Thank you to Squarespace for sponsoring this video. Head over to and use code BRYANBIRKS to save 10% on your first purchase.
In this video I go over my problems with C41 film processing, take some portraits on Ektar 100, and explain the process of how I captured my favorite portrait ever. Enjoy.
Support the channel on Patreon :
view more of my work at :
prints at :
Comments
21 responses to “#41 | Taking My Favorite Portrait on Large Format Film”
I haven't stopped thinking about that Portrait with Diablo since I saw it on your IG haha, I went on an expedition with a mate today and shot some LF color for the first time (6 Sheets of the exact same frame to test a bunch of different expired stuff lol) and was telling him about your photograph on the drive.
We both agreed that it's a master level portrait, and the sort of image where you can instantly tell that the person who made it knows very much what they're doing, and has been through a lot of trials to reach that point.
Well done man, that pictures gonna live rent free in my head for eternity haha
Very well done and inspiring! I'm 60 and just getting back into film a bit! I shot nearly all 35mm back in the day. Now I'm playing with medium format. It great to see so many younger people getting into film! I'm blown away with the work I'm seeing done with large format and may very well give it a try sometime! I'd be happy to get results like you're getting sometime!
An incredible portrait on so many levels. Absolutely wonderful.
Amazing work, Bryan.
awesome video and what a powerfull portrait ( the guy and the dog)
Amazing to have put in all that time, effort and thought, to have raised your skills – and in that moment not to have screwed up one of the many elements that can lead to failure in LF, and to have captured this. You can justly look at this and think "yeah, it was all worth it". Every photographer needs for it all to come together like this at some point. Nothing is more motivating to keep going, and work at it further. Thanks for sharing both the portrait and what went into it.
Beautiful shoots!
aaw man this is so cool
Brian. I just saw your favourite photograph in the UK Guardian newspaper. Fantastic coverage. I am so pleased for you! Ian
These large format portraits are so gorgeous. the tonality, the focus falloff, the neutral colors… I understand why you use that equipment ;). Great photos / content!
You are an artist! great shot on Diablo and his human Friend!
I enjoyed that and have just subscribed. I've just been looking at large format pics 4×5 and came across your site. I thought it was funny the way you described how tricky it was trying to get everything in focus for that colour portrait and the dog just not playing ball. Then bam there it is. It's almost like greatness lives near the edge of disaster.
Congrats for the critics’ Choice 23 so far. Wish you good luck 🍀 for the 19th of April.
Great video. I have recently begun to shoot 4×5 and your videos is a great source of inspiration and knowledge. I like the even slower pace with large format compared to medium format. Looking forward to coming videos from you.
Dude hate to sound like a basic photo bro. BUT THAT PORTRAIT IS A BANGER! so much emotion and feeling in this photo. I adore it.
mate, leaking blix is a nightmare! i found a technique to prevent it in 95% cases. I put the lid in warm water first (my theory is it makes it a bit more flexible/rubbery), then i put it firmly on, lift the lid a little on one side and push the centre of the lid down (like you would try push out as much air as possible). Again my theory is that it acts like a membrane and seals much better. For some reason it happens only with blix. Great content btw
Very lovely pictures. absolutely beautiful. really enjoyed watching the video. was great fun and inspiration. keep up the great work mate.
Wow, this photograph has it all. Unbelievable!!!
Your portraits definitely tell a story 📷👍
incredible work!
what an amazing result! you should definetly be proud!