Mark Steinmetz and Shooting Large Format Portraits
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
- Mark Steinmetz is a legend.
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Sources :
California College of Arts Lecture with Mark Steinmetz
PhotoWork Podcast by Sasha Wolf
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There is something about just sitting down and watching such images with such music that adds something. We're so caught up looking quickly at multiple images on small screens, this slower meditative approach on larger screens (more like a photobook) is just great
You are one of the few channels on TH-cam that straight up focuses on the art and photography. We need more of you. So inspiring.
Thank you kindly, Paul. Really means a lot to hear that.
Steinmetz is the greatest.
Also I think this is my new favorite video of yours.
Truly. I’m realizing that all of my favorite photographers last names start with an S too.
Soth, Schutmaat, Sander, Sternfeld, Steinmetz, Shore, the list is growing. Completely unrelated to what you said but thought I would share. 😂
Appreciate it, Matt!
@@BryanBirks I've legitimately thought the same thing before when pulling books because my shelf goes Schutmaat, Sohier, Soth, Steinmetz, Sultan, all of which have made lasting impacts in different years and periods of my life and photography.
Oh yeah, I just watched your video about Sohier the other day. Very reminiscent of Steinmetz. Thought about getting her book but the price was pretty steep. I’ll have to dive in more thoroughly a day here soon.
Sultan is another one I haven’t really given a shot and definitely need to.
@@BryanBirks make the drive and we can look at books all day, brother.
I love Mark's work. Blows my mind how he can get such natural, low energy photos of people. Timeless brilliance. Thanks for the video Bryan.
I think his demeanor and the way he speaks definitely helps. He’s so calm and peaceful. His subjects just give in and relax I’m sure. From what I’ve read his direction is pretty minimal as well which would also help in making people feel at ease.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The big viewfinder of large/medium format really helps get the photographer’s face away from the camera, and with that people get a lot more at ease…idk why, but I get much more chill from people when I shoot from the hip with the screen on the back of my Fuji than if I’ve got the EVF at my eye. Maybe I’m doing like mark and just hanging out with the subject.😊
man your honesty and genuine passion for photography illuminates strongly, thank you
Appreciate it, Matthew! 🍻
Your photos were great. Don't let your perfectionism hold you back. Great video.
I see a Bryan Birks video uploaded, I press play.
He’s back!
Bought his Atlanta trilogy and Berlin. Very calm, poetic and emotional work.
Thanks for this feature and sharing more of his work.
I have a very strong feeling that my bookshelf will soon be filled with all of his work. In due time.
Outstanding video. Thank you very much.
Thanks for watching, Tom 🍻
Great channel and mood - go on!
Thank you kindly!
These shots are stunning. Kudos 🤜🏼
Dude wtf that double exposure is insane. I love how the car is in the foreground and the background. My favorite shot. There are no accidents.
I liked so much i 'll buy a book. Superb passion
Much appreciated!
Man, I'm always on the search for more photography channels on TH-cam. So glad I got this recommendation. Your video was not only high quality, but honest, and paid homage to another photographer. Love this and hope I see more in the future.
Thank you, Wyatt. Happy to have you here. Hope to see you around in the future 🍻
Super inspiring. Thank you 🤜🏼
Thanks for the introduction to Mark Steinmetz, I don't know how I missed his work! He has that unique quality of certain photographers to be an observer that seems unseen. I was thinking what great shots he took, then you mentioned the camera and I realised I had that camera but the 6x8. So the thing is we often have what we need but don't use it - we (well I) see great photos and think - ah that camera would give me great results - no - the photographer will! Always. Which leads me to another point there's like a line from 'slow' photography - the bellows 4x5 tilt/shift camera through to big rangefinder, to medium format right over to super fast digital - I think for each project there's a camera that's optimum for the job. The right camera and the right photographer is a lethal combination.
Been shooting film for about a year now, seriously for the last few months. Bought my first 4x5 yesterday and your videos have been a solid foundation of knowledge but also inspiration for saying fuck it let’s get this camera now. You have beautiful, mindful photos but also beautiful mindful videos. Thank you!
I have noticed for myself that some of my favorite photographers works seem to resonate with something that I some how subconsciously connect with. Seems like the photographers you have shown, are storytellers. Watching this one on Mark Steinmetz, felt like a story in a story. Excellent! Oh, and I'm really digging the double exposure. If there was no sound, I would have thought it was done on purpose.
Yeah I don’t try to fight why I like someone’s work. I just let it happen. He is definitely a storyteller though.
The double exposure was…interesting at least. Haha glad you liked it.
Everything about this video is perfect. It introduced me to a photographer I'm unfamiliar with and I am in awe of the photos so much I want to get his photobooks right away, it had great music and editing as always, and it had Bryan's amazing portraits as the cherry on top (even the double exposure).
Thank you for including the works of other photographers, it definitely strengthens my love for photography and my motivation to go out and take photos.
Thank you for yet another lovely video, Bryan.
Thank you for the kind words, Alvin. There’s really no point in having a channel if you’re not using it to introduce your audience to new and inspiring things. Happy you enjoyed!
Oh shit I haven’t even finished watching the video yet 😢i had to say something first before I continue watching it these are amazing man for sure for sure ❤
Your work is getting better and better! Keep on keeping on.
Appreciate it, John!
Bud, thank you for videos as they help motivate the artist that is stuck.
Good to hear. Thanks for watching, sir!
You are so tough on yourself & maybe that is why you photos are so good. Thank you for introducing me to another inspiring photographer.
I would agree with you for sure. I just think that I have really high standards and I’m trying to match the photography that I look up to…which isn’t possible yet because I’m not where I want to be.
But it does help in the sense of progression.
One on my biggest insprations, thanks for making a video about Marks work
Thank you for watching!
Don't get too hung up on missed focus when you didn't miss the mood of the image. Mood will resonate more over time than the sharpness of a left eye. The more we shoot the more respect we have for others work. At times we can make quick judgement calls then later after another view the depths emerge and we need to take a third look.
Definitely agree. I’m already looking back on past work with fresh eyes and not being so hard on the technical aspects.
Ok man, youtube is straight reading my mind. I was getting ready for work this morning and thought, "I haven't watched a Bryan Birks video in a minute, I should see if he's posted any lately..." and here we are, lol.
I think that might be considered a thoughtcrime on TH-cam’s part but I’m not gonna complain about it. 😎
very nice Bryan!
Appreciate it, Paul 🍻
Beautiful film once again. Thank you for taking time to put these together in such a creative, thoughtful and engaging way.
Thank you for watching kind sir!
really well done. The blunt ending cracked me up.
holy shit! thank you for a wonderful video! I will say that my first take on Steinmetz would be the same. Then you made me a fan of his work in such an easy and truthful way.
I love unassuming work and work that isn’t in your face. His photos embody that for sure. Too many people these days trying to put so much information in an image that the message is lost.
Glad you enjoyed!
Amazing as always!
Thank you! Cheers!
Really great idea to revisit those photographers you had a massive “photo crush” on in the past and then moved on from.
The “through the car window” concept reminded me of a project shot by Brian Bowen Smith “Drive by”. His work looks a bit more “hurried” in the portraits but could be worth a quick flick through.
I’ll have to take a look. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for showing me a new amazing photographer !
Thanks for watching 🍻
Fabulous video. Inspiring and informative. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Bryan loved the video! I just found your channel, going to settle in for a good watch.
real interesting. thanks for the effort and the sharing. BIG thumbs up.
Big thumbs up on this comment!
poetic
🖤
Good video Bryan!
Thank you, Håkon!
Ya know, buddy... those portraits you made are pretty spectacular. Don't sell yourself short.
Great analysis of Mark's body of work. I wasn't too familiar with his work until a year or so ago and your take is exactly how I felt too.
I knew you’d be fond of it with that 690 you rock around.
@@BryanBirks Your video has inspired a new idea that Im going to make a video about so thank you lol
Bryan I quite like the double exposure ‘mistake’ 👍
It does sting a bit at first when thinking of costs 😅
I think the double exposure would have worked a lot better if his face didn’t get lost in the trees and sky. The top of the shot is just a mess but then again, I thought I was taking two different shots 😂
just discovered your channel and im really impressed at how you show the true process of photography (getting rejected &what not). Id love to see a video on how you edit your work!!
Thanks, Manuel. I’ve always been one to show the positives and negatives (no film pun intended). I could probably work something like that into a future video. Anything specific you want to see in terms of editing?
Hey Bryan, this is my first time on your channel and you are a really good story teller. I have been a photographer for about five years now. I got my start in college and it blossomed from there thanks to my wonderful art instructors. I offer a simple piece of advice. Stop being so hard on yourself, celebrate the victories and the imperfections of your photos. I have messed up on compositions and they ended up being some of my favorite pictures. They cannot be replicated. Enjoy learning and growing and just know that your first 10,000 photos are going to be your worst. With that being said your photos are excellent and I do like the double exposure. We did those sometimes on purpose for film photo class. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the comment, Chad. I have had multiple people tell me to quit being hard on myself. Which I completely understand. But I also think a little self criticism can aid greatly in growth and I think that’s the reason that I’ve been able to learn so much in three years time.
I enjoy the process greatly and just because I question my work and speak openly about the things I messed up, big and small, doesn’t mean that I’m not enjoying every second of it. Also, I wanted to be open about my mistakes because from my experience there are 100 people on TH-cam saying they are perfect and never mess up for every one person that says they do. That gets tiring really fast and isn’t the best for new photographers trying to learn. It’s even harder in the age of social media because, unlike art instructors or educators, social media can often be an echo chamber of positivity and that would be a negative towards my growth as a photographer.
@@BryanBirks Yeah, I hear that. My art class critiques was a space for healthy criticism and it definitely helped me. If you look at enough work and shoot enough you just ultimately know if a photo works or not. I work on clinical perfection and mastery in my wildlife photos, but when it comes to film I enjoy the process of just being fast and loose. If I mess up, it's just money, ha ha.
First video I've seen from you and based on this video alone I'm subscribing.
Happy to have you here, sir!
Great video, I hopped on Amazon and purchased a few of his books.
Heck yeah.
Really enjoyed this mate. You are over critical on yourself, but I know exactly what you mean when you have a goal in your head.
Oh yeah. It’s tough. If I had to pick between over critical and under critical I would definitely choose the first option. One at least sets me up for progress while the other leaves me thinking I’m hot shit that never needs to improve.
In addition to all the wonderful photographs, I loved that gorgeous driving shot of the bridge at sunset with the street lamps on. Beautiful. What camera did you shoot that on?
Thanks! Lumix S1.
Definitely jamming out to this intro music.
I loved that one.
I confess I haven’t known about Mark before. And I’m grateful for you revealing his work in your video. I think this is something you’ve talked about before. I think you’re making substantial and inspiring videos. Videos that create some sort of awakening in the viewers who maybe like you love photography and wish to explore people and surroundings and document their experiences in a graceful and respectful manner. Your videos are certainly crafted well, an amalgamation of informed opinion and great music. I definitely plan to purchase a book or two of Mark’s. May I ask the selection of images which played at the initial part of the video ; was it from his south central book ? Take care Bryan. You’re way ahead more than you know.African passport is an epic song.
Thanks for the kind words. Truly.
The first images would be from his early LA work while shooting 35mm I believe. The series that came out this was “Angel City West”. The books are pretty pricey. I would definitely recommend “South Central” though. Amazing quality and fantastic work.
Bryan, when I look at your photos, I often think that you're better than you perceive yourself to be. There is a distinguished quality to your work.
I definitely err on the side of caution with patting myself on the back or getting ahead of myself in that department.
I know my skill level and I have confidence in my work…I just have extremely high standards and want to match the work that I see and look up to. It’s a lofty goal and something I might never reach but it’s something that I need to keep going and shooting.
But also my confidence gets a little muddled with social media and TH-cam because I’ve never had the “popular” channel so I perceive my photos to be middling or on par with my channel popularity. Which I know is not the case but it’s just a negative way of thinking that I’m trying to get rid of currently.
@@BryanBirks Yeah, it's the creative's curse, made worse by the almighty algorithm.
Great photography.
Must get the rangefinder fixed on my MPP Micropress 5x4 camera and use it like the press camera that it is
Yes you do. Get after it! 👊🏻
Incredible portraits! You're inspiring me to bust out my 4x5 :)
Good to hear!
SICK OF GOODBYES
Huh?
In my opinion, Mark is (probably?) our greatest living photographer. Lovely video. Great selection of his work and I quite like the music too. What is that first track? So good. And your work, per usual, is very good. Keep it up.
Disregard the query, i used the magic of googling lyrics. Lol. Nonetheless, thanks for introducing me to a great song.
While I'm commenting on comments, you should check out the work of Paul D'amato, artist and professor in Chicago. Pretty sure he and Mark Steinmetz were classmates at Yale way back in the day. Paul's work is great and all shot on 4x5.
Just looked at some of Paul's work. Really great stuff. Thanks for the rec and thanks for watching the video!
@@BryanBirks Heck yeah. Sure thing!
Cool photos. What kind of camera and lens do you use?
I love the music. Who is it?
The Shivers!
I'd just turn down the background music a little bit brother. Besides that, amazing.
How did you get to photograph the camps and baseball games?
One thing I feel I’m stuck on is access. I have all sorts of photo ideas, but I’m not sure how to access them
Did you simply ask the camp director if you could tag along and take pictures? How do you convince people to let you take pictures of them?
Great work as always!
Edit: paragraph spacing
Those photos are by Mark Steinmetz and he simply went to the camp and coordinated taking photos. Same thing with the baseball teams, he just asked to take photos.
A lot of people like to overcomplicate things because a lot of people learn from people online who overcomplicate things. It’s usually as simple as just asking.
But that doesn’t make for a good TH-cam video that’s ten minutes long for ad revenue now does it? Haha
you really don’t have to point out and apologize for your little out of focus bits or “mistakes”…they are nice photos as is.
Oh I know. I’m not apologizing for messing up. I’m just transparent in letting others know when I didn’t get exactly what I wanted.
what does large format refer to exactly? using a certain mm lens or something?
Size of the film. Specifically 4x5 inches.
Who’s that Gary guy?
Garry Winogrand
Maybe you could shoot from outside the passenger side window and thru the car with the subject leaned down on the opposite side. Arms in the car possibly.
Thought about that as well. I’m sure it’ll come around naturally at some point but this day it just wasn’t going to work.