Excellent points. Having the person sitting there, waiting, adds a level of urgency to adjust all the fiddly bits on a LF camera. At least the Linhof is pretty rock solid and adjusting one setting doesn’t disrupt others. You left out the annoyance of people coming up and asking what you’re doing with a giant camera with a bellows!
Yeah that usually happens 😂 Had some good conversations because of that too. I think the best way would be to have everything ready and just have them come sit down or whatever.
Good, solid advice. I’d say so solid, these 3 pieces of advice apply to shooting portraits with any format. Knowing your equipment allows you to come across as confident, competent, and comfortable - all of which will help the model relax and know they’re in good hands. Back up not only shots, but have extra film and other equipment. The old adage: “Anything that can go wrong…” Well done video, and I like your willingness to say “Don’t make my mistakes…” rather than the preachy “Do it my way or the highway!” 👍🏼
Nice vid mate. I recently got me a 4x5 camera to do portraits and staged concepts. I agree wholeheartedly with your tips. Making sure you start with everything level is so key. I learnt the hard way. Maybe do a vid where you go through your process and why of a shot. I saw you used the reflex viewfinder which flips the image. How is it and how does it compare with focusing with a loupe? Also you got rather pin sharp focus at f8! Tips on getting these results would help the community. I loved the tilt effect you did with the shot in the ally. Only on large format
Thanks appreciate that! Will see about that and may end up in studio! The viewfinder is great though will not work with wider lenses and is bulky. That helped nail focus quite a bit though did use a loupe for 1 and was more confident... you can just see it pop in and out of focus more with a loupe. Think nailing focus has more to do with explaining things to your subject and making sure they stay still...
@ interesting. I was thinking of picking up a viewfinder like what you had in the video but I think I’ll just stick with the ground glass for now. I’m cool with directing and talking to talent about staying still, it’s me finding it tricky with everything in reverse. I’m sure I will adjust. Oh thanks for the advise on the viewfinder app with the reciprocity app. Ive had the reciprocity app for years and didnt know you could place zone icons on a picture. It was really helpful. The viewfinder app is gold!!! Helps me see what I need without unpacking. God send!!!!
Solid video my friend. If I may offer one key piece of advice is - TEST - test test test (your workflow) before arriving onset - test setting up your camera rig at home or prior to the shoot so you know it inside and out and lastly, remain cool - ALWAYS onset. A relaxed DP or Director or Photographer has a ripple effect on the whole crew but most importantly, it will relax your talent.
Great video and the points you make resonate with my experience. I'd add a fourth and a fifth pitfall to avoid when shooting portraits with LF: (No. 4) not communicating with and not concentrating your attention on the model. There is so much to worry about regarding the operation of the camera that it is really difficult to pay attention to anything else. But, portraits being portraits, a model that is bored or disengaged will not give her best and the pictures will show it. (No. 5) static / wooden poses, dictated by the use of a tripod and the need for precise focusing / delay between focusing and image capture. To avoid these, I find it important to prepare, communicate the idea of the shoot with the model, explain the specifics of working with LF. During the shoot, keep talking to the model to get the mood / expression you are after. It is useful to have a checklist of ideas and poses you want to try, tailored to the LF specifics.
I love the viewer but it has two major downfalls... Unusable with my 90mm - its a 5.6 but it is something with the angle you just can not see. With my 150 and 210 it works really well and would probabally use it all the time except... Its bulkt to pack so I usually dont if I'm hiking. It breaks apart but still takes up a lot of space. Thanks for the chimney idea on the Hasselblad... gonna look into that. How would you (or can you ) compare it to a prism for it. I am at the point where I need readers now but am refusing 😂
@@DistphotoI definitely prefer the chimney to the prism and the standard folding viewer. It’s purer and I feel more dialled in. My prism was the early version, mind - not the more expensive newer one. Definitely worth looking back into, as they can be picked up cheap.
As a medium format user, I have a question: depth of field must be even trickier than with medium format so how do you handle that? What is your focal length, ISO, shutter speed and aperture? What is your idea of a good balance between "enough light" and "headache with focusing/ddepth of field and motion blur" ?
@@doctorstrobe depth of field can indeed be tight. I like to keep shutter speed at 125th ina situation like this though the fact that nothing is moving 60th would be possible. 30th and she needs to not breath 😂. Shot these at F8 125th at iso 400 on HP5 with incident metered for her face. F8 on 4x5 is still very shallow but manageable especially for the distance I was shooting at with a 150 and 210 mm lens.
one rule I have, I do landscapes and buildings mostly, I always take a filter kit with me, so if the light (sky in your case) gets too hot, and glary, its an instant dump of light, esp. as these leaf shutters are 1/500 max speed, and also to control reflections, most common to wide angle lenses, as this extreme angle flares inside the lens, something a simple polariser or ND can 'nip in the butt' quick.
I've started 4x5 in july and shot more than a 100 sheets since then, 90% were portraits. Somehow I find large format portraits much easier to do than 35mm or 120. Maybe it's the way I explain it to the people I shoot cause I make sure they understand that, figuratively, at some point of the process, I surrender to them -i.e. I won't see anything once the film holder is in place. They are more involved and connected. Even the relative slow pace work in your favor. And the fact that most people have never been shot with something as cool looking as a Speed Graphic is a bonus too - they always react positively to its sight. And when I show them before how it renders they are usually sold. Whenever I'm using any other kind of camera, film or not, I'm just another photographer to them. It's not the same level of feeling and involvement for both of us with large format. That's why I find it more rewarding, slightly easier but a hell lot more expensive. Unless you only shoot Foma 100 which is weirdly, 30% cheaper in large format. And great too especially developed with Bellini Eco or what it is supposed to copy : Xtol.
That is so cool... Thanks for that point of view and you have some graet points. I think a lot of my troubles come from being so used to a smaller camera for portraits... Just a comfort level I am used to. When I put the film holder I am literally terrified that I can not see or control what is going on 😂 I love that you embrace this way of working!!! Fomapan 100 is a beautifull film for this if you have the light!
Glad you are getting on with large format. I see large format a lot like a director who is film a scene. You have to block the scene, during that time you explain what you want and give them clear instructions and motives. Like you I suit larger format. Takes some time getting used to the process (I’m still making silly mistakes) On foma 100 you are right here in the uk a 50 sheet box is around £40. I burnt a loud of sheets trying to figure out the film. I rate it at ei50 and develop in rodinal 1+100 @ 10:30 mins (-20 time due to pulling). Still haven’t found the perfect developer. How long does belli eco last for?
Ps, Never shoot a 'backup shot'. A backup equals a compromise which equals self doubt. Be bold and be confident with your creative choice. Never fall back on compromise aka a backup.
HAve you ever watched 'The September Issue'? If not, watch the scene where Anna asks her staff where the rest of the images are from Testino (it was for the cover shoot) - instead they replied, 'that's all he supplied' - meaning he didn't shoot any backup shots moreover the client got what they got. I digress...peace.
one more tip, Models come in two flavours, standard, aka 135 types, and LARGE FORMAT models, aka they are trained how to model with these slower cameras, even MF, so not to move when the shutter 'clicks' (opening it with the focus lever, for eg), they wait till you count them in, aka shoot on 3, and don't "stand easy" until asked to, so keep this in mind. they expect the long process, as they are used to it.
i shoot fashion / portraiture for magazines on film and one of the best things i use (besides the wife as art director) is a mood board or deck. I mainly shoot brands and editorials but when i do portraits for actors etc i still use the decks. I have poses, styling, hair make up, locations, mood, film stills etc. Keeps me on a rough track and helps the modesl know wtf I am trying to do.
Beautiful camera! Good practical advice I intend to put to use soon. Your site on this is one of the best photography channels available to aficionados like myself. Thanks
Well I am impressed that you even shoot large format portraits. As amazing as their images can be, its more a landscape format for me. Nice video!
Not sure how much I'll be doing but its something!!!
Excellent points. Having the person sitting there, waiting, adds a level of urgency to adjust all the fiddly bits on a LF camera. At least the Linhof is pretty rock solid and adjusting one setting doesn’t disrupt others. You left out the annoyance of people coming up and asking what you’re doing with a giant camera with a bellows!
Yeah that usually happens 😂
Had some good conversations because of that too.
I think the best way would be to have everything ready and just have them come sit down or whatever.
Good, solid advice. I’d say so solid, these 3 pieces of advice apply to shooting portraits with any format. Knowing your equipment allows you to come across as confident, competent, and comfortable - all of which will help the model relax and know they’re in good hands. Back up not only shots, but have extra film and other equipment. The old adage: “Anything that can go wrong…”
Well done video, and I like your willingness to say “Don’t make my mistakes…” rather than the preachy “Do it my way or the highway!” 👍🏼
Thanks! When i was going through this I was thinking the same thing... But I also think its easier with smaller formats in general.
Nice vid mate. I recently got me a 4x5 camera to do portraits and staged concepts.
I agree wholeheartedly with your tips.
Making sure you start with everything level is so key. I learnt the hard way.
Maybe do a vid where you go through your process and why of a shot. I saw you used the reflex viewfinder which flips the image. How is it and how does it compare with focusing with a loupe?
Also you got rather pin sharp focus at f8! Tips on getting these results would help the community.
I loved the tilt effect you did with the shot in the ally. Only on large format
Thanks appreciate that! Will see about that and may end up in studio! The viewfinder is great though will not work with wider lenses and is bulky. That helped nail focus quite a bit though did use a loupe for 1 and was more confident... you can just see it pop in and out of focus more with a loupe. Think nailing focus has more to do with explaining things to your subject and making sure they stay still...
@ interesting. I was thinking of picking up a viewfinder like what you had in the video but I think I’ll just stick with the ground glass for now. I’m cool with directing and talking to talent about staying still, it’s me finding it tricky with everything in reverse. I’m sure I will adjust.
Oh thanks for the advise on the viewfinder app with the reciprocity app. Ive had the reciprocity app for years and didnt know you could place zone icons on a picture. It was really helpful.
The viewfinder app is gold!!! Helps me see what I need without unpacking. God send!!!!
Backup plan is a very good advice
Yes actually had to use one yesterday. Temps here are brutal at the moment 🥶
Such useful reminders, I'm about to do a portrait project with my 88 year old Linhof, so this was perfect timing! Thank you!
@@FilmArtPhoto You are welcome 👍
Solid video my friend.
If I may offer one key piece of advice is - TEST - test test test (your workflow) before arriving onset - test setting up your camera rig at home or prior to the shoot so you know it inside and out and lastly, remain cool - ALWAYS onset. A relaxed DP or Director or Photographer has a ripple effect on the whole crew but most importantly, it will relax your talent.
SOled advice, especially being relaxed... the energy is contagious
Great video and the points you make resonate with my experience. I'd add a fourth and a fifth pitfall to avoid when shooting portraits with LF: (No. 4) not communicating with and not concentrating your attention on the model. There is so much to worry about regarding the operation of the camera that it is really difficult to pay attention to anything else. But, portraits being portraits, a model that is bored or disengaged will not give her best and the pictures will show it. (No. 5) static / wooden poses, dictated by the use of a tripod and the need for precise focusing / delay between focusing and image capture. To avoid these, I find it important to prepare, communicate the idea of the shoot with the model, explain the specifics of working with LF. During the shoot, keep talking to the model to get the mood / expression you are after. It is useful to have a checklist of ideas and poses you want to try, tailored to the LF specifics.
@@martindrazsky7451 Thanks, my experience exactly, the nature of the format makes it difficult to execute on everything.
Thanks Matt, great video!
@@LYSYSTUDIOS Thank you!
Do you pre-shoot your film image with a digital SLR? I do this to make sure light and angle is right. Then start with the analog device.
I have in the past and it is very helpfull!
What’s your verdict on that 90 degree Linhof mirror? Do you lose a lot of light composing with it? I must say, I’m sold on the hassy chimney viewer.
I love the viewer but it has two major downfalls... Unusable with my 90mm - its a 5.6 but it is something with the angle you just can not see. With my 150 and 210 it works really well and would probabally use it all the time except... Its bulkt to pack so I usually dont if I'm hiking. It breaks apart but still takes up a lot of space.
Thanks for the chimney idea on the Hasselblad... gonna look into that. How would you (or can you ) compare it to a prism for it. I am at the point where I need readers now but am refusing 😂
@@DistphotoI definitely prefer the chimney to the prism and the standard folding viewer. It’s purer and I feel more dialled in. My prism was the early version, mind - not the more expensive newer one. Definitely worth looking back into, as they can be picked up cheap.
@ will do 🫡 Thanks!
As a medium format user, I have a question: depth of field must be even trickier than with medium format so how do you handle that? What is your focal length, ISO, shutter speed and aperture? What is your idea of a good balance between "enough light" and "headache with focusing/ddepth of field and motion blur" ?
@@doctorstrobe depth of field can indeed be tight.
I like to keep shutter speed at 125th ina situation like this though the fact that nothing is moving 60th would be possible. 30th and she needs to not breath 😂.
Shot these at F8 125th at iso 400 on HP5 with incident metered for her face.
F8 on 4x5 is still very shallow but manageable especially for the distance I was shooting at with a 150 and 210 mm lens.
one rule I have, I do landscapes and buildings mostly, I always take a filter kit with me, so if the light (sky in your case) gets too hot, and glary, its an instant dump of light, esp. as these leaf shutters are 1/500 max speed, and also to control reflections, most common to wide angle lenses, as this extreme angle flares inside the lens, something a simple polariser or ND can 'nip in the butt' quick.
Great tip, thanks!
I've started 4x5 in july and shot more than a 100 sheets since then, 90% were portraits. Somehow I find large format portraits much easier to do than 35mm or 120. Maybe it's the way I explain it to the people I shoot cause I make sure they understand that, figuratively, at some point of the process, I surrender to them -i.e. I won't see anything once the film holder is in place. They are more involved and connected. Even the relative slow pace work in your favor. And the fact that most people have never been shot with something as cool looking as a Speed Graphic is a bonus too - they always react positively to its sight. And when I show them before how it renders they are usually sold. Whenever I'm using any other kind of camera, film or not, I'm just another photographer to them. It's not the same level of feeling and involvement for both of us with large format. That's why I find it more rewarding, slightly easier but a hell lot more expensive. Unless you only shoot Foma 100 which is weirdly, 30% cheaper in large format. And great too especially developed with Bellini Eco or what it is supposed to copy : Xtol.
That is so cool... Thanks for that point of view and you have some graet points. I think a lot of my troubles come from being so used to a smaller camera for portraits... Just a comfort level I am used to.
When I put the film holder I am literally terrified that I can not see or control what is going on 😂
I love that you embrace this way of working!!! Fomapan 100 is a beautifull film for this if you have the light!
Glad you are getting on with large format.
I see large format a lot like a director who is film a scene. You have to block the scene, during that time you explain what you want and give them clear instructions and motives.
Like you I suit larger format. Takes some time getting used to the process (I’m still making silly mistakes)
On foma 100 you are right here in the uk a 50 sheet box is around £40. I burnt a loud of sheets trying to figure out the film. I rate it at ei50 and develop in rodinal 1+100 @ 10:30 mins (-20 time due to pulling). Still haven’t found the perfect developer.
How long does belli eco last for?
@@Distphotolol i know the feeling when you focus and are happy then the evil thought of “has they moved pops up” 😂.
@ It’s the worst… the second guessing.
@ I have not used it… I would stick with Rodinal or Might use Hc110 / d76 for portraits with the Fomapan 100
I didn't know it was possible to put a prism on a large format. What exactly are these?
@@doctorstrobe This one is made for the Linhof camera and came with mine. Sure there are others available 👍. Does not work with wider lenses though
Ps, Never shoot a 'backup shot'. A backup equals a compromise which equals self doubt. Be bold and be confident with your creative choice. Never fall back on compromise aka a backup.
HAve you ever watched 'The September Issue'? If not, watch the scene where Anna asks her staff where the rest of the images are from Testino (it was for the cover shoot) - instead they replied, 'that's all he supplied' - meaning he didn't shoot any backup shots moreover the client got what they got. I digress...peace.
Holy shit, the level of detail on a small cropped part of the image at 2:13 is just insane
@@doctorstrobe it is impressive to look at in a scan or the light table.
one more tip, Models come in two flavours, standard, aka 135 types, and LARGE FORMAT models, aka they are trained how to model with these slower cameras, even MF, so not to move when the shutter 'clicks' (opening it with the focus lever, for eg), they wait till you count them in, aka shoot on 3, and don't "stand easy" until asked to, so keep this in mind.
they expect the long process, as they are used to it.
Makes sense... Ive heard that before I think The Large format type are fewer and far between in my experience.
i shoot fashion / portraiture for magazines on film and one of the best things i use (besides the wife as art director) is a mood board or deck. I mainly shoot brands and editorials but when i do portraits for actors etc i still use the decks. I have poses, styling, hair make up, locations, mood, film stills etc. Keeps me on a rough track and helps the modesl know wtf I am trying to do.
Awesome advice, I do create mood boards with most clients. Really helps dial in exacty what the vision is and gets better results.
E. Weston did most his portraits with 4x5 graflex
I did not know that. Thanks!
Beautiful camera! Good practical advice I intend to put to use soon. Your site on this is one of the best photography channels available to aficionados like myself. Thanks
Thank you, that means a lot!
I hate to say this but your models look on her face shows she was not digging the process ..
@@Jennifer_Prentice Yeah standing still in front of camera was not her favorite I’m sure. I agree with you.
Starts out with telling us he doesn't know what he's doing behind the camera
No pretty sure I said don't make the mistakes I made...