Large Format Street Portraits in London

[@lvke]

I think half the skill here is having the courage to ask people. Well done, Tom.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks Luke

[@CaravanCamera]

This is a terrific video Tom. @lvke practice makes perfect, even with approaching strangers.

[@jeremygarretson5482]

Do more of these. They're great and I love the human interaction.

[@codyallen3729]

Tom this was fantastic. Music, pacing, great portraits...this should be it's own series on your channel!

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man! Would love to go and do it again.

[@codyallen3729]

@@Tom-Humble picked up a elan II after your last video, what kind of battery did you use with it? I got an energizer 2cr5 and the mirror is locking up at 1/500 and above. pretty bummed as it looks mint for $30

[@Tom-Humble]

@@codyallen3729 I had the same issue with mine. Fixed it myself though with an ear bud! The shutter needs a clean as they build up residue or something and end up sticking. I found a video online about it. Can’t remember where though

[@ionluv]

how is nobody talking about the fact that the third guy with the garbage is literally the same guy taking the picture.

[@Autorange888]

His double. What's the chance meeting your double in the City of millions?

[@Jadoinker]

KZbin has been a dull space for inspiration recently and this karate chopped that sentiment. Cheers for the inspiration to just get out and get at it.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man. Definitely get out and get shooting. The best way to find inspiration is in the moment.

[@andreapresutti1829]

Hey, amazing photos! I especially like shot 6. I've scrolled quite a bit down in the comment section and haven't seen anyone mentioning it... The woman in shot #7 is Bianca Balti, an Italian top model from the '00s 😃

[@Ash-ej2fl]

Love the no.7 perfect color and sharpness，very smooth. Ektar!!! I cant wait to bring my toyo45a and nikkor 180/5.6 out

[@thoughtdujour]

I LOVED this and hated it when it ended! More please if you could. Thanks!

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Amen to that

[@WatchDSSID]

Some great images! - my favourite was 7

[@Tom-Humble]

Thank you. I think mine would have to be 1 but I do like the Ektar shots too.

[@ritchiesedeyn5330]

You seem to have no issues in approaching strangers. It seems all so easy. Great use of talent! Edit: Love the "I'm so shit talking to the camera" 😂

[@Tom-Humble]

Thank you. I am!

[@worldofrandometry6912]

I like that you ask people first and just don't shoot randomly.

[@jamiebloomquist4821]

The music, the footage, the shots. Everything is working. Very impressive. Quality. Thank you.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks!

[@JohnLockyearphotography]

Nice video Tom.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks dude!

[@sevsuk2011]

Great video, i want to take my 4x5 camera out to do much the same in Brighton, some good pointers there Tom

[@MikeChudley]

Great day and great photos too! The first and sixth one are my favourite

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man! Had a lot of fun.

[@DJphotoandtech]

#7 is amazing! Beautiful photo of a beautiful lady!

[@joegarza]

The music selection is amazing. The photos too. But the music makes this video zoom by.

[@user-ev2lc7yu2v]

Awesome portraits and lovely video！As a beginner about large format, the video and photos give me the direction.

[@vincentdemilo2171]

Nice work, some really good images. Good to see some real photography again. Keep doing it.

[@jogrev]

Hey Tom, this is just an amazing work. All the nine portraits are fabulous!!!

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks!

[@MetalDEmpire]

You sold me on #4.

[@oldtownpaul]

Excellent stuff Tom!

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks Paul!

[@photowalk.podcast]

I had a good look at this after our chat together today... fantastic, wonderfully made, great interaction with people. A visual tonic. In every way.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks Neale, was great to connect. I did rather enjoy this actually, hoping to do another soon.

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

Man, these shots are so sharp it's crazy.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man!

[@DeepakKumar-yy4bl]

By the way your portraits looked great too so is your approach.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thank you

[@joselamtp]

Tom, your acts are just lovely 🎉

[@malcolmrendle6622]

It's hard enough with digital, but large format is on a whole new level ....respect to you and the speed at which you take the picture! ......I take forever to set my Cambo 4x5 up for a still life getting focus right...I couldn't cope with that sort of pressure.....lol

[@ZOMBIELUIS666]

number seven is great, the woman's eyes really make the shot.

[@rogerhyland8283]

Love the way you interact and guide the people as you take the photo. Very relaxed and calming. I like this style very much. I been using a gfx 100s and the 80mm lens. I think the quality of the files is similar but good on you for sticking to film. Love the Ektar colours.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thank you, I'm currently waiting on the new voigtlander 55 f1.2 to use with my GFX50R. It roughly converts to a 45mm f0.9 and I'm planning to go shoot some street portraits with it for a test video.

[@rogerhyland8283]

@@Tom-Humble It shouldn’t be a bother if you keep using a tripod. I’ll be interested to see the video. I used a voigtlander 75 f1.5 for a while when i had the 50r. It was ok, the small size made it a good match for the 50r, i thought it might be a cheaper substitute for the 80mm but i really think you get the best experience with the native lenses. Also i didnt have an arsenal of excellent lenses from other systems that i didnt want to sit idle. The 2 things that made me go to the 100s were ibis and phase detect af. I dont see a huge difference in the af and i would never use continuous bursts. I tried it and it just doesn’t work. It’s not my style anyway. Ibis is a big improvement though. Biggest change for me is lenses. I have several gf lenses and have used them all at one time or another. Most i will keep. Anyway the big change for me was the 80 1.7. I had it for a year or so and used it occasionally but for the last 7 or 8 months its been my only lens. Ive found it incredibly versatile. It can produce portraits of similar quality to the ones in your video and i also use it for wider shots as i walk around.

[@andrewb5345]

Fabulous 🙌

[@bobcunningham5288]

Just came across your channel. The colour photo of the fellow in the red fuzzy jacket is brilliant!

[@Tom-Humble]

Thank you!

[@hugomartinsphoto]

This is just great! Things like this make the world great!

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks!

[@miracleyacht__1538]

incredible how you managed to expose and focus the photos so well while also doing all this talking

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks!

[@aneevrao]

So good! you've got a good eye for people Tom.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks!

[@pasionalar]

Very nice job. Thank you for sharing!

[@junelopez9520]

amazing photos, music and the vibes is on point.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man!

[@user-ls6us4jb9p]

Bravo!!!🎉

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

This was fantastic, as someone else said, I didn't want it to end. Stunning portraits, amazing nobody blinked at the wrong moment. I do the same sort of thing on the streets of Shanghai with my Rolleiflex cameras, but my pictures are not even close to being as good. However, I do find using the Rolleiflex makes it a lot easier to approach people (sometimes they approach me!) and I suspect it's similar with your 4 x 5. More videos like this please.

[@johnbarben]

Really good and enjoyable video - great job. I shoot with a Mamiya TLR and I find it easier to ask for portraits with that - I think it’s the ceremony that people enjoy!!

[@norbertsteinkamp9380]

I like the book title @01:39 👍

[@baxtermarrison5361]

I love the image of the two girls, love the pose, love the overall vibe. Brave choice to cart a 4x5 around, mine stays in the studio.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thank you. My Toyo 45a has already had a nasty fall so I’m not overly protected of it. Will need a replacement soon!

[@baxtermarrison5361]

@@Tom-Humble Mine is a Sinar, so not quite as practical on the fly.

[@marcthomt1]

That was so good to watch! Could watch 100 more of these. Love the concept. Photos were great!

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man! Hoping to get out again soon

[@anthonydennis460]

Love the fact you shoot on 4x5. It has been my choice since 1959. I have three 4x5 cameras and a 5x7 view camera. People are fascinated when they see my cameras.. I even use press 25 flashbulbs. I would like to suggest that you use a lens shade ( rubber preferred) on your lenses. I never never shoot without a lens shade. I also use a yellow filter all the time for black and white. This combo gives me greater contrast, saturation and less flare when shooting into bright light sources.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks! I dabbled with filters before with my 6x6 mamiya c330 and some good results. Might have to give it a go with 4x5

[@darrelltheriault5793]

Great portraits, thanks for sharing your experience with this.

[@MrMineHeads.]

Fantastic video. Great photos!

[@gregliss3346]

Awesome vid and super cool photos! The ektar film really pops the colour, and the Ilford just super classic. Thanks for the share

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man!

[@villegas24]

Exquisite work and video

[@andreasandomenico397]

Bollox! That was nice, well done Tom

[@larsgibbon3327]

Great video, great photos and great music!

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks!

[@slavafasta6448]

Tom, awesome videos thank you so much)

[@steveh1273]

Nice work, and really enjoyed the music although I don't know who they were.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks. The songs are from musicbed.

[@CesarZumarraga]

so cool

[@tedphillips2951]

Brilliant! I love this video & the portraits.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks! Another one coming soon!

[@CarlosLopezMedrano]

I enjoyed this. Really nice 👍

[@paulfarley8023]

Tom. What a lovely video and excellent choice of music. Beautiful portraits. My favourite, the road sweeper. 👍

[@Tom-Humble]

Thank you!

[@markbrown1609]

England gave us the Beatles, Stones, and Ilford, we love it here in the states.

[@eichwo]

congratulations fot the brilliant shots and fabulous portraits. these remind me of shooting 4x5 years ago, altough i never tried street. excellent music selection as well. would you mind to give me a hint on the song in minute 6, please?

[@ImperiousImages]

Great video. The images and music really pair well together.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks!

[@GeraldFigal]

Very well done, mate! Kudos!

[@MarkSeymourPhotography]

Really enjoyed this Tom..

[@tigertongue74]

Great Work,Well Done!!!!

[@ShutterDB]

My dude... these photos are so sharp!! You've got an incredible eye

[@riccardoruffolo1811]

The girl on ektachrome is a famous italian top model. Bianca balti

[@Tom-Humble]

Didn’t realise that until after!

[@GiovanniApreaCapri]

I very much enjoyed watching this video, the interaction, the gear, the results... actually the pics are amazing, I didn't expect them to be so sharp, rich in colour and with that great blurred background. You got a new IG follower ;-)

[@Tom-Humble]

Thank you!

[@ribsy]

great work Tom! its funny how different our approaches are -- i use a fraction of the words you do when i approach people! haha

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man! I think I was still quite nervous which makes me rabble on! Hope to go out again soon though and gain more confidence and experience.

[@straatmoment]

However I'm a digital wizard but WOW, enchanting, these are beautiful portraits 👊

[@JFPENA]

You really know how to take Large Format Portraits! it is a process to do it, you make interesting conversation with people to get them comfortable while focusing and preparing, that is key! never found anybody else doing great street portraits with large formats, congrats.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thank you! Hoping to get out again soon and shoot some more!

[@joshuarhea1648]

Loved this. Very inspiring

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man

[@MattWeddis]

Brilliant shots and video Tom. I’ve been slack with YT lately, both as a subscriber and producer. This was a pleasure to watch.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks Matt, been very slack myself recently also. Hopefully start posting more soon.

[@deldridg]

This is great in all ways. Love your approach and framing, choice of media etc. I have a Chamonix with a bunch of great lenses, sitting unused for the past few years. I was thinking of a project photographing some of the older (ancient) members of our golf club and doing a bit of a write-up on them. Your vid has given me a very timely kick up the bum and I'll ramp it up! Big cheers from Sydney mate - Dave

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks Dave, I love when people find my videos entertaining but definitely love it even more when it inspires them to get out and shoot. Good luck with the project!

[@deldridg]

@@Tom-Humble Thanks Tom - I've just enjoyed this again and will share it with my handful of buddies who also shoot with "janky old cameras"... 🙂 I'm sure together we can do some great shooting around Sydney! Cheers and thanks once again. Can't wait to get out there! Dave

[@martinjn2920]

Great video, I have never had the confidence to approach people direct for a picture so this was really impressive stuff, well done.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thank you 🙏

[@christianpatton1852]

Wonderful work well done!!

[@andyvan5692]

there was another mistake with shot 3, that of raising the holder without a darkslide in place! as can clearly be seen in the video.

[@brafuptop9786]

awesome vid mate

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man

[@DJphotoandtech]

"hey mate, you a'right?" Brits and their greetings!

[@ftlbaby]

Fuck yes Tom!

[@BryanBirks]

Really nice portraits, Tom. You've inspired me. Also, this video did not pop up in my subs feed just so you know. I am definitely subbed tho!

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks man! Oh really? Not sure why that would be 🤔

[@terrywbreedlove]

When you accidentally expose a sheet. Take it out right away and avoid the confusion and cost before develop[ing a bad sheet.

[@jganun]

Everyone says Ektar 100 is no good for portraits, but this proves otherwise.

[@Gamedoc19]

Great work Tom, also what is the name of the song at the end?

[@Tom-Humble]

I can't remember to be honest. I get all the songs from Musicbed

[@studiojege287]

Tom, love these style of video's. Just curious, how do you film these POV's? With a GoPor/iPone on you... ? Thanks

[@Ben-kw8rc]

Fantastic video, but I'm going to need some song names!

[@guidoehlers2807]

This is truly a great video. I've only recently got a 4x5 camera myself and I'm looking forward to walking around Munich with it soon. It would be great if you could tell us which focal length you used.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks. They were all taken with the fujnon 135mm f5.6 lens.

[@guidoehlers2807]

@@Tom-Humble hey, thank you very much. I have the 135mm myself. The video is really, really great. Everything fits: the music, the editing, the charming way you approach people and of course the great photos. It's very motivating and makes me want to do it myself.

[@vertigoheights]

Kept getting triggered every time you called your Toyo a “janky” old film camera when It’s like the Rolls Royce of press cameras haha 😅! Great video and lovely portraits! Such a shame about that Portra, right after you acknowledged saving the sheets you brought for just the right moment for cost reasons 😅

[@Tom-Humble]

That was the universe mocking me! Thank you. Mine is extra janky because it’s taken a few tumbles. I will treat my next one better 🫣

[@justcallmesando]

Does it get any cooler than this??? (pretty damn portable large format camera btw).

[@nicolapicogna2848]

did you were aware that you shoot a top model?

[@Tom-Humble]

No!

[@nicolapicogna2848]

@@Tom-Humble now you know Bianca Balti! ;)