0:21 #1 Shoot b/w on purpose 0:48 #2 Focus on what makes b/w interesting 1:25 #3 Adapt to your light situation 2:12 #4 Make good use of your environment 2:45 #5 Capture a good range of contrast 3:24 #6 Change perspective 4:09 #7 Edit wisely
You probably dont care at all but does any of you know a way to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot my account password. I would love any tips you can give me.
@Lennox Travis thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
The "editing" is the digital equivalent of processing film and prints. It is as necessary to the process of digital photography as photographic chemicals and enlargers are to film-based photography. If you eschew the use of digital editing software, you are confining yourself to what came out of the camera. Ansel Adams never thought his images were "complete" by merely tripping the shutter and then using standard processing. His "Moonrise: Hernandez, New Mexico" wasn't as it was shot. Every photographer who ever had control over the processing of his film and prints always applied some degree of "manipulation" either in the enlarger or the developer tray. I've been doing photography since 1971, when I was a photo lab technician. The camera is only the beginning. The final image, whether on film or a digital sensor, requires processing, which is the final stage of the process of photography. Think of your software as an enlarger and developer. Too many people think of "Photoshop" whenever digital "editing" is mentioned.
I just had to suffer through the stupidity of people who claim to love Ansel Adams yet believe photography is only what is done in camera with no developing. Ansel Adams said that the camera is for composers and the dark room is for conductors.
For better street and candid photos of strangers, not looking like a creep helps tremendously. Alan’s grooming, attention to his attire, appearance and manners make him appear gentlemanly and non threatening. Given the same skills, talent and Leica, I don’t believe a poorly groomed hygienically deficient slob in disheveled clothing with an abrasive personality would produce images nearly as stunning as Alan.
I have never seen a better 5 minute lesson that if followed can give years of improvement. I set one of my Fujifilm bodies to permanent B&W, and go out to ONLY shoot mono with it. It really changes the way you "see" when you don't keep switching with color.
Understanding Ansel Adams' 'Zone System' is what really made photography easier for me. I hear other photographers say you can't have clipping because there's no detail in absolute black or white, but it's that clipping that will clear your image of the dreaded grey fog.
Excellent video. My additional tip is go to the same place at different times of day on different days. Sometimes, it can completely change the look of the place
his photos are simply mind-blowing, and this video gave me the energy to go out and shoot, even though im living in a place where street photography is harder to do than other places.
Good video. I'm so happy that No. 1 is what it is. I get very tired of internet-forum 'experts 'telling everyone to just shoot everything in raw and decide what to do with the file in post. They don't realise that they are broadcasting their total lack of artistic vision to anyone who has some idea what photography (and art in general) is really about.
Tip #8 The golden hour is for color. In b/w photography, you want the opposite. Be out at midday, when you have bright highlights from streaming sunlight and dark shadows present. Those stark contrasts promote form where b/w film shines. You can get good reflections on windows during daylight hours that would be transparent at night. Tip #9 Although digital software corrects lighting issues in camera, if you are using actual film, you can greatly improve contrast of sky, foliage, even brick buildings with color filters. Instead of blown out skies, you can see moody, even stormy looking skies with orange or red toned lenses. You can create some really dramatic effects. Blue filters can bring out the texture of aged hands or faces in a close up. A yellow helps cut those skin blemishes if you want to soften a complexion.
Reading your comment took me back to the Film Reel Era Thanks ! it was wonderful to shoot not knowing how the developed result will look after the dark room process ! And I have used Color Grad Filters those days on Skies as you have described above. Wonderful comment and thanks for the extra 2 Tips ! ( Specially #8)
@@850Tech Glad you liked it. I too miss that mysterious outcome, where you had to preplan every shot. Digital removes that step and you can just reshoot until you get the results you like. But, it’s a crutch that can fail you when those magic, once-in-a-lifetime moments happen. It can remove that creative process that makes you a photographer and not just an extension of a machine.
@@francisco5434I got that one too often in my composition, regarding editing. I find I rely adjusting my crop in post vs nailing in in the field more than I’d like. Thanks for the info, great tips!
So many pro photogs say never shoot in B&W because you can make any color photo b&w. I completely disagree, just as he says...seeing the world in b&w is so different than seeing it in color. Great tips!
Water is outstanding, rain, raindrops, puddles, reflections, still water, ripples, bird baths, it’s endless. Just imagine not being able to see color, now imagine what the image would be like if you could and someone described the color to you
Plain speaking and great advice. I like the tip about editing being the varnish on a well made table. If the photo isn’t there to start with forget it. So many great B&W film photographers (eg. Angel Adams, Brassaï, Henri Cartier-Bresson) used their intuitive skill to nail their shots knowing there was barely any headroom left for editing the image during the processing. There is a debate which interests me about ‘processing your picture to achieve success’ versus ‘the impact of a shot as it appears in reality’. In other words you can process the life out of a shot if you ain’t careful! But I like Alan’s approach since it’s not that complicated and makes perfect sense.
I would only add something that he showed but didn't comment. That is print the photos that you like! It is important and at the same time very satisfying to look at your pictures on paper.
This was extremely well stated. Even just the first tip alone is super important. I've been hesitant to shoot in B/W since I don't really understand it and was worried I'd end up with bad shots. But clearly, the only way to get better at it is to go all in.
as someone who hated black and white when i first started 5 years ago to now me only wanting to shoot in black and white this was very helpful and i will be looking more into Alan’s work
Great tips from a practical, and skillful professional. My two cents: Just do it! Don't overcomplicate your camera setup, lens configuration, or your editing process. Personally, I use the X100V because of its fixed lens. I choose a film simulation that I like and simply go with the flow, never editing my work. This is my version of street photography.
Really interesting! I liked so much. My tip: Shot B&W film. Fixed Iso, fixed Lens and what day brings to you. Don't loose time looking menus and fotos already taken. Shot and go for the next.
Tip #8: Frame within the frame. Or the so-called "sub-framing." It doesn't only make the photo more interesting, it also helps improve your composition. As a beginner in this art form, this is the style that I have applied to my photos which also helped me get better at composing my images.
I'd also like to add that I identify with your example pictures. They "are what they are". No need for any explanation - which is faithful to the Street genre. Well done!
I watch a lot of b&h videos and after seeing this dude's I've been thinking about it a lot. He makes street photography look really interesting. I've never really been interested in it. Just lately I've been thinking more about black and white but the people who say it's for making boring color pictures more interesting. Getting so tired of the passive aggressive stupidity in the photography world. This dude uses shadows really well and I'm always bringing out details in shadows rather than fully embracing the hard dark shadow. I also like his use of 20mm. It's a really interesting focal length.
Seeing this for the second time now - a very welcome exception to all the tech blabla and endless new model testing here on YT. Alan, you give great advice. And then you always DELIVER. Not one mediocre pic here. So what is my advice after many years of photography (I'm 63)? Use the best camera: the TALENT 2020 from LEIJIKON! ;-))). And your EYES. This way, you don't have to buy ultra-expensive stuff like the Monochrome. Just use a good 35mm or 50mm lens (the one for my Nikon came at under 150,-€) - then THINK for 10 minutes. And then start.
I do a bit of Street -mostly with my iPhone which is super - occasionally my old M8 . This photographer produces some lovely work ! I have some nice photos different but none as beautifully created as this photographer! His comments are totally correct - especially what he said about editing - this is where a lot of Post Processing Savy photographers go wrong - you can so easily overwork images in post !
Wonderful photos. The best. Will try to schedule one of the London walks. If I can add a tip, wait for fortuitous things to happen. Some scenes seem boring - two people eating dinner in a cafe -- until suddenly one of them will make a wild gesture. You need to be ready and watching for it. And always have your camera with you. When you run across a fortuitous situation, stop what you're doing and start shooting.
One great thing about grayscale photography is that thare is no interruptions which cause by colour. Yes, colours are not useless elements in photos, they can express emotions easily but light and shadows are the fundamental of Photography so here b&w wins the game.
Totally love his vibe and this video! I shoot 98% of the time in Monochrom. After over 300K color-less images I now pretty much see my photos in black&white with colors being a rare exception. Have a fantastic weekend everyone and get out there!!!
If you have a camera with an electronic viewfinder, set the format to RAW and set the profile to B/W. Now you see the picture in B/W in your viewfinder and get a Color RAW. So both options for the final image - but you can see a version already in your viewfinder. :-) That helps me a lot. :D
Your tips are very interesting and logical. I’ve been shooting b/w for 60 years , on film. I never over think my photography, I just shoot everything and let the chips fall where they may ! Thanks, Rick….. 📷
I have 108k Street photographs from around the world. Never posted or published decades work backed up 5 ways. I take pictures and would review them a week later. I do it for my own enjoyment.
Very eloquent and clear, great advice and some great advice in the comments. On grey days I do prefer black and white, being the UK you get those a lot. For people I prefer black and white, not sure why, maybe the lack of disraction by the removal of colour.
This was fantastic! No long intros, no babbling on, your just gave us what you advertised.
Easily the best TH-cam video I've felt I've seen in years.
A well edited vid. Straight to the point.
True.
as cooph usually does, straight to the point with practical tips avoiding annoyng blabla, great video !
Hate babblers
0:21 #1 Shoot b/w on purpose
0:48 #2 Focus on what makes b/w interesting
1:25 #3 Adapt to your light situation
2:12 #4 Make good use of your environment
2:45 #5 Capture a good range of contrast
3:24 #6 Change perspective
4:09 #7 Edit wisely
You probably dont care at all but does any of you know a way to get back into an instagram account??
I somehow forgot my account password. I would love any tips you can give me.
@Dariel Kenneth instablaster :)
@Lennox Travis thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm.
I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Lennox Travis It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thank you so much, you saved my account :D
@Dariel Kenneth happy to help =)
Finally!! A photographer that goes right to the point on his tips. His work is just awesome!!
The "editing" is the digital equivalent of processing film and prints. It is as necessary to the process of digital photography as photographic chemicals and enlargers are to film-based photography. If you eschew the use of digital editing software, you are confining yourself to what came out of the camera. Ansel Adams never thought his images were "complete" by merely tripping the shutter and then using standard processing. His "Moonrise: Hernandez, New Mexico" wasn't as it was shot. Every photographer who ever had control over the processing of his film and prints always applied some degree of "manipulation" either in the enlarger or the developer tray. I've been doing photography since 1971, when I was a photo lab technician. The camera is only the beginning. The final image, whether on film or a digital sensor, requires processing, which is the final stage of the process of photography. Think of your software as an enlarger and developer. Too many people think of "Photoshop" whenever digital "editing" is mentioned.
but how is the best way to learn?
@@amb8405 shoot with RAW, processing to BW Jpeg
@@amb8405by having the camera, reading, TH-cam videos.
process to Jpeg?
Than wtf u talking about
Editing is varnish that finishes the table. I'm a woodworker too, this is a clear metaphor for me. Thanks.
"'this is a clear ... " Actually it might be amber in some cases.
Then there are some really creative people who build a whole image in Photoshop.
I just had to suffer through the stupidity of people who claim to love Ansel Adams yet believe photography is only what is done in camera with no developing. Ansel Adams said that the camera is for composers and the dark room is for conductors.
Great metaphor.
Yep. Rubbish in, rubbish out.
Alan Schaller is my favorite photographer. His work is iconic. He is an inspiration. Thank you for making this video.
And he is master of the b/w dogs!
I cant believe hes the same age as me. I always think of him as some older artistic icon. It must be his genius coming through
Finally... someone with excellent tips and brilliant shots to back his ideas. Just perfect.
For better street and candid photos of strangers, not looking like a creep helps tremendously. Alan’s grooming, attention to his attire, appearance and manners make him appear gentlemanly and non threatening. Given the same skills, talent and Leica, I don’t believe a poorly groomed hygienically deficient slob in disheveled clothing with an abrasive personality would produce images nearly as stunning as Alan.
This man is my favorite street photographer of all time! I have been following his work for years
I have never seen a better 5 minute lesson that if followed can give years of improvement.
I set one of my Fujifilm bodies to permanent B&W, and go out to ONLY shoot mono with it. It really changes the way you "see" when you don't keep switching with color.
Bw more depth
This guy is sick. One of the best on instagram. Thank you
That's what we think!
One of the best, period, always an inspiration to me
Forget IG, follow Alan on Flickr to view his work in high resolution and chronological order: www.flickr.com/photos/alanschaller
I'd like to see his editing tips. Can't find anything on Alan's editing techniques.
@@kociasek people dont give a shit of high resolution. Forget Flickr its dead
Understanding Ansel Adams' 'Zone System' is what really made photography easier for me. I hear other photographers say you can't have clipping because there's no detail in absolute black or white, but it's that clipping that will clear your image of the dreaded grey fog.
That’s a very nice perspective.
There's no such thing as bad light. Thank you for that! ❤️🙏
Your photos are FANTASTIC. It's so great to hear tips from someone who is producing amazing work.
The master of BNW street photography. For me, one of the best street photographers in the World. Thank you for the tips, Professor.
Excellent video. My additional tip is go to the same place at different times of day on different days. Sometimes, it can completely change the look of the place
his photos are simply mind-blowing, and this video gave me the energy to go out and shoot, even though im living in a place where street photography is harder to do than other places.
Good video. I'm so happy that No. 1 is what it is. I get very tired of internet-forum 'experts 'telling everyone to just shoot everything in raw and decide what to do with the file in post. They don't realise that they are broadcasting their total lack of artistic vision to anyone who has some idea what photography (and art in general) is really about.
The analogy of editing as varnish on a well made table is spot-on!
His work blows my mind. It makes me so happy.
This guy push me into black and white world.
Tip #8 The golden hour is for color. In b/w photography, you want the opposite. Be out at midday, when you have bright highlights from streaming sunlight and dark shadows present. Those stark contrasts promote form where b/w film shines. You can get good reflections on windows during daylight hours that would be transparent at night.
Tip #9 Although digital software corrects lighting issues in camera, if you are using actual film, you can greatly improve contrast of sky, foliage, even brick buildings with color filters. Instead of blown out skies, you can see moody, even stormy looking skies with orange or red toned lenses. You can create some really dramatic effects. Blue filters can bring out the texture of aged hands or faces in a close up. A yellow helps cut those skin blemishes if you want to soften a complexion.
Reading your comment took me back to the Film Reel Era Thanks ! it was wonderful to shoot not knowing how the developed result will look after the dark room process ! And I have used Color Grad Filters those days on Skies as you have described above. Wonderful comment and thanks for the extra 2 Tips ! ( Specially #8)
@@850Tech Glad you liked it. I too miss that mysterious outcome, where you had to preplan every shot. Digital removes that step and you can just reshoot until you get the results you like.
But, it’s a crutch that can fail you when those magic, once-in-a-lifetime moments happen. It can remove that creative process that makes you a photographer and not just an extension of a machine.
@@francisco5434 very true
Thanks!! Tha is a great tip!!
@@francisco5434I got that one too often in my composition, regarding editing. I find I rely adjusting my crop in post vs nailing in in the field more than I’d like. Thanks for the info, great tips!
Tip 8 Put your EVF (RAW + B/W jpg ) on Monochrome (if possible) to get a direct feeling how your photo is going to loo like !!
Alan is my favourite b&w photographer. He really has so much creativity in all of his composition!
So many pro photogs say never shoot in B&W because you can make any color photo b&w. I completely disagree, just as he says...seeing the world in b&w is so different than seeing it in color. Great tips!
Alan is one of the best street photographers alive! Great video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I take street photos with my Olympus EM 10 Mark II and an adapted Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm f1,8 and it´s a great thing. Thank you for your tips!
Brilliant. No fluff, straight to the point and very useful tips.
This guys really hits the nails on the heads. Great lessons for new B&W photographers.
Water is outstanding, rain, raindrops, puddles, reflections, still water, ripples, bird baths, it’s endless. Just imagine not being able to see color, now imagine what the image would be like if you could and someone described the color to you
Plain speaking and great advice. I like the tip about editing being the varnish on a well made table. If the photo isn’t there to start with forget it. So many great B&W film photographers (eg. Angel Adams, Brassaï, Henri Cartier-Bresson) used their intuitive skill to nail their shots knowing there was barely any headroom left for editing the image during the processing. There is a debate which interests me about ‘processing your picture to achieve success’ versus ‘the impact of a shot as it appears in reality’. In other words you can process the life out of a shot if you ain’t careful! But I like Alan’s approach since it’s not that complicated and makes perfect sense.
I cant tell if he is 35 or 50. Great photographer. Thanks for the tips!
I would only add something that he showed but didn't comment. That is print the photos that you like! It is important and at the same time very satisfying to look at your pictures on paper.
Alan Schaller is the master. Absolutely loves his works.
Brilliant video. Simple. Quick. To the point. No wasted anything.
Varnishing a table. That’s the best description of post production that I’ve heard
This was extremely well stated. Even just the first tip alone is super important. I've been hesitant to shoot in B/W since I don't really understand it and was worried I'd end up with bad shots. But clearly, the only way to get better at it is to go all in.
as someone who hated black and white when i first started 5 years ago to now me only wanting to shoot in black and white this was very helpful and i will be looking more into Alan’s work
Great tips from a practical, and skillful professional. My two cents: Just do it! Don't overcomplicate your camera setup, lens configuration, or your editing process. Personally, I use the X100V because of its fixed lens. I choose a film simulation that I like and simply go with the flow, never editing my work. This is my version of street photography.
Wow. Refreshing to get advice from someone that’s actually good! Brilliant advice, incredible photographs...
At last a video about photo with some really good photos inside!
A good tip is to occasionally come back and watch this video again to remind yourself of the importance of the basics of black and white photography ❤
Really interesting! I liked so much. My tip: Shot B&W film. Fixed Iso, fixed Lens and what day brings to you. Don't loose time looking menus and fotos already taken. Shot and go for the next.
pretty much every pic used as an example was like amazing
Yes I agree. ❤
Whenever I am annoyed with my visualization. I come back to this video. Hearing him clears all the mist in the mind.
Lessons from Snape is truly marvelous.
I thought that too. And both are amazing people 😁
Tip #8: Frame within the frame. Or the so-called "sub-framing." It doesn't only make the photo more interesting, it also helps improve your composition. As a beginner in this art form, this is the style that I have applied to my photos which also helped me get better at composing my images.
I'd also like to add that I identify with your example pictures. They "are what they are". No need for any explanation - which is faithful to the Street genre. Well done!
These black and white photos are really superb!
Yes! Alan is one of my absolute favorites. Thanks.
I watch a lot of b&h videos and after seeing this dude's I've been thinking about it a lot. He makes street photography look really interesting. I've never really been interested in it. Just lately I've been thinking more about black and white but the people who say it's for making boring color pictures more interesting. Getting so tired of the passive aggressive stupidity in the photography world. This dude uses shadows really well and I'm always bringing out details in shadows rather than fully embracing the hard dark shadow. I also like his use of 20mm. It's a really interesting focal length.
man.. his photos are amazing
Seeing this for the second time now - a very welcome exception to all the tech blabla and endless new model testing here on YT. Alan, you give great advice. And then you always DELIVER. Not one mediocre pic here. So what is my advice after many years of photography (I'm 63)? Use the best camera: the TALENT 2020 from LEIJIKON! ;-))). And your EYES. This way, you don't have to buy ultra-expensive stuff like the Monochrome. Just use a good 35mm or 50mm lens (the one for my Nikon came at under 150,-€) - then THINK for 10 minutes. And then start.
I do a bit of Street -mostly with my iPhone which is super - occasionally my old M8 .
This photographer produces some lovely work !
I have some nice photos different but none as beautifully created as this photographer!
His comments are totally correct - especially what he said about editing - this is where a lot of Post Processing Savy photographers go wrong - you can so easily overwork images in post !
Wonderful photos. The best. Will try to schedule one of the London walks. If I can add a tip, wait for fortuitous things to happen. Some scenes seem boring - two people eating dinner in a cafe -- until suddenly one of them will make a wild gesture. You need to be ready and watching for it. And always have your camera with you. When you run across a fortuitous situation, stop what you're doing and start shooting.
Wow...best 5 minutes on photography I have seen on You Tube!
One great thing about grayscale photography is that thare is no interruptions which cause by colour.
Yes, colours are not useless elements in photos, they can express emotions easily but light and shadows are the fundamental of Photography so here b&w wins the game.
👍
A great presentation. RS
I have the new Nikon ZF with the black & white switch , and love to go out and take B&W photos .
Omg, I’ve seen tons of your ART photos, finally u’ve showed up on yt 🔥🔥
the only Video you need when you start out on photography lol this teached me a lot already
A true legend
I love Alan’s work!
The lady on the tube train hypnotises you!
So happy to come across this video. Love black and white photos
Another inspiring video to which I would add, my camera has a monochrome preview mode which helps when shooting black & white. Thank you.
Amazing talent
Soooo gooood ! What a pro! And using live view unlike diehard r/f shooter! very good!
Totally love his vibe and this video! I shoot 98% of the time in Monochrom. After over 300K color-less images I now pretty much see my photos in black&white with colors being a rare exception. Have a fantastic weekend everyone and get out there!!!
Me 2💯📷👣👀
Following him for years... Talented eye thanks u
If you have a camera with an electronic viewfinder, set the format to RAW and set the profile to B/W.
Now you see the picture in B/W in your viewfinder and get a Color RAW.
So both options for the final image - but you can see a version already in your viewfinder. :-)
That helps me a lot. :D
Great insight!
How did i not know about this before now? Thank you!
(This can also be achieved in live view if you have a DSLR like me)
unless you have a monochrome camera like he has :)
cevrim That Leica doesn’t have an Evf to start with
Almost every photo shown here would be worthy to be called ones favourite photograph
Your tips are very interesting and logical. I’ve been shooting b/w for 60 years , on film. I never over think my photography, I just shoot everything and let the chips fall where they may ! Thanks, Rick….. 📷
Very inspirational advice, thank you Sir.
Awesome! excellent job has been done thanks for sharing have a nice day
shot on 0:41,wow just wow,blown away
I got a Fuji X100V and i've been shooting Solely in BW. its challenging but fun and awesome!
Superb B&W tips and tricks here. Excellent. More please.
One absoluty best photographer out there!!!
Great!!!
Brilliant, very helpful and informative. thanks for sharing,
Incredible photos. Wow.
Every picture in the video is a masterpiece 📸
No such thing as bad weather. excellent. That's gonna open me up to everyday is a good day instead of, ooooh, looks a bit overcast etc.
Thanks for your wise pointers and great pictures
Finaly tips from someone who can shoot. Really good photos.
I have 108k Street photographs from around the world. Never posted or published decades work backed up 5 ways. I take pictures and would review them a week later. I do it for my own enjoyment.
Very informative video. Information presented clearly and concisely. 👍
Very eloquent and clear, great advice and some great advice in the comments. On grey days I do prefer black and white, being the UK you get those a lot. For people I prefer black and white, not sure why, maybe the lack of disraction by the removal of colour.
brilliant! thank YOU Alan!
Brilliant tip. I also love how he looks like a Bond villain. Outstanding.
Excellent. Basic yet crucial.
Very practical and easy to apply. I dislike things that babble on about your philosophy and inner personality.
Outstanding images.
Great comments. Thank you.
Beautiful shooting. An artist and a pro.
Very clean video. Loved the tip about editing and the analogy about the table. It’s so true.
He is a master of composition..Very inspirational.
Nice. Clear and very interesting.
You're the best! Good for you! Nailing it! One of the best in the world!