I'm so happy I found your channel. As a young girl who photographs film, it's really nice to see a woman in the film photography UA-cam community!! I love this project and I'm so excited to watch how it progresses over the next year.
great video, also one thing to aid in what film you choose, is the fact of these past two years, (covid), with B&W whether the film shop is open, or NOT, it doesn't matter, a home darkroom is a reletively easy proposition, if just developing and scanning; the tolerance of temperature is more with B&W, less layers, hence steps and chemistry to store, buy, etc. so a much easier process. and love the channel name, no need for a 'rain check' , just a graincheck!
I grew up as a photographer shooting B&W for quite a few years. Tri-X was my canvas. I'll be following along and can't wait to see your journey. One thing to consider is not to think of B&W as a limitation but to see the world in a totaly new way.
I'm not old but when I started photography I started analog. It seemed obvious to me to shoot B&W, learn developing and printing so I have a deep understanding of how it all works. While it never occurred to me as a limitation, it did change my view on a lot of things when color was taken out of the equation. It can even be liberatibg to not have to think about color and simply capture the moment.
Exactly. I love the tonality and the quality of light that comes with black and white photography. I’ve been away from shooting film for a while, but getting back into it. I used to love Tri-X too, yet it has now become prohibitively expensive. I’m thinking to switch to HP5+ which is pretty nice.
With winter coming and the colors from the world fading, this just inspired me to try black and white film 😌🙏 this was beautifully shot and I love the story. Excited to see how the project comes along!
When you said you can’t rely on the pretty tones of a sunset to make the picture good, that hit home! You’ve inspired me to grab some b&w film and I can’t wait to follow along ❤️
Nice commentary on black and white film. I also like black and white IR images. So much fun to revisit many of my favorite spots in the Portland area through the lens of your camera.
Love love love this and now I want to shoot more black and white! I have to admit that although we're talking about black and white, your color grading and the scenes you captured were awe-inspiring. Good luck and I can't wait to see the results!
I love shooting B&W for so many reasons, but not all are for aesthetic purposes. for me it's actually significantly cheaper and faster to shoot B&W. I develop it at home in my bathroom so I can have the images same day if I really wanted to (and after just a couple of rolls the equipment and chemicals pay for themselves)
As an older guy, I grew up with B&W photography - I’ve recently been going back to it - mostly looking for art and simplicity. I set myself a challenge to photograph a Buddhist Monastery in B&W - here it is all about colour and I found it hard, very hard. A Chinese Festival would probably be the same. I applaud what you’re doing, if you really want to test yourself, I’d love to see how you go with a Chinese Festival or similar.
Thank you for making this video. It reminds me that when the muse calls, you need to follow. I've just invested in a half-frame film camera and resurrected my father's rangefinder with the view of shooting my own personal projects. Post COVID, I've struggled to find inspiration but I think sometimes you just need to show up and engage with the process. Looking forward to what you produce over the next year.
I too love B/W, but I'm into the journalistic look, so I generally reach for TriX. And how are you so amazing at photography‽ The production of this episode was off the charts too. If I were a TV station, your channel would definitely be a TV show. Keep killin it!
Loved this video and really glad I found your channel! Do you think you'll try messing around with any of the near-infrared B&W films in your journey (like ilford SFX or Rollei IR)? They render skies and vegetation in such a cool way, could make for some interesting photos with a slightly different look!
I shot exactly two rolls of B&W the first 6 years of shooting film. In the last year it just clicked for me and now it's about half and half. Excited for these videos!
also, the ending feels quite appropriate. limitation is grounds for growth. I think of film in many ways as guidelines in which you have to work inside. It acts as sort of a parameter in which you must work. I think this is great for growth, as without restraints, it can be quite overwhelming to try and create something when you have so many ideas or possibilities. By narrowing something down to film or black and white, you are able to limit your distractions and focus on improving in one very specific way, or growing a different skillset to be able to continue to make meaningful work in said parameters.
You just keep on being one of the most inspiring photographers to me. Even made me consider ditching colour film for some time myself. I think what you said about it being timeless and yet intriguing really sticks to me
"A black and white image has a very special way of showing you who the photographer is" This really hit me. I mainly shoot sports so always in color but I really appreciate your approach.
I don't think I've ever cried watching a film photography youtube channel before, but, well, this video did it. Beautiful thoughts and even more beautiful images.
Can't wait to see this body of work and how your photos evolve! I always find limitations (color, camera, lens, location, etc.) to be a positive and make things feel so much more cohesive.
I love shooting in b&w and you know what Im going to join you for this challenge! Black and white photos just have a way of communicating like nothing else and that’s why I love them so so much
I love photography and I love the way we have access to so many images. I'm always drawn to desaturated images (and that is the style I tend to create) but I can definitely appreciate the monochrome as well. There are some spectacular images in this video. I am new to your channel (and subscribed!) and cannot wait to see where the next year leads you.
"Doing this not because it's easy, but the complete opposite" Really loved that. It's going to be hard not to shot all the color you come across I imagine.
Instant convert here. Nice to see someone embracing film, and I have to applaud your discipline of committing to monochrome for a long interval. I am new to your channel-just subscribed, on the strength of this video alone: delightful! It’s interesting to reflect on the fact that I default to color, even though black and white images are so captivating, having so many appealing qualities, as you’ve described. Lacking access to film equipment at the moment, maybe I will cheat this exercise by shooting raw plus b&w film simulation jpegs on fujifilm x-t1 and/or x-t20.
Good luck on your bnw journey! Tbh from the tone of your voice it looks like you will be okay. Maybe not at first... But you will find what you are searching for!
So happy I stumbled upon your channel! Love this video ❤ and I love your b/w images! But maybe more than that, I love the video! May I ask what you used to shoot and edit (color grade)? The tones are gorgeous!!
so so so well done! i love love the intro and the way you shot it. the vo with the rolling images and videos keep the flow going and it kinda feels like we're having a conversation and i just asked you why you like B&W. also the images themselves are so well composed; lighting and all. i definitely lean towards B&W and maybe starting today ill start a whole year along with you in this commitment. so awesome and keep it going! :)
Now, I see your point, and I think it's great but; counter argument: Velvia 50 I got my first roll of black and white developed recently actually. Shot one at the beginning of this year and only just got it developed, and I think there's something to it, that's for sure. Forgot I took some of those pictures, it was nice seeing them again. But at the same time, I look forward to my slides I've got coming back from the lab. Hopefully my next roll I can take some better pictures lol
That’s awesome!!! I was just thinking I was going to learn how to get better with B&W and I just watched your video. Can’t wait to follow your journey.
I went black and white more than 10 yrs ago and haven't looked back, not shooting much film though, here's hoping your still photographing in 10 and some years
Sad to say with the rising costs of color film, bnw it’s still the most affordable to stock up and shoot. I do love bnw as I can shoot, develop and print all on my own. That journey is a beautiful one to take. So I’m fine with bnw honestly
Consider taking community darkroom at PCC, registration is in a few weeks for winter term! Now that I'm making handmade prints, I've pretty much stopped shooting color and haven't regretted a minute of it
I'm gonna buy a stupid instax mini camera and do 365 days of those, because that's the only bit of the film world that I can afford right now. 😅 Great video, as always.
I absolutely love your commitment to solely black and white for an entire year.. I've been doing it myself for around 3 months now with only black and white squares on my Instagram, and it feels great 🙌🏻 B&W just feels different 🤷🏻♂️
Been debating on this for a while. I've been enjoying shooting BW on film and digital, would like to experiment on the few film stocks. I've also find interesting too that I have gravitated to printing my photos in BW and mounted those up on the wall. Can't wait to see this journey and hope to somewhat join you in some capacity.
Today I'm thankful for the fact that the algorithm presented this absolute gem to me. This is such a well crafted video, that just emits a cozy, relaxed and interesting vibe. Really glad that I'm now able to tag along for this year-long journey from the first video.
I took a photography class in high school. We "had to" use black and white film. I'm looking at a picture on the wall now that I took. Had it been color film, I probably would not have taken it... let alone framed it. Perhaps you subtract something but then add more.
"and even with all of this color around me, the film stocks I keep reaching for, are black and white" what a great expression you have made with your recital. I am fascinated by your decision of choosing to shoot only black and white for a whole year. This is truly a scary decision. Making only black and white pictures when you know that you have an option of making the same in color, is really a big, scary decision. You have all my best wishes. I hope you learn and grow in these coming 365 days of shooting only black and white. I'm so eager to see how that journey of yours turns out. Black and white pictures have always moved me in ways the colored one's haven't so I know what you're talking about, I know how you feel about them. I was mesmerized during this whole video where you talked about how some of the photographers you admire shot a lot in black and white and how black and white photographs brings you back to the basics of photography and that they're more about the memories and feelings. All the very best to you for this journey and for your photobook.
I’ve been shooting B&W for about 50 years now. These days I use Fuji digital cameras as the cost of shooting film is too high now (in more ways than one). Best of luck on your journey. I’ll be watching.
I’m actually on my 11th month of my year of b&w! I decided to give it a go after I heard you talk about this on the AnalogTalks podcast! It’s honestly been such a good experience and I agree with everything you said about the qualities of b&w! But damn I’m itching to shoot some colour this summer (I’m in the Southern Hemisphere) :)
I immediately thought of Sissi Liu (Under DVLP) and her month of shooting only B&W and what she learned about noticing contrast edges and textures. The holidays might be the hardest period, with all of the colors and lights. We all look forward to hearing what you are learning.
When color film is expensive... JK Taylor, this is something I tried years ago and then wanted to try again but even B&W film is expensive nowadays. However, I'll give a try again because I think it might be interesting as you mention here. Beautifully crafted video, I really like these shots. Best of luck for you! I already cannot wait for the book!!!
Ironically (or not?), your eye for colour is exceptional. For instance, that shot at 6:05 would be so flat and not even worth taking in monochrome. But as you've made clear, that's not the point of this project, and black and white offers so much on its own merits. This video is so enjoyable and well done. You are a fabulous filmmaker and really draw the viewer in. Nice old Subaru Outback, too!
I started my journey in photography in 1969 with a Nikonos II underwater camera I bought to document my high school SCUBA diving adventures. But I got hooked on freezing moments in time on film, sold the dive gear and bought a pair of Nikon F bodies, 35mm f/2, 85mm f/1.8 and a 1° Honeywell spot meter using Adams Zone system to simplify making prints. I later apprenticed with and assisted a top pro photographer / teacher and worked in the National Geographic photo labs where I did photo reproductions and maps for the NGS publications. Exposure-wise B&W negative film is the most forgiving medium. By adjusting negative development time it is possible to adjust negative density range to match the contrast of the scene. With the Adams Zone System you always printed on #2 contrast paper and as a starting baseline tested to find the negative development time which would produce a full range of detail on a #2 print in a sunny, cross-lit scene with meters ten stops between detailed highlights and shadows. You then repeated the same development time testing under lower contrast and higher contrast lighting, again with the goal of adjusting negative density range to match that of the #2 print which produced the most pleasing tonal transitions. Unfortunately the Zone System was only practical if using a sheet film camera, a Hasselblad with removable film backs, or shooting an entire roll of film of the same scene. I did the latter by buying my film in 100ft rolls and creating my own 10 frame film cassettes so I could use the Zone System with my Nikon 35mm cameras. The Kodak approach to processing and print making is to start with the same baseline of fitting a cross-lit sunny scene to #2 paper with the baseline negative development time which was then used for all negatives regardless of scene contrast. That resulted in thin negatives on overcast days and negative with too much highlight density in higher contrast lighting conditions like snow covered scene or at the beach. What the lab would do is read the range of the negative from lightest to darkest area then change the paper grade to fit the range of the negative. That required someone making prints to buy several grades of paper. Kodak then invented a “polycontrast” print paper which used magenta and yellow filtration to change the contrast range of the paper. After determining the density range of the negative the print maker would select the appropriate filter to fit paper range to the negative range. I switched to that method for my B&W using a color enlarging head to dial in the filtration based on the spot meter readings I made of the scene range. Nowadays many who shoot B&W film skip the chemical print making step and instead develop the film at a lab, which will use a baseline sunny day development. That results negatives which may not match the range of the sensors of the scanner. That’s not a problem with lower contrast scenes which can be adjusted with levels or curves in post processing but if a scene has high contrast lighting with an f/stop range that exceeds the scanner’s dynamic range detail will be lost in the scan if the film development time is not adjusted lower. I noticed from the description you are using a averaging meter. If you want to better understand tailoring scene range to final reproduction I’d suggest getting a 1° spot meter that will allow reading the brightest solid highlight and darkest object in shadows you desire detail in, making notes of the range in f/stops between the textured highlights and shadow. In that way when you see the results after processing and edit them digitally you’ll come to understand when the range of a scene will exceed that of the scanner being used to digitize the negatives.
@@graincheck are you having them developed or will you go down the deeeeep rabbit hole of testing different films and developers and doing it yourself? just for price I've stuck with fomapan and ilford fp4 but might feel like experimenting more over the year
Subscribed! Best of luck on your project. I fell in love with photography when I was 7 and had a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye. Black and White has been my preferred choice throughout my career and most of my favorite images were taken in B&W. We just returned from a trip to New Mexico and much of what I photographed with my Fuji X-E3 and H1 was in B&W. Long term projects can be a challenge. Don't be surprised if you hit some low spots. Just work through them. I like your choice of inspiration, I especially like you are a fan of Lartigue. BTW, Annie Leibovitz was a good friend of one of my instructors at Art Center and stopped by and spent an afternoon with my class when she was in LA for a shoot. On a technical note, did you shoot the video in f-log and grade in post? I like the look of the video and wondered if you used film sims in camera or LUTS in post. Best of luck!
Way to go Graincheck, as I tend to agree as I also love to shoot during overcast days with either rain or snow scenes. One camera and One lens. As for film 400 speed B/W either Kodak TX, and Ilford HP5+. As there was once a film that I love in which it is no longer made, it was Fuji Neopan 400 & 1600 as I soup it on a developer once called UFG, and it gave me the unique contrasty scenes and it is a developer that it is made to push process only, but I shot it straight box speed. Love the film, and developer. I wish you luck in getting your shots in a book, as I will be waiting for it to add it into my Photo book collection all 1500 of them... 😄😄😄😄🎞🎞📸📸
Great video, loved it. But i still do not get why people shoot B&W film and then send it out to get processed and scan the negatives. The whole art of B&W is processing the film yourself and then PRINTING the negatives. If you're just scanning the negs then shoot digital and save a ton of money and time and mess (yes film is messy if you're processing and printing). I shot a LOT of B&W film in the day, processed a lot of it and printed a lot of negatives (some even successfully) and film offers zero advantages over digital in producing B&W images. I'll go a step further and say digital B&W is miles better than film in almost every way. (I'm on the same roll of HP5 for almost two years now). Cue the "ok, boomer" comments.
I’ve been recently shooting with a Zeiss Ikonta from 1931 and all I could think of was “No way she’s shooting real film in this scene, that would get expensive real quick.” Then again, I only get 8 shot per roll.
I'm so happy I found your channel. As a young girl who photographs film, it's really nice to see a woman in the film photography UA-cam community!! I love this project and I'm so excited to watch how it progresses over the next year.
great video, also one thing to aid in what film you choose, is the fact of these past two years, (covid), with B&W whether the film shop is open, or NOT, it doesn't matter, a home darkroom is a reletively easy proposition, if just developing and scanning; the tolerance of temperature is more with B&W, less layers, hence steps and chemistry to store, buy, etc. so a much easier process. and love the channel name, no need for a 'rain check' , just a graincheck!
I grew up as a photographer shooting B&W for quite a few years. Tri-X was my canvas. I'll be following along and can't wait to see your journey. One thing to consider is not to think of B&W as a limitation but to see the world in a totaly new way.
Great advice. Thank you!
I'm not old but when I started photography I started analog.
It seemed obvious to me to shoot B&W, learn developing and printing so I have a deep understanding of how it all works.
While it never occurred to me as a limitation, it did change my view on a lot of things when color was taken out of the equation. It can even be liberatibg to not have to think about color and simply capture the moment.
Exactly. I love the tonality and the quality of light that comes with black and white photography. I’ve been away from shooting film for a while, but getting back into it. I used to love Tri-X too, yet it has now become prohibitively expensive. I’m thinking to switch to HP5+ which is pretty nice.
GOLD :-)
With winter coming and the colors from the world fading, this just inspired me to try black and white film 😌🙏 this was beautifully shot and I love the story. Excited to see how the project comes along!
When you said you can’t rely on the pretty tones of a sunset to make the picture good, that hit home! You’ve inspired me to grab some b&w film and I can’t wait to follow along ❤️
Right? What a sentiment. So glad you're shooting some b/w along with me!!
I shot and developed a roll of CineStill XX for the first time and fell in love with this film!
Nice commentary on black and white film. I also like black and white IR images. So much fun to revisit many of my favorite spots in the Portland area through the lens of your camera.
Love love love this and now I want to shoot more black and white! I have to admit that although we're talking about black and white, your color grading and the scenes you captured were awe-inspiring. Good luck and I can't wait to see the results!
I love shooting B&W for so many reasons, but not all are for aesthetic purposes. for me it's actually significantly cheaper and faster to shoot B&W. I develop it at home in my bathroom so I can have the images same day if I really wanted to (and after just a couple of rolls the equipment and chemicals pay for themselves)
As an older guy, I grew up with B&W photography - I’ve recently been going back to it - mostly looking for art and simplicity. I set myself a challenge to photograph a Buddhist Monastery in B&W - here it is all about colour and I found it hard, very hard. A Chinese Festival would probably be the same. I applaud what you’re doing, if you really want to test yourself, I’d love to see how you go with a Chinese Festival or similar.
This is an ode to black and white photography in your own way. I love it (:
(You get it.)
Thank you for making this video. It reminds me that when the muse calls, you need to follow. I've just invested in a half-frame film camera and resurrected my father's rangefinder with the view of shooting my own personal projects. Post COVID, I've struggled to find inspiration but I think sometimes you just need to show up and engage with the process. Looking forward to what you produce over the next year.
100% with your last sentence: “limitation can ultimately be the most creative liberating tool of all”
100% true!!!
I just got an electro 35 and watching all your videos for an inspiration. love your work
Incredible video, very inspirational. 👍
I too love B/W, but I'm into the journalistic look, so I generally reach for TriX.
And how are you so amazing at photography‽ The production of this episode was off the charts too. If I were a TV station, your channel would definitely be a TV show.
Keep killin it!
You have beautiful scenes and good shots. I'm also a photographer and I like the way you express yourself. I come from Asia - Vietnam
Loved this video and really glad I found your channel!
Do you think you'll try messing around with any of the near-infrared B&W films in your journey (like ilford SFX or Rollei IR)? They render skies and vegetation in such a cool way, could make for some interesting photos with a slightly different look!
I’m so excited to see what you do in the future with black and white. You’re work is amazing. This is really inspirational
I shot exactly two rolls of B&W the first 6 years of shooting film. In the last year it just clicked for me and now it's about half and half. Excited for these videos!
also, the ending feels quite appropriate. limitation is grounds for growth. I think of film in many ways as guidelines in which you have to work inside. It acts as sort of a parameter in which you must work. I think this is great for growth, as without restraints, it can be quite overwhelming to try and create something when you have so many ideas or possibilities. By narrowing something down to film or black and white, you are able to limit your distractions and focus on improving in one very specific way, or growing a different skillset to be able to continue to make meaningful work in said parameters.
Just......YES!
You just keep on being one of the most inspiring photographers to me. Even made me consider ditching colour film for some time myself. I think what you said about it being timeless and yet intriguing really sticks to me
This really hit me. Thank you so much for the kind words.
Oh my goodness This is so beautiful ❤
Love this. Best of luck and enjoy the journey 🥲
"A black and white image has a very special way of showing you who the photographer is"
This really hit me.
I mainly shoot sports so always in color but I really appreciate your approach.
Excellent video! I enjoyed this a lot. Can’t wait for some more black and white content!
I don't think I've ever cried watching a film photography youtube channel before, but, well, this video did it. Beautiful thoughts and even more beautiful images.
Omg 😭😭😭
Can't wait to see this body of work and how your photos evolve! I always find limitations (color, camera, lens, location, etc.) to be a positive and make things feel so much more cohesive.
I love shooting in b&w and you know what
Im going to join you for this challenge!
Black and white photos just have a way of communicating like nothing else and that’s why I love them so so much
NOOOOO WAAYYYYY!!! This is incredible 😭
@@graincheck thanks 😭
I love photography and I love the way we have access to so many images. I'm always drawn to desaturated images (and that is the style I tend to create) but I can definitely appreciate the monochrome as well. There are some spectacular images in this video. I am new to your channel (and subscribed!) and cannot wait to see where the next year leads you.
I love the images especially the baby photos! Not to mention the cinematography is just as great as well!
"Doing this not because it's easy, but the complete opposite" Really loved that. It's going to be hard not to shot all the color you come across I imagine.
Loved this video! Thank you!
beautiful production .
I always see a colorful scene and think (or say out loud),
“This will look great shot on B&W film.”
Very excited to follow along and see what comes out of your cameras!
Man the angles in this >>>, such a cool series idea Taylor, can't wait to see where ya take it 🙌🏼
Instant convert here. Nice to see someone embracing film, and I have to applaud your discipline of committing to monochrome for a long interval. I am new to your channel-just subscribed, on the strength of this video alone: delightful!
It’s interesting to reflect on the fact that I default to color, even though black and white images are so captivating, having so many appealing qualities, as you’ve described.
Lacking access to film equipment at the moment, maybe I will cheat this exercise by shooting raw plus b&w film simulation jpegs on fujifilm x-t1 and/or x-t20.
This was and is so well done! I’m excited to see where this goes! Thanks for including us on this exploration!
Wow.. I just found your videos for the first time... And just.. Wow! Words can't quite express.. Just... Wow!!!!!
🥹🥲😭
I'm super hype for you to start this project! But can I say the fits you were pulling through out this video INSANE lmao have fun!!
Looking forward to this series! I’m new to the film world. Tri-x is one of the first 13 different types of film that I will be testing out.
wow amazing work!! the visuals are so good, I love the direction of this channel
Let's gooo! Stoked about this ⬛⬜
Good luck on your bnw journey! Tbh from the tone of your voice it looks like you will be okay. Maybe not at first... But you will find what you are searching for!
So happy I stumbled upon your channel! Love this video ❤ and I love your b/w images! But maybe more than that, I love the video! May I ask what you used to shoot and edit (color grade)? The tones are gorgeous!!
so so so well done! i love love the intro and the way you shot it. the vo with the rolling images and videos keep the flow going and it kinda feels like we're having a conversation and i just asked you why you like B&W. also the images themselves are so well composed; lighting and all.
i definitely lean towards B&W and maybe starting today ill start a whole year along with you in this commitment. so awesome and keep it going! :)
Looking forward to it! 🖤🤍
Now, I see your point, and I think it's great but; counter argument: Velvia 50
I got my first roll of black and white developed recently actually. Shot one at the beginning of this year and only just got it developed, and I think there's something to it, that's for sure. Forgot I took some of those pictures, it was nice seeing them again.
But at the same time, I look forward to my slides I've got coming back from the lab. Hopefully my next roll I can take some better pictures lol
i love black and white.... not any black and white ...you are perfect in capturing black and white ...thanks for sharing
This video is absolutely beautiful and even made me a little emotional 😅 Agree with everything you said and can’t wait to follow along!
LETS GO TAYLOR ! looking forward to this journey
Looking forward to following this journey with you ...
What an inspiration! Bravo! Will definitely follow along.
That’s awesome!!! I was just thinking I was going to learn how to get better with B&W and I just watched your video. Can’t wait to follow your journey.
I'll follow along! Appreciated this presentation of yours, well done, well made, and well spoken. I know you will make awesome.
I went black and white more than 10 yrs ago and haven't looked back, not shooting much film though, here's hoping your still photographing in 10 and some years
Looking forward to seeing the results
Sad to say with the rising costs of color film, bnw it’s still the most affordable to stock up and shoot. I do love bnw as I can shoot, develop and print all on my own. That journey is a beautiful one to take. So I’m fine with bnw honestly
Lovely video! I hope to challenge myself by shooting more black and white as well :)
Consider taking community darkroom at PCC, registration is in a few weeks for winter term! Now that I'm making handmade prints, I've pretty much stopped shooting color and haven't regretted a minute of it
Holy shit, what a good idea. Thank you!!!
I'm gonna buy a stupid instax mini camera and do 365 days of those, because that's the only bit of the film world that I can afford right now. 😅
Great video, as always.
Amazing young Lady :-) AA IS Smiling very Loudly :-)
👏👏👏 following here from Brazil.
i really enjoyed this edit! 365 is a long time but i'm sure future you will thank present day you
100%
Good luck with your project, I will follow :)
I absolutely love your commitment to solely black and white for an entire year..
I've been doing it myself for around 3 months now with only black and white squares on my Instagram, and it feels great 🙌🏻
B&W just feels different 🤷🏻♂️
Been debating on this for a while. I've been enjoying shooting BW on film and digital, would like to experiment on the few film stocks. I've also find interesting too that I have gravitated to printing my photos in BW and mounted those up on the wall. Can't wait to see this journey and hope to somewhat join you in some capacity.
Pretty deep flex with the g2 and t3
Today I'm thankful for the fact that the algorithm presented this absolute gem to me. This is such a well crafted video, that just emits a cozy, relaxed and interesting vibe. Really glad that I'm now able to tag along for this year-long journey from the first video.
So glad you’re here ⚡️
Me too, subscribed immediately
its funny that I discover this video like one year after it released. thinking about doing the same challenge.
I love and prefer shooting in B&W. I find it frustrating how so many customers demand color.
So excited for your journey! I too have felt this pull to the BW side!
*this is your sign then*
Great video and project. Are you taking a shot everyday or shooting b&w for the year.
Not every day necessarily. Just any time I'm shooting film for personal work, it'll be black and white.
I feel opposite. Love Fuji E6 😊
looking forward to seeing this series unfold!
I took a photography class in high school. We "had to" use black and white film. I'm looking at a picture on the wall now that I took. Had it been color film, I probably would not have taken it... let alone framed it. Perhaps you subtract something but then add more.
"and even with all of this color around me, the film stocks I keep reaching for, are black and white" what a great expression you have made with your recital. I am fascinated by your decision of choosing to shoot only black and white for a whole year. This is truly a scary decision. Making only black and white pictures when you know that you have an option of making the same in color, is really a big, scary decision. You have all my best wishes. I hope you learn and grow in these coming 365 days of shooting only black and white. I'm so eager to see how that journey of yours turns out. Black and white pictures have always moved me in ways the colored one's haven't so I know what you're talking about, I know how you feel about them. I was mesmerized during this whole video where you talked about how some of the photographers you admire shot a lot in black and white and how black and white photographs brings you back to the basics of photography and that they're more about the memories and feelings. All the very best to you for this journey and for your photobook.
If you ever want to do an M6 v G2 video, hit me up ;)
shall we?!
@@graincheck taylor v. benj in 3 disciplines: portrait, street, family snapshots!
That was lovely! Can’t wait to see your journey.
I’ve been shooting B&W for about 50 years now. These days I use Fuji digital cameras as the cost of shooting film is too high now (in more ways than one). Best of luck on your journey. I’ll be watching.
I’m actually on my 11th month of my year of b&w! I decided to give it a go after I heard you talk about this on the AnalogTalks podcast! It’s honestly been such a good experience and I agree with everything you said about the qualities of b&w! But damn I’m itching to shoot some colour this summer (I’m in the Southern Hemisphere) :)
Holy crap!! You're basically a veteran, then. Can't wait to see what it's like.
Wow what a cinematic amazing short video, thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights. Liked to watch this one here a lot.
I want to do the same thing, but have the same fears… will the colorful landscapes become flat?
The visuals were on another level for this one! Beautiful and excited to see more!
I immediately thought of Sissi Liu (Under DVLP) and her month of shooting only B&W and what she learned about noticing contrast edges and textures. The holidays might be the hardest period, with all of the colors and lights. We all look forward to hearing what you are learning.
I shoot with a FUJI X-PRO 3 Now, and i love using the TRI-X Film recipe, BW to me is simply AMAZING ART! I have subbed. Looking forward to your work.
When color film is expensive...
JK Taylor, this is something I tried years ago and then wanted to try again but even B&W film is expensive nowadays. However, I'll give a try again because I think it might be interesting as you mention here. Beautifully crafted video, I really like these shots. Best of luck for you! I already cannot wait for the book!!!
Ironically (or not?), your eye for colour is exceptional. For instance, that shot at 6:05 would be so flat and not even worth taking in monochrome. But as you've made clear, that's not the point of this project, and black and white offers so much on its own merits.
This video is so enjoyable and well done. You are a fabulous filmmaker and really draw the viewer in. Nice old Subaru Outback, too!
I started my journey in photography in 1969 with a Nikonos II underwater camera I bought to document my high school SCUBA diving adventures. But I got hooked on freezing moments in time on film, sold the dive gear and bought a pair of Nikon F bodies, 35mm f/2, 85mm f/1.8 and a 1° Honeywell spot meter using Adams Zone system to simplify making prints. I later apprenticed with and assisted a top pro photographer / teacher and worked in the National Geographic photo labs where I did photo reproductions and maps for the NGS publications.
Exposure-wise B&W negative film is the most forgiving medium. By adjusting negative development time it is possible to adjust negative density range to match the contrast of the scene. With the Adams Zone System you always printed on #2 contrast paper and as a starting baseline tested to find the negative development time which would produce a full range of detail on a #2 print in a sunny, cross-lit scene with meters ten stops between detailed highlights and shadows. You then repeated the same development time testing under lower contrast and higher contrast lighting, again with the goal of adjusting negative density range to match that of the #2 print which produced the most pleasing tonal transitions.
Unfortunately the Zone System was only practical if using a sheet film camera, a Hasselblad with removable film backs, or shooting an entire roll of film of the same scene. I did the latter by buying my film in 100ft rolls and creating my own 10 frame film cassettes so I could use the Zone System with my Nikon 35mm cameras.
The Kodak approach to processing and print making is to start with the same baseline of fitting a cross-lit sunny scene to #2 paper with the baseline negative development time which was then used for all negatives regardless of scene contrast. That resulted in thin negatives on overcast days and negative with too much highlight density in higher contrast lighting conditions like snow covered scene or at the beach. What the lab would do is read the range of the negative from lightest to darkest area then change the paper grade to fit the range of the negative. That required someone making prints to buy several grades of paper.
Kodak then invented a “polycontrast” print paper which used magenta and yellow filtration to change the contrast range of the paper. After determining the density range of the negative the print maker would select the appropriate filter to fit paper range to the negative range. I switched to that method for my B&W using a color enlarging head to dial in the filtration based on the spot meter readings I made of the scene range.
Nowadays many who shoot B&W film skip the chemical print making step and instead develop the film at a lab, which will use a baseline sunny day development. That results negatives which may not match the range of the sensors of the scanner. That’s not a problem with lower contrast scenes which can be adjusted with levels or curves in post processing but if a scene has high contrast lighting with an f/stop range that exceeds the scanner’s dynamic range detail will be lost in the scan if the film development time is not adjusted lower.
I noticed from the description you are using a averaging meter. If you want to better understand tailoring scene range to final reproduction I’d suggest getting a 1° spot meter that will allow reading the brightest solid highlight and darkest object in shadows you desire detail in, making notes of the range in f/stops between the textured highlights and shadow. In that way when you see the results after processing and edit them digitally you’ll come to understand when the range of a scene will exceed that of the scanner being used to digitize the negatives.
ok, you got me. been battling the same conflicts. I'll try shoot only bw in my film cameras the next year.
let's freaking goooooo!
@@graincheck are you having them developed or will you go down the deeeeep rabbit hole of testing different films and developers and doing it yourself? just for price I've stuck with fomapan and ilford fp4 but might feel like experimenting more over the year
Ooohh, Contax G2 and T3.. i wish..
You are so good and take so good pictures. 😍
Please let me know when i can order your photo book.
I just love black and white so much. Digital and film and almost exclusively black and white for me. I prefer color with my SX70 though.
Please release an ASMR podcast!🎶
Haha! Think I could do it?
Subscribed! Best of luck on your project. I fell in love with photography when I was 7 and had a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye. Black and White has been my preferred choice throughout my career and most of my favorite images were taken in B&W. We just returned from a trip to New Mexico and much of what I photographed with my Fuji X-E3 and H1 was in B&W.
Long term projects can be a challenge. Don't be surprised if you hit some low spots. Just work through them. I like your choice of inspiration, I especially like you are a fan of Lartigue. BTW, Annie Leibovitz was a good friend of one of my instructors at Art Center and stopped by and spent an afternoon with my class when she was in LA for a shoot.
On a technical note, did you shoot the video in f-log and grade in post? I like the look of the video and wondered if you used film sims in camera or LUTS in post. Best of luck!
Way to go Graincheck, as I tend to agree as I also love to shoot during overcast days with either rain or snow scenes. One camera and One lens. As for film 400 speed B/W either Kodak TX, and Ilford HP5+. As there was once a film that I love in which it is no longer made, it was Fuji Neopan 400 & 1600 as I soup it on a developer once called UFG, and it gave me the unique contrasty scenes and it is a developer that it is made to push process only, but I shot it straight box speed. Love the film, and developer. I wish you luck in getting your shots in a book, as I will be waiting for it to add it into my Photo book collection all 1500 of them... 😄😄😄😄🎞🎞📸📸
Very exciting and very impressive. I look forward to following the journey.
Great video, loved it.
But i still do not get why people shoot B&W film and then send it out to get processed and scan the negatives. The whole art of B&W is processing the film yourself and then PRINTING the negatives. If you're just scanning the negs then shoot digital and save a ton of money and time and mess (yes film is messy if you're processing and printing). I shot a LOT of B&W film in the day, processed a lot of it and printed a lot of negatives (some even successfully) and film offers zero advantages over digital in producing B&W images. I'll go a step further and say digital B&W is miles better than film in almost every way. (I'm on the same roll of HP5 for almost two years now).
Cue the "ok, boomer" comments.
I’ve been recently shooting with a Zeiss Ikonta from 1931 and all I could think of was “No way she’s shooting real film in this scene, that would get expensive real quick.”
Then again, I only get 8 shot per roll.
My biggest hope for you is that you thrive