]

I’m happy that you think that. Sometimes I talk and it feels like I’m rambling or going on too long. Nice to know it’s not garbage commentary coming out of my mouth. 😂

[@MicaelWidell]

@@BryanBirks This video even made me question what I thought was a basic requirement to make a video about photography: filming the photographer when s/he is taking the photo. You showed that with good narration and some B-roll, it can be even better without seeing the photographer in action. This inspired me and is somehting I'm going to take with me when I make my own videos. Keep up the great work!

[@weezintrumpeteer]

Keep doing what you're doing. I appreciate you speaking about the vulnerability and the challenges you have as a part of this - it's inspiring to me as I face many of the same ones myself. These portraits are stunning and you are just getting better and better.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad it could help in some way.

[@valkyrie-in-black-coat]

Thank you, not much to say, but the story behind this video is very inspiring to me:) I like the way the videos are composed and your voice matches the tone of the video perfectly, inspiring to watch and enjoyable to listen to, almost like a podcast which again I really like:) may the inspiration keep flowing:)

[@TimDobbs]

Another great video ... stunning portraits yet again ... Thank you

[@adroc9101]

Really interesting vid. 👍🏽

[@emmaotoole2791]

This video is so captivating. I pressed play on your video, cranked the treadmill to about an 8.0 speed and started watching and running. Before I knew it, the video is over and so is my run. You completely stole all of my attention from everything else around me with your words and images. I’m so proud of you and how far you’ve come. You tell the best stories. Now I’m expecting at least 5 videos a week so I can get through these runs a bit easier. 🖤

[@BryanBirks]

I love you so much, sweets! "Cranked the treadmill to 8.0..." okay Usain Bolt. 😉

[@radicaleyemag]

Wow, I think the photos of Travis are some of my favourite I've seen from you! Love the last one too, very unique way to involve people who don't want to have their photo taken. Looking forward to the next one!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, sir!

[@TheGameCalledReality]

i can't wait for the project Bryan! An idea came while hearing you talk about your love for cars and small towns and your own history; maybe the project could do something picture and narrative wise with both cars and horses together, and the people who take care of them and love them. Something to think about! Excited for the next one

[@BryanBirks]

Ah, but horses on 4x5? I would die. Haha thanks for always supporting me, Jay!

[@natalyatarankova5371]

Thank you for sharing your sincere lovely energy, makes me want to go out more and capture those "lost" portraites ..

[@BryanBirks]

You are so welcome, Natalya!

[@barmst]

You have a sincere quality toward your work how you approach people and the way you photograph them. There’s a subtitle quality that makes me feel I’m not alone with my own life and my thoughts.

[@MakersTeleMark]

I do the exact same work that you do in a completely different environment. It's inspiring to say the least. Often times what I will try, and I am not shy like you, is well, would you be willing to tell me something in or about this special place that you really care about/and or proud of. Not only does it get the focus off them, but gets them jazzed about their environment. We are so lucky to be capturing what is pretty much going to be lost. It sucks to miss a great one, but we honor consent. It's not about us. But you make a lot of deep friends along the way, and show America what we America are really about. Extremely diverse, welcoming, and caring. It's taken me decades to come close to truly understanding the ethos of our country.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate the reply. Soth would say, "think about a childhood memory" or something of that nature...I've never employed that strategy but I may add it in the future to see what it brings out.

Great post, thanks :)

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching, Renato.

[@otroargentinocamioneroenes5805]

Nice job

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you!

[@clairefear3215]

This is a really beautiful and considerate piece of work, and I love your photos. The last with the man looking into the truck being a favourite. Your work is so careful and beautiful - thank you for sharing.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Claire!

[@allendrexel7622]

Absolutely gorgeous portraits, Bryan, and a fantastic video. You’re putting together an amazing photo project, and I can’t wait for the book, exhibit, etc.

[@TheAppleNow]

He does it again.

[@BryanBirks]

He done did it. Again.

[@SummersSnaps]

It's interesting to hear you talk about a 'favourite' shot of the blue shirt blond guy. I don't really have one and I try not to think in terms of favourites anymore. Each shot has something different to contribute and instead I am 'judging' the series as a whole rather than singling out a particular shot per se. Where is it written we have to choose a favourite? I think the shot of him staring into the distance conveys better because of the previous shot witnessed of him smiling. The set has some great juxtaposition and together they build up a better impression of blond blue boy than a single stand alone image. One might argue that single stand alone images are not photography and that photography is plural and needs more than a single image to properly sell. I love this channel.

[@BryanBirks]

I definitely agree with seeing the images as a whole set. I think I’m in the mindset of just having to pick a favorite for the sake of discussion in the video. Appreciate the comment!

[@SummersSnaps]

@@BryanBirks Yes that makes a lot of sense, I think if I were in your position I too would use such phrases like favorites etc (and of course there's nothing wrong with having favorites either). Keep up the great work, your channel is really one of the very few that genuinely inspires, after watching your vids I want to reach for my camera and start shooting or coming up with a project idea! Brillo.

[@johnbarben]

Beautiful portraits and a great story - and I really like the project

[@paulalanputnam4592]

Gosh, Bryan. Beautiful pictures. Super simple, honest, beautiful colour photography. Love your channel. Thanks for your videos.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching, Paul. And for the kind words. Simple and beautiful are wonderful compliments.

[@Michaelajacksonfilms]

Thank you for making actual photography content. Intensely enjoyable honest and fun to watch.

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoy it! Thank you, kindly.

[@mezayrapetyan131]

Simply incredible. I have to be honest, out of all the channels on KZbin, I genuinely look forward to your videos. I love that you’re true to yourself no matter the consequence. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Mez. Glad that you enjoy it. Thanks for the support!