Taking the BEST Portrait yet! | Large Format Photography

Taking some portraits on 8x10 large format.
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Video recorded on Panasonic S1H and iPhone, using RODE Microphones.
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[@SpontSpiceWeasel]

Don't stress about filming the shoots, if you think it'll detract from the subject's experience just tell us about it after. The final images speak for themselves 😊

[@BryanBirks]

Filming video while photographing large format portraits is damn near impossible. Like the other comment above, just worry about the photos. A sit down talk over the images is fine and I still learn a ton. Your channel is one of my favorites and it never gets old. It’s a look at your process and your evolution. Highly enjoyable George. 🖤

[@nickRS100]

I quite like your audio only bits….well the video shows something like your wing mirror. If the subjects are happy with audio being recorded audio could give an uncomplicated way of capturing the actual process. Particularly if you talk through what you are doing as you do it.

[@NOTEVENBLONDE]

I love the way you’re looking at things. The fact that you are interested in sharing your experience with the other person involved. That’s really nice and kind of you. That reminds me of the first and only portrait I took of a stranger. It took me a good 15+ minute, to get the courage to ask. I was so shy and anxious. But I promised myself I would comeback and give him the photo. What made me think like that, was the fact that, when I asked for the photo, he looked kinda pissed, like I was taking a piece of him with me, for my own benefit. And than, the fact that he was a homeless person got me wandering, maybe it doesn’t even own photos of himself, specially more recent ones, since he doesn’t have a home. I really need to print that photo and find that man.

[@jud4312]

I'd love to see that photo! Do you have a link?

[@ribbitrocks]

i so enjoy your work and style in photography and easy delivery when talking which is not easy/ so natural - thank you !!

[@AManWhoWasntThere]

Your artistic process and the results you get are more important than giving us footage of the process. You just showing us the photos and talking about them is enough. I love these videos!

[@m00dawg]

These are so great! Reminds me a bit of the whole "porch portraits" thing a lot of us did in 2020 (myself included). I really enjoyed the experience as a photographer and I think folks got somethign out of it. Admittedly shooting with my digital stuff wasn't my favorite part, but a few folks wanted their portrait on film and it was grand! I want to do this again, on large format as well. Not sure about 4x5 or 8x10, but if the latter, using my old school barrel lens would be even more fun for folks (just not sure I can get slow enough exposures). At any rate I LOVE!!! this series and am so glad you're sharing it! I think the level you are able to share is also reasonable, since I agree, capturing people "as they are" would seem a lot more difficult to do with a bunch of vlogging gear? The portraits you have shared so far, seem very real and have a human intimate quality. I don't know if it's worth the trade-off of seeing more vlogging footage of you taking the portrait if it means a less human photo based on how this series is coming together? Either way, whatever you do, this has been amazing and just a treat to see! Among the favorite videos you've shared (though nothing can compare to the super Bass-Mode-Ball-Cam - that was top notch)

[@NegativeFeedback]

Thank you, this was a lovely comment

[@mattfrancisco8678]

I’m loving what you have to say about working with subjects. It’s becoming more clear to me lately that the image is much less about the technical process of shooting than I thought, and more about just creating a space and a social interaction that is positive and comfortable. That’s how a great photo is made with any camera.

[@jamesbrockett786]

I find these videos about your artistic process and thinking incredibly satisfying. It has inspired me to think differently about my own process and the medium itself. Thank you George

[@jessebeecherphoto]

I've been thinking a lot on that same struggle of the idea of making content about a photoshoot during the shoot itself lately. I'm constantly feeling like I need to be doing something extra to "make it" in the medium, but at the same time I so badly hate to be taken out of the flow of the moment during shoots in that way. It's nice to see those thoughts echoed by another artist that I look up to.

[@ChrisMarxen]

I totally can relate to that struggle. It seems much easier for landscape photographers. I shoot LF portraits of strangers outdoors in their work time and it's tough to juggle all the gear and their pressure to get back to work. I think you got enough footage to illustrate the point. I don't even need to hear the subject. It's enough when you tell their story or your impression of them. Great job mate, really loved the whole video.

[@rossmalik]

i like how transparent you are on what can be seen as a sensitive project. thanks nf.

[@Tom-Humble]

100% agree with you about the whole multitasking with filming and photos. I've been doing similar recently shooting 4x5 portraits of people on the street. The best solution I've found so far is to wear a gopro mounted to my chest as that way I can just leave it running and forget about it. The sitter doesn't really give it much consideration and neither do I. Not all the footage is usable but I get some decent parts of our conversation included which sometimes when meeting a stranger can be the best thing.

[@Pobsworth]

its a good day when george uploads

[@NegativeFeedback]

Agreed

[@BrackDynamite]

Really enjoying this series. Your large format work is some of your best IMO. Great to hear you're enjoying the project as well!

[@NegativeFeedback]

Thank you!

[@MrNamaikisaru]

Great work!

[@ssjcj4081]

Love how transparent this video was 💯

[@connoryballantyne]

You and Sean Tucker share such a great balance between sharing mechanics and the philosophy inherent to art mediums in your videos. So much respect and I echo most ppl here- focus on the Work. KZbin can catch up later.

[@robbiemurrie7562]

Luckily no one at my college seems to care about large format so over Christmas break I'm taking out the college Sinar 4x5 which apparently gets booked out "once a year at most" and I'm going to take some portraits. I think the ones you've taken in this video are the best so far. If I wasn't in Glasgow I would've loved to put myself forward for your project and would love to take your portrait on 4x5. Maybe if you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods we can make that happen.

[@NegativeFeedback]

Hell yeah

[@jayerjavec]

I understand exactly your dilemma and rest assured - you get it, you answered those concerns already. Distractions certainly influence the intimate bond with the subject you're interacting with. Don't let anything break that bond. I admire your honesty and clear thinking. Not much photogtaphers these days go to the set using their head but rather rush with their mind already some where else.

[@RobertFGardner]

You do a great job at what you do. I always wait with anticipation on your next video. Just keep doing what you do!

[@robvisualstreetphotography]

Some call it disability...I call it your signature look! Great portrait. It shows what photography is about!

[@asherhunt83]

I love what you are doing with this project. So inspiring.

[@NegativeFeedback]

Thank you!

[@elisazouza]

As a model myself I think having a second camera would be overwhelming especially for the photographer and the interaction / moment of working with the person just the photographer, the camera and the subject seems more real without the extra camera would probably make the subject think about the extra camera too soooo you’re so right abt that!!! I also find photography so intimate also I would love to shoot with you 🥺 would be a dream!!! how do I make that happen???

[@michaelgermundson8166]

Another great video. The personal story and sharing of image made the video feel complete. Maybe after 10 or 20 guests, you’ll find one to reshoot with a behind the scenes video.

[@jdouguspsa]

what about just some audio from the interaction over the portraits and your normal narration. idk if that helps mitigate the distraction factor but perhaps it could. portraits look wonderful

[@NegativeFeedback]

That’s an interesting idea, could just leave my phone recording in my pocket

[@FrederickQuimby]

Love this idea.

[@AndyDay]

@@NegativeFeedback Maybe also stick a GoPro/Osmo Action in the corner of the room and forget about it? Can ramp it as a timelapse later if nothing else.

[@elisazouza]

Literally dmed you as soon as you said you were looking for people to shoot with!

[@waynedennyphoto]

Totally understand not wanting to focus on filming video as the portraits are the most important thing. However, I've found that a 360 camera is a solid BTS camera. You basically set it up somewhere nearby the shoot, hit record, and never think about it again. You can 'move' the camera in post easily (even using an app), and the audio is solid from it. But the best part is that it fits in your pocket. So just placing it on a light stand, or even just leaning on a shelf or something can get you what you want.

[@TheRMMFilms]

i wouldn't really stress about filming the process but i really enjoyed hearing the subject talk about the reason they volunteered to be photographed and what the photo means for them so filming more of that after you get the photos you need might be interesting. but have that always be a secondary thing that happens after your photos are taken.

[@wanderingdreamer4088]

well... gotta make myself an interesting story and move to UK. love your project, very inspiring

[@NegativeFeedback]

Haha

[@greentothebone]

I like seeing your progress with this series. Hoping you’ll display your work in Ireland again sometime 🙂

[@NegativeFeedback]

Thanks! Hopefully one day

[@mpk33]

If you run out of sheets, the next best thing would be a Pentax 6×7 with the 105mm 2.4.

[@fyzd3r]

Great video and pictures! I didn't read all the comments but do you though about recording, audio only, your conversations with them? It could give you some interesting material.

[@AsainNerdfighter]

makes sense, ultimately you are a photographer first. documenting and social media just cant have equal priority.

[@TommyGrisselFilms]

Really good work

[@NegativeFeedback]

Thanks!

[@Al_Bx]

On a very similar note I highly recommend Bryan Birks' latest video.

[@BryanBirks]

Me too 🍻

[@Axigail]

Agree with the rest of the comments! Don’t feel pressured to video everything:) perhaps you can just ask if they’d like to have a video’d segment as well? Like video their face like youre taking an image?

[@kewimagix]

Have you considered having a small action camera, like a gopro, for the video side of things? it's fairly small and isn't really much of a distraction. Ultimately Its not a bid deal if the video side will hinder taking the photo.

[@mrpimpypimp]

Maybe just getting a wide angle lens and putting in a spot and just leaving it?

[@beefsand419]

Nice

[@angusvanderslott]

great job george :)

[@NegativeFeedback]

Thanks Ango

[@ce_ramik]

you could get some video footage after the photos have been taken?

[@kevinkubi1]

Honestly you just explaining the moments around the photographs are enough. But, maybe a go-pro with a chest-rig so its recording and not in your way?

[@GeoffreyThomasGonzales]

hi george

[@NegativeFeedback]

Hi

[@haakon.borgen]

What F-stop are you using for these portraits? Wide open?

[@max-el1dn]

your neck tattoo goes hard

[@NegativeFeedback]

thanks

[@LuisMercadoorg]

What kind of scanner are you using to transfer to digital? Seems you're losing a lot of contrast in the process. May I suggest drum scanning?

[@NegativeFeedback]

What if I told you I was intentionally losing contrast

[@friendofships]

NegativeFeedback The low contrast is one of my favourite things about this project!

[@denislaura97]

maybe you can just use the sound( record the sound of the conversation ) while you are shooting. and than put it with the picture when you put it in the video

[@doanthoi1163]

Large format POV on a gopro?

[@mspahr213]

come back...to the darkside...no gear vids needed...the world needs your insights on creative process and maybe interviews with your cool friends...happy new year, you're welcome.

[@MH5tube]

yeah I think one of the scary things about being photographed is getting bombarded by clicks and flashes, and that's obviously not an issue with large format

[@NegativeFeedback]

Makes sense!

[@byejoshhh]

Id on the beanie lol

[@NegativeFeedback]

instagram.com/baileyxgoldberg/

[@mosijahi3096]

Still love your work , but bring back the music. Do you stay in contact with your friends that stared this channel ?

[@stuartbaines2843]

On the Shoot video is clearly effecting you. 🤔 I don’t think it’s needed, post thoughts are more interesting. I do like the garden preamble perhaps using this at the end ?

[@NegativeFeedback]

I think that might be the best way too, I just worry it’s not visually stimulating enough. It’s nice to be able to discuss the photo and experience with hindsight

[@MKETSHOW117]

How about hiring an animator/ illustrator to visiualise the process? Perhaps it will add to the story instead of taking away from it.

[@AbelKleinblatt]

A nice comment, because you asked nicely

[@NegativeFeedback]

Nice

[@velyvely6479]

couldnt you prop up a small cam like a GoPro somewhere in the room? i feel like that's a camera that easily goes unnoticed and people also don't tense up around..... or even doing the same with your phone in landscape and just letting it roll, no need for great details i think a behind the scenes look whilst you narrate is enough

[@athmaid]

Maybe film with a body-mounted GoPro or something?

[@NegativeFeedback]

Could be interesting, but also might end up just being footage of the back of the camera or the floor

[@_o__o_]

u cute

[@hamishdonnelly8653]

typo in title bro

[@NegativeFeedback]

fixed ty

[@phlwest]

i feel like you shouldn't interfere with the photography by filming. the way you did here was pretty good though, maybe you could capture 1-2 sentences by the subject where they talk about themselves? the rest could be you talking and showing the images. i feel that is enough.

[@NegativeFeedback]

Thanks!

[@jakewrixon5630]

Early gang

[@NegativeFeedback]

hello