Sequencing New Work - Pentax 67 + HP5

[@toddkorolphoto]

Great video. You need to think of your career as a photographer as a marathon not a sprint. There will be times when you are just working a lot an unable to produce any personal work, and times when you can't produce KZbin videos, or just times when life gets in the way. Don't sweat it, just keep doing what you're doing and keep growing and being true to the work you want to make. Love your honesty all the time.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Todd. Really appreciate the sentiments. Especially from a veteran such as yourself. You know the way. Cheers!

[@soulstart89]

Well said Todd. This can be applied to all creative areas.

[@mikeboudreaux2964]

Don't judge your success as a photographer by the success of your KZbin channel. You're making meaningful work, taking photos that show feelings and emotions. That's so much more important and going to be more fulfilling in the long run than optimizing your youtube channel to maximize advertising metrics.

[@BryanBirks]

Oh I agree, Mike. My thoughts on the beginning of this wasn’t really in a negative way. It was just being real. I really don’t care about KZbin numbers anymore because I make basically nothing. If I wanted to I’m more than positive I could maximize my profits by making bag and gear videos but I’d be dead inside personally. 😂

[@angelah6357]

Thanks!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate the support, Angela 🖤

[@sarahstellino1954]

Nobody makes earth shattering work constantly. We all slog through our process… wise words. Keep on keepin on!

[@BryanBirks]

Truth. Every once in a while you make something memorable and then you're just on the path to duplicating that again.

[@628DirtRooster]

I like that first shot with Jason. Parts of the scene look model railroad-ish.

[@4r1777]

That photo of Jet is perfect, the complimentary colors, the perspective of the car, the stance. I love it

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Ariyah 🖤

[@J.ortegadesign]

Always love how real and vulnerable you are in your videos. Easy to post your top pics like 96% of youtubers/IG photogs but opening up about mistakes, learnings, and general opinions takes balls which that same 96% seem to lack. That death stare at the end was one heck of an exclamation point too 😎

[@BryanBirks]

Haha thanks Jorge. The death stare is probably my normal resting bastard face 99% of the time unfortunately.

[@AeromaticXD]

Just fascinating! So much good work!

[@robgutkowski7141]

I only became aware of you project a month ago and I have been backtracking through your videos. Stick with it, I find it very inspiring, and it has given me an idea for a project of my own.

[@BryanBirks]

Nice to hear that! 🖤

[@alanholzmanphoto]

Beautiful, courageous work. I especially like the images of Jet with the Mustang. Thanks for sharing.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Alan!

[@KongBoatNoodle]

I love your photos and this project you're working on. It's inspiring me to do a project of my own. Please don't be harsh on yourself, you're making meaningful work. Best, Nathan

[@BryanBirks]

Happy to hear that. It’s nice to have a cohesive piece of work that you want to complete (at some point).

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

Love the process of sequencing. Its a great look into the book making process. Well done, you handsome bastard.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, sir. Sequencing is fun and then you realize that you need way more photos. Then you realize that it doesn't really add up into a cohesive body of work. Then you realize it's going to be many more months or years of work. Lmao

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

@@BryanBirks So true. I have some projects that I don't think will ever be complete or at least, what I would be happy with calling complete.

[@stephaneg]

Who gives a damn what KZbin tells you?! You are to your subscribers one of the only art channels worth watching. You truly are on the level of the greats and we cannot wait for your book to be out!!! Keep on keeping on. What you do is important!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much. I think it is just something that you have to learn to ignore. Hard for me because my whole entire photography life has been on KZbin so it's difficult to ignore it ALL the time. Slowly learning to not give a damn. Just takes time.

[@brettwood737]

Keep being you Bryan, love your work

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate you, Brett. Thanks for the support.

[@matthewpoburyny5147]

This isn't meant to be a film vs digital comment but rather that I have found happy medium for my personal work by using vintage glass with a digital sensor (not for everything as different projects and purposes call for different tools) but you might enjoy the b&w process a little more with some vintage glass attached instead, especially if you are just using the digital to scout some spots for potential b&w images to make later with film! Sequencing is a pain and beyond difficult, thank you as always for sharing your thoughts and process so far on the matter, it is really helpful to hear someone think out loud about stuff you might not have anyone to bounce those same thoughts off of. Take care!

[@BryanBirks]

I have a couple vintage Olympus and Canon lenses that I use sparingly. It does help slightly but I still find it hard. It’s really only when I compare the same shots together. If I only have digital I’m fine but if I have both film and digital I’m always more intrigued by the film. Sequencing is a whole new beast that I’m looking forward to tackling. Should be a fun process. 🍻

[@aristoioannidis7490]

I love them apples Bryan! Great work.

[@xaviegarcia2657]

Glad to have you back! Wise words at the end. You’re such a great inspiration.

[@BryanBirks]

Really appreciate that. Glad to be back 🍻

[@tedphillips2951]

Quality over quantity. Your videos are always so worth watching & frequency doesn't matter. Definitely thought provoking.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Ted. It’s tough to see quality over quantity especially in the social media age but I know it’s the truth. 🍻

[@jonathanfreemantle-arthurs8534]

Great video. I love your thought process. You working this out really helped me. Thank You.

[@hunterchadwic]

What a treat man. Bryan, your work never fails to make me feel something. Continue pushing forward brother. Thank you!

[@BryanBirks]

I'm glad you get something out of it! Really nice to hear, Hunter. Thanks.

[@soccerjockey]

This project is shaping up really well! I love the sequencing.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate that, Josiah!

[@AaronAnalog1]

First photo of Jet is my fave 🙌🏻

[@BryanBirks]

She was such a nice lady. She even told me “I wish I was wearing something nice.” You’re dressed for a ball, Jet!

[@kamilschapek]

I really love what you do! Keep going. You have a hardcore fan in me! ♡

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Kamil! 🖤

[@frankbuchta6839]

Always great to hear your thoughts and see your progress. Especially the outro got me :) thank you so much

[@BryanBirks]

My pleasure, Frank. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gavinlagrange6322]

Man I feel the comments on digital vs film to a tee. I've largely given up on digital for my serious body of work for that reason. I haven't watched your vids in a while but the photographs you showed here are gorgeous btw.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Gavin. They both have their purpose but given the option, film every time. No question.

[@alexeaton6344]

There is just something about depth and color that digital struggles with still. I feel like such a filmboi saying it... but it simply renders differently. You can tell in those final B&W wedding shots. Great work man. Really love the lady with her mustang, what a portrait.

[@BryanBirks]

I agree. If I could shoot a whole wedding on film I would but not sure it would be possible with a Pentax 6x7 and loading times. Haha gotta be quick.

[@alexeaton6344]

@@BryanBirks Imagine they made one of those big drum magazines for the P67 like they have for 35mm cameras ☠☠ You'd have to wear it like a bandolier.

[@dblakeman]

DAMN, these photos are STRONG, dude

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much, David!

[@motodiaries8204]

I for one love both your videos and your work. You always inspire me to get out and make photographs. Keep up the good work!

[@BryanBirks]

Really nice to hear that. Glad you enjoy them!

[@steveneate]

I really enjoyed seeing your process and your progress on the sequencing. I'm looking forward to seeing Articles of Virtu reach fruition. That was my favourite part of the video. I also really enjoyed hearing your thoughts around photography being a lifelong goal. Lastly, it was helpful to me to see direct comparisons between digital and film in your work. Thank you! Oh, and I like that you've got your photos sequenced on your website.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Stephen. Glad you enjoyed!

[@davidmb2587]

Really beautiful work. Don't bother about the KZbin stats, you're making something lasting. Keep going!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate that, David!

[@21switchfoot]

good stuff man! breaks are much needed sometimes. That first portrait of jason is probably my favourite shot of yours.

[@BryanBirks]

One of my favorites as well! You don't really know you need a break until you take it. Then you look back and think "damn, should have done that earlier." You live and learn.

[@richardevans8480]

Agreed. I kept coming back to that first photo in my mind. Stunning.

[@jakebloomwood9406]

Love your content and I am sorry for you losing views :( always happy to see new videos from you, really gives me a lot. Can´t wait for a book with your series.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it! The views are more about me not posting for 50 plus days. Haha hardly anyone else’s fault besides mine 😅

[@SathyaPeacock]

Thanks for letting us in on the process man, appreciate you 👊🏽

[@BryanBirks]

Any time, Sathya. Happy to have ya here.

[@bdurrant91]

Your channel has something special. Keep the faith! 💪

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate ya, Benjamin!

[@patrickdumont7302]

Hi Bryan, it had been ages I had not gone to youtube. Yesterday I was discussing exactly this come and go of creativity, the trials and errors and many other stuff with a photographer and we mentioned your name about a honest youtube channel that is therefore fascinating. The funny part was the chap I was discussing (in real life) has himself a youtube channel with also an interesting honesty about the journey and its necessary pauses on the way. If you have not connected to him I think in a way you are a soulmate of Ulysses Aoki, you should seek him out :). Now to your video, I really appreciated the sequencing, the why you did it. That can be discussed, but what you do is what you do. Nobody can take it away. I was surprised when you mentioned some of the criticism you receive. That not everything is perfect makes what you show and do so much more relatable and real. Very interesting part about Digital and film. I would argue that, independently of format, a film print has so much more depth to it than a digital one (at least in Black and white). Not to say i do not like digital prints, they are simply different. Well no sooner had I watched this video, I could not stop, i needed more and went for your Chuck Palahniuk one. Oh man the incredible atmosphere in that one and the fabulous portrait on the back of the truck with the cigarette. oh well that one struck me. Please do not rush in the weekly video trap, just keep this gems coming when the time is right for you. Take whatever break you need. cheers Patrick

[@BryanBirks]

Definitely not going to rush anything. I think the pressure of putting out videos is far behind me. I’m of the believe with quality over quantity all day. What I make and show is a direct representation of my work so I want it to be good! Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the kind words. I’ll have to look up the Aoki lad that you mentioned. Cheers!

[@tycjantrzpiola]

Waiting for the finall result of your project. It is a long journey. But it will be great book to purchues. Have a great day.

[@BryanBirks]

Always appreciate the support!

[@dalliswillard1843]

You’re work is strong and your videos are well made and interesting. Keep it up.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Dallis. Really appreciate that!

[@shanillakhlani5331]

Lovely video Bryan. It's fascinating to see your progress sequencing, this is an area I have little experience in too. As for creativity I've found the best way to get through this is practising self love, patience and journalling. Creativity comes in waves and it's totally okay to not feel the spark at times. Another brilliant course I recommend if you haven't already is Gregory Halpern's magnum course. He also speaks on creativity and feeling inspired

[@BryanBirks]

I may have to purchase another magnum course soon. I was between Halpern’s and Matt Black’s. Soth’s course is still providing me with ample information and inspiration every time I sit down with it.

[@megzjr]

Love your work man. Inspiring indeed

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much!

[@aram4854]

Long time no see. Hope all is well. Your videos always top notch. Gonna go back and see all your videos I missed.

[@BryanBirks]

Happy to have you back as well!

[@harshavardhansalgaokar]

I see a Bryan Birks video uploaded, I press play

[@BryanBirks]

Goat shit.

[@Windsor366]

Great video

[@NunoAlmeidaPhotography]

Glad to see you back! I’ve only done sequencing for personal books and I love/hate the process. You either think you have enough images or you realize you need a bunch more lol.

[@BryanBirks]

I am the second option. Haha definitely realize I need a lot more. But laying them out helped me discover that. It’s a long ordeal but for sure a learning process.

[@Amaraldo]

It's a bit of a long process but you can digitally profile the tone curve of a given black and white film with latitude sweeps of a greyscale ramp from clipped shadows to clipped highlights and get an exact match, if that is what you are after, but you're right about colour film being an entirely different beast. As for taking extended breaks, I am fully in support. Doing anything for too long becomes mundane and cloying. There are times where I don't even want to look at photos at all, let alone shoot. When you get the creative urge to re-enter that headspace, you feel better and ultimately produce better work.

[@BryanBirks]

I've seen a few people mention that but I've never got around to trying it. Maybe something in the future I can test out. Thanks for the comment.

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Great insight - thanks. Can’t wait for the book…..hopefully it will be available for shipping to the UK?

[@BryanBirks]

I will do everything necessary to get it out to anyone that wants a copy.

[@guenin]

Keep up the good work.

[@BryanBirks]

🍻

[@dan-le-brun]

I love them apples!!

[@smalltownsavouries]

"Do you like apples?" "God dammit, I do..."

[@BryanBirks]

🍏

[@coreymagz3145]

Unreal. Kind of underexposing tbh. Those wedding portraits are some of the most professional pieces of work I've ever seen.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate that!

[@TheNinthPhotography]

Talking about digital, what workflow/software do you use for post-processing your digital black&white work?

[@BryanBirks]

Lightroom Classic for both digital and film.

[@TheNinthPhotography]

@@BryanBirks Have you ever tried Silver Efex Pro for black&white conversions? It is a fantastic tool, and one that I somehow feel would fit your style.

[@ZeLoShady]

Try out a Fujifilm mirrorless camera. You might enjoy something like the XT-4 or the new XT-5. Fuji is known for its film simulations and there are great resources online for creating custom film simulations on fuji cameras.

[@profHankin]

Good to see you back! Think of the pace of your images/content. It should form a type of rhthym as some content will require more time to take in, and content will not. Or you might want your readers to spend more time with some images, and maybe less with other.

[@BryanBirks]

Good points, Bob. Doing my best to go back and study some photo books I have to see what the photographer was possibly thinking in sequencing as well.

[@dangelobarksdale5807]

You're a brilliant photographer. Hope that adds to the encouragement from the comments. You also have a superb taste in music (imo), do you mind sharing links for the songs?

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much! I've thought about making a playlist for the music I use. All of it can be found on Music Bed. This particular one is called "Maybe, Baby" by The Shivers.

[@tylerhuttosmith]

I wonder if getting the Bauer filter removed might help w/black and white digital photos. I’ve see good looking results online, but curious if it actually works well consistently or if it’s an every shot now and then looks way better. Essentially I’m not sure if I want to remove color capability in my camera to find out lol

[@BryanBirks]

Yeah that would not be worth it for me. It is just a tricky thing with imitating film. I don't think you can really get there one hundred percent but you can get ninety percent maybe. Now color on the other hand...

[@edwardstewart4430]

Perfect ending lol. How strange if he saw your video. Nice storytelling. Does your Pentax 67 have mirror lockup?

[@BryanBirks]

Yep. Mirror lockup. Currently has duct tape on it so I don't hit it accidentally. Lol

[@chromagraphphotoart]

Just a quick note Bryan as I've unsubbed on ,my other channel, but re-subbed here. That Channel is motorcycle related and this one's primary focus is photography, so I'm trying to rationalise things so I get the relevant content in the right places. That image of Jet, sublime, loved it! PS have you seen Kyle McDougall's recent video on his selection process.

[@BryanBirks]

I am a staunch Kyle McDougall supporter so yes I have. I’m trying to get opinions from any source I can on the sequence and selection process.

[@andrewberekdar]

how do you like them apples? perfect sign-of

[@BryanBirks]

🍎

[@kstrohmeier]

The only way you found Jet is because the gods are with you and your project.

[@BryanBirks]

The gods are on my side sometimes. Other times I feel like they're against me. This time they kept the rain away so I cherish them for that.

[@MartellOG]

the green flannel is almost like a staple now i feel

[@BryanBirks]

Oh it’s about that time of year. Used to be a hoodie guy. Now I’m a flannel guy.

[@AaronHardinPhoto]

hey man, if you ever want to look at edits and sequencing, just drop me a line. I really enjoy getting in the weeds with sequencing.

[@BryanBirks]

I’ll probably take you up on that. Already watched one of your videos on sequencing anyway. Haha

[@PeterGallagher1]

I like them apples just fine.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks partner.

[@Zetaphotography]

Confused since the picture was in color. Disappointed with the bait and switch

[@BryanBirks]

The thumbnail photo? It’s in the video and it deals with the sequencing new work part of the title. Not sure what you’re confused about.

[@philiptilton9651]

Stop saying "kind of."

[@BryanBirks]

There’s about 65 different ways you could have addressed this and not come off as a complete wanker but yet here we are. Appreciate your comment, Philly.