Using Strobe Lighting in Film Photography

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More of my work:
/ mikegrayfilm
www.mikegrayfilm.com
Models:
/ ajtroup19
/ cora.k.mc
/ heartbreakquinn
/ thefreedomrell
/ henryrjonesii
Cameras used:
Hasselblad 500cm 80mm
Film stocks used:
Kodak Portra 160
Videographer: Victor Melchor
/ victormelchor_
/ @victor.melchorfilm
Assist:
/ davisgoldman
/ ofallthingsi
/ dmoreawalker
Beat by: 7XII
...
M1 Macbook: geni.us/m1macb...
Sony Fx3: geni.us/sonyfx...
Sony Lens: geni.us/gmaste...
Small Rig Cage: geni.us/rigcage
Ronin S2: geni.us/ronins2
Atomos 4k: geni.us/atomos4k
Rode Mic: geni.us/rodepod
SD Card: geni.us/256SD
Light Meter: geni.us/lightm...
Kodak Portra 400: geni.us/portra...
Air Rocket: geni.us/dustbl...
Film Scanner: geni.us/epsonv600
Editing Headphones: geni.us/bosehe...
Rode Shotgun Mic: geni.us/rodesh...
Davinci Resolve: geni.us/davinc...
Hasselblad: geni.us/hassi
Film Light Box: geni.us/filmli...
#FilmPhotography

[@BriannaSaba]

I love how you encouraged your assistant to take a couple photos! As a photographer and art director with several years under my belt, I know the feeling of being on both sides of that interaction. It's super meaningful to be on the receiving end of that type of creative encouragement.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@jaesin]

She took the most fire picture of the shoot. That shot of you looking over your shoulder.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I agree!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@erickrick3901]

I was thinking the same, but I liked the first dude with the grill a lot too

[@anlenke]

Man…you’ve always made beautiful images that make a statement. What I love has been seeing you now using KZbin and telling stories versus documenting, which so many do. So clean all the way through, you’ve got a video style now too

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate that Anton. 🙌🏾

[@tinoflad4569]

You pictures blow me away everytime . I love your ART, love you videos. Cheers from Germany.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much Tino

[@arvindparapuzha]

Could feel the self confidence oozing out in this joint especially ! Also that shutter sound does not get old !

[@MikeGrayFilm]

hahaha gotta have a positive mindset even when you don't fully know what you're doing lol

[@ibelikeword]

The close-up grill shot 🔥🔥🔥🔥👏🏾

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@qwiththephotos]

Worth the wait! thanks for being back! Jealous that you're mentoring now, would love that opportunity.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks for the constant support!

[@williamcarnahan]

Literally obsessed with your channel right now. This has been so great!!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much will!

[@madskrabbefotografi]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos. A quick tip I already saw you do, but a tip to everyone; when dialling down a strobe always fire it off, so it resets to the new value you gave it. Otherwise it will overexpose your image with the last setting. Keep up the good work

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Very good tip! Thanks so much for that.

[@tylershieldsvideos]

Welcome to the Broncolor family

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you bro!!!

[@aglassbrightly]

Love this set. And that grill closeup is one of your best shots!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks 🙏🏾

[@RemixSample]

You are definitely back! Really great video!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot!!!

[@kevinfkakens2269]

I love the fact that you actually show us how you progress and try new things in front of the whole world. It's inspiring. Thank You Mike

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate that Kevin! Gotta do things like that.

[@SeanLuc_Photo]

Yo, I remember when you where thinking about shooting with strobes. You asked the community their thoughts and look at you shooting Broncolor strobes! High end strobes for high end work! Keep pushing dude! A you are making this community associate/friend very proud of you!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much!

[@hauntedfilmco.8731]

Man, ton of killer shots in here. I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite, but the one at 7:36 might be the standout. Great work!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much!

[@DeanForShort]

Literally kept saying “COLD!” after every shot. Your work is so clean & pristine. You be taking your lil hiatuses here & there but when you come back it’s definitely worth the wait. Like, how do you even get better than this??? Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Thank you for creating as always. ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate that a lot man. Trying to push myself to create the best content for you all! Comments like this make me go hard!

[@natehaiden]

Mike I cant believe I'm just seeing this video now, these are insane portraits. I just got my hands on a 500cm. I'm super inspired to try to get a portraits close to this level of greatness omg

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you so much!

[@thomverhoeven7896]

Mike you really do make the best portraits of the film shooting youtuber right now. Also so good video's, beats, editting and entertaining whilst informative!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I truly appreciate that man. Wow. Thank you.

[@johncantrell614]

Nice video. I have a bronica ETR myself, although I haven’t shot with it in a long time. Comparing it with my modern digital camera, it makes me remember how it used to be in the days of film. Back then, your camera was an investment, and at least in medium format, the bodies didn’t change dramatically fast, it was the film that changed constantly to improve image quality, so people kept their bodies longer, and invested in better lenses to help improve their shots. And of course, you had the anticipation of waiting for the film to be developed to see if you got the settings correct. These days, much of that has changed, and bodies are constantly changed out, and that is good for beginners and people with lower amounts of money just starting out, because many of the cameras sold second hand are capable of making great quality images. But film does have a certain look to it, and that is why I won’t sell my ETR any time soon.

[@pseudo4389]

He don’t miss!! 🗣🗣🗣 Amazing portraits, brother 👏🏾

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks bro!

[@ajphelps16]

I’m Suppose to be getting ready for date night rn but Mike gray posted so wifey will have to wait

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Haha I love it! Enjoy ya date AJ!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Haha I love it! Enjoy your date night bro. Don’t be late!!!

[@ramilgabdulkhaev5796]

Love the process of how you take your pictures! Especially the way you express the character of a person using camera and lightning. Amazing!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Ramil!

[@DahflowGee]

That Hasselblad tho'. Fav, the one with The Freedom Rell flexing in B & W, WOW!!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

He went off!

[@maxhamman]

Welcome back, cant wait to see more

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Max!

[@21monking]

Love your art and videos! It's nice to see you offering some mentorship and opportunity to other artists as well! Spreading the knowledge and positivity around is what we need!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate your support 🙏🏾🙌🏾

[@illitrait]

...never used strobes or done studio work before, but I am dead set on crossing the Grace Line at some point in the very near future. Thanks for the pointer and the nudge.

[@donaldmfalls]

Outdoor and Studio Portraits are one of my most favorite genre of photography! Your content is FIRE! Love it! If you thinking about getting another umbrella, get the biggest one with soft diffuser panel.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Most definitely! Thanks a lot bro. 🙌🏾

[@krishnapriyaka3261]

always inspiring to see you working, good vibes all around! thanks for sharing!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much Krishna

[@_lowcountry]

And you just stay killing it. Ridiculous, dude. I love it.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much for the constant support bro.

[@stephenobisanya]

Mike! I love your walkthroughs (and the subtle faces you make at the camera 😂). You’re also a very great mentor from your interaction with your assistant and taking the time to expose her to a new practice. I do wish you took a second to explain how you typically go about metering for correct/creative exposure before you started shooting. I think everyone has a unique process that helps introduce a new thing to learning studio photographers like myself.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate it Stephen. 🙌🏾

[@BenjiSelby]

Shoooooot the power of lighting!!! The moods in the photos were dope and it's cool to see how encouraging you are with the peeps you work with and the models as well. Definitely would want to see more of these!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate that Benji

[@powderedtoastman3093]

Broncolor all the way

[@MikeGrayFilm]

All day!

[@jamesamoh7340]

Loved always your creative direction. Wow, really enjoyed this one. Cancellations aside, you still got dope friends come through and awesome photos. 🙏

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot James!

[@CossCartel]

Another great one Mike! Loved the images and seeing the bit of mentorship.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate it man

[@arnoldbarr3002]

Man…. good to see new content from you, been missing it! Keep killing it my dude!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Arnold

[@Abutado]

Wow great portraits! Your confidence and charisma with the models helps everyone relax. I'm just starting in portrait photography and I'm learning a ton from you. Thank you sir.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you so much

[@TAWPhotography]

Dope video! Can’t wait to see your future work with strobes

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Tyler!

[@BraeHunziker]

Lotta great work in this video. Good stuff as usual!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate that Brae.

[@ANGELMAN.]

yea ima pull the camera out the closet this vid gave me so much inspiration. Taking photos is so much fun cant believe I almost gave up

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I’m glad you’re back bro!

[@Papertryl]

man this is dope. this should be on netflix or something lol. shooting film with strobes seems like a daunting task. this video gave me confidence to try it out.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate that! Haha try it out!!!!

[@theobibard]

Super nice video with the strobes ! That change a lot from natural light & to see your work with different setup is refreshing Always dope photos coming out of the box, much love from France as always homie, keep up the good vibe 🤙🏼

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@ForeverTJTigress]

You must be so fun to shoot with! Very encouraging and empathetic

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@greyghostjay]

How exciting! Great video!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot!

[@ReclusiveEagle]

PSA stop watching. You'll become addicted to this man's channel and have withdrawals whenever he goes on trips and can't post I'm actually shaking.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Hahaha I’m dead! Thanks for supporting bro.

[@willdegraw]

I have said it, and I will say it again - MIKE GRAY IS UNDERRATED!!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you!!!

[@Photosbyjessikah]

You went hard! 🔥🔥🙌🏽 great video mike

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much!!

[@photozen8398]

She did great and her shots were excellent.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

she did!

[@QoS-Naomi]

Omg the shots at 7:25 & 7:31 are soooo good! 🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you!

[@RoryNolan__]

thanks for always putting out amazing content, I love the channel, it is inspiring to see as someone who loves making beautiful images too!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate you.

[@kelleebolden7936]

Bravo!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Cracking Mike, enjoyed the vid very much, super chill shoot and some great images coming out, pushing ourselves outside what we normally shoot is key to developing! Cheers, Tom

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Tom!

[@jmitchphotography]

Great work again Mike, thank you for continuing to share. Bro it’s cool to say you are a pro, pros are always still learning as well. It’s not arrogant to say you are a pro at what you do. GOD bless!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I receive that bro. Thank you! 🙌🏾

[@jmitchphotography]

@@MikeGrayFilm Amen!! No doubt Mike!!

[@Milan-eu4kp]

Davis: Putting the light up like a normal human. Mike: "Davis is professionally putting this light up" 😂❤️‍🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@adisumerta]

Man, i’ve learned so many things from you, thanks for always inspiring, and stay creative

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate you bro

[@photo5555]

Great work Mike!...Cheers from Poland :)

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks 🙏🏾

[@ohm8n]

that intro. instantly subscribed

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you bro. Welcome to the family!

[@piotrekiwanicki8588]

Nice! I just hope, that one day, I will come across someone like you, mate! I love your videos, l love your photos even more and on top of that, your attitude, towards photography and people is amazing! Keep it up like that!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate you

[@piotrekiwanicki8588]

@@MikeGrayFilm Have a nice day! ;)

[@JeremyOClair]

Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated the strobes with film. That is something I want to try myself as well. I will check out Broncolor. Video is bookmarked!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

That sounds amazing Jeremy 🙌🏾

[@kennethmyrez]

cant wait for the next video!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@andyvan5692]

one tip, here the Hasselblad 500 series has NO electronics, so the cord is to the lens (aka the shoe is a 'cold shoe')- these lenses have leaf shutters in them so all sync cords go to the lens, and also the radio triggers. one thing you may get a 'metered' prism, but in the V series, you use this differently, unlike dlsrs, or other cameras (even the H system Hasselblad prisms), the metering gives EV's, you lock both apature and shutter rings on the lens together (C lenses couple by default, you uncouple and set ev value; CF/CFi/CFE lenses you press a button on the apature ring, to temporarily lock these together) this is like S/A mode on dslr's or mirrorless, you then chose the apature desired, or for hand holding a fast enough shutter to prevent motion blur, then 'off to the races'.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks for that!!!

[@Xinbaby999]

this is clean love it!!!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks!

[@marknachmias423]

2nd photo your intern took was great.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

She killed it!

[@marlon.iraheta]

Amazing ! So talented, beautiful images ✌

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much Marlon

[@awesomnality]

Homies never let down another homie. That’s why all bros showed up.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

FACTS

[@salmonefotografia77]

❤❤❤I love this!!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks!

[@salmonefotografia77]

@@MikeGrayFilm Respect!!!

[@pabloliviero]

Wow man, you killing it! The close up shot was with 120 Makro Planar? Incredible level of detail and sharpness :O

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much Pablo! Yep!

[@charlessummers7381]

Mike Another great video! Thanks for your inspiration; I will have a medium format film camera in the next 12 months. Price is a factor, so I may have to go Fujifilm. Currently shooting full frame DSLR. 👏🏽👏🏽👊🏽👍🏽👍🏽✌🏽 📸

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I love it Charles! It will come.

[@ReclusiveEagle]

*A year ago* Tyler: "Today we are going to do a strobe challenge" | Mike: *Heavy Breathing* *Today* Mike: "I'm in love"

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Hahaha if that isn’t the truth lol

[@tylershieldsvideos]

Hahahaha

[@IsThatYouSimon]

THIS IS DOPE MY MAN !!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot !

[@kodithebear]

Beautiful bro

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Paul

[@Houdinator]

Okay big bro!!!, Subscribed !! ✊✊

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you bro! Welcome to the family 🙌🏾

[@trizzshotz4507]

Those shots tho man 💪🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks bro!

[@donovin0882]

I been waiting for u to post bro!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

We’re back!

[@Steveo15]

Such a good video...love the empathy & results. Peace out!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Steve

[@victor.melchorfilm]

Lets go!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

We’re back!!!

[@aindoorsman]

终于等到你更新 兄弟 你太帅了

[@the_real_iceman]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing!! 🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot bro

[@AONIXO]

Would love to work with you my man!! This is heat

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I Appreciate that

[@loganjohn3999]

every time sir 💵

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@MynameisNemisis]

How do you color correct your videos? Love the look of them

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much! My brother Victor Melchor who films my videos has a KZbin where he talks all about it! Go check him out

[@martin-bezdiety9451]

So perfect....

[@MikeGrayFilm]

thanks Martin

[@codybriner]

Love the vids mike! But you gotta bag your stands 😉

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Haha I know I know. I got you on the next one! 🙏🏾

[@CJWareLRPS]

Love these dude Please if you ever come to the uk hit me up would love to setup a shoot and you come along i feel I could learn stuff from you

[@NickBallantyne-ez1uq]

Amazing work my man! How did you get so close with some of those shots? Did you use extension tubes or switch to a macro lens on the Hasselblad?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Nick. Yep I used an extension tube!

[@SamSilk]

Hey Mike! I was wondering how you manage to get an idea of where the shadows are gonna be on your model's face. Do you shoot a few digital images before switching to film? I mean without the modeling lights, there's a kind of randomness in the process right?

[@dhoirjulian1260]

what s the flash power & how do you kow you have to use this power for that result ?

[@oneholm]

Cool man 😎

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks

[@chasejordanmarshall]

What type of viewfinder is that on your hasselblad?

[@jordanjefferson7498]

What cable are using to connect the camera to the flash

[@davidknight6981]

Nice!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks David!

[@leafsfan71]

How did you get so close on the grill shot? Weren't you using the 80mm?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I used an extension tube

[@MIRRAPIX]

At the 3:23 mark I think you meant to show what the photo looked like but instead you only showed the white background without the photo

[@ParkCircle]

Great vid. Did you include the contact info for the bro that sounded like he said he was top five dad?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Yea! His Instagram is in the description!

[@codyroycee]

Hold onnn is that D'Morea Walker? lol I follow his channel too

[@MikeGrayFilm]

That’s my guy

[@BarbasMinecraft]

What is that backdrop that you are using?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

It was a painted seamless

[@Unskriptedfilmz]

This video is old so you might not see this comment but was the backdrop Muslin?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

yes it was!

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Subbed 😁

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks. Welcome to the family!

[@fernandoguerra3047]

Completely off topic but where’d you get that hat lol

[@MikeGrayFilm]

hahaha my homies brand Face The World clothing!

[@alexandredevenderets6531]

It’s very nice and instructive but some portraits could have had a ‘Rembrandt’ look.

[@austinsfilm3388]

Got me missing my 500cm damn

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Get it back!!!

[@austinsfilm3388]

@@MikeGrayFilm they got to expensive! I still gotta get my Pentax 67 and Leica m2 clad cause they both started having issues