Grays the Mountain Sends by Bryan Schutmaat

The photobook that made me pick up a large format camera.
Thank you to Squarespace for sponsoring this video and supporting me as a photographer. Head over to www.squarespac... and use code BRYANBIRKS to save 10% on your first purchase.
Bryan's work: www.bryanschut...
Audio from these podcasts: A Small Voice & Open Curtain
Website : www.bryanbirks...
Instagram : / bryanbirks
How to Support
Patreon : / bryanbirks
Buy some film - bhpho.to/440407v

[@stevetrapped2823]

No word of a lie. This video has completely changed my appreciation of photography and the direction my collection of photobooks has taken. Thank you

[@moky99]

That work of Bryan Schutmaat is a real masterpiece.

[@LouisMellini]

3:04 is my favorite photo probably ever. The look, the lighting..I can stare at it for hours

[@playthink1]

thank u so much Bryan for sharing all this beautifull and deep meaning content. Your channel is up on new pure Poetic level.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate that. Glad you enjoy it!

[@coreymagz3145]

Being new to Schutmaat through you, I definitely see his inspiration on you in your work and your work has recently made me shift my overall inspiration and approach to photography (both film and digital). Videos like this make me want to start collecting photobooks so badly. I want shelves full. I don't know if I have the patience or the skill for Large Format, but work like this and yours has definitely made me hope I do.

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you could find some inspiration. I take the approach with photobooks of “less is more” but that’s just me. If I had more funds I would definitely have shelves of books. But right now I just buy the ones that I basically look at everyday and get rid of anything that doesn’t spark my passion. Large format is a different beast but I think if you try it and enjoy it, there is no better process with photography.

[@coreymagz3145]

@@BryanBirks I do have an RB67 (baby's first non-35mm camera) and I've been so scared of actually using it out of fear there will be something wrong with it and I'll have to send it off for repairs which could cost more than the camera itself, but I got it out a few weekends ago. Your use of Portra 160 is my favorite use of a film stock, ever, so I feel like there is part of me wanting to chase that "high". Also, whenever your book is done, I am buying it and proudly displaying it on any shelves I make for photobooks.

[@BryanBirks]

@coreymagz3145 the RB67 is a great camera and I’m sure you could make some great “large format esque” photos with it. Luckily it’s all mechanical so it can always be fixed! I am hoping to finish that dang project this coming year. I’m going to Chico for their annual photo review and I’m thinking I’ll leave there with some much needed answers on how to wrap it up.

[@joseelement7695]

2:37 ; this is the first Bryan Schutmaat photo I ever saw, and it stopped me in my tracks. There are very few photographers work that I can say "Oh, yeah I remember the first time I saw one of their photographs". Like so many others I can't afford this book (at the moment at least) and I know I will revisit this video many times. So thanks for that. Also; when it comes to gift giving for a photographer.....your wife took the ball and knocked it out of the park, so I guess we should thank her for this video : )

[@BryanBirks]

She’s one in a million for sure. The portrait of Ralph (second photo in the book) was the first one I saw and it made me purchase a 4x5. It was unlike any portrait I ever saw. Now, even with more knowledge about the format, it is still the one that I look to when I need inspiration. There’s just something about it that makes me want to know the person in the photo, what they do, who they are, what happened right after the portrait was taken. That’s art and photography in a nutshell for me.

[@joseelement7695]

@@BryanBirks "that's art and photography in a nutshell".....100 percent agree with you.

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

I love that you tied in your landscape in the b-roll with Bryan's words. Great video and a great artist.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, dude. If you knew how many times that book almost fell into mud off the spot I had it because of the wind you would die.

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

@@BryanBirks I can only imagine. I tried doing that with a Robert Adams book and... I did not enjoy it.

[@dennislee8253]

Whoa, that guy is GOOD! Dang son... humbling indeed. Thank you for the intro. Great video... again. Wow.

[@Juno_Doran]

Fantastic video, thanks. It makes me think how much we’re all connected to American culture and its landscapes through movies, even if we don’t live there, and how that affects how we view the world around us.

[@BryanBirks]

Well said! Have a great new year!

[@stayuntilforever]

My new favourite photography channel on youtube ❤

[@BryanBirks]

High honor. Thank you!

[@ChrisW.Fuji_Canon]

🙏😓❣

[@liminaltart]

So good Bryan! You tell wonderful stories through your videos and even though this work is not your own you treat it with the respect and care it deserves. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you think so. Thank you.

[@mitymous1]

Beautiful photos, meaningful narrative....this is wonderful.

[@BryanBirks]

Many thanks!

[@vasilisdurden2622]

Probably Schutmaat's finest work. Great video

[@BryanBirks]

I agree. Thank you!

[@BR-uz9nj]

What I enjoy most is hearing and learning about other people's work; especially their perspective and what drives them to create. This video gets straight to the heart of the matter and was very engaging. Thank you for sharing this!

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@adventureStaley]

Realy well done. Bravo.

[@BryanBirks]

Many thanks!

[@chriscorey5164]

Amazing work. Thank you for introducing me to this artist.

[@MrMestrebimba]

Beautiful and so powerful video. Really inspiring . Thanks

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Al_Bx]

Very good work! From both Bryans.

[@andrewgifford7740]

Beautifully paired music too

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Takes me ages to find any music on Music Bed anymore…I’ve used everything that’s good.

[@DerSollek]

I knew I would never hold a copy in my hand and was hoping for this some day. I saw it was uploaded and saved it for the right day, I’m so glad I did. Thank you Bryan, this is wonderful

[@BryanBirks]

Glad I could help 🖤

[@dresedavid]

Powerfull images !!! wish you all the best for the new year! I'm looking forward to seeing your 2024 projects.

[@BryanBirks]

Many thanks!

[@garymorrow9324]

Terrific. Beautiful. I hope you make more of these videos.

[@BryanBirks]

If my wallet allows it. Photobooks are pricey these days!

[@DTgael]

Saw it as an exposition during the Revela-t festival in Vilasar de Dalt, near Barcelona in Spain, september 2020. It was incredible to see those pictures printed big.

[@dianeschuller]

What an engaging video. I can see how the phonebook would be so inspiring and thank you for sharing. I haven't been around in ages upon ages. So glad I chose to look you up again upon my return.

[@willmccleland2383]

Really lovely video! Hearing Bryan speak about his work is truly thought provoking his work has a stillness and melancholy to it that is very distinctive

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it, Will!

[@texomatic]

The pacing, music and voiceover combine into something special. Good job, amigo.

[@rogerfay6627]

I enjoyed this video - you allow the photographer space to talk about his work and the pace of the unfolding images is slow and thoughtful.

[@BryanBirks]

🖤

[@Just__Blaze]

Great work man. I really enjoyed that. Thanks for showcasing middle America and its small towns.

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tomasmano]

oh just wow.. such a stunning project and images, huge thanks for introducing this work!

[@BryanBirks]

My pleasure!

[@thatsamuellu]

Beautiful work, the book, also this well made video.

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@timothy-holt]

Damn..that was powerful. Thanks for sharing!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching!

[@duprebushnell2488]

fantastic work, amazing concept...you should be extremely proud of this project my friend. thank you for the inspiration!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Just to make sure…this project is the work of Mr. Schutmaat and I’m just a middleman to share the images and book. All the images here are his. Wasn’t sure if that’s what you meant by your comment but wanted to make sure!

[@duprebushnell2488]

@@BryanBirks ahh gotcha!! still an amazing project tho and i appreciate you shedding light on this!

[@TomerBromberg]

I've yet to see a video about a photo book that moves me so much. Super impressed with the book but also with your presentation. Incredible video, incredible book. I really want the book now and will definitely be looking into his work more.

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoyed. It’s a beautiful book. One of the best I’ve held in terms of presentation and quality of work.

[@I-SelfLordAndMaster]

Wow, wow I’m speechless. That was the most inspirational thing I’ve seen on KZbin ever. I can only thankyou Brian for giving me fuel to continue my Large Format photography journey. I’m speechless and at the same time feel an enthusiastic nervousness to have my 5x4 camera in my hands after the inconvenience of stopping for Christmas.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Large format will do that to you. Embrace it and enjoy the process.

[@iammarcdaniel]

great recommendation once again

[@BryanBirks]

Sometimes I get it right.

[@szamboti71]

Really enjoyed this video. I tend to gravitate towards your work to inspire me and the photographers you showcase. Thanks for what you do! Mr. Birks for president...

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Fun fact: I was named “Most Likely to be President” in high school.

[@mike_likes_it]

Superb video featuring an obviously very talented photographer. Great to see your reach grow on this channel.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it!

[@user-kk2uf4ko3q]

👍

[@chromagraphphotoart]

Best video I've seen this year. In some ways it reminds me of places near where I live in Cornwall UK, which is promoted as an ideal holiday destination. In reality, it's one of the poorest places to live in the Uk, with a sharp differentiation between the rich and those who service their needs. Mining has long gone and the jobs available are mostly at minimum wage in the tourism industry.

[@BryanBirks]

Sounds like a long term project possibility.

[@CHRISTOPH-B]

Wow!

[@BryanBirks]

🖤

[@robgutkowski7141]

Excellent video and interview, truly inspiring. A person need not travel to Bozeman, Montana do a similar project. The question is, "Will I make the effort?"

[@BryanBirks]

Good question!

[@AlfredGerke]

that was really good, great ;-D

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Alfred!

[@harshavardhansalgaokar]

I see a Bryan Birks video uploaded, I press play

[@BryanBirks]

I see a comment from you, I hit love and reply like a good boy.

[@garymorrow9324]

Me too!

[@aristoioannidis7490]

Sublime!

[@kamilschapek]

Thank you Bryan, for sharing this amazing work from Schutmaat. Never heard of him before, but i instantly fall in love with his pictures in this book. Do you know which lens and camera he used for this amazing portrait??

[@BryanBirks]

4x5 and a mix of 135mm and 150mm I believe. From an interview I saw a while back.

[@timothychan7419]

Wow, seriously inspiring. Never heard of Schutmaat before. Bummer to have only learnt about him now. You reckon he would ever do another printing of this book?

[@BryanBirks]

I’ve heard things but probably not for a bit.

[@metalfingersfilm]

love these types of videos; showing the photos with audio that explains the process. absolute money Bryan!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, man! 🍻

[@chriscard6544]

There is a kind of american nostalgia in the air, and one step is closed to make america great again. Photographs are great but that says something about the US society

[@BryanBirks]

I think America is on the verge of something but I’m unsure of if it is leading to triumph or despair. I can only control what I can so I just focus on that.

[@chriscard6544]

@@BryanBirks I dont have a good or a bad feeling, it's just like this and you reveal it. It's a double side. A nostalgia and a kind of end. In 2011 I travelled from East cost to West cost and it was the same, a sort of no-man's land. Something looked broken in the minds and we can see that in your photographs

[@TheKetchupPacket]

I keep looking at large format cameras.....

[@BryanBirks]

BUY ONE

[@stephaneg]

Very good video as always, but you, Matt Day and the others keep showing off books that are not available and that is quite frustrating.

[@BryanBirks]

I understand that but I show off books that I think deserve more attention. It’s available on the used market if you want to pay a premium and a third edition might be available in the future.

[@timwatley4793]

Some beautiful photos for sure but personally i find the portraits a bit melodramatic.

[@BryanBirks]

To each their own!

[@markusklein6309]

Great video! Unfortunately, the book is unavailable.

[@BryanBirks]

Sure it is, just sell a kidney.

[@drwatsonismine]

Does Bryan Schutmaat use large format? 4x5,8x10? Great work.

[@BryanBirks]

4x5!

[@drwatsonismine]

@@BryanBirks ok. Great thanks. So appreciate your channel!

[@uubankwang]

I quit