I haven't stopped thinking about that Portrait with Diablo since I saw it on your IG haha, I went on an expedition with a mate today and shot some LF color for the first time (6 Sheets of the exact same frame to test a bunch of different expired stuff lol) and was telling him about your photograph on the drive. We both agreed that it's a master level portrait, and the sort of image where you can instantly tell that the person who made it knows very much what they're doing, and has been through a lot of trials to reach that point. Well done man, that pictures gonna live rent free in my head for eternity haha
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
That brought a big smile to my face, William. Thanks so much, my man. I know for a fact that you are going to murder some sheets of 4x5 in no time. Just like everything else you do!
@thoughtdujour2 жыл бұрын
This portrait gives me the chills
@harshavardhansalgaokar2 жыл бұрын
I see a Bryan Birks video uploaded, I press play
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
This is the way. Take notes, everyone.
@BasementShopGuy8 ай бұрын
Holy shit!! Those are now MY favorites. Excellent work Bryan. You're your own hashes critiq and it's paid off in dividends. It keeps you improving and not getting stale. Excellent, excellent, excellent!
@Nitidus4 ай бұрын
There's a trick and technique to the Paterson tank. To anyone who still watches this: First of all, the reason that your lid blew up was that Blix when being mixed creates an endothermic reaction that takes some time to fully subside. You need to wait quite a bit after freshly making Blix, or do the following. After mixing, stirring, and waiting long enough, pour the Blix into a flexible bottle. Press quite a bit of air out of it and screw the bottle cap on. Now shake. If the bottle gets hard, there's still gas build-up. Open the bottle, let the gas out, repeat. Once the bottle doesn't get hard anymore, the reaction is mostly over and your Paterson tank won't blow up. It's also much less likely to leak. As a general tip, the way a Paterson tank stays sealed is through negative pressure. After filling it up, don't just put the lid on and that's it. Put the lid on, then with the palm of your hand(s) you pressure the dent in the middle and at the same time you lift one bit of the cap with your finger tips. Excess air escapes, it makes a slight farting noise. Now immediately press the lid down again. It will get sucked onto the rim by the small negative pressure you created and therefore seal much better. The technique isn't perfect, you might sometimes leak a drop here and there, especially of the Blix. But it makes a world of a difference compared to when I lost entire milliliters of Blix for each roll I developed. I read about this in a forum post made by some old schooler, because of course it's not in the instructions. Lol. Since I went to university, my sense for practical thinking is not very developed, therefore it didn't really occur to me as a matter of common sense. Haha. Hope this will help someone, someday
@BryanBirks4 ай бұрын
Immensely helpful. Thanks!
@inkaststudio2 жыл бұрын
The photos in this episode made me pause and gaze! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
In today's quick world that is very high praise. Thank you!
@jonathanorleyi66002 жыл бұрын
Never cease to impress and inspire me!
@cheban_peter2 жыл бұрын
the last one is so awesome picture!
@paulvallance43472 жыл бұрын
I love your portraits -they are technically good and capture lovely moments of 'inter-being'.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate that, Paul. Cheers!
@jeffwelker15132 жыл бұрын
As an aged (66) large format photographer, I admit to shedding a few tears as you described this particular portrait, the subjects, and your creative journey. Amazing work Bryan.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
That is nice to hear, Jeff. I am not an emotional guy, usually, but all of the comments and support is really fantastic. Happy to have you here.
@drbva22 жыл бұрын
Agreed. This is a stellar portrait, Five stars and then some. Fabulous video. Love the RAW emotion and your honesty. Keep up the good work. BVA from KANADA
@haisanltu2 жыл бұрын
You're a true artist man. Much love and respect
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate the support!
@peetje28021970 Жыл бұрын
Wow, this photograph has it all. Unbelievable!!!
@BryanBirks Жыл бұрын
Thank you kindly 🖤
@sonpois2 жыл бұрын
Hell yes! Absolutely stellar photograph!
@HelloAndyTung Жыл бұрын
Dude hate to sound like a basic photo bro. BUT THAT PORTRAIT IS A BANGER! so much emotion and feeling in this photo. I adore it.
@BryanBirks Жыл бұрын
Haha thank you very much!
@serr2 жыл бұрын
Such beautiful work man. That portrait really is something else.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Serr. Means a lot 🖤
@JFPENA Жыл бұрын
You are an artist! great shot on Diablo and his human Friend!
@iancocks3779 Жыл бұрын
Brian. I just saw your favourite photograph in the UK Guardian newspaper. Fantastic coverage. I am so pleased for you! Ian
@BryanBirks Жыл бұрын
Appreciate it! That was a nice surprise.
@semigekko2 жыл бұрын
Stoked for you, Bryan. It hits different when you pull a negative out of a tank and you just know, even before inversion.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Truly. Thanks, Russell!
@ShirtlessMenNetwork5 ай бұрын
Beautiful work. And, I'm glad you do it for the reason you do. Sharing people's humanity in ways that keeps others from being able to dismiss it is my deepest passion in photography as well. I think getting others to see and care about things they otherwise wouldn't is photography's greatest purpose. Ansel Adams' landscape photography is perhaps the most famous case in point. I hope history remembers your work similarly. :)
@jeremyrowlettmedia2 жыл бұрын
In my opinion, with large format being a much slower process than other formats, it definitely leaves you with that dead space in time while setting things up to take advantage of by getting to know the person you're shooting. This allows the subject to somewhat let their guard down a bit. I feel that definitely shows through your photos.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
For sure. We were talking about everything under the sun while I was setting up. Nowadays I go slower on purpose so that happens more. Plus it gives me time to really focus and zone in on the photo.
@eltinjones4542 Жыл бұрын
Your portraits definitely tell a story 📷👍
@BryanBirks Жыл бұрын
Appreciate that!
@corinnevonreding8341 Жыл бұрын
Congrats for the critics’ Choice 23 so far. Wish you good luck 🍀 for the 19th of April.
@delpierro0815 Жыл бұрын
These large format portraits are so gorgeous. the tonality, the focus falloff, the neutral colors... I understand why you use that equipment ;). Great photos / content!
@BryanBirks Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@mattiashaggstrom2049 Жыл бұрын
Great video. I have recently begun to shoot 4x5 and your videos is a great source of inspiration and knowledge. I like the even slower pace with large format compared to medium format. Looking forward to coming videos from you.
@ebreevephoto2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing this story.
@tgchism10 ай бұрын
Very well done and inspiring! I'm 60 and just getting back into film a bit! I shot nearly all 35mm back in the day. Now I'm playing with medium format. It great to see so many younger people getting into film! I'm blown away with the work I'm seeing done with large format and may very well give it a try sometime! I'd be happy to get results like you're getting sometime!
@nikpartsanis88922 жыл бұрын
Fantastic shot! That environment portrait with Diablo was insane.
what an amazing result! you should definetly be proud!
@danielbarbosa20102 жыл бұрын
Simply brilliant!! Looking forward to this book!!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Daniel. One day, one day!
@stillshootingfilm Жыл бұрын
Very lovely pictures. absolutely beautiful. really enjoyed watching the video. was great fun and inspiration. keep up the great work mate.
@drbva22 жыл бұрын
Amazing video. Love the RAW honesty of this. The portraits are stellar. Five stars and then some. BVA from Canada
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate it!
@baladino Жыл бұрын
Hi Bryan. New film shooter here. Due to where I am and unavailability of large format and other reasons I decided to stick to 35mm and medium format black and white only. I started home developing just recently and stirring with the stick gave me better images than inverting the tank. Grain is finder and image quality is great. I’ll keep doing both in batches and see and compare. But that stick works better than it ought to.
@norbertsteinkamp93802 жыл бұрын
Hello Bryan, I started watching your video only a minute after you uploaded it, just in time when arriving back from work (I'm in Europe ...). I'm sorry for the bleach to spill on your valuables: it truly is some nasty soup that can leave hard to remove stains ... What has helped me when processing color film in a Paterson tank is keeping one edge of the lid a crack open while pushing it down in the middle, then close it entirely. This causes air to escape and creates kind of a vacuum which may prevent the lid from detaching during inversion. Thanks for another inspiring video on your ongoing portrait series btw (and for enhancing the inspiration by becoming a bit emotional at the end).
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tip, Norbert. That was my usual method as well. For the blix, though, even when I would do that it sometimes led to a small leak or in that last case, a small explosion. Not sure what I was doing wrong or if I have a faulty lid but the stick method is doing wonders thus far. Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching!
@izanhouse10 ай бұрын
Amazing work, Bryan.
@BryanBirks10 ай бұрын
Thank you kindly!
@jimbbimbo2 жыл бұрын
Bryan that video and of course the story was inspiring. Well done Bryan, l think you can stop focusing on perfection because you have just ramped up to exceptional. 👏
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate that! 🖤
@louontube7 ай бұрын
Great portraits. I like the images you share with us. Thanks, Bryan.
@BryanBirks7 ай бұрын
My pleasure!
@stewartweir34252 жыл бұрын
Really wonderful, well done and absolutely keep going. There is luck but then again luck is created by just keep going in the direction you want.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much.
@alexander.starbuck2 жыл бұрын
Who's emotional? I'm definitely not, it's those damn onions I was cutting a llittle while ago 🥺❤ Bro, it's SO satisfying to watch you progress, from a humble start to where you are now. Great things await, I'm sure.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Alexander. One can only hope. It is a slow and steady race for sure.
@Vincent.Morreale2 жыл бұрын
I enjoy so much your content. It's relaxing and I can relate to your stories. Keep it up, please.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
I intend to. Thank you, Vincent!
@fbraakman2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful photo. Your work is very inspiring.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate that. Thank you for watching.
@maxwellwellmax8782 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the Video as always, I really liked the final color portrait, the B&W was nice, kinda Haunting even, but the Color was so nice and peaceful. Thanks for your work!.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
I was definitely a fan of the black and white. Probably one of my favorites for sure but in terms of the project, not the best. They both have their uses!
@sierragold2 жыл бұрын
Mesmerizing photography!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Sonya!
@stuartbaines28432 жыл бұрын
Excellent 👌 I really enjoyed your diary of events and thoughts. The last image and couple image show All those hours of Time spent 😀 Enjoy the moment
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it, Stuart. Thanks for the support!
@stuartbaines28432 жыл бұрын
Maybe now would be a good time to look at just how far you have come 👍
@tejasrinivas30492 жыл бұрын
Loved the set of photographs!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Teja ✌🏻
@BibBobBibOnVacation2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing you though process! Love the portraits, very human!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much 🖤
@danncorbit36232 жыл бұрын
Nice work and storytelling.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate it, Dann!
@gregorycampbell18492 жыл бұрын
Lovely Bryan
@dresedavid11 ай бұрын
awesome video and what a powerfull portrait ( the guy and the dog)
@TomKaszuba10 ай бұрын
An incredible portrait on so many levels. Absolutely wonderful.
@BryanBirks10 ай бұрын
Many thanks!
@boulx8 ай бұрын
great shot
@barmst Жыл бұрын
Beautiful shoots!
@Kurolicht Жыл бұрын
Awesome work man!
@danieljarman13132 жыл бұрын
Great video Bryan. Love that photo
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate it, Daniel!
@kenblair25382 жыл бұрын
Wow ! Bryan, you have come a long ways. Practice , practice, and it shows. Working with pets is a challenge in it self, throw in a 4x5 camera , well you know. I'm still shooting my 5 rolls of color film, and will process my first C41, sometime in the Spring. I have found several YT'r using the stick method for C41. That's the way, I'm going to process mine. Never tried the inversion method for B&W, as I hate messes, cause I have to clean it up, myself. Again, great work. KB.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Ken! Black and white has never given me any problems with leaking because it isn't as gaseous compared to blix and color developer. But stick method has worked wonders for 4x5 at least!
@volkerotten41272 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this wonderful video. You are a great photographer!!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Volker! Means a lot.
@mezayrapetyan1312 жыл бұрын
That is an incredible portrait!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you kindly, Mez!
@stephaneg2 жыл бұрын
Oh I cannot wait for your book to come out!!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the support, Steph. In due time!
@geebes21122 жыл бұрын
I really loved that portrait. 👏🏼
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Matt!
@anewcareerinanewtown Жыл бұрын
I enjoyed that and have just subscribed. I've just been looking at large format pics 4x5 and came across your site. I thought it was funny the way you described how tricky it was trying to get everything in focus for that colour portrait and the dog just not playing ball. Then bam there it is. It's almost like greatness lives near the edge of disaster.
@BryanBirks Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@roderickfield18552 жыл бұрын
Just beautiful,
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@keithfox29952 жыл бұрын
nice work sir.. remember , answer is always no if you don't ask.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Very true. Something I always try to remember.
@robvisualstreetphotography2 жыл бұрын
11:12 - awesome shot my friend. They look like partners in crime. It is always a joy to watch your calm and creative videos. You found your inner ZEN. BTW: This is one of the best portraits I have seen for a long time.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate the kind words, pal 🖤
@robvisualstreetphotography2 жыл бұрын
@@BryanBirks your work deserves to be in a large format book. I would buy it.
@djflipflop2 жыл бұрын
You're doing everything right. Keep it up!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate that. Thank you!
@podhoncisty2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful video, beautiful portrait 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate it 🖤
@sadiesmith47732 жыл бұрын
Hell yes. Don't apologize for getting emotional. You can't make good photography without getting emotional. This portrait is incredible. I totally relate hearing you talk about the frustrations of shooting film, all the hard work, getting down on yourself all the fucking time for your work not coming out the way you envision it...when you have those moments that pay off, it feels so momentous. You should be proud of yourself! Beautiful work
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Sadie! So nice to hear. Glad you can relate. It’s a great thing when it all comes together 🙏🏻
@PeterGallagher12 жыл бұрын
That's a killer portrait.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Peter.
@michaelgroenewald11142 жыл бұрын
Nice story, great portrait
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Michael!
@brianwilsonperkins1782 жыл бұрын
Wonderfull, thanks so much.
@martin-f54822 жыл бұрын
that's stunning perfect!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Cheers!
@filmcamerashots33762 жыл бұрын
Amazing my friend!! thanks for sharing!!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching ✌🏻
@GolfW4ng2 жыл бұрын
Seriously sick Bryan
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the support, Maxwell.
@Xinbaby9992 жыл бұрын
i recommend this video to my Chinese photographer friends, 11:06 really touched me, thx Bryan. keep it up
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching, Elliott!
@SummersSnaps2 жыл бұрын
What's super great is that the dog and man also look so well matched. There's a kind of mirroring of body language and expression, its amazin. This along with your talents just makes the whole thing come together. Fantastic. Retire now on a high! Get out whilst you still can!! xD
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
I legit had that thought cross my mind. Haha I'm not sure I will top this. But I thought the same thing last April when I thought I had taken my best and favorite portrait then...onwards and upwards!
@SummersSnaps2 жыл бұрын
@@BryanBirks I'm only joking of course. You're not allowed to stop now. You belong to us, slave to making us nice images! Mwahahaha xD
@stephenwdunn67122 жыл бұрын
It has been a while. But like a good friend you always know they are going to be around and that they will have something to say. It is a brilliant portrait. It is a portrait that took time, took consideration and that delivers. Indeed they all do. Love tis channel.
@randomsixty2 жыл бұрын
Congrats Bryan. I know that feeling of pulling a negative out and being overwhelmed with emotion after putting so much effort into your work. And yes, I’ve cried and cried. Great milestone.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
It is truly a wonderful feeling. Appreciate it, Colin.
@luxseven12 жыл бұрын
Be proud, man!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Trying my best! Haha
@john_murch2 жыл бұрын
That's so great that you nailed critical focus on both Jason and Diablo. Well done Bryan and glad to see that all of your hard work is paying off!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much, John. Your support is always noticed.
@baiwenxu58832 жыл бұрын
Best video I ever watched today. Good job!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate it. Thanks for watching!
@alanholzmanphoto2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful images. 👏👏👏
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much, Alan. Cheers 🍻
@J.ortegadesign2 жыл бұрын
Amazing work man. I can only imagine what you feel when you see the shot. People may see a beautiful portrait but you see your resilience, thousands of dollars invested, and the TONS of emotional and mental strength that it took you to overcome your fears. A testament of your passion for the art of photography.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Jorge. Do not remind me of the thousands of dollars. Hahaha
@mikebaker20072 жыл бұрын
I commented on this portrait in another forum, it is magic. This portrait is the intersection of perseverance, skill, and heart.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words, Mike. Everything did indeed come together perfectly for that brief moment. Glad I was there to capture it.
@4Dcruz Жыл бұрын
incredible work!
@BryanBirks Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@jakebloomwood94062 жыл бұрын
This is hands down one of the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen. period.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
That means a lot to hear that. Thanks for the kind words, Jake!
@briglnai2 жыл бұрын
terrific shots, perfect work!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Though I am sure someone has a critique out there for it.
@hannahmiller17322 жыл бұрын
Being moved by your own work is one of the best feelings in the world. It makes all the botched rolls of film and self-flagellation worth it.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Indeed. Too many times I have sat and felt down about my work. Mostly because I am always comparing. Not today. Thank you, Hannah.
@jamesmeasom67902 жыл бұрын
Beautiful series on the whole, that Landscape wide at 12:24 is amazing! Lighting is perfect!
@gui4j2 жыл бұрын
you have set the bench mark now .. expect everything to be better than that moving forward :D.. now you are into twiddling the stick , can I recommend the rollei c41 color kit ... you may find it has more latitude in the temperature range ... and secondly for f... sake get a cinestill water heater /control device to regulate your water temp if that's a problem with you , it takes the pain away for the most part .. all the best BB ...
@chefnagy2 жыл бұрын
Great work. Really well done. Good on ya!!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you kindly!
@chosalraphael56312 жыл бұрын
WoW ! Magnum photographe
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Very high praise. Thank you 🖤
@bryankeidel78642 жыл бұрын
Really stunning work, Bryan. Pulling off that portrait must have been immensely rewarding! Your commitment to the whole process is really inspiring to see.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Bryan (Y Bryans unite!). It is extremely rewarding and makes all the missed shots worth it for sure.
@garethjones50682 жыл бұрын
Stunning portrait, that feeling when you finally achieve that shot you’ve been working towards is a magical moment
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Truly! Thanks for the kind words 🖤
@nelsonm.50442 жыл бұрын
I have to agree with when I nail perfect shot on film I am always prouder and want to talk about it more than if I do the same with digital
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
It is a wonderful feeling!
@MichaWha2 жыл бұрын
Very nice work man!!
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, my kind sir.
@jazzzzmaster2 жыл бұрын
That is an ace photo.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you kindly, Tarun!
@tonyhayes98272 жыл бұрын
Face in focus...tilt to focus on feet......refocus on the face.....tilt to focus back on the feet (only you'll need less tilt now)...eventually both in focus. Focused on face now....swing to focus on Diablo........re focus Jason's face.......swing to refocus Diablo (less swing needed now)....eventually both in focus. This is the dance. You did it with live subjects.............un.......believable! A description just about this dance maybe with examples as you go would be a GREAT video. Trouble for me is I cant dance. haha but I know what all this takes When you said, `When I pulled it out of the tank.'............ I knew what was coming and I nearly broke down and wept for joy and I didn't even take it! But I know the struggle, the disappointments and the moments when it works........... man!
@tonyhayes98272 жыл бұрын
PS People will look at it and that's a nice happy snap! And they'll look at it, and they'll look at it and they wont know why they like it and they wont know why they cant quite take their eyes away from it and why it stands out.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
I couldn't dance at all in the beginning. Just watch my first large format video. Haha thanks for the kind words, Tony!
@CaseyStanton2 жыл бұрын
Unreal. Love your tonality, the pacing of the video, the explicit details of the setup, and obviously the shot. I can tell you put a lot of work into this video. Very well done.
@EthanShaoDP2 жыл бұрын
My god. The last couple of colored photos are powerful. I totally agree with you on how large format photography is more than just the act of taking a picture. It's about the interaction with your subject, it's a scene study, and so much more.
@BryanBirks2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment, Ethan. I just photograph differently with large format. It is a whole different experience that I love. I think you should definitely get back to it!