How To Take Photos Like Vivian Maier

Vivian Maier, the legendary photographer. My gear list: trovatten.com/gear - Support my channel and help me create more videos: geni.us/trovatten In this episode, I try to take photos like Vivian Maier. I bought my Rolleiflex here: shrsl.com/2imeg.
⤵ Check the description for all my gear ⤵
Get the Vivian Maier Photo Book: geni.us/VivianMaierBook. I bought my Rolleiflex here: shrsl.com/2imeg.
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Watch my popular KZbin series called "Taking Photos Like" - • Take Photos Like The G...
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Gear recommendation for street photography
Fuji X-T5 - geni.us/XT-5
My Rolleiflex 2.8F film camera - shrsl.com/2ibbs
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My three primary Fujifilm lenses
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Lens street photography - geni.us/StreetPhotographyLens
Lens for portraits & street - geni.us/FujiPortraitLens
Lens for video and vlogging - geni.us/BestVloggingLens
Tripod - geni.us/BestTripod
SD Card - geni.us/SD-Card
Camera bag - geni.us/cGWg
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Gear I use to make my videos
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GoPro for PoV - geni.us/NewestGoPro
Studio light - geni.us/StudioLight
Lav mic - geni.us/MyLavalierMic
Shotgun mic - geni.us/OcBC4
Wireless audio system - geni.us/wirelessAudio
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Data, Storage and Misc
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Fast external hard drive - geni.us/FastHarddrive
Most affordable backup-service - geni.us/Backblaze
Music for KZbin Videos - bit.ly/MusicBED
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My Social Media
Instagram: / trovatten
Twitter: / trovatten
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#photography #streetphotography #vivianmaier
Thank you, Vivian Maier.
One of my favourite street photographers and I can highly recommend watching finding Vivian Maier: trovatten.com/vivian-maier/
Vivian Maier, an American street photographer who gained posthumous fame for her exceptional body of work, used a variety of cameras throughout her life. She primarily used medium-format cameras such as a Rolleiflex and a twin-lens reflex camera, but also used 35mm cameras such as a Leica and a Nikon.
Maier was known for her extensive use of film and took thousands of photographs over several decades. She was particularly interested in capturing candid street scenes and the people she encountered in her travels. Her photographs were discovered after her death in 2009, when a large collection of her work was found in a storage locker.

[@jamiewindsor]

This is a brilliant video.

[@FTrovatten]

Hi Jamie! Means a lot coming from you! Big fan of your channel!

[@Anon54387]

@@FTrovatten Man, that drunk guy walking around with the pick axe. 4:03

[@ekevanderzee9538]

Spoken by the master as well.

[@G.Photogirl]

Vivian Maier took incredibly personal photographs - of total strangers. That's what made her such an excellent street photographer. Many of her portraits of people looks almost like an assault of their personal space, and she appeared to throw away standard guidelines on photography in terms of thought out composition, lighting, or posing. God, she was such a talented artist.

[@LittlePoet]

I agree...very well put. She was a violent artist....meek in demeanor and so powerful behind her lens.

[@JazzRadioFfm]

i love how you're asking them whether you can take a photo, while filming them.

[@CelloGoodSir]

I love the concept of trying to imitate another photographer's style -- seems like it provides inspiration, techniques, and perspectives that you might not otherwise find!

[@gatorgoforth3097]

Get closer to your subjects. Get to know how the frame. Preset your distance to only a few feet. Get up to that distance and take a photo without looking through the viewfinder. You’ll take better photos this way. Congrats on embarking on this styles journey. May your style continue to blossom.

[@SandorFule]

When l learned to play the bass guitar, l tested dozens of basses. I wanted my bass sound like X or Y famous bass players. Never found that good bass. And one day l managed to ask a famous musician to test my lame sounding bass. Damn! My bass sounded just as excellent as his one. "The SOUND is in the musician, not in the instrument." l learned this lesson. Same rule applies at cameras. A professional camera in lame hands makes lame photos.

[@guardianobserver6593]

Ohhhhh! 😯! Have you learned to play the bass?

[@mrN3w7]

All cameras are professional... as long as you know what to do with them.

[@FTrovatten]

Which photographer should I do next? Watch the next episode of this series kzbin.info/aero/PLQAJ8pSCXDc6eeFnrjnBnvXyPYNNUQzph. Also a big THANK YOU to everyone who has become a member of my channel: www.youtube.com/@FTrovatten/join. We might only be 5 members now, but it helps me create videos like this :)!

[@punkrachmaninoff]

Phillipe Halsman? ✨📸

[@brayanb91746]

Fred Herzog!

[@jamesamoh7340]

A wonderful and on point challenge. Mary Ellen Mark.

[@alberto5147]

How about Henri Cartier-Bresson?

[@AdanCid]

Sergio Larrain

[@lescobrandon3047]

I used to do a lot of street photography in New York City and did not take many photo’s without permission. When I did wander through Manhattan with my Nikon D700, the results were different than when I used my professional size Nikon D3. The bigger camera caused many people to approach me and actually ask to be photographed. I dressed neatly in black as you did for this video and that may have also helped. My favorite location was in Times Square and surrounding areas. Beginning a conversation with people you want to shoot also helps to relax them.

[@MileyonDisney]

There is no legitimate controversy. She took AWESOME photos. In my opinion, the BEST street photographer ever. If we see her photos, whether they're a shot she would have chosen to show or not, it's her work and needs to be seen. You did a good job of honoring her style. I'd like to see you shoot like David LaChapelle. HAHAHA!

[@mre770]

Further she clearly wanted to do a show but curate it herself as she discussed in several letters and according to the her original developer.

[@gibcoprobe66]

@@mre770 Further, I don't know a lot of artists who wouldn't want their work to be exposed in top galleries and museums after their death. Besides, she's dead, does it really matter to her? Especially since most people will agree that her work is not being treated in a disrespectful manner in any ways...

[@medes5597]

Given how dreadful that "self portraits" book was, I think it's pretty obvious the vultures who've made a mint off her poverty stricken misfortune have run out of decent photos and are now mining the stuff none of us would want to be seen. Some of the shots in that self portrait book even have captions saying "this was likely just to use up the last photo on a roll"

[@keibro13]

Maybe Fan Ho. His use of light was exemplary.

[@legend240891]

would be tough for him to replicate Fan Ho.

[@keibro13]

That’s a good challenge then :)

[@jordansnow8656]

Fan Ho’s work is next level amazing 👏

[@blackcameraphoto]

His images came to mind but I couldn't think of his name! Thanks for jogging my memory! That is definitely a good challenge

[@keibro13]

Fan Ho’s work conveyed an incredible amount of atmosphere. His obvious patience in waiting for the right moment in the right light, combined with his dynamic compositions made for photographs that were worthy of the title ’art’.

[@aslavetomybones]

Maier was so self-assured with her camera, she mostly looked at the subject directly and the camera’s technical aspects secondly- so it was very casual and fast , being able to get up close. Your efforts were exceptional, getting the shots sharp and punchy, hard to do with TLR consistently. Great Stuff / subscribed

[@FTrovatten]

Dude thank you so much for the kind words! Many more to come!

[@gibcoprobe66]

She had the eye for sure for light and composition and yes great unobtrusive technique. But being a woman also helps with that sort of shooting.

[@fferanda]

I'm from Mexico and I love Vivian Mayer's work so this video is really cool for me. I love it

[@pjbell1398]

She is one on my favorite photographers, By your series brings more recognition to her and her work. I do think she new her camera so well - that people never knew she was taking their photo. Her work seemed to be more intimate. Your technique is okay but you can move in more to replicate Vivian’s. You’re bold to replicate her work - I commend your enthusiasm, I’m writing in the dark- sorry for any typos

[@eduardolisboafotografo]

Mr Frederik I love this series. Keep on rocking, and thank you for sharing your art with us

[@eduardomolina6486]

You did a great job and capture the spirit of her style

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

what a wonderful homage to Vivian Maier - absolutely loved this video! Take care and be safe out there....

[@rolandthomasset1713]

Hi Frederick, I like your enthusiasm, it remknds me of my youth ! Being much much older now gives me the advantage of experience…To help you with “speed” here are my suggestions (some of them).Having used the Rollei a lot I learned that my favorite way was to shoot not through the 6x6 groundglass but directly through the open sportsfinder which gives me the best view of my subject (eye to eye contact) and using the magnifier lens right under the small window for quick and perfect focusing . Not that you should stick to that way all the time either but vary your techniques. Now with the sportsfinder you must always keep in mnd that the parrallax distance is greater, you must learn to keep that in mind like “seeing” your right fender in a small street from your left hand driver’s view. Then compensate for it, it becomes second nature. If, in a rush don’t try to frame correctly 100% each time, the 6x6 frame gives you a lot of room for correction later on when printing. I had shot weddings with 4x5 cameras so this gave me terrific experience of course. I wish I could walk along with you in N.Y. we’d have fun !!!! I fell in love with photography at age 15 in 1944 !!!

[@stevesvids]

I don't think Vivian would care too much what anybody ever thought of each and every photo.... as each and every one meant so much more to her than to anyone in the entire world. Her precious moments. She will have most likely curated her own work anyway as a bad image in print would have hit the fire. Such amazing images out of this vintage camera... great job Frederik... a super video to compliment Vivian's work. Superb.

[@raph_stre]

Beautiful the way you explain certain details, also thanks to the vision of the photographs of the great Vivian. In this way, those who have recently approached street photography are able to better understand how to experience a certain scene, savor it and finally immortalize it with a click.

[@diogoherculano2935]

Such a nice and warm video! And so nice to see analog photography in a Latin American country. Cheers from Brazil

[@robinleevel6591]

man I love vivians work, a true mystery but a legend to me. This was a fun episode man cheeers!

[@Radiohutch1]

Wonderful. I love your video. I have been interested in the saga of Vivian Maier for a long time. Also, it was fun watching you shoot your Rollei!!!! Looking forward to more episodes like this.

[@michaelfilofficial]

Should have done the manos, Frederik. That was an interesting shot. But we all have our own style...

[@ogilvy85]

Frederik this is an awesome series. Watched all 3 as of now. Keep it coming!!! Thank you 🥰

[@douglas.barbosa]

The documentary-vlog video style is very creative! Congrats for the video!

[@lenkiewitcz]

Love the very last line " This is how SHE chose to live her life ".

[@cwong2040]

Loved this raw and edgy style. Real life experienced on the streets. Thanks for this. Stay safe.

[@k1773ns]

I think getting much closer to the subject is what made her work incredible. Your say you're not fast enough but really, she took her time. And walked slowly down the street, unassuming and close to others then snapped a picture. But I understand. I don't have the guts to get close up to others. I think this was a good attempt and really fun, because she's very distinct in style. Can't wait to see more

[@jleplaan]

Great soundtrack in this episode too!

[@jimmeiring1686]

Well done ! A bit of a tribute to such an interesting Lady. Thanks

[@darylthaler9885]

Really great video. I’m a huge Maier fan. She was amazing!

[@Walt.2013]

Love the emphasis on black and white in this series! Excellent work!

[@rafaelrecio3446]

Great shots and great work Frederik...amazing!!! I am learning lots thanks to you...so a massive thanks!!!

[@jerickson79]

Excellent insights on Vivian and some strengths in street photography.

[@rubenbaez]

Bravo Frederik! Great video on the study of Vivian Maier, even to the point of using the same camera that she used. Great work!!

[@alexandernunley6108]

You hit it! Love Meyer's style, and it was great to see you reflect it!

[@TomasRoggero]

Aw man! I remember when I told you to take a self portrait ala Vivian. You're the best Frederik!!!!!!!

[@Garubolas]

most of vivians portraits are made really close to the subject like less than 6 feet. Thats why they look so good .The big negatives and medium format gives it that 3D quality. Simply using a rolleiflex doesnt mean you shoot like vivian

[@photomitch]

I shot with my 35mm and 6x4.5 cameras and got the similar results. You really have to be close to your subject. I like some of your photos in the video, but I was hoping that you would get closer to come of your subjects. It was like that you were too shy to get in and maybe do a second shot. A couple of times you miss a good opportunity with some of your subjects, especially the guy showing off his rings. I would have had him put his hands back up to his face and framed a little closer. By the way, I am enjoying your videos.

[@barselino9877]

exactly

[@vision-gc4hy]

Plus, we're not Vivian. We'd be beaten beyond all recognition a couple of times a year if we photographed the way she did. These are different times.

[@karlwalters3763]

Yes, she was really invading peoples personal space and this is what gave here photo's a distinctive personal feel. It's very had to do this, especially as a guy like myself 6foot3. I've had a lot of altercations with people, but luckily I can usually talk my way out of it. The fact that Vivian looked like she was an ordinary house-wife really helped her in this respect.

[@vision-gc4hy]

@@karlwalters3763 lol, I hear you. But she was a tough bird too. She didn't suffer fools.

[@mike325ut]

I think John Maloof did both Vivian Maier and the public a great favor displaying her photos. Otherwise we wouldn't have had the pleasure of seeing her fantastic work and putting Vivian in as one of the worlds greatest photographers. She deserves to be recognized!

[@shirishpandey3503]

My dear Frederik , unfortunately , I haven't had the opportunity of hearing about Vivian maier - now , thanks to you I do. Not only have i learnt so much from the carefully curated pictures by her , but also the ones that you took. Your narration was spot on and my thanks for such an excellent video. Best wishes for the future.

[@Kolaano]

Struggling student of photography here, thank you for what you are doing! I can't wait for next episode!

[@juliad6493]

It's an amazing idea! Can't wait to see the next episodes.❤

[@francisbombus3949]

oh man...so many great shots!!! Please more of this analog stuff Frederik ✌🏻

[@Technofish]

Really cool video demonstrating her style. Thank you!

[@valttivisuals]

I'm so excited for this series!

[@FTrovatten]

Thanks!

[@briangedgecinematographer6661]

Frederick, great job, I too discovered Vivian by chance, saw her book as set dressing on a movie I was on, I’m a Cinematographer, and was immediately fascinated with her photos. All the things you said were good and you almost got it. As others have said, she clearly is close to the subject and engaging them, shooting from chest high. Subjects looking just above the camera. Hyper focal distance and a good f stop, roughly check framing by glancing down, not bending over as you do, that way your subject is relaxed. Engagement and click away. That was her unique style and skill. Knowing when to press that button. Joseff Cardiff famous picture of Winston Churchill was taken right after he took away Churchills cigar, that angry iconic bulldog image, brilliant! Once you get more second nature with that camera and film stocks, then the subject matter will flow. 40 years in the Canadian film industry and my wife is from Mexico so I enjoyed you pictures.

[@yehielplaut4591]

Perfect ! Looking forward for more episodes

[@ldenglish316]

Excellent job! What you did was not easy. You captured her style very well.

[@sherrioster7012]

I'm so looking forward to this series!

[@TomasRoggero]

DUUUUDE that pic with the kids and the firework... COME ON MAN! You're fucking greattttt

[@PhilipRice]

Love all your vids Frederik - this one was great, hope to see more like it!

[@Cyberfox63]

Definitely love your videos and shots. Great job!

[@ashekrahaman4524]

Great video. In my opinion she is one of the all time greats.

[@dawidd4817]

A nice idea, liked it! Keep the series coming 👍👍👍

[@DrGabriel211096]

Pretty interesting episode, man, this type of videos help me on my learning process. Can't wait for another one!

[@ahoyhere8113]

love this series and that you started with her!

[@PrAnG2000]

Great video. Really enjoyed it. Vivian Maier is a new name to me, so will look her work up.

[@CristianFernando19]

Thanks a lot for your content, not idea about Vivian's style but i think i've learned a lot about her in your video

[@jasonbokar7482]

You did great! You found the right balance!

[@garyoverton6222]

Great episode. Have more like this.

[@FTrovatten]

I will! Thanks mate!

[@fgc1981]

Fun concept, looking forward to the series 😊

[@juliowagner4985]

Great series. Cant wait to see more like it.

[@DonFather]

There were some sick shots in here Frederik. Well done.

[@stitchpo]

gosh darn brilliant! love this!

[@thenewtuber_]

love your enthusiasm!

[@markfarnell183]

Very enjoyable. Loved the respect and communication with your subjects

[@wokeupwithsunlight]

Saul Laiter and his early color work :) always in love with it Keep up with that good vibe frederik :)

[@soheilr2206]

Fredrikoo,, I luv your content , thank you , I am a beginner photographer and I'm learning a lot from your channel

[@bobbynDC]

I really enjoyed this episode. I appreciate how you approached the issue of whether she would have wanted her images publicized. I would like to see you do a video trying to emulate Sean Tucker.

[@patmcdonagh8939]

Great video and a great idea for a series, very enlightening - hooked already

[@valentinosoares2122]

Love this photo...black and white

[@silvestersze9968]

Thank you for these amazingly videos. They inspire me so much! ❤

[@DeVanteJackson]

FANTASTIC!

[@ShandytheAce22]

Amazing video as per usual Frederik!! Just you covering my favorite photographer, that's 5 stars from me.

[@oppopooop3058]

That was fantastic. You did very well. Thank you.

[@vikkizoo1]

I love Vivian Maier! Thanks

[@irials]

Please do Saul Leiter! I know he shot mostly 35mm, so it would mean leaving the Rollei aside for a while, but I'd love to see your take on him.

[@BokushingusKendoTV]

Kind of curious to see this. Saul was basically shooting action before there were action cameras

[@PatrickBorel]

Very inspirational, brilliant idea, thanks for starting this series

[@edwardcrosby5034]

I think to work more quickly, and get the less obtrusive upward viewpoint shots Vivian Maier would not have focussed using the magnifier, and just viewed the image on the screen using zone focussing. Just a thought !

[@patrickeckert643]

This series sounds amazing. Can’t wait to see more

[@FTrovatten]

Thanks!

[@hectorcesar67]

great episode, can't wait for part 2!

[@mainmain5303]

What a lovely lovely episode lovely

[@zsuzsavirag249]

Love this and looking forward to more! Cheers from Hungary

[@MomentsFound]

You did legendary... so informative!

[@skaterat321]

If I recall correctly, the documentary, "Finding Vivian Maier", did show that Vivian had the intention to someday print her photos for an exhibition or release a book (can't remember well). So it wasn't a controversy on her photos being released to the public.

[@debbiekoren1693]

thank you. would have liked to see more of the reflections. well done!

[@davidpipeline]

Really enjoyed the video. I first heard about/saw Vivian on one of Alex Kibble's videos. She was such a great photographer and so uninhibited in her craft. I really admire her work, particularly her compositions and incidental self portraits. Thank you for the video, great presentation 👍

[@michivanhalen7086]

that was really good! Thanks a lot! I´d love to see more of this!!

[@gregsmith6373]

Utrolig bra igjen Frederik. Takk :)

[@KeithElliott]

That was pretty cool...really enjoyed you walking around doing this. I like that perspective. You did great! Cheers

[@Lucas_Reartes]

Man, I love this channel. It is my favourite! Thanks for sharing your art!!!!

[@Lucas_Reartes]

One mor thing; you really know how to use the Tri-X!

[@onhold8151]

Loved it. Black & White film is magic, even when u miss its a nice photograph and i find it hard to get that feeling when I’m shooting digital.. #greatwork //freddie

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

Awesome... Keep them coming..!

[@Leondrian]

"..especially for old white men!" great point Frederick.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

loved the idea. loved the execution. i am an appreciative subscriber. glad you are wearing a mask. stay well.

[@joyburn]

I really appreciate your style when it comes to composing. It's distinguishable in some way my noobie mind can't understand yet.

[@ByQism]

That black classic mercedes behind you is soooo amazing

[@movermexaus]

Great Camera and cool b&w shots 📷👍📷

[@628DirtRooster]

Love the thumbnail. Hilarious!

[@aboutphotography]

Yeah 😂

[@chrismcr]

Really enjoyed that video and thanks for teaching us about Vivian Maier.

[@FTrovatten]

Glad to hear Christian!