URBAN PHOTOGRAPHY: Finding Art in the Everyday with B&W Film. Or at least trying to!

[@Jrslaterphotography]

I’ve always felt that as we look at a scene, there’s a billion opportunities for a photograph. Sometimes the photograph jumps out and slaps you, other times you really have to work to even get an ok shot. Love your channel and your photos, thanks for showing us how you see.

[@clemfandango9534]

I just wanted to congratulate you on these videos. Your production standards are very high. I know how much work it takes to shoot this stuff when you are on your own. On top of that , you clearly put a lot of thought and time into editing and post production. The results are excellent- I can only imagine the hours you must put into this ! Well done. Kudos.

[@shawnray5904]

I like partaking in rural street photography, myself

[@RickMahoney2013]

Roger I truly enjoy all of your work but my favorite is the seascapes. I can no longer get down on the ground well I can get down but I can’t get back up. You give me hope that I can keep going out and shooting with film or digital. Thanks Roger may you have a very healthy and long life.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Rick! I must admit, as you saw, getting up for me is a bit stiff!

[@sputumtube]

This is exactly what f**ks me up! I have 'all the gear but no idea'. At least no imagination. Whenever I see a potential photograph I think "that's just boring". If someone else had taken the exact same image I'd (probably) be impressed. Is it a lack of self confidence? I don't know. I've read dozens of books, watched hundreds of KZbin videos and I've been taking pictures since I got my first camera in 1978 (Zorki4). I've studied the work of famous photographers and bought their books. I even did a college course (2009 ish) and completed my A-level FFS! But whenever I capture an image of my own, it looks (to me) utterly uninteresting. The photo gear makes no difference either. Images from my cheap & cheerful Ricoh KR5 are just as drab and awful as those from my two Nikon F2's. When my enthusiasm was at its height (just after my college course), I was using an inexpensive digital Sony Alpha 350 with the kit lenses. It even made me some money doing a few weddings, proms and family shoots. I think creativity is my problem. Not being able to 'see' a photograph before I capture it perhaps? F**k knows!

[@adriancozma6102]

Hi @sputumbtube! What you're experiencing is a sort of mental block. It might happen by thinking too much about gear, especially if you have a lot of it. Limit yourself to one device/kit. I will not give you an alternative. You can even use only your phone, walk around, do your best with what you have on you. Take a moment, sit on the side of the scene, and appreciate it for what it is, try to understand what it makes you feel, then try to capture that emotion the best you can. It doesn't have to be an overworked concept, yet. You can do that later, after you've taken all the cheesy, shot to death scenes. It's normal to go through those, because they give you a reason to take another, better one. And pick one thing to do per day. If you're out photographing buildings, try to focus on that. You can go out the next day to take street photography. For me, listening to music, reading and thinking about philosophical concepts helps a lot. But use anything that gives you inspiration, and dive deep into it. Also carry a notebook, and write all your ideas in it. You'll find yourself unable to stop once you get into a rhythm.

[@rossmansell5877]

Not everyone can be an Ansel Adams....just keep taking pics and try different angles of the same subject. You aint alone!!

[@sputumtube]

@@adriancozma6102 Some excellent suggestions there - thanks for taking the time to compile such a detailed response. Some of what you said was actually part of the A-level i.e. creating what they called an 'ideas blast' ('brainstorming session' wasn't politically correct!). Going back to basics as you suggested is a good starting point and I still have my AS level portfolio lying around somewhere.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

We all have bad photos, they just never surface online. So when you research a particular photographer for inspiration you often see their best photos. I mention this in my ebook and show my examples of the bad photos I've taken even though at the time taking the photo I thought I was doing the right thing. Thats not a plug by the way! I think you have already hit the nail on the head when you said... "Whenever I see a potential photograph I think that's just boring". I don't need to say much more than what Adrian said, thanks Adrian. If I stop at scene or object out and about I will take a step back and study it. And imagine it on a wall somewhere framed. (I said this in the video). Often it's the simplest of composition that works. Keeping it simple. Such as the wooden boat in the video where I shot it straight on against the wall. (Have a look back on the video). I chose just to have the boat filling the left side of the frame almost toward the center but not quite. this was on purpose. I gave most of the frame to the textured wall behind it. That sort of simple composition can apply to so many objects in the street. Benches, lamp posts, signs, bins, Dogs tied up. Anthing against a textured wall. But for it to work you come down to the subjects height. As Adrian said giving yourself a project and sticking to it. So maybe that could be a project. Objects against walls. Another good tip from Ross. Same subject and try different angles. I do this often. Visit the same scene and try something new. I hope this helps and if you want to email me i'll be glad to help.

[@sputumtube]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Thanks for you detailed and supportive response. The ideas that you and Ross have put forward make huge sense, so I guess it's up to me to stop being so defeatist and stop feeling sorry for myself. Again, many thanks and please never stop this inspirational channel.

[@MrMartinsla]

Great incentive to get out with my camera. Struggling of late...

[@stuartmills.size11photography]

Great video, love the mix of out in the field and then getting the finished product in the darkroom. Every video has lots of tips and you have a great way of explaining it all. Thank you.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Stuart.

[@robertwebb5586]

Now I see what the orange filter does...Good shots Roger...

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Yes anything blue it darkens so it's ideal for sky and cloud. Cheers Robert.

[@jayj8524]

Hi, Great video, and very interesting way of presenting your working process. Excellent shots along with detailed explanations 👍. Good job and keep it up 👍!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Glad you enjoyed it Jay!

[@lensman5762]

May I say Rog, that ypu are getting better at this sort of photography? I mean it as a complement, BTW. You are beginning to take your own creativity and vision more seriously and have fun at the same time. Great photography my friend.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks lensman. When I get time for some photography and find myself stuck for "what to do" the streets offer much for play and practice and the occasional surprise. Even though I find myself in familiar territory on the Island there is often something new on offer. Like the wood boats. It's not often that you see them on the jetty. Thanks as always.

[@johnmilner0859]

Excellent video as usual Roger. Nice images. I really like that filmstock.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks John. It is a nice stock to shoot. I've used it many times. I pulled the development back this time as I knew I was in contrast heaven for that film!

[@davidottman9501]

Thank you Roger! I'll have to watch this several times, you packed a lot of great information into this video.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks David. I didn't realise there was so much info in the video but the comments suggest otherwise. I'm pleased.

[@richardsimms251]

Wonderful video. Great for teaching

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Many thanks!

[@dherring44]

Love how ALL your photos turned out. Well done 👍 😊

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks!

[@odukar2315]

Roger, I would change the headline: "Urban Photography" to " Toss and Turn Photography"! 🙂 The 55mm Nikon Micro lens is great! It should be a "Must-have" lens. Thx again for your video.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

That title would have got a few people wondering right! ha ha. Cheers.

[@MrMartinsla]

Thanks.Great channel.

[@MrMartinsla]

Maybe help towards a roll of film 👍

[@ChasWG]

Love it! I got into vintage lenses adapted to my Canon RF body and discovered some wonderful Konica Hexanon AR lenses that I absolutely love. In the buying of the lenses I came across one that had a camera attached and so I thought, "What the heck?" And I bought the pair. What I ended up with was a fully functional and actually, quite lovely Konica FC-1. The little brother to the Konica FS-1. As it turns out, the FC-1 is a great little camera that tends to work quite well after all these years. So now I have a bunch of lenses for this FC-1, just add batteries and some film! I haven't shot film in a very long time. But as you said, its fun and it requires you to be more thoughtful and deliberate about the frames you choose to expose. Unlike filling up a 128gb SD card. LOL! Almost done with my second roll of Ilford HP5+ and then off to the developer. My plan is to scan my negatives using my vintage Asahi Pentax bellows II and slide/negative copier. I've already got that figured out and setup. I just don't have any place to set up my old printing equipment right now. Maybe in the future I wouldn't mind doing some prints again. For now, I'll do the scanning. Thanks for another great video!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Yes I have a few vintage lenses I use on my Canon DSLR, mainly for video. They are a good alternative for being creative. Well done on the camera and the HP5! Hope they turn out well.

[@stuartconnelly5397]

Have you tested the Pentax K3iii Monochrome. I bought one the other week and I primarily use B&W film, thought it would be a good way to learn about B&W / Shadows etc blah blah. Looking to give it a blast in the next couple of weeks around London and Battersea Power Station.

[@Jeroenk1975]

That is a lot of information in one video.. I have to process it myself first….😂😂👍

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Socrates...]

Really loved this video

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks mate.

[@garychatfield6709]

Another good job mate!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Oi Oi Geezer. lol, cheers Gary

[@WintherKl]

Thanks really loved the video. :)

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks for watching.

[@olegboldyrev5113]

Thanks for the video!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

You're welcome!

[@patriksjoberg1243]

Great video!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@northof-62]

nice!

[@dmitriat]

such a shame I can only Like once! thank you Roger, great stuff as usual.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Many thanks!

[@rgrbrn]

Hi Roger! Veeeeery nice work! As always by the way. Can I ask you what lens are you using on the enlarger for 35 mm and for 120?

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Sure. It's a Nikon 50mm f4. It's very small!

[@jameshenderson5385]

What filter is best for sky, red or yellow?

[@colinwaylett9122]

Just developed my first two cartridges and looking to setting up a dark room, looks complicated but looking forward to the challenge. Nice video ,l`ll need a 3 or 4 views for all the info to sink in.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Well done developing your first films. Darkroom isn't complicated once you get used to it. You can do it! I have plenty of videos on darkroom works. There is a playlist called just that.

[@rarvizu2]

Jason Stathum of photography

[@toine1915]

Hello, Roger. You can't make enough of these videos for me, friend. This is the kind of photography I really like to do. Black and white photography is my passion anyway. And this urban scene is perfect for it. And I have to admit that you have a really good eye for it too. What I also like to photograph are older houses and then edit them in such a way that the old really comes out. I like black and white as you say, so real black and real white have to be in it for me. I have a lot of respect for the work you do. What I find a pity is that I can no longer use film. I loved the work in my darkroom. Due to my disability, that is a thing of the past. I now do it digitally, the first twenty years with film, and now digitally in recent years. I hope you will show a lot more of this kind of work here, I really enjoy it, my friend. A friendly Dutch greeting, Antoine.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thank Toine for the kind words. Film or Digital. As long as you're taking photos and enjoying photography. I wish you well and good pics 👍

[@thomaschipman]

it's been a minute since you've been out and about with ye olde pinhole. it'd make a nice change of pace and perspective if you're looking for shooting ideas.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks! Love pinhole.

[@astore3757]

Is your book printable?

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

It's a PDF so you can print it 👍

[@Notmy00000]

👍👍👍👍💙💙💙💙

[@Arturo.H.M]

Un minuto de video y ya he visto lo diferentes que somos como fotógrafos (Bueno, es un ejemplo. Te sigo regularmente por lo que lo se desde hace tiempo). Tu quitaste la lata del agujero en las escalera para que no contaminara la geometría. Yo no toco una escena, y seguramente hubiese puesto el punto de interes en la lata. Este es una de las grandezas de la fotografía. La gente piensa que fotografiar es tener buena cámara, apuntar a la escena y listo. Sin embargo la cámara es lo menos importante de la ecuación, ante una misma escena, cada uno hace la foto según su propia visión, incluso a unos simples escalones. -------- One minute of video and I've already seen how different we are as photographers (Well, it's an example. I follow you regularly so I've known that for a long time). You removed the can from the hole in the stairs so it wouldn't contaminate the geometry. I don't touch a scene, and I would certainly have put the point of interest in the can. This is one of the great things about photography. People think that to photograph is to have a good camera, point it at the scene and that's it. However, the camera is the least important thing in the equation, when faced with the same scene, everyone takes a picture according to their own vision, even at a few simple steps. A pleasure, always. A hub from Spain.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Interesting you say about the can. It's the first thing I noticed as a distraction in the scene. However, there have been times I have left things like that in a scene.