Taking My Favorite Portrait on Large Format Film

[@willysheepskin]

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

[@BryanBirks]

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!

[@thoughtdujour]

This portrait gives me the chills

[@harshavardhansalgaokar]

I see a Bryan Birks video uploaded, I press play

[@BryanBirks]

This is the way. Take notes, everyone.

[@BasementShopGuy]

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!

[@Nitidus]

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

[@BryanBirks]

Immensely helpful. Thanks!

[@inkaststudio]

The photos in this episode made me pause and gaze! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@BryanBirks]

In today's quick world that is very high praise. Thank you!

[@jonathanorleyi6600]

Never cease to impress and inspire me!

[@cheban_peter]

the last one is so awesome picture!

[@paulvallance4347]

I love your portraits -they are technically good and capture lovely moments of 'inter-being'.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate that, Paul. Cheers!

[@jeffwelker1513]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

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.

[@drbva2]

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

[@haisanltu]

You're a true artist man. Much love and respect

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate the support!

[@peetje28021970]

Wow, this photograph has it all. Unbelievable!!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly 🖤

[@sonpois]

Hell yes! Absolutely stellar photograph!

[@HelloAndyTung]

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]

Haha thank you very much!

[@serr]

Such beautiful work man. That portrait really is something else.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Serr. Means a lot 🖤

[@JFPENA]

You are an artist! great shot on Diablo and his human Friend!

[@iancocks3779]

Brian. I just saw your favourite photograph in the UK Guardian newspaper. Fantastic coverage. I am so pleased for you! Ian

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it! That was a nice surprise.

[@semigekko]

Stoked for you, Bryan. It hits different when you pull a negative out of a tank and you just know, even before inversion.

[@BryanBirks]

Truly. Thanks, Russell!

[@ShirtlessMenNetwork]

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. :)

[@jeremyrowlettmedia]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

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]

Your portraits definitely tell a story 📷👍

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate that!

[@corinnevonreding8341]

Congrats for the critics’ Choice 23 so far. Wish you good luck 🍀 for the 19th of April.

[@delpierro0815]

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]

Thank you so much!

[@mattiashaggstrom2049]

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.

[@ebreevephoto]

Thanks for sharing this story.

[@tgchism]

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!

[@nikpartsanis8892]

Fantastic shot! That environment portrait with Diablo was insane.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Nik!

[@timothy-holt]

Well done Bryan. Fantastic portrait!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate that, Timothy 🖤

[@LeeBoris974]

Fascinating video/story (and interesting portraits), really enjoyed it, thank you.

[@SlightlyDank]

what an amazing result! you should definetly be proud!

[@danielbarbosa2010]

Simply brilliant!! Looking forward to this book!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Daniel. One day, one day!

[@stillshootingfilm]

Very lovely pictures. absolutely beautiful. really enjoyed watching the video. was great fun and inspiration. keep up the great work mate.

[@drbva2]

Amazing video. Love the RAW honesty of this. The portraits are stellar. Five stars and then some. BVA from Canada

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it!

[@baladino]

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.

[@norbertsteinkamp9380]

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).

[@BryanBirks]

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!

[@izanhouse]

Amazing work, Bryan.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly!

[@jimbbimbo]

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. 👏

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate that! 🖤

[@louontube]

Great portraits. I like the images you share with us. Thanks, Bryan.

[@BryanBirks]

My pleasure!

[@stewartweir3425]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you so much.

[@alexander.starbuck]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Alexander. One can only hope. It is a slow and steady race for sure.

[@Vincent.Morreale]

I enjoy so much your content. It's relaxing and I can relate to your stories. Keep it up, please.

[@BryanBirks]

I intend to. Thank you, Vincent!

[@fbraakman]

Beautiful photo. Your work is very inspiring.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate that. Thank you for watching.

[@maxwellwellmax878]

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!.

[@BryanBirks]

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!

[@sierragold]

Mesmerizing photography!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Sonya!

[@stuartbaines2843]

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

[@BryanBirks]

Glad you enjoyed it, Stuart. Thanks for the support!

[@stuartbaines2843]

Maybe now would be a good time to look at just how far you have come 👍

[@tejasrinivas3049]

Loved the set of photographs!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Teja ✌🏻

[@BibBobBibOnVacation]

Thanks for sharing you though process! Love the portraits, very human!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much 🖤

[@danncorbit3623]

Nice work and storytelling.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it, Dann!

[@gregorycampbell1849]

Lovely Bryan

[@dresedavid]

awesome video and what a powerfull portrait ( the guy and the dog)

[@TomKaszuba]

An incredible portrait on so many levels. Absolutely wonderful.

[@BryanBirks]

Many thanks!

[@boulx]

great shot

[@barmst]

Beautiful shoots!

[@Kurolicht]

Awesome work man!

[@danieljarman1313]

Great video Bryan. Love that photo

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it, Daniel!

[@kenblair2538]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

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!

[@volkerotten4127]

Thank you for this wonderful video. You are a great photographer!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Volker! Means a lot.

[@mezayrapetyan131]

That is an incredible portrait!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly, Mez!

[@stephaneg]

Oh I cannot wait for your book to come out!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for the support, Steph. In due time!

[@geebes2112]

I really loved that portrait. 👏🏼

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Matt!

[@anewcareerinanewtown]

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]

Thanks for watching!

[@roderickfield1855]

Just beautiful,

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much!

[@keithfox2995]

nice work sir.. remember , answer is always no if you don't ask.

[@BryanBirks]

Very true. Something I always try to remember.

[@robvisualstreetphotography]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate the kind words, pal 🖤

[@robvisualstreetphotography]

@@BryanBirks your work deserves to be in a large format book. I would buy it.

[@djflipflop]

You're doing everything right. Keep it up!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate that. Thank you!

[@podhoncisty]

Beautiful video, beautiful portrait 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it 🖤

[@sadiesmith4773]

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

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Sadie! So nice to hear. Glad you can relate. It’s a great thing when it all comes together 🙏🏻

[@PeterGallagher1]

That's a killer portrait.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Peter.

[@michaelgroenewald1114]

Nice story, great portrait

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Michael!

[@brianwilsonperkins178]

Wonderfull, thanks so much.

[@martin-f5482]

that's stunning perfect!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@filmcamerashots3376]

Amazing my friend!! thanks for sharing!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching ✌🏻

[@GolfW4ng]

Seriously sick Bryan

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for the support, Maxwell.

[@Xinbaby999]

i recommend this video to my Chinese photographer friends, 11:06 really touched me, thx Bryan. keep it up

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you for watching, Elliott!

[@SummersSnaps]

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

[@BryanBirks]

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!

[@SummersSnaps]

@@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

[@stephenwdunn6712]

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.

[@randomsixty]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

It is truly a wonderful feeling. Appreciate it, Colin.

[@luxseven1]

Be proud, man!

[@BryanBirks]

Trying my best! Haha

[@john_murch]

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!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much, John. Your support is always noticed.

[@baiwenxu5883]

Best video I ever watched today. Good job!

[@BryanBirks]

Appreciate it. Thanks for watching!

[@alanholzmanphoto]

Beautiful images. 👏👏👏

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much, Alan. Cheers 🍻

[@J.ortegadesign]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Jorge. Do not remind me of the thousands of dollars. Hahaha

[@mikebaker2007]

I commented on this portrait in another forum, it is magic. This portrait is the intersection of perseverance, skill, and heart.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for the kind words, Mike. Everything did indeed come together perfectly for that brief moment. Glad I was there to capture it.

[@4Dcruz]

incredible work!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you!

[@jakebloomwood9406]

This is hands down one of the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen. period.

[@BryanBirks]

That means a lot to hear that. Thanks for the kind words, Jake!

[@briglnai]

terrific shots, perfect work!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Though I am sure someone has a critique out there for it.

[@hannahmiller1732]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

Indeed. Too many times I have sat and felt down about my work. Mostly because I am always comparing. Not today. Thank you, Hannah.

[@jamesmeasom6790]

Beautiful series on the whole, that Landscape wide at 12:24 is amazing! Lighting is perfect!

[@gui4j]

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 ...

[@chefnagy]

Great work. Really well done. Good on ya!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly!

[@chosalraphael5631]

WoW ! Magnum photographe

[@BryanBirks]

Very high praise. Thank you 🖤

[@bryankeidel7864]

Really stunning work, Bryan. Pulling off that portrait must have been immensely rewarding! Your commitment to the whole process is really inspiring to see.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Bryan (Y Bryans unite!). It is extremely rewarding and makes all the missed shots worth it for sure.

[@garethjones5068]

Stunning portrait, that feeling when you finally achieve that shot you’ve been working towards is a magical moment

[@BryanBirks]

Truly! Thanks for the kind words 🖤

[@nelsonm.5044]

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

[@BryanBirks]

It is a wonderful feeling!

[@MichaWha]

Very nice work man!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, my kind sir.

[@jazzzzmaster]

That is an ace photo.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you kindly, Tarun!

[@tonyhayes9827]

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!

[@tonyhayes9827]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

I couldn't dance at all in the beginning. Just watch my first large format video. Haha thanks for the kind words, Tony!

[@CaseyStanton]

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.

[@EthanShaoDP]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

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!