Shooting Film in Chicago

Start your free trial at squarespace.com... and use code GRAINYDAYS to get 10% off your first purchase.
prints: graincheck.dar...
podcast: ‪@mamiyamigos‬
instagram: @50_shades_of_jason
tunes: share.epidemics...
print requests: [e-mail]
business inquiries: [e-mail]
cameras: fuji tx-1, leica m7

[@Magic_Doge]

grainydays has published videos in every aspect ratio ever invented for video

[@Magic_Doge]

haha thanks for the pin. Keep up the great work.

[@finkerr6077]

Except the dreaded square format

[@danielphendarko2651]

@@finkerr6077 NOOOOOOOOOOO

[@gfbtfbtfilyfxbtyewqqef]

6:1 next pls

[@KyleMiko]

@grainydays where is Ultra Panavision 2.76 ??

[@BryanBirks]

The color grade on this paired with whatever lens you’re using is absolute perfection.

[@rodmanblanchard2511]

do you know what camera he uses to vlog his videos?

[@nickharrison211]

Was about to comment the same thing

[@jordangrace3942]

@@rodmanblanchard2511 Sony Alpha 7 series is what he's been using in the past (A7iii, A7iv something like that)

[@ericrjennings]

@@jordangrace3942it’s got a flip screen so just be A74

[@fuji_film_digital2122]

Agreed!

[@liechtenstein6775]

I have an 21:9 Monitor. And im so grateful that you used 21:9 instead of just putting two back bars on the frame. ☺

[@JonasBrinkmann]

even on my 32:9 i can watch it full screen, because its framed that well!!

[@masonthecoyote]

never thought my phone 21:9 screen would be useful but hey, here we are

[@keithparker7412]

I am in love with how your videos are looking recently, the anamorphic look and color grading are on point. It feels like I’m watching a movie of Chicago it’s so clean!

[@IanPhillipsWildlife]

Nice to see, in a world of vertical cack.

[@WillemVerb]

jared polin's worst nightmare sent me

[@cwantuch]

Thanks for all your great content. That TX-1 is so sweet, but if I buy another camera, my wife will be putting me by the curb, where I belong.

[@loganbonjean]

"Jared Polin's worst nightmare" threw me hahaha

[@AndyMoranPhoto]

"Some of Jared Polin's worst nightmare: Film" Lmaooo love you Jar

[@FAKEROONEY]

Literal short film level production on this chicago vid. Nice job Jason, remind me to bring a backpack on our next date so that you can get the youtube film community off your shoulders and into something that makes it easier to carry. This motivates me to get out and shoot. Inspiring AF

[@agustinalvarez4661]

After i saw the pushed hp5 shots i immediately stopped everything and load some hp5!

[@brosinarms1470]

Is it just me but the more I watch grainydays while I wait for my first film camera to arrive. It motivates me to travel take photos and just enjoy the process of learning film. I am glad to see the photos I will fuck up and the good.

[@uppernycghost]

Whatever you're doing for these new videos, keep doing it. It's so visually pleasing it's unreal.

[@Sam-em1ic]

That x pan is such an example of how things with either x or pan in the name tend to be good. Having both is just 👌

[@FlamelXXII]

Jared Polin's worst nightmare! You killed me with this one! 🫠😆

[@giovannychavez9055]

“Jared Polins worst nightmare” 😭😂 literally was waiting to see if he would ever bring that up. Anyways, this video was beautifully shot. I’ll be going to Chicago for the first time ever this September and this just inspired me to shoot some video and of course film. You’re truly my creative inspiration Jason

[@FookFish]

whats the craic on that i want the tea lol

[@themediocrephotographer1301]

⁠@@FookFishJared’s just been pretty critical of shooting film lately.

[@themediocrephotographer1301]

@@FookFishhe’s mainly been harping on the photographers that shoot film only because it’s trendy tho

[@RobboElRobbo]

​@@themediocrephotographer1301has Jared even taken a good photo before? I group him with the likes of Tony northrup

[@themediocrephotographer1301]

@@RobboElRobbo personally I really like his sports/photojournalistic work

[@casperghst42]

When one knows what to look for, one can see the Hopper influence (he was brilliant). Really nice photos, thanks for sharing.

[@lil_sakura_9290]

18:09 yaay Sissi Lu mention. It feels like marvel cameos to see different channels pop up in each other's videos. Gets me excited for no reason.

[@wehttamchua]

Everyone's commenting on how jason's videos look, but i am always enjoy how his videos sound. Seems like a lot of skill and effort went into mixing the audio well. I don't usually find youtube videos have good sound, like jarring noises, or overly loud portions etc. And if they do have good sound, they don't sound interesting. Jason really does both well.

[@andrewumana9586]

Yess the architecture boat tour is a must when coming to Chicago

[@paulschumacker9901]

Chicago, as you’ve discovered, is a city with endless Hopper-esque scenes at all times of the day and night. Well suited to B&W high-contrast films like HP5. I thought the shots from Lower Wacker were some of your best. Overall, a great set of fantastic shots with more interesting lighting and possible imagined storylines. If you felt like you were in a slump, you just came out of it. Welcome back!

[@tdc_2021]

I’ve never thought of HP5 has a high contrast film (unless pushed). Tri-X is what comes to mind for higher contrast

[@DylanSpitz]

When I lived in the midwest I visited Chicago with my friend and spent 3 days walking around shooting film. It really has a special energy, even for someone who generally avoids big cities. Great video, Jason!

[@StaceyAmour]

One day I hope you appreciate how good these photos are. You're chasing something you can never get and almost happens by accident. These photos have a lot to appreciate

[@satorutaylor7670]

Come home dad.

[@shervinsardari]

Since no one in the comments complimented you on it, I thought I'd boost your ego and agree that the coffeeshop shot is just brilliant. So simple, yet the composition works out perfectly and captures the essence of the place. Feels like you know the place with one photo.

[@horaciomillan4181]

This has been the most beautiful video and series of photos I’ve seen in the last 3 or 4 months. And believe me, I watch a lot.

[@dougfromsoanierana]

I just joined the TX-1 owner’s club today after many years of lusting after this camera. A 45mm lens is on the way. After looking at your shots with it, I’m excited to try it out. Great work.

[@thelastbookfan]

One of the best videos I've seen on this channel. More like a movie, not video.

[@JaredHayes541]

The xpan shots in Chicago reminds me of the Dark Knight. Great video! Love these beers and cameras meet ups.

[@batmantheboss3260]

I appreciate your existence Jason, your stuff makes me happy

[@obsidian00]

Chicago is definitely one of those cities that I would shoot B&W only...to capture that GRIME! Another great video, another good time had by all!

[@Chloede_]

I fully understand the having to warm up. I spent 5 days in Mew York last year, and it wasn’t until a few days in that I actually felt in my stride with making photos. Really enjoyed the video!

[@AdamHansen95]

I live in Chicago and love to see people who have never visited here try their hand at capturing the beauty in different ways. It definitely inspires me and gives me new ideas and new angles to think about and work with. I just got a 28-70mm lens which is new for me, so I’ll definitely be walking around downtown with your pictures as an inspiration to me ♥️

[@jasongold6751]

A real treat! So funny! I'm surprised no images of Chicago river, that divides downtown! I like the photo group! Crowd worthy of making Ben-Hur! Bravo.

[@darwyn2lion]

New Grainydays vid. My Thursday is much better already.

[@theoldcameraguy]

This was a super fun weekend! Thanks for sharing your take on it here.

[@andrewjohnson4728]

Thank you Jason for yet another awesome video which, despite no appearances by Baxter, was truly a Wrigley Field (or close to it) home run!

[@sonicbrush]

Moved out of Chicago in 2000 after growing up there. Good to know Central Camera is still there.

[@nathangee2533]

i love how the aspect ratio of the video is the same as the photos from the camera. i haven’t missed that detail

[@ThePJMcConnell]

I've been listening to this podcast for awhile and I really like the music selection in this one!

[@AstralCMS]

Seeing Chicago through this hit different. Grew up in Illinois and haven't been home in awhile. Picked up my Minolta x700 from Central Camera Company like 2 years ago now. Very cool

[@annaisamazing11]

Flop era?!?! Your last 3 or 4 videos have been my favourite work you've put out!

[@thomaskdrums]

I've been following your work for a while and have to say that this one is your best in terms of B-roll, atmosphere and video format. The general mood of all this combined really fits you and your kind of videos. Keep it up :)

[@TheDomis4]

georgeous 21:9 without black bars. and that lens. perfection.

[@DLivingston]

The wider shot in the room is so good! What lens are you rolling with here? Looked to be a adapted lens this time around? Jared's nightmare lol The shallow DOF shots with this anamorphic lens? looks reallllly good and the color grading as well is awesome. Love the aspect ratio of the whole video. 6:30 is such a good shot, love it. 7:22 , I thought that was going to be your segway into today's sponsor. 23:24, LOVE IT

[@stevecarrascoiv4409]

Loved this video and the x-pan shots in the vid. You may feel like you haven’t taken anything “worthwhile” but the blend of video comps with your photo comps work so well and create a wonderful viewing experience. Thank you for your artistic expression, Jason.

[@davideastham]

Oh, how I miss Chicago. I need to go back really soon. Thank you for this video. @ 0:40 That Chicago Dog picture 😁 YUM !!!

[@StudioC41]

"Jared Polin's worst nightmare." Oh man, that was brilliant! Great meeting ya in Chicago!

[@keithschuessler3435]

I visit Chicago occasionally, and shot one of my all-time favorite images ever there at millennium park. Fuji 617, delta 400. A small girl was running through the shallow water. Absolute glee on her face, circular ripples of her footsteps behind. Her joy is so very obvious in the image, and the adults sitting in the background looking bored provide a subtext. Could they all have been watching a grainydays video?

[@CryptoJones]

"didn't sleep at all because it would have been annoying to wake up" is my life synopsis.

[@emptypixels]

I don't know what it is about this video, but it just feels very melancholy. You need a hug Jason? I got you.

[@blazerbarrel2]

My favorite camera of all time , The Hasselblad Xpan ! Nice pictures , great structure designs in your work ! TMZ @ 800 dev in microdol 1:1

[@ab-hx8qe]

I live in the loop, the part of the city you where exploring. Surreal seeing a granydays video shot in what feels like my back yard. Taking it personal that you didn't stop by and say hi. Continued watching and MILLERS PUB IS LITERALLY ACCROSS THE STREET! Why does it feel like I met a celebrity?

[@ChrisEdgecombePhoto]

Another amazing video with some spectacular images especially from that M7. Truly inspirational stuff. Thanks.

[@Jacob_Waller]

Jason! It was so cool meeting you! The events were so cool & I hope you're able to come back

[@nvrumi]

Hi Jason, I'm new to your channel and plan to stick around for awhile. I really like your videos. As another commenter said, there is a short-film feel to them. The voice over works for me and your deadpan humor is my style. Your images are inspiring. You make me want to shoot film again. I've been a photographic dilettante for decades, grew up with film, and moved to digital because, well, that's what we do. After messing with digital for a couple of decades, I feel drawn back to film and you're not helping! I remember feeling a little sad when I sold off my Canon AE-1s and Canon glass to buy a Nikon D100. I thought that was the "thing to do." Now I shoot Fuji, but find myself living almost entirely in the film simulation world. Maybe that's the tell. Anyway, thanks for sharing your work.

[@mjodr]

Lower whacker is the real banger of the whole trip. 10/10 would love to see banging there again

[@HumanClouds]

Great to see some love for 110!

[@anthonykartsonas5087]

Beautiful Pics, Chicago was clearly good for you. And thanks for the videos, really enjoy them

[@cjlindberg6136]

“There I am Gary! There I am!” Really cool getting to see Chicago from your perspective!

[@thatdeafguyuk]

Holy gadzooks Jason, you were brilliant in Wes Anderson's 'Asteroid City', totally wasnt expecting that....... ;)

[@marving1416]

I live in Chicagoland and the café shot, the noir shot (23:26) and the Lower Wacker shots were the best!! Oh and you might as well had gotten lasagna instead of that deep dish pizza! But at least you tried and now you know.

[@depthoffield405]

loved the soundtrack in this video. Dope to have some post-rock ambient vibes

[@stewartmunrovideo]

I really did enjoy your new video mate! I am an artist from the land down under and I wrote a poem for you and how your video inspires me. I wanted to sport a pie from the local bakery As I walked home, I took a bite of my pie And then I thought to myself, "Replay was not bad" I spy with my little eye, that was a pie that I saw with my eye Thank you, Granny, for these rainy days Eating my pie, thinking about my Hasselblad and Vlad the Impaler

[@facundozalazar]

Love the music

[@markt3331]

I visited your channel earlier today with my body longing for a new video. I am now satisfied

[@harvarinder_singh]

Loved the video. The quality is top notch !

[@itsrorlax7373]

A new Grainydays video… today is a good day.

[@Beauty.and.FashionPhotographer]

So good, great great top notch pano images you did...wow... very inspiring this video,....

[@Biff062668]

New to the channel, love the look and feel of your videos, Keep up the great work. And a little side note, loved the little Jared Polin jab.

[@garonkiesel1646]

Shooting panoramas in the city was a great choice. Excellent work!!

[@97nelsn]

That skinny building across from the hotel you stayed in is the CQ Hotel on Wacker Drive. I stayed there last time I was in Chicago in 2018.

[@urionandon]

your channel is a discovery for me, super interesting videos

[@Msaxplayer1]

Excellent soundtrack, great work sir!

[@knibestolfoto]

My favorite at 13:50. Some great stuff in this video, love it!

[@grainyholic]

I really like how the HP5 Shots turned out! And you're really nailing it how to make awesome videos! Great work.... keep it going!

[@SolisCreative]

Fire images daddy. Ya boi born and raised in ol cornville midwest and Chi town my stomping grounds until my bones grew cold and my mistress Florida called me home!

[@MacKingG]

Finaly this is out, took you long enough! Edit: You were out of your element for this one my man.

[@thomasbrady8056]

Echoing everyone else - this was such a great video. I live in London and sometimes cityscapes can seem to uninteresting - but your photos prove that there is beauty to find in the city just as there is in countryside and rural areas. Excellent video and always inspiring

[@allankcrain]

If there were some sort of subscription service that let me watch Anish Kapoor's real-time reaction to you describing the Bean, I would pay for that service.

[@ThePhotoDept]

hell yeah i love a good cameo. wish we could haver hung out for longer! see you in California.

[@petmeiamirish]

watching grainydays on the toilet is a different vibe

[@who2u333]

That space for rent in the shot @6:00 gave me immediate Nighthawks vides.

[@mohamedeldeify]

B&W with yellow filter is my fav and knew that from you, sensei

[@hallivigut]

hey man, this brought me back, used to live in Chicago, love ur videos, they are like antidepressants to me, so calming, also the color grading on this one is top notch, keep the coming, and thank you.

[@jpiekkala]

The super wide angle shots feels so right on these street scenes.

[@joep5803]

I really, really like the photo with the person in the bus stop by the building with the diamond shaped roof.

[@calebbrunkow]

Jason what lens did you film this video with? The distortion and falloff at the edges looks really awesome

[@kimculetto]

I need to know as well

[@igorvainshtein5731]

Thank you!!! This was great!!!

[@nicolasalexandrini244]

the photos are amazing, but the video look is SO GOOOOOOOOOOOD

[@SteveNgynn]

Your video is better and better every day, but not sure why the no. of subs doesn't increase. Amazing vid!

[@YotamGuttman]

the aspect ratio of this video is very satisfying

[@austinjames5925]

New sub after seeing your how to shoot 35mm. Just bought an Olympus pen EED. Also bro, take pride in your work, all those city scape shots next to eachother are beautiful. You don’t like the muted colors but I think it gives a beautiful metropolitan vibe! Keep up the great work!

[@noelsalcedo7759]

Love your work brother

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Redscale + TX1 = memories of Yashica T4 + FPP Retrochrome? Many great shots here Jason - more than I think you have yourself credit for. Would have loved to also see Lomo Metropolis here... I'm desperate to try that film

[@kristoffergo6294]

Hahahaha! Love the shade on Jared Polin.

[@drewskimelaragno]

ShAkira!!!!!! So good

[@messsucher]

WTF Jason??? why is this video so gaddam cinematic??? The lens distortion, soft edges, the clip edits, omg *kisses fingers*. omfg its delicious Also, where can I get that shAkira shirt??????

[@AeromaticXD]

Daaaaamn that 14:27 transition is as smooth as the Breaking Bad ones

[@Thefury06484]

I liked all your shots and the vibe of this video was 👌🏼

[@oznium]

Such a fun time meeting y'all, hope you guys find the time to visit Chicago again at some point!

[@JovasJpg]

Sad I missed out on you visiting my hometown, great video and work as always though man!