Cormac McCarthy and Photography

[@AntMcLean]

“The Road” is one of my fav books, a true masterpiece. Great video Bryan

[@AntMcLean]

I liked the Olympus images too btw

[@BryanBirks]

Looks like it will be next on my list for sure.

[@Al_Bx]

Ok but do you shoot 35mm ?

[@CrunchyDiopter]

The road was so sad it made me depressed for two weeks. If you need a hug I’m here for you

[@BraeHunziker]

Look forward to your videos more and more. Every photographer should be prescribed 1-2 of your videos per month for their own well being. Thanks for the quality work and narration, and for teaching us all a little something each and every upload. You the man. Can’t wait to dive into some 4x5 this weekend hehe.

[@BryanBirks]

You the man. Now if only I could upload more than once every 26 days. Lmao now that would be something. Greatly anticipating getting a portrait of my internet friend on 4x5!

[@patrickpilkey2649]

Cormic McCarthy is currently my favorite author. Amazing video as always. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@BryanBirks]

My pleasure!

[@garethjones5068]

I like having a personal project ongoing, it gives me something to return to fill up my inspiration tank when the commercial work is draining it

[@BryanBirks]

Very true. My “commercial” is weddings. Hoping that changes in the future to more “personal” commercial.

[@garethjones5068]

@@BryanBirks I hope the print part of your work takes off so that you can make that transition to the personal commercial work 🤞

[@matteoenricocattaneo]

Very nice video…plus you use Cormac that is my absolute fav author…I moved 9 times in the last 15 years, his books followed me everywhere. Keep it up with your work!!

[@millerviz]

I love Cormac McCarthy's writing. And photography. And your videos! Keep up the good work.

[@BryanBirks]

🖤

[@HipsterCarpenter]

I love your photos, but I really enjoy how you tie a greater subject into each video with other artists (writers, other photographers, etc.). Keep up the great work, Bryan. Looking forward to the next one.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you. I think every medium can learn from the other. You can only get so many viewpoints from other photographers.

[@tonyhayes9827]

Love the Cormac input about life. What a man. When he said, `I don't know who to be grateful to,' that is very very insightful. Most people don't get this far because it's way too threatening. It's threatening because it requires an answer. Cormac also said, You cant plot things out but just have to trust in wherever it comes from'. Trust is hard. We'd rather control. Art is like that. It delves into things we cant quantify. There's a story in the Old testament when Jacob struggles with a man all night. In the morning the man changes Jacob's name to Israel. The word Israel means `struggle'. Israel is the struggle with God/spirit/art. If you don't struggle you give up and get a real job. What do you give up on? well then.........

[@BryanBirks]

It really is never ending. And to try to understand why is just a losing battle. If I enjoy something, I try not to question it. I question God, higher powers, all the time. But at the end of the day, if I’m a shit person, it doesn’t matter at all. Just be good and try to do good. Hopefully at the end of it all, I’m still a good person with very little regrets. Thanks for the insight, Tony.

[@tonyhayes9827]

@@BryanBirks Yea I think you already do that better than most. It can be a battle of wits sometimes with the little voice that says `whats the point'. There is a point man so never forget that. I didn't know Cormac wrote `No country for old men'. When I heard his quotes in your video I just thought `wow, what a man.' Reminded me of Mark Rothko and his refusal to sell his paintings to the Seagram building. I struggle always between my job and my art. I know my art is more important.....somehow......people like Rothko and McCarthy reassure me. Thanks for the video

[@liamivarsson]

man… your channel is gold.. please don’t quit. your work motivates me a ton!

[@stephenwdunn6712]

Another great video. The Cormac McCarthy voice over is 'just perfect'.

[@BryanBirks]

His voice is like a quiet rain tapping on your window.

[@timsouter1]

Extraordinary light & framing at 9:00

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Tim! 🍻

[@timsouter1]

@@BryanBirks My pleasure. I'm hoping you're secretly working on a b&w book of urban scenes along side the car book. ;)

[@aaronthecameraguy]

These videos are elevating the potential for storytelling in photography videos, they're the best around.

[@BryanBirks]

Much appreciated, my dude!

[@Al_Bx]

Congrats on the publication!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! It’s an honor to be included among so much great work.

[@luxseven1]

Thank you for the message.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching, Jos!

[@garykuhlmann8149]

Always enjoy your videos, Bryan. Another great one. Really dig your black-and-white work here. Thanks for sharing.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Gary 🍻

[@cody_wood]

another great video Bryan. I was stunned by the picture with the 506 reflection, it's hard to look away from and impossible to figure out, really well done. Clearly you can see!!

[@BryanBirks]

I’m glad you liked that one. It confused me as well. Haha I was picturing it different in my head. It’s perfectly in focus but the letters are soft from the light and shadows.

[@brettwood737]

Thanks again for the video Bryan. Cormac and film, a match made in...somewhere. I'm glad you put them together for us to contemplate and learn

[@BryanBirks]

A match made in…something. Haha glad you enjoyed, Brett!

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

Patience and perspective is incredibly important. The image you captured of the FS silo is truly spectacular - One of the best images I have seen in a while. Keep up the good work my friend

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, dude. Really enjoyed that one as well. Turned out better than I expected!

[@tychomagneticanomaly]

You left me inspired. I will go and take pictures of a bunch of actors now. I worked with a lot of writers over the last couple of years. Beginners, who were not sure that they will finish their first book when I took their portrait. Successful authors, who bought horses for the children with the advance. And the one or other nobel price winner. Some of them are quiet, some talk a lot. Some fear the camera, others don't care. But there is always an interseting conversation, and something new to learn. So thank you for another lovely video, Bryan.

[@BryanBirks]

Kind words, Thorsten. Thanks for watching.

[@matthewpoburyny5147]

I was actually talking with another photographer about Cormac McCarthy recently, I have yet to read his work but love the movie's based off his books. Excellent video and maybe not directly related to the subjects you were tapping on but I have been trying to use literature lately to inspire or guide images and your video just really made that idea all the more poignant. All the best!

[@BryanBirks]

Highly recommend “No Country for Old Men.” It’s an easier read and lets you in on the style of McCarthy while maintaining accessible themes and plot points.

[@matthewpoburyny5147]

@@BryanBirks Thanks for the recommendation! My wife has a copy of The Crossing by him but it looked like a daunting book to start with since it is part of a trilogy.

[@geebes2112]

“Discount Grainydays” 🤣 I love your work dude.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Matt!

[@7sloves]

Thank you for this video. You should also read The Road from him. I had some hard times these days, but you inspired me to go out tomorrow and take some photos. Thank you!

[@BryanBirks]

Amazing. Happy to hear that. I actually started The Road when I was younger right before I got on a plane and was super depressed the whole ride. Haven’t picked it up since but I think it might be time now. Haha

[@jestintzi]

As a writer I will say it's okay and good to be perplexed by writing (high school English teachers be damned). I think it's criminal the way we're taught to vivisect and expect that everything should be clear or be easily made clear. Oftentimes in art, at least for me, the thing I love the most is that I can never quite wrestle something into clarity. I also resonate with your idea about having multiple forms/things to work on actually being good for the things you're splitting your attention between. Be that photography and writing or fiction and poetry in writing itself, they don't often draw from the same exact well, and doing multiple keeps you from trying to force an idea into the wrong form.

[@BryanBirks]

I agree. With Blood Meridian, even though I didn’t totally grasp the themes and ideas, I still knew I was reading something different. And I wanted to keep reading. If I keep thinking about something then it’s worth something in someway. That first line…”See the child. He is pale and thin…” I knew I was in for something different.

[@writerman242]

The other night I watched one of your videos and commented only on the subject and I am sorry about that. That film like this one was a work of art in itself Your insights and willingness to follow through with the action part are terrific. Just keep on doing what you are doing. Clearly you are making art No higher calling my friend 👏👏👏

[@Brause_Market]

8:44 was my fav!!!

[@BryanBirks]

After using the 135mm on 4x5, I felt like I was standing a block away with the 105mm on the Pentax. Thing is tight!

[@adventureStaley]

You had me wih the title. Cormac is a hero. Great video, always dig the authenticity..

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it as always!

[@antoniocarrara_]

You really don't have to think you're not doing this good. You are doing this just as you feel to do it and this is for sure the right way, Bryan. It's not about making numbers on YT, yes, it's nice to have, but it really isn't the point of this. I think it's more about finding people who understand and share your work / art, and I am pretty sure, the people following you, follow you because they feel your photography. You are a big inspiration, please keep it just the way it is! Greetings from Germany :)

[@BryanBirks]

I agree. Going with my gut has paid off quite well in regards of growth. Slow and steady. Happy to hear your thoughts. 🍻

[@thefilmdaddy]

The part about growth moving up no matter how fast really resonated with me man. Loved this whole video, I’m a huge fan of Cormac McCarthy and this was such a treat to watch and see how you took lessons from his words. If random folk came up to me asking what I was doing taking photos I tend to resort to my shell and gtfo. So it’s very inspiring to hear you engaging with people in a way that contributes to more work. Lovely video, and lovely guns at the end.

[@BryanBirks]

I still get in my head about showing up to places and blasting photos. I don’t think it ever goes away but as long as your true intentions are pure, it shouldn’t be a case of it affecting you. Just need to overcome the anxiety first and foremost. The only way to do it, is to do it.

[@gagewiggins5193]

Just found your channel this morning. Really, really enjoy your work Bryan!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it, Gage!

[@amandacreamer05]

Bryan, thanks so much for your work and the inspiration you give. This video provided inspiration and encouragement for me in the middle of a difficult time-thank you!

[@BryanBirks]

That’s rad to hear. Thank you for watching, Amanda!

[@Ruffmus]

You inspire. I always find your work inspiring and your Videos seem to come out a time when I need a kick up the ass. So, thank you.

[@BryanBirks]

If I can’t do it, just go watch some Milnor. He’ll surely do it!

[@SathyaPeacock]

Another wonderful video dude, certainly inspired me to get out more. Also digging the gains from lifting all that large format gear 😂

[@BryanBirks]

Trying my best to be the most jacked film photographer on KZbin!

[@setharcand33]

The Road is one of the reasons I pursued my English degree, such a visceral book that affected me when I was in high school.

[@BryanBirks]

Luckily, I watched the movie years back and remember very little of it. Going to pick that one up soon!

[@john_murch]

You always inspire Bryan. Enjoying your journey...

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, John 🖤

[@cactusjorge]

This is about the most targeted video towards me I've ever seen haha. Loved your photography for a while and am a huge fan of Mr. McCarthy -- check out his Border Trilogy, starting with "All The Pretty Horses".

[@MacnTeensVisuals]

What a voice he has. Lovely video once again Bryan, loved the shots you got in both towns too 👌

[@BryanBirks]

Yeah, his voice is magic. Shame he doesn’t do many interviews. I would pay good money for him to read me a bedtime story.

[@MacnTeensVisuals]

@@BryanBirks 😂 That would certainly do the trick.

[@jemzlb]

very inspiring, thank you.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching, Maurice 🍻

[@outtathyme5679]

The Road is epic x 10000

[@BryanBirks]

Up next after Blood Meridian (the second time) and Child of God.

[@geoffmphotography9444]

Just found your channel. I live in England This is a fine video and I think the photography is great. Right up my street. Subscribed.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it, sir! Glad you enjoyed.

[@pharrellphoto]

Great video man, really nice message, and you’re definitely inspiring me to shoot anyways!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Colm. Cheers!

[@BenRipleyPhoto]

Excellent Bryan thank you. This video did inspire me, truly. I appreciate it and the Cormac McCarthy insights are special. I’m pretty new to your channel so I have some library diving to do! I get the Grainydays reference and it’s funny but don’t do yourself down man - you’re damn good IMHO and I get more inspiration from videos like this. You should market yourself as ‘the thinking man’s/person’s Grainydays!’ Oh and 35mm is cool btw. 😁

[@BryanBirks]

Haha thank you, Ben! I love Jason’s channel. And it’s more of a nod to his signature humor and overall tone of his videos. It’s just great. I do know what I offer. Different things for sure. He’s also more handsome.

[@richard.l5563]

great idea..

[@alexander.starbuck]

Beautiful, as always Brian! :)

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, sir ✌🏻

[@willmccleland2383]

Your videos really help to get me in the mood after work to sit down for an hour or two and work on my current projects

[@BryanBirks]

That is a good thing to hear. Thanks for watching, Will.

[@Iggy_Garcia]

You did a great photographic route of some of the vast McCarthy’s literary landscape. Thank you for this excellent piece, best regards from Mexico City.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate the support 🖤

[@TimDobbs]

Great video ... really enjoying your work ... Thanks

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Tim!

[@smalltownsavouries]

Discount grainydays made me laugh hysterically.

[@BryanBirks]

Bargain bin Grainydays. Thrift store Graindays. They're interchangeable.

[@smalltownsavouries]

@@BryanBirks I think you both are fantastic!

[@kalaharistuart]

Now I have to watch again!

[@ChrisVidouras]

Great video Bryan!! Thanks for sharing.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you for watching, Christos!

[@tejasrinivas3049]

Great video. Inspiring as always :)

[@photosynthesis69]

6:30 is a slapper

[@BryanBirks]

One of my favs as well. Thank you.

[@nivenjpg]

your videos keep me alive

[@BryanBirks]

Your comments keep me alive 🍻

[@martonelek9746]

Thanks for the video.!

[@BryanBirks]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@harshavardhansalgaokar]

I see a Bryan birks video uploaded, I press play

[@BryanBirks]

The work of a saint.

[@FRONTPhotography]

Feeling left really inspired. Great ti see a variety of photos. A great mix of projects and personal.

[@BryanBirks]

Happy to help with the inspiration. We all need it sometimes.

[@tedphillips2951]

Love your channel Ready for you photo book

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, sir. In time!

[@sevakdilanchian]

Great video Bryan

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you , Sevak!

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

Well, I enjoyed that, not quite sure what it was all about and whether you were shooting 35mm all the way through or not. Funnily enough though, my latest acquisition a Nikon FE has been giving me considerable enjoyment loaded with HP5 where I took BTS images of a grasstrack meeting, soon to be part of a YT video. It just suited that oily, gritty, dusty subject material.

[@BryanBirks]

35mm is fun. I was going to put which was which but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. Images are images. My first 35mm was Nikon FE2. Great camera. HP5 is perfect as well for all around shooting.

[@nikson3200]

wow greeeeat video! I really love your 35mm b/w frames.. may I ask which developer and recipe you use?

[@BryanBirks]

I always use HC-110. This was 1:31 ratio with HP5. Sometimes I use the 1:79 ratio for TMax 100 and it’s great as well. Very economical.

[@N0va]

Earned my sub man. Blood Meridian changed my life. Would love more people to discuss and when you said you want to dive into the themes, I'd love to hash that out with fellow like-minded individuals. Do you have a platform or something? I just wrote a western can be said to take some inspirations from Cormac novels as well.

[@BryanBirks]

I'm going to need a very deep dive until I can properly discuss. Haha

[@Mike_Wazowski_z]

I always feel like I get something great out of your videos. Either a lesson or inspiration or just some words I need to hear at the time so I thank you for that :) I always look forward to the next one. Also sick shirt :)

[@BryanBirks]

Gift from the future sister in law! Thanks, pal.

[@jaserhunter]

To echo what everyone else is saying, The Road is one of the best books I've ever read.

[@BryanBirks]

Okay okay I’ll read it!

[@SteveKleinheider]

Wonderful video and photos! The only thing I hate about your videos...is that they seem to fly by so fast...they are always interesting!

[@BryanBirks]

That is nice to hear! Thanks, Steve.

[@brannee.]

Great video as always. Several have mentioned how great The Road is (and it is), but you should also check out Child of God.

[@BryanBirks]

Currently reading that. Then going to Blood Meridian for a second go around. Then I’m taking on The Road. Child of God is intense.

[@MichaelCortese1]

Short Kings shoot 35mm :) . I love medium format, but for some reason I absolutely love a 35mm print over the same 6x7 one. Not a clue why!

[@BryanBirks]

I have yet to print 35mm in the darkroom. That will probably change with the upcoming Washington trip! Gotta shoot some while I'm out there.

[@CorySchadt]

You and nick carver are the only real deals

[@BryanBirks]

That is some good company. Love his work and process. A legend.

[@nicklutz7895]

Love the personal touch in your videos, especially the Analog Artisans series. Quick question, what app is that you are using to meter light?

[@BryanBirks]

It’s called myLightMeter. Really great. I tested it with a Sekonic spot meter and it held up well.

[@jeremyrowlettmedia]

Man shoot more 35. Love to see it.

[@BryanBirks]

Oh, I plan on it. Probably stick to slide film and black and white.

[@LorenzoEvangelisti]

Hello Bryan, thank you for your work... can I ask you If you remove grain from yours film with Lr or Ps ? or what kind of film & developer you usually use.. Thank you for all!

[@BryanBirks]

Hi, I don’t remove grain. I just use a low speed black and white film. For black and white, I use Kodak HC-110 and TMax 100.

[@LorenzoEvangelisti]

@@BryanBirks Thank you so much for all, Bryan!

[@clarhettcoalfield3616]

Bryan I love Cormac McCarthy - avid fan of his writing. Great video, sincere and thoughtful as always, which leads into asking this - like everywhere else in North America the cost of gas is constantly rising, is that affecting your choices on locations, and obviously its also adding to the cost of shooting with film, will this now limit your ability of shooting film or will you become more selective on the locations you pick for your outings?

[@BryanBirks]

I am currently reading "Child of God." It is...strange. Good but strange. It definitely is. I've been shooting less and less film anyway so the film part isn't too bad. But gas is ridiculous. I am currently in the process of a newer project that centers around the town of Dupo, Illinois. It is right across the river, I've shot there a ton, and I think it has a lot of potential. Ten minute drive that I can go to at anytime.

[@clarhettcoalfield3616]

@@BryanBirks Yeah I too have cut back on driving out to shoot film, choosing places within a 1/2 hour of my house, so yeah its hurting the pocket book and my desire to shoot film. But I think in a small way it might be helping honing and focusing my attention and creative spirit to the things that matter to me most. Thanks for sharing, cheers.

[@FilmCameraObsession]

Man, could we sit down and talk. I met Cormac and totally missed a joke he told me. Blood Meridian is in my top three books of all time.

[@BryanBirks]

Please tell me the joke. I’m rereading Blood Meridian right now. Still can’t get over it.

[@FilmCameraObsession]

@@BryanBirks It's kind of a long story, but I was a rare book dealer at an ABQ show and he came into my booth. I didn't dare ask him to sign my personal first editions of his books. We started discussing philosophy and he brought up philosophy of language (see his roles at the Santa Fe Institute). He told me about a friend of his that's a preeminent philosopher in the field. Cormac said he found it strange that two negative statements make a positive, but two positive statements don't make a negative, and the philosopher responded "yeah, yeah." My response was that was rude. Cormac looked at me and said, "You didn't get it," and he walked away. I immediately got it and stood there in shame.

[@FilmCameraObsession]

So much in the reading of Blood Meridian. After I finished it the first time, I turned around and read it aloud to myself.

[@paulreitanodotcom]

Excellent video. Two modern cultural references to Blood Meridian you might find interesting. Ben Nichols of Lucero wrote an album of songs based on that novel. Here’s one example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6KuiWBnqcuHbrc And, just to add some levity to the seriousness of McCarthy’s work, the first episode on Mike Tyson Mysteries (Season 1, episode 1 called ‘The End’) features a Cormac McCarthy plot line. Thanks again for the video.They are a pleasure to watch, and a the work is routinely excellent. Cheers! pr

[@less_vanity5820]

9:10 you've managed to do it

[@BryanBirks]

Happy to hear that 🍻

[@jasonlamarking]

Get up, dress up, show up.

[@BryanBirks]

Yep. It’s the only way.

[@BossHossStudios]

Sir you do not need a pop filter over you microphone. Lol it has a pop filter under the screen. You don’t have a studio microphone which do not have pop filters. It just looks silly every time I see you have this set up because it’s completely unnecessary. 😂

[@BryanBirks]

I’m putting an extra one on there now.

[@BossHossStudios]

@@BryanBirks lmao. Ok dollar store Grainy Days. 😂😂