Gabriel Rivera: Bringing Your Negatives to Life - An ILFORD Inspires film

For film photographer and photo-maker Gabriel Rivera, darkroom printing is a rewarding and meditative activity, and capturing the magic within everyday moments is a special and sacred act worth holding onto.
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Presented by ILFORD Inspires, and part two of our NEW YORK SILVER STORIES web series.
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Filmed & Edited by Exploredinary (Sarah Reyes & Daniel Driensky)

[@Ilfordphoto]

We've admired Gabe's work for a while ago were thrilled when he agreed to take part in ILFORD Inspires New York Silver Stories. His enthusiasm, and passion for his work shines through.

[@neilgenower9950]

There has to be a book in those pictures. Excellent work. The wet print trumps the digital print every time.

[@yorkieinnz4648]

Cool images and an inspirational story...thanks.

[@Studiorafael]

Great film and photographer! Congratulations!

[@TimothymakeupsDitzler]

Exactly what I needed 🙏

[@MrNamaikisaru]

What a beautiful and eloquent soul. Great work. I need to start printing!

[@marianarivera4887]

Gabriel ve con los ojos del alma es una alma sensible te quiero mucho Gaby Dios te bendiga siempre 😘🙏🏼

[@-DreniM-]

Great photographer!

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Some very powerful images - especially the 2 girls on the beach …… exceptional

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Peter - I love that image too and the 'hand of God'. Actually I like them all!

[@brendanaroni6831]

Been waiting for this one

[@Ilfordphoto]

Us too Brendan. Hope you enjoyed it

[@dalliswillard1843]

Great work, Gabriel. Thank you for sharing.

[@inkaststudio]

Oh yeah! Loved the Gabriel Rivera feature! Very talented dude!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks for watching. We agree he is super talented!

[@nollieheel214aim]

So awesome! His handwriting is beautiful on those prints too!

[@Hic_Rhodus]

There's a whole lotta people taking a whole lotta photos these days. But just one look at this guy's images and you immediately recognise he's something else. The corner-to-corner texture and mood he creates in of some of them is simply stunning.

[@Exploredinary]

Thanks for watching everyone! Stoked for people to see this film and learn more about Gabe’s work! 🙌

[@jazaelcantante]

Awesome work 😎

[@merlindb]

Great work Explordinary!!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Merlin- Daniel and Sarah are such a talented team and we're really lucky that they have filmed this series (and other) for us. We always know that that the videos will be amazing when they are involved.

[@myahya1987]

Fantastic video, as always.. Gabriel's work is amazing, love his eye for great moments!!! There's just something beautiful in his street photos HP5 usually is my go-to film choice for B&W, mainly for it's versatility 🙌🏻

[@Ilfordphoto]

HP5 is known for it's versatility. Do you shoot at box or push it? We agree that Gabe has a fantastic eye, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment

[@myahya1987]

@@Ilfordphoto I ALWAYS impatiently wait for these video from you 😁🙌🏻 For the HP5, I usually shoot at box speed, but sometimes I like to push it 2 stops if I'm shooting at night!!! I just LOVE HP5 🙏🏻

[@Ilfordphoto]

@@myahya1987 If you don't already then please share some shots on Instagram we are @ilfordphoto and if you use #ilfordhp5 then we can reshare

[@deltaforceaviation7924]

Very sweet video Gabriel, never change your pure mindset! Keep your nice spirit free! All the Best and thank's Ilford been present on our lives!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you.

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

Love the black a and white photographs it all I shoot now mostly shoot now with HP5 and FP4 and little bit of ortho thanks you guys for what you do I know the film community appreciates it

[@Ilfordphoto]

Nice film choices! Have you ever printed your negatives in the darkroom?

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

@@Ilfordphoto yes of course I learnt my photography back in school in the early 80s and used a darkroom there all on ilford paper we bulked rolled HP5 and FP4 hence why I still use I was also an army photographer and again everything was Ilford mainly HP5 because of its flexibility I process at home and use a local darkroom if I want to print unfortunately no room for one at home

[@gavinlagrange6322]

Gabe seems like such a good dude. His work is beautiful.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Gavin, we agree.

[@sarahstellino1954]

Watching this for a second time… you can feel his passion for people and for being in the darkroom.

[@Exploredinary]

Thanks for watching!!

[@maibritton2882]

I feel you, I drove from Sacramento to Northridge to pick up a darkroom.

[@Ilfordphoto]

I had to look this up! That's impressive. DO you print regularly now yo have a darkroom

[@tehzett6159]

Geat work, as usual!

[@nelsontorres7873]

EXCELENTES FOTOGRAFIAS GABRIEL

[@sebastians2262]

I can relate so much to Gabriels philosophy, good to see others out there sharnig the same ideas and views on photography

[@crappfoto]

G. found his passion & profession. Great work !

[@marcleger1968]

What a great video. To Gabe, thanks for sharing your work. Congrats to Ilford for putting this together.

[@Exploredinary]

Thanks for watching! Happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@trix-4656]

Your vision comes through beautifully in the end result. Your fiber paper prints are timeless.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you - Not sure about the user name but you have great taste in paper :)

[@SeeMick1]

I've loved your work ever since you were on Willem Verbeek's podcast years ago. Glad to see your work spotlighted here.

[@AnthonyBlueJr]

Gabe is a legend! glad to see him lifted up on here!

[@stevetaylor3706]

Awesome video! Super inspiring ... great work Gabe!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Stephen. Great to hear that you were inspired watching.

[@JamesE707]

There's a 'magic' about B&W film photography.

[@Ilfordphoto]

There's nothing like seeing your print appear in the tray. I still get the same buzz everytime I get to print in the darkroom.

[@JamesE707]

@@Ilfordphoto Agree 100%, it comes 'alive' before our very eyes! Reminds me so much of my childhood when my Dad would develop prints in his darkroom, happy days! Thanks for the reply!

[@IainHC1]

I love these documentaries 🙂 Please keep them coming!!

[@samhardy2038]

Well done Gabe. Nice photos , good eye. Seems like a really nice guy.

[@minisla]

A brief moment that will probably never happen again. Been shooting 35mm b+w for a few years but haven't taken the step to produce my own prints. Nice to be reminded of the work that's involved. The full process. Maybe someday...

[@Ilfordphoto]

Are there any community darkrooms near you? They are a great way to start out printing your work. We have a ''Fina a darkroom' search on the website which may be useful www.ilfordphoto.com/storelocator

[@johnverna9693]

You're a passionate dude and an obviously good person. Thanks for inspiring us! We wish you the best...

[@Ilfordphoto]

Great to hear that you were inspired by Gabe - We agree he is super passionate about what he does and a genuinely nice guy

[@philipu150]

Compliments to all three of you. Gabe shows an uncommon sensitivity in his portraits, as well as a thoughtfulness in his printing that is refreshing. Although from an earlier time, he might be interested in the work of some of those in the Photo League, including the late Walter Rosenblum, who taught at Brooklyn College and whose daughter Nina made a lovely film about the League.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Philip. I'll pass this on to Gabe, although i'm sure he'll see it here as well.

[@paulschumacker9901]

This was amazingly good! I have a darkroom in my basement, and printing B&W negatives is a wonderful escape for me. As an aside, I use the same 0.5 mm Drawing Pens, which I got in Tokyo and are fantastic!

[@Ilfordphoto]

I'm ver jealous of your basement darkroom!

[@pault5795]

What a fantastic engaging video. Gabe has such great energy, and produces fantastic work. Really inspiring.

[@Exploredinary]

Thank you for watching! Happy you enjoyed it!

[@muzmix123]

Fantastic work gabriel 😎🎞️📷

[@JoeChea]

Gabe is by far one of the most pleasant people that I've ever had the pleasure of spending time with. His presence and approach are as thoughtful as his approach to making portrait. I'm glad Ilford had the vision to share his magic with the world. 1 Love Gabe!

[@Ilfordphoto]

What a thoughtful comment. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to write this

[@wilfpenrose2844]

do you know if he's changed his instagram/website? can't find him anywhere online now

[@joanmichel]

Enjoyed this very much! Thanks ilford and Gabe for sharing your vision ~

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Joan so glad you enjoyed it

[@john_murch]

What a talent! Love his passion and I love this series. Thanks Ilford Photo!

[@eduardswoboda9836]

very nice... honest artwork...

[@rdandelionart]

Gabriel! You are such a loving being. Incredible art. Much love from Sydney :)

[@Ilfordphoto]

That's for watching Ryan:)

[@starsinmyeyes]

I haven't been this inspired in a while. Beautiful stuff, Gabe. Dang. Thx Ilford.

[@shanillakhlani5331]

What a beautiful video Ilford and Gabe. I resonate a lot with why he does what he does and his way of going about life. Fascinating to see an inside look into his process! On a separate note does anybody know what camera strap he has here or a similar one at that kind of thickness and chest height? Thanks

[@joseerazevedo]

Nice story, great series showing people and their relation to photography, memories, life. Thanks!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave such a kind comment

[@wulfgaen5888]

8:00 that’s what it’s about… capturing those moments so you can go back and feel all those emotions again. Beautiful stuff

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you. It's so nice to hear that this resonated with you. Do you shoot a lot of black and white film?

[@wulfgaen5888]

@@Ilfordphoto I do! That’s all I mostly shoot. Shameless plug- @zalas.wulfgang haha

[@jude979]

Beautiful!! 🏆

[@gh79dfq]

Beautiful work! I love hearing Gabriel's thoughts and feelings about his subjects, what it means to photograph and how meditative the printing process is. Very inspiring, makes me want to get out and make some pictures!

[@Ilfordphoto]

This is what we want to hear! You should definitely get your film camera loaded up with some black and white film and get out there:)

[@Lori5564]

Wonderful video with Gabe!❤❤❤ I really love black and white photography.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch. Do you print your images in the darkroom?

[@Lori5564]

@@Ilfordphoto I've always wanted to learn but never did. But it's always in my mind and I still have hopes of learning one day. 😊

[@Ilfordphoto]

@@Lori5564 You should do it. We are heading about new community darkrooms opening all the time. They're the perfect place to learn.

[@Lori5564]

@@Ilfordphoto I didn't even know they had them until this video, so I'm hoping to find one not too far away. 🙂

[@sleepcountry.U.S.A.]

Really really great piece and his work truly stands on its own. Really loving this series so far, pure photography!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks for that. We're really excited about this series and taking the time to focus not just on shooting film but on taking it to the next step too. Do you print yourself?

[@angelicalopezaviles759]

Absolutely love what you’re doing and so proud of your work Gabe. You’re very talented and I’m happy you found something that’s passionate to you. Can’t wait to see you! Besitos, cuz. 🤍

[@danafrey598]

💗

[@suzannepedersen1856]

I adore seeing people process! What beautiful work you produce Gabe, and I admire your calm and introspective nature!!! Great video to start me off on my day feeling inspired!!

[@gregpantelides1355]

Beautiful work!

[@qnetx]

Excellent video and an outstanding photographer.

[@Exploredinary]

Thanks for watching, we appreciate the compliment!

[@alvinbirdi6502]

Great content and video about an outstanding photographer . These Ilford stories are some of the best photographic content on youtube! Many thanks.

[@Exploredinary]

Thank you for watching, we really appreciate your comment!!

[@atomickvision]

beautiful piece, Gabe is my favorite photo maker and love the way he is showing his progress. This video really showed his confidence in himself and his work

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks for watching. We loves Gabe's work and were so please when he agreed to take part in this series.

[@marquellmckinney1041]

Gabe is one of my favorite photo makers and had been for a couple years. This was great

[@Ilfordphoto]

Ours too. He's a super talented guy. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. Do you shoot a lot of black and white film?

[@crombiemcneill7444]

Gab you have an intimacy with your subjects and at the same time both technical excellence and a sense of balance to your compositions, this is a gift, cannot be taught or learned. Refined of course as you're doing. You've blended the style of street photography with an empathy for your subjects which is very rare, you're letting them speak to the viewer, not you trying to impress them or the viewer... no blustering ego. You're a gentle person with great talent. Thank you!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Hi Crombie - What thoughtful and kind feedback, thank you for taking the time to watch and leave this comment.

[@rdandelionart]

This 100%. Often people have either sensitivity or technical excellent, but rarely both. I strive for it too :)

[@david_davinci]

Another banger Ilford! Such inspiring content when the rest of the world is moving in the opposite direction....thank you!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks David. That's so nice to hear. We thing everybody needs to slow down and take some darkroom time :)

[@Redley_Ex]

He is really such a talent 👌🏾

[@kevinkubi1]

Been following him on Instagram for a while. It’s great to get an insight to his process. Fantastic video Ilford 👏

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Kevin - If you're shooting and printing yourself you can always share with us on Instagram. We love seeing what people are doing with our products. #ilfordhp5 #ilfordmultigrade etc

[@AlexGallacher1]

That was so great, such a nice person and so inspirational.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Alex, glad you enjoyed it

[@ldbass62]

Wonderful video! Thank you for sharing. This inspires me to get back into developing film again.

[@Exploredinary]

Thanks for watching, we appreciate the compliment!

[@jeffreysmith8633]

Wow! Loved this spotlight. Gabe is an incredible artist.

[@Ilfordphoto]

He really is, and he's so genuinely passionate about his work too that is comes through in the video. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@gorakphoto]

This was really great. I think I need to build a darkroom and start printing. Also, that clip at 12:09 is just delightful with the focussing. Fantastic.

[@Exploredinary]

Thank you for watching! We appreciate the comment 🙌

[@smkkdr22]

alot well said. great photography!

[@krishartsphotography5643]

I had a great time watching this episode :)

[@Ilfordphoto]

Glad to hear that. Do you print much in the darkroom yourself?

[@krishartsphotography5643]

@@Ilfordphoto I'm yet to have that opportunity 🙏🕊

[@smichaelpridgen]

Well done - quality content!!!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Shawn. We're really lucky that we get to work with so many talented people. Exploredinary always do such a fantastic job of the videos and Gabe is so inspiring.

[@ManCalledMif]

Gabriel’s artistry and mindset is very positive and inspiring. 🙌🏼

[@Ilfordphoto]

We agree. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Do you shoot a lot of black and white film? Or print in the darkroom?

[@ManCalledMif]

@@Ilfordphoto I’ve shot a few rolls. Huge sense of achievement when I get the exposure right and process the 35mm film ok. Making my own prints would be a great step forward.

[@ebreevephoto]

Inspiring

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you. Gabe is such an interesting an inspiring guy. Do you shoot black and white film?

[@theoldfilmbloke]

I did my FIRST PRINT in the Chemistry Lab of East Ham Grammar School where the Photographic Society met after school on Thursdays in 1951 ! We made up our own Dev elopers and Fixer from the Chemicals as shown by the Chemistry Master and I STILL make up B&W Developers TODAY -- Now I cannot afford the PAPER PRICES and use OUTDATED FILM donated by Camera Club members and Widows of Deceased Photographers as I have only one Pension -- from HM Government and PRICES have ROCKETED UP so much !

[@Ilfordphoto]

It's fantastic to hear that you have been shooting, developing and printing for so long.

[@jasonblake5576]

Awesome❤

[@joaorat7779]

Need more videos about gabe process

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks for watching and the kind comment. :)

[@branislav3758]

Love it

[@Ilfordphoto]

That's great to hear. Do you get to print in the darkroom often yourself?

[@branislav3758]

​@@Ilfordphoto No never, but recently I've found an old family enlarger so I'm working on making a darkroom out of my room right now. Also since taking the survey and finding out about your website and youtube channel ilford has been a big part of my interest in darkroom printing that had been slowly developing.❤

[@Ilfordphoto]

@@branislav3758 That's amazing. It's so addictive. Hours can pass by without you realising it.

[@branislav3758]

@@Ilfordphoto That sounds really good 😁

[@GAROBERBERIAN]

Great video

[@Exploredinary]

Thank you! Thanks for watching! -Exploredinary

[@tomasnovotny4108]

Very inspiring guy! Please expose more like him and no one like Grainydays etc.!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks for watching Tomas. Make sure you watch the other videos in this series when they go live

[@iStobs]

Wondering if someone here or Ilford might explain to me how Gabriel digitizes his prints. I've been working in the darkroom for about a year now and I have a fair amount of prints, but haven't digitized any of them. I have an Epson V600, but I've been assuming that this is primarily to be used for negatives and wouldn't work as well for prints. What is the standard of practice for professional digitization of prints? And if the answer is DSLR scanning, are there alternatives? Thank you!

[@AdamWilkoszarski]

Gabe, how did you get your fiber print so flat?

[@abstract35mm_]

Whatever happened to him? He deleted his IG and pretty disappeared from the face of the earth.. I miss his random short clips of everyday happenings on the street.

[@cmprse]

same here!!

[@AI-Hallucination]

We taking over ok

[@wilfpenrose2844]

anyone know where this guy has gone online-wise? both his website and instagram have gone down

[@coleturner3859]

wondering the same thing.

[@debcambria665]

What is the type of camera? Make/model

[@Exploredinary]

Leica M6

[@garyclennan2993]

How do you create those brushed borders?

[@Exploredinary]

its a custom filed-out negative carrier when using the enlarger to make the print. You file out the perfect edges of a standard negative carrier and when you print it lets light around the image come through and those edges go black. This is what Gabe means at 6:37 when he says "shout out to y'all's holders"

[@garyclennan2993]

@@Exploredinary Thanks. Indo this myself for the clean borders but I am interested in the ones that are super rough and look feathered.