How to take BETTER B&W photos | ILFORD Kentmere 400

[@lennartpennart]

If someone hasn't watched a lot of b&w films and would like to, i'd highly recommend Ingmar Bergman instead of French New Wave. The story tends to be a little clearer than French New Wave. And Goddamn, Bergman's b&w films are the most beautiful films I have ever seen, the man really knows a thing or two about composition and lighting, and not only for the visual beauty of it but for telling the story with how things are arranged and lit up or darkened during a scene. The Silence (the most beautiful) and Through a Glass Darkly are huge recommendations!

[@braydenjohn_]

Thanks for the checking out the video and leaving some recommendations! I’ll be making a part II of this soon with all the good B&W photographer & film recommendations I’ve received., so thanks very much

[@oblivion_007]

Films like this is the reason why we must ask ourselves the question "Do we really need film photography in this days and time"

[@braydenjohn_]

Why does this film make you ask that question?

[@oblivion_007]

@@braydenjohn_ its bad.. Really bad. I never saw anyone taking a half decent photo with it. I know its cheap.. But it looks too bad

[@PigeonBotherer]

Loved this video, it was also refreshing to have a photography video by a fellow aus. I've been watching the man from uncle 1960s tv series and the shift from season 1 being black and white and the rest being in colour was very eye opening. Black and white felt sleek and detailed, but then when it switched to colour it suddenly looked cheaply made and kinda tacky. Crazy how it made me wish the whole series was black and white

[@braydenjohn_]

Hey, thanks for checking out the video! That's really interesting about The Man from Uncle; I will have to check it out! Completely agree; anything that I've seen shot in B&W definitely makes you pay attention and you appreciate every shot just that little bit more. Thanks again and cheers!

[@TimGreigPhotography]

Kentmere 400 is $9.95 AUD here for 35mm x 36 exp. It looks like a horrible film though, so flat. I assume you spot metered the shadows AND then reduced the exposure a few stops? The images look like the shadows are 18% grey.

[@braydenjohn_]

Hi Tim, Firstly, thank you for watching the video. Thanks for pointing out the affordability of Kentmere 400. I have addressed that with a few other people; the price seems to vary significantly depending on where you get it. Yes, I do spot meter for the shadows and expose accordingly. I quite like the film stock. I found it to be a pretty forgiving stock with plenty of latitude. But to each their own! Do you have any recommendations for other black-and-white film stocks you have used?

[@pharrellphoto]

Nice video man!

[@braydenjohn_]

Thanks mate! Appreciate you checking it out!

[@tobycunningham797]

Hmmm. Where to start, Jean Luc Goddard and the FrenchNew Wave, was in itself a response to classic Hollywood cinema, an emphasis on character, storey telling and a nostalgic whimsey. It’s a slow burner in the same way the Mona Lisa is. B&w photography is not just about nostalgia, it’s much more about emphasising the form, shape and texture, removing the distraction of colour. It has to be intentional, not a choice at post processing. For me Kentmere 400 is to low in contrast, but you do take advantage of its latitude. I liked your indoor still life images the most. For the main bnw films available kentmere is probably the second cheapest after Fomapan, it much cheaper than Kodak and others. Can’t believe you’re doing bnw in Paris and don’t recommend Cartier-Bresson, Eugene Atget or Robert Doisneau (Ansel Adams ???). For great bnw cinematography look up Greg Toland and immerse yourself in the classic cinema era. Keep up the good work and take care

[@fernandobruno2501]

¿Why don't you make a video for yourself and close your big mouth? thanks john for your video!

[@braydenjohn_]

Hi Toby, Thanks for checking out the video and providing some really good feedback. The photographers and cinematographers you’ve referenced are definitely incredible, and if I make Part II, I’ll be sure to include them. Firstly, I believe I touched on Jean-Luc Godards use of wheelchairs and other means to incorporate movement of the camera in his films. This at the time was yes, a response to Hollywood cinema. A means for low-budget filmmaking that led to more filmmakers getting their films made. So, as you say, an emphasis on character and story telling. Secondly, I agree that B&W photography and cinematography are not just about nostalgia. The point I’m trying to make is that seeing it in most modern work will elicit this feeling in most people, and if you are going to utilise B&W, be mindful and intentional with the your approach to doing so. I appreciate your comments about my indoor photographs and your feedback. Thanks again for checking out my video!

[@braydenjohn_]

Thanks for checking out my video Fernando!

[@khanharris]

You are paying 30-50 AUD per roll ~ 20USD?

[@braydenjohn_]

Hey Khan, yea that sounds about right. The price does seem to vary significantly depending on where you go here. From what I’ve seen it can fluctuate anywhere from around $15 - $50 AUD ($10-$33 USD) I didn’t nail the price point in that video I spoke quite broadly so thank you for the feedback & thanks for checking out the video!

[@khanharris]

@@braydenjohn_ damn they hella expensive there. Do you have prices I can compare too cause like I pay $6.50 usd a roll normally so tryna see how up charged you guys get. Crazy difference

[@braydenjohn_]

Definitely a bit more expensive by the sounds of it. This isn’t verbatim, but during my recent time in Paris I recall hearing an American in store commenting on the price increase with film as compared to the US (Portra 400 for example was €24.90 per roll)

[@khanharris]

Seems everything in Europe is like $10 upcharge. Wonder why. Like here Portra 400 rolls are still around $16

[@GreenlifeFin]

Lots of overexposed photos?

[@braydenjohn_]

Works every time!