The Simple Beauty of Black & White Film Photography
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- I recently went out to eastern Washington to spend a day shooting only black & white film with a red filter. I ran into a wide variety of weather conditions to put some different film stocks through their paces. I shot some Ilford HP5, Cinestill BwXX, and Ilford XP2. All with my trusty Pentax 67ii. I really like utilizing color with my landscape photography, so sacrificing that element has always been something I struggle with, but I wanted to challenge myself to do so on this trip to Wapiti & Toppenish.
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I began photography 30-odd years ago shooting color negative film, the occasional roll of slide film. I never really bonded with it, though, and it wasn't until I began using black and white that I really fell in love with photography. Color doesn't excite me the way black and white does. To me, color is a glance at the subject. Black and white is an examination, a journey into what's really there instead of just what it looks like. Color photographs don't hold my attention the way black and white grabs me.
Love this, Michael. Thank you for sharing your experience with b&w! Cheers.
You so perfectly worded my feeling towards colour vs black and white photography, @michaelsherck5099. Beautifully worded. Great video too @BraeHunziker
I’m currently on my couch hungover and this is just what I needed. Thanks, pal. Can’t wait to see what you make from the adventure in Ouray.
Sounds like you need a little hair of the dog bud!
I've been shooting my whole life. I started back in JR High with a film camera.
Black and white is a different language. Color images tell a story, black and white images express emotions.
I enjoyed your video, thanks for posting it.
i laud you for your impeccable music choices!
haha thank you!
It was absolutely thrilling to watch this, these black and white pictures were fantastic, atmospheric, impactful and meaningful to experience, because sometimes color makes me think "this is nice" and this immidiate reaction blocks me from experiencing the given picture on deeper levels, so i definitely would be excited to see more black and white content from you
Thanks for this, Leo! I definitely agree.
That photo at 9:31...so much texture....very nice.
Thank you!
The black and white photos you took looks good!!
Thank you!
im interested in seeing black and white because thats mainly what i shoot. I stick with B&W film since I eventually want to print my photos and thought it would be more simple. B&W or colour, I just enjoy watching your style of video, documenting your drives, hikes, and bar hopping. i think its unique compared to other channels and why i look forward to seeing your videos
Love it. Definitely would like to start printing some b&w work.
And thank you for the kind words, really appreciate it!
Great location. Great BW photographs. Great music. Couldn't ask for more, Brae. I love it.
Thank you, Ron! Hope all is well :)
My most active period in photography was in the 70s and 80s usung mostly 35mm chromes much of it in Leavenworth, Palouse, and White Pass.
Now as I anticipate getting back into photography I am planning to focus on medium format B&W.
Beautiful areas! Enjoy taking some medium format photos!
I started with black and white 40 years ago and it is still what I love to shoot. Majority of my photography books are b&w.
You did a great job! Loved the photos and the video.
When I am east of Ellensburg for a little while I find it so weird to come down 90 on the west side of the pass. The open arid landscape seems so incongruous in so short of a distance.
Great work Brae.
I’d definitely like to start shooting it more consistently! And I agree! It’s an interesting area of the state!
As always Brae nice job, looking forward to your video with Logan and Bryan, heard you guys met up with Logan, should be a good one.
Thanks dude! That's gonna be a fun one!
Loved the video's vibe man! You took some cool BW photos there, and I liked that you kept the film border on some shots.
From a viewing perspective, it was as interesting as when you share you colour shots, really like what you did with this experiment.
As for me, I love shooting colour but sometimes I'll load some BW film and get some good surprises :)
Thanks dude! Definitely gonna resort to color most of the time but like throwing some b&w in every once in a while. Liked using the red filter a lot as well
@@BraeHunziker Oh yes, I should really try a filter too, the results seem really good!
as always, great vibe and great photos, i think bw was a good choice for this day and the red filter really gave some extra charm
Thanks dude!
Great video and story telling. Just found your channel. Looking forward to seeing more. Since you asked, yes I do prefer B&W.
great video brae, I'm actually travelling from southern Alberta to Seattle in a week. Jus t looking for some good places to shoot?! I'm exited to document my travels.
Right on! Enjoy the trip! If you can get out to Mt. Rainier National Park, Ruby Beach, or Leavenworth. Those are all really cool places.
excellent work
Thanks!
Lovely video Brae...there's something timeless about Black & white photography. Did you develop and scan by yourself?
Thank you! And agreed. These were developed by Speedy ePhoto and I scanned them at home with negative lab pro
Great video and wonderful shots. I love black and white photography as both a view and a shooter. There is plenty of incredible color photography, but color can sometimes be distracting. I love both of course, but black and white has always felt like it has more depth. Without the color, you have to be a more imaginative viewer. It's really special.
Well said and I agree! Thanks for the comment.
I personally like black and white photography more. It seems to have a bigger impact for me.
Hard to beat a well executed b&w image
BW involves me more into the process - shooting, developing, enlarging. Maybe it's what makes it feel more personal. Subject, light, composition, are put more to the test in BW. I like it!
Definitely makes sense. Enjoy the process!
Along with your film photography, your videography is better and better every time (BMCC 6K Pro gang).
Thank you dude! Absolutely love the 6k 👌🏻
Fomapan 400 and Ilford fp4 are the best bnw films and i shall die on this hill!
I love Fomapan
I think there will always be a place for black & white photography. With colour photography you can make it just all about the colours in an image without necessarily having to pay as much attention to the subject matter. 7:44 This is a good example where using colour alters the whole perception of the image, the red fence set against the white house really pops in the scene whereas in the black & white image it is the patterns, direction of light & shadow makes the house pop. With black & white photography you really have to think about light, shadows & texture in your composition otherwise you risk making a "boring" image.
Really well said and I believe that to be true. Thanks for sharing this!
I’m disappointed…Summit Inn is holding back!!! Loved the B/W a lot!
Haha right!? And thank you!
That’s the largest American flag in Washington State. It was purchased by an Indian family who immigrated here in the 90s. They fly it to show their appreciation to the USA.
Thanks for sharing this. Very cool.
@@BraeHunziker of course. I love your videos. They are great for my metal health, and inspire me to take more pictures.
EEE-spirit? lol. It’s pronounced ess-SPREE, with the accent on the second syllable. But I think you knew that already. Love the photographs.
Yeah I'm a dumb American. This was actually the first time I'd ever seen this car and didn't get a proper look at what it was called. My mistake.
Nice video except for the unnecessary music
Thanks
I love black and white but then I’m 71 and so many of the photos I remember from both famous photographers and those my mom took were B/W. My first rolls of film were B/W. I like the emphasis on form, shapes and texture that B/W has. Color is always about the color and many times the shapes and texture get lost
Definitely makes sense. Thanks for sharing, Sophie!
I love b&w film photography because it comes back to the foundations of photography. Capturing light and contrast and without color just like in the first few decades of photography. I think it’s so interesting how b&w photography can both feel nostalgic and timeless, can be both limiting and limitless all at the same time.
Nice work. That car is a Lotus Esprit (Es-Pree). I used to work on them.
Thank you! And yeah I have since learned that I butchered the name of the vehicle 😅 lovely car nonetheless
@@BraeHunziker lol. Great work by the way. Love your videos. I'm just east of you near Calgary Canada. Keep up the great work.
4:19 that is what happens when a twin check, sticker used by labs to identify your roll and match it to your order, it’s placed on a frame and developed.
If the roll was not aligned correctly when loaded or of the camera is leaving big gaps between frames then the last frames uses up that gap that should be blank. Due to te nature of film a lab can’t do much about it if developing multiple customers in the same tank/batch unless you only develop one clients order on that run.
Great video by the way, still able to create great images on black and white film.
Yes, the B&W look great, Love the contrast. Some fine shots
I'm mostly an urban street photographer so B&W is in my mix in a big way, saying that I think color photography is meant to show vibrant & dramatic colors. Stumbled on your channel & like what I saw because you don't have B.S. in your videos, like talking about your workout routine an non photography stuff. You keep it real & I'll keep watching! be safe & peaceful 👍
Well thank you sir! Cheers
I only shoot b&w so I love seeing a vid like this from you
Heck yeah glad you enjoyed
I always shoot with a filter when I do black and white, makes it much easier to "think" in black and white. Without all the colours I can just focus on the composition. I often have that same experience, looking at something and think it's not worth shooting, then I look through the camera and wow!
This is the feeling I got when shooting I believe. Really helped me look at just the composition. Looking forward to trying it more.
B&W in harsh light is just great! the contrast between highlights and shadows is amazing, love it!
Agreed. Love that punchy look when shooting b&w!
Opening music…👊🏽
👊🏻⚡️
I can recommend Cinestill BWxx, Ilford Delta 400 and Kodak T-Max p3200 - I really enjoyed them in particular
I am very interested in seeing more b&w content from you. I also don't shoot b&w very much; one because i love color, and two because i find it challenging to find subjects that can be compelling in b&w. for myself i use color as an "easy" way to capture the feeling in a moment rather than the moment itself speaking through the photo. ive been trying to flex my creativity by slowing introducing b&w into my shooting but its been hard. so id love to see you, whose work i admire, dive into your process for taking b&w photos.
Well thank you very much for the kind words. I definitely plan on integrating it more into my photography, especially since it can be quite a bit more affordable than color these days. Cheers!
I've never shot with a red filter - but it seems to really enhance the cloud cover in the skies. Very impressive.
i'm even vlogging in black and white i love it so much! There's an arguement that you should shoot color because we see in color but that doesn't make sense to me.....and i think it's pronounced "espree"..kinda euro/french like...might be wrong on that tho
Ooh nice. It's definitely nice to add to the mix!
theres a creator here on youtube named AOWS that is a MASTER of black and white photography, if youre really interested in black and white for the future i HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend his channel. like im incapable of singing his praises enough when it comes to the medium.
Sweet. I'll take a look, thanks man!
That last section with the HP5, on top of the incredible footage? You kiddin me? Need a print of 9:45
Thank you brotha ❤️
Love this video. I repaired my releasing cable the same way 😂. How do you scan your negative with the frame of the film? Flat scaners? Digital camera?
Thanks haha yeah good ol duct tape job always works! And I used my Negative Supply scanning kit with a Sony a7iv
B&W is the heart and soul of analog photography.
🖤
I think that expired XP2 super 400 is what we gifted you last year! Ha.
Good times as always. Nice to see you shoot BnW 🍻
Haha indeed it is! Thanks fellas ❤️
I've become more and more of a B&W guy. So yeah, enjoyed this - nice work. I just love the simplicity, and focus on the subject and light. Cleaner and seems a nod to simpler times. Keep it up!
Agreed! Thank you for the kind feedback. Cheers.
I spent a year in the PNW and drove past that giant flag so many times and never thought to look in the antique mall, dang!
Haha it’s a gem!
Great video Brae! I have been in your area, from Spokane to Seattle, love the landscapes! I have both 35mm & 120 B&W and I shoot them all the time. I just shot a roll of 35mm FOMAPAN ACTION 400 @ 320 in downtown High Point, NC yesterday in the drizzle. Turned out well last night after I developed it, now I am in the editing stage. Looking forward to seeing more from ya Dude, CHEERS!
Nice!! Thanks for taking the time to watch. Cheers!
B&W Is where its AT! Nice going here. I love HP5 ALL DAY!
Thank you! Can’t go wrong with hp5!
Love black and white. My first roll of film was ILFORD XP2 SUPER. When I got my first roll developed it was a level of joy I am still trying to get haha.
Haha love it. It's something special that's for sure!
I have a very stupid question so pardon my ignorance but, what's the appeal of using black and white film if when you edit your photos say from a color film you can just edited them into b&w? I'm just getting started into analog photography and trying to learn :)
People will give different answers to this question. I'm not really a b&w shooter so I'm probably not the best person to ask. Check out Bryan Birks channel and leave him a comment asking the same thing, he'll probably give a better answer.
I'd say that it makes you look at things slightly differently, knowing that you won't have color to rely on as an engaging element to your photo. Therefore, it changes the way you actually shoot photos and what you shoot. It's a nice challenge and change of pace as well. Again, you'll probably find a more insightful answer asking someone who primarily shoots b&w haha 😅
Man I recognized that fruit place instantly. Been through there a million times in a semi truck. Got snowed in on Snoqulamie for like 3 days at a rest area a few years ago. Hauled a lot of apples out of WA. Don’t go there anymore, doesn’t pay enough. But still pretty.
Oh nice haha! Thanks for watching the vid. Cheers!
Your style suits both colour and b&w. These shots have a more classic mood. Black and white makes me look harder at the image. The gratification is not so instant as it is with colour. Once I clear out my current colour stock I’m going to shoot B&W exclusively for 1 year.
Love that idea. Thanks for watching, Brett!
i am probably sitting on the same bench as you do.. color is what i shoot most, but lately i shot some bw rolls and i'm starting to like it more and more. for example, got super gloomy shots from last xmas, while i was visiting my hometown. wouldn't be better on color!
Yeah when you shoot the right subject or environment on b&w, it's hard to beat!
Nothing beats driving around taking photos. Enjoy your vids
Agreed! Thank you!
I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the images you got back. I really liked the first sunset photo. Also, kudos to you on replying to everyone!
I’m pretty content with them overall! As far as my black and white photography, they’re probably some of my favorites. Still a lot to learn though. Appreciate you taking the time to watch!
Miss my 2nd home so much! , WA is beautiful place to live and one day I'm going back and will shoot lots of film n digital😌
Love this place! It's quite photogenic haha
this video hit close to home, as i moved out of the country and the nature and landscape is much more different, i assume the washington state is somewhat similar to what i am used to :) fantastic video and photos, it was like watching a very good movie :D
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed!
Great video! great photos! I'm a big fan of B&W photography and almost shoot it exclusively. For those that want to jump into it a little more, I suggest trying either yellow, orange or red filters (as you have done here). They will enhance your results big time. Keep the B&W videos coming. Cheers.
Yeah I’m surprised it took me this long to throw a filter on. Was really happy with the results and am keen to try some of the other colors.
i think you compose in color better (for now) because its what you see. nice work regardless.
Thanks for the feedback!
Do you use your Sony or BM camera for the video portions? The color grading is also particularly great.
Pretty much all my videos for the past 1.5 years were shot on the BM except for hiking/backpacking videos.
@@BraeHunziker Thanks! Looks excellent.
using it more and more because slide film is $42 a roll!!!!
haha yeah I feel that
Interesting to see another's perspective of those towns as some native to that area! Good video!
Thanks, Miguel!
Good music, man!!! 👍
Thanks! Cheers.
great video, love your b&w work as well!
Thanks dude 👊🏼
It’s pronounced ‘Esspree,’ (Esprit.). 👍
Haha yeah I have since learned of my ignorant American error. I thought the text on the car read espirit. My mistake.
@@BraeHunzikerGood vid though. 👍
Just like you, I feel B&W to be limiting, but at the same time it's something I keep telling myself to do more, and film has been the right tool for me to do it, at least a bit. The thing with black and white is that, when it's shot right, you still get the feeling for what color things were. I remember watching Psycho at the cinema and halfway though it I realized it didn't feel like b&w anymore and it was just as vibrant as if it was in colors. Same with some pictures, I occasionally restore old pictures and in some I see the colors straight away. Odd, isn't it?
As for your question, I feel like you style and work shines the most in color, but the occasional video dedicated to b&w would be interesting. Maybe some portraits, next time?
Interesting! Thanks for sharing this take and your experience. I think I'm more comfortable shooting b&w for portraits than I am for landscapes, but it's always a fun challenge bringing the b&w film out for a day.
watching a new brae hunziker video while eating a banana with peanut butter is a great start to my sunday
Let’s go ⚡️
great video Brae, to your question at the end: I think it really depends on the subject and composition. I love black and white, and especially for landscapes. I think that is probably because of the subject and compositions that I tend to gravitate toward for my landscape work which is more focused on shapes and textures (lots of rocks?). I think a lot of these photos were really enjoyable to look at, but I did find myself wishing I saw the Lotus image in color for some reason. It sometimes felt like a color photographer taking black and white pictures if that makes sense. not a criticism - I think adding limitations to one's photographic practice is a vital part of growing as a photographer and I enjoy watching that in your videos.
Thank you for this comment, Ryan! I always seem to get that fomo when loading a b&w photo. Just part of the process I suppose. Definitely intrigued to shoot it more, but it’s always hard for me wondering what it would have looked like in color. The joys of analog! Lol
Hell yeah. Just got myself a medium format camera yesterday. I think I might just shoot B&W the first few rolls! Nice video, Brae!
Quick question: how do you meter?
Let's go! Enjoy! I just used the built in meter on my pentax but there's an app called MyLightMeter Pro that's really good.
Maybe since some of these scenes don’t have a lot of color to begin with, like the Lotus Esprit covered in snow to name one, your focusing on maximizing the contrast in the composition with B&W and the red filter created a really striking image for me. Another case is if a scene has too much color, I think you can end up with that “post card” look that’s almost fake, and I think high-contrast B&W works well in that situation too. I like color photography best when it has a sort of acrylic painting look, with pastel colors and a bit of softness; also to give dawn, dusk, and night photography a bit of the Edwin Hopper vibe. That’s all just my taste, but this topic was fun and I’d enjoy more for sure.
Definitely agree! Thanks, Bob. Going to try to implement b&w into my landscape work. I especially like it for portraits. Going to be shooting b&w in the middle of the day during the harsh light I believe. Cheers!
Beautiful shots. Really liked that menu board photo. And yes, definitely try a few more B&W episodes; I think your learning process will be stimulating.
Thank you!
I really could care less what film is used, color or b&w. I more care about the subject and the actual photos themselves. B&W is very interesting and it is nice to see some good shots. Great work!
Well said, thanks for the comment!
Recently returned from Israel. Converted some portraits to B/W...preferred the simplicity. Go for it!
Love it!! Hope you had a great trip. Gary.
I also mostly shoot color but time to time I am just eager to shoot b&w. Then I load my camera and go to somewhere very crowded and try somewhat street photography(which also I don't usually do). They both don't work for me by its own works really well when combined
Oh interesting! Love this idea
It was rad to watch the black and white photo journey today! It seems like you enjoyed it and created a different way of seeing for you keep it up would love to see more black and white included on the channel.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed :)
Great shots!
Thank you!
Most entertaining and informative. As always.
Thank you dude ❤️