Blog | Mezzaninehttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/2024-03-29T09:22:35+00:00BlogAshten and Frank's Aiken SC Wedding Story in Black and White2020-09-25T11:27:58+00:002024-03-28T18:18:56+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/ashten-and-franks-aiken-sc-wedding-story-in-black-and-white/<h2>A Preview of Ashten and Frank's Aiken SC Wedding in Black and White</h2>
<p>Married on a family property, Ashten and Frank got married on an early fall day in Aiken South Carolina with close friends and family. Downsized because of Covid, this is a preview of their story in black and white</p>
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<p><img alt="aiken sc intimate backyard wedding with bride and groom walking in black and white" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/2009-ashten-frank-aiken-wedding-black-and-white-preview-x100v-00076_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p><span></span><em>FROM BRIAN D SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY</em></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the wedding photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in wedding photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your wedding and tell your unique story with an artful eye. I celebrate all couples, LGBTQ and straight. I celebrate all races and backgrounds, and there isn't a soul in this world that doesn't have an inspiring story to be told. </span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact South Carolina Wedding Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Using Pushed and Expired 35mm Film for Grainy Black and White Studio Portraits2020-08-24T17:33:04+00:002024-03-29T05:05:42+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/using-pushed-and-expired-35mm-film-for-grainy-black-and-white-studio-portraits/<h2>About the Creative 35mm Film Portrait Project in Charleston SC</h2>
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<p>Brandy and I have photographed many times before, but these portraits came out something extra special. We tried 4 or 5 different portrait setups on the day, and this was the last lighting setup in my Charleston SC portrait studio. I had seen an image recently of a spotlit face where the body sort of blended into the backdrop and wanted to try something similar, incorporating my love for grainy film. I loaded up my Leica M-A with a roll of 15 year expired Fuji Acros 400. I metered the film, for the highlights, at 800 and had my photo lab push it 1 stop in post. </p>
<h3>Shooting 35mm Film with off Camera Lighting</h3>
<p>I find that 35mm film often requires me to meter for the highlights. Most of the time, in fact, when I shoot film in studio, I am metering with my meter tilted up toward my light source. I work a lot with off camera constant lights and strobes. This gives me a more direct light source and in my experience, I have gotten very blown out highlights when metering shadows in studio, as would normally be my process for outdoor portraiture. So, I metered with my Sekonic L-558 positioned in front of the model's face and pointed toward the light source. </p>
<h3>Shooting and Metering Expired 35mm Film</h3>
<p>Generally, when shooting expired film, I will meter at least a stop over. So, I would typically have rated this 400 iso film at 200 iso. However, my intended result was different for this project. I wanted crushed shadows, deep blacks and tons of grain. So, I decided to go against convention and treated it like fresh film, while also pushing it a stop in development. So, the film was treated as 400 +1, rated at 800 iso while shooting. </p>
<h3>About My Lighting Setup for the 35mm Film Studio Portraits</h3>
<p>I used a pretty strange lighting configuration for this project. I set up my LED light and positioned it, bare bulb, with only the flash tube surround/bounce pointed directly at the models face about 2.5 feet from her. My light was angle up 45 degrees and about 60 degrees off center, nearing complete side lighting. Still, however, there was more light spill than I wanted. In order to reduce the light spill, I needed a snoot. I don't own a snoot. So, I made one by cutting open a cereal box and wrapping the cardboard around the light housing in a tube shape. This narrowed my beam and focused it like a spotlight on the face. The light was a bit intense, in terms of light quality, so I took a white t shirt and covered the tube opening, holding it on with a rubber band. It was now exactly like I wanted it!</p>
<p><img alt="pushed and expired 35mm film studio portrait of girl in black and white in charleston sc portrait studio" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/brandy-grainy-bnw/1911-charleston-studio-fuji-acros-400-pushed-film-35mm-dramatic-portraits-black-and-white-00012_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>The Results of Shooting Pushed and Expired 35mm Film in Studio</h2>
<p>Honestly, I was blown away when I got the film back. I introduced so many new variables into this shoot: shooting expired 35mm film in studio, pushing expired film, using spot lights with film. These studio portraits turned out so much better than I ever could have imagined. Honestly, the unknown and the wait of seeing results on film has done more to encourage experimentation in my photography than just about aything else. It is too easy to chase perfection or to quickly write off lighting setups or techniques when shooting digital because of the instant preview. It's always important to remember that digital is such a blank canvas and the images require so much post to fulfill a vision. So, sometimes the lighting might be exactly what you need to achieve the finished product, but since it doesn't meet the initial expectation in RAW form, you move on. </p>
<p><img alt="grainy 35mm black and white film portrait of a girl in studio against a black savage seamless paper backdrop" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/brandy-grainy-bnw/1911-charleston-studio-fuji-acros-400-pushed-film-35mm-dramatic-portraits-black-and-white-00024_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="grainy black and white female studio portrait pose with spotlight on face using expired and pushed 35mm black and white film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/brandy-grainy-bnw/1911-charleston-studio-fuji-acros-400-pushed-film-35mm-dramatic-portraits-black-and-white-00003_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Portrait Photography Studio Locations - Studio Sixty Reid</h2>
<h3>Charleston SC Photography Studio</h3>
<p>I own and operate a portrait photography studio in Charleston, SC. Charleston South Carolina is the birthplace of my photography business and where I discovered and refined my love for studio portraiture. Studio Sixty Reid, named after a location where I created some of my favorite early portrait work, is a natural light and flash photography portrait studio right in the heart of Downtown Charleston. The studio is in a prime location, just a short walk from bustling king street and features solid color seamless backdrops, clean white walls, a mid century styled section for lifestyle photography shoots and enough space to create custom sets for your portrait and editorial photography projects. </p>
<h3>Northern Michigan Photography Studio - Traverse City</h3>
<p>I spend most of my Summer in Northern Michigan, 45 minutes south of Traverse City. I run an in home studio, under the same name of Studio Sixty Reid, in my lakefront family cottage. The studio features natural light and flash photography capabilities and has beautiful lake front views in the small town of Bear Lake Michigan. My Bear Lake studio is where I first set up a portrait studio, and first developed my love for flash photography and shooting film with strobes. </p>
<h2>Learn More About Shooting Film in Studio</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/category/forphotographers/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/category/forphotographers/">For Photographers - Brian D Smith Photography's Tips, Film Techniques, and How-Tos</a></span></p>
<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Studio Portrait Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/studio-portraits/">Brian D Smith Photography Studio Portrait Portfolio and Information</a></span></p>
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<p><span></span><em>FROM BRIAN D SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY</em></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the portrait photography studio services I offer. I have poratrait studio locations in Charleston SC and Traverse City Michigan. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and tell your story through intentional and creative portraiture. I photograph Branding Portraits, Bridal and Wedding Portraits, Heirloom Portraits, Boudoir, and Creative / Editorial Portraiture and Fashion in studio. I celebrate all people, LGBTQ and straight. I celebrate all races and backgrounds, and there isn't a soul in this world that doesn't have an inspiring story to be told. </span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Studio Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Destination Engagement Session at Middleton Place in Charleston SC2020-07-09T09:30:51+00:002024-03-29T00:30:58+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/destination-engagement-session-at-middleton-place-in-charleston-sc/<h2>About the Engaged Couple - Katy and Ryan</h2>
<p>I can't speak highly enough of Katy and Ryan. My career as a Charleston wedding photographer is young, and anyone with any honesty will tell you that the moments when you find your ideal client are rare - especially early on. From the moment I spoke with Katy on the phone she mentioned her love for my film work, her love for the imperfect and artistic and her appreciation for me having my own unique style and voice. Oh...and she wanted me to shoot polaroids at her wedding and was looking into Super 8 film videographers, which if you know me you know that tugs at my heart. The wedding industry can be filled with polished perfection and idealized fairytales and any time I connect with someone that appreciates the imperfections in storytelling, I know we're connected on something deeper. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc engagement session portrait on kodak film with a hasselblad 202fa in front of inn" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00083_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>When someone puts that much faith and trust in what you do as a storyteller, artist and wedding photographer it allows you to let go of any inhibitions and thoughts of what you should create and produce the work you are inspired to do. This is the feeling I had with Katy and Ryan for their Charleston Engagement Session. So, I left my digital gear in the car and brought along 3 film cameras, medium format and 35mm, and went to work documenting a beautfiul story of two kind and cool people. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston engagement session at middleton place on 35mm film with bride in red sun dress and groom in blazerin " src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00031_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="charleston engagement portrait on black and white kodak film at middleton place with a hasselblad 202fa" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00014_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Their Destination Wedding Story and Why Charleston for Engagement Photos</h3>
<p>Katy and Ryan are getting married in Virginia, live in Indiana and drove all the way down to Charleston for their engagement session. We had been trying to plan the engagement photos for quite some time but travel restrictions with Covid kept putting a damper on that plan and causing flights to get cancelled. With the wedding tentatively scheduled a month and a half away, Katy and Ryan decided to pack up the car and make the long drive to Charleston - all just to have their engagement photos taken in my beautiful hometown :). We were undecided on location, leaning towards downtown, until Katy messaged me that they were staying at the beautiful Middleton Place Inn. She loved the property so much, so we decided to do the whole shoot at Middleton. This was perfect for me because Middleton is my favorite venue. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/colorful-fall-middleton-place-destination-wedding-in-charleston-sc/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/colorful-fall-middleton-place-destination-wedding-in-charleston-sc/">Fall Middleton Place Wedding in Charleston SC</a></span></p>
<p><img alt="destination wedding photographer engagement session portrait on kodak portra 800 film at Middleton Place " src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00061_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="engagement photography by brian d smith photography at middleton place in charleston sc on kodak medium format film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00104_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Super 8 Film Surprise</h3>
<p>I had been pursuing super 8 for quite some time, but never quite managed to get a working camera. A few weeks before Katy and Ryan's engagement session, I received a camera from Germany. It appeared to be in working order, but I wasn't quite certain. I so badly wanted to surprise Katy with a little engagement short film shot on super 8 film. So, I brought the camera along, loaded up some black and white film and hoped for the best! Needless to say, she was thrilled and I was so filled with joy to give them this surprise. It turned out better than I ever could have imagined. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/433233764" target="_blank" title="https://vimeo.com/433233764">Charleston SC Engagement Video on Super 8 Film</a></span></p>
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<h2>Why do I only shoot film for engagement sessions</h2>
<p>Engagement sessions are the perfect opportunity to experiment and to push the art of photography and storytelling. There is less pressure than a wedding day, and the relaxed schedule allows you to slow down and take your time creating. I push myself to shoot more and more film every day and with every story I tell as a wedding photographer, but sometimes the pace or conditions of a wedding day make digital the better option. Engagement sessions are the perfect opportunity for me to leave the digital gear at home and better myself as a film photographer so I can make my way toward the dream of shooting 100% film at weddings. There is in tangible, romantic quality to film. It feels permanent. It feels instant, much like the fleeting moments and subtle expressions of affection that make love so beautiful. </p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad portrait on kodak film of engaged couple in charleston south carolina at middleton place in hammock" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00131_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>My Love For Black and White Film</h3>
<p>I just recently started developing my own black and white film and it rekindled my love for dramatic, black and white portraiture. I try to shoot at least one roll of Kodak Tri-x or T-max at every session. </p>
<p><img alt="black and white portrait of a bride on engagement session on kodak tmax 400 film with crazy bokeh" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00070_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="black and white film portrait of groom in charleston sc with hasselblad 202fa and 110mm F2 wide open" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00068_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Also, black and white just can't be beat for movement and capturing pure feeling</p>
<p><img alt="motion blur film portrait in black and white at middleton place in charleston sc" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00125_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="black and white portrait of couple during engagement session on kodak film at middleton place in charleston sc" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/katy-ryan/2006-katy-ryan-middleton-summer-charleston-engagement-session-kodak-film-00016_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Learn more Film Wedding Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/weddings/charleston-weddings/">Brian D Smith Photography Charleston Wedding Photography Portfolio and Information</a></span></p>
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<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a wedding photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial<span> </span>and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad.</span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Charleston Wedding Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>My First Attempts with Large Format Black and White Film Portraiture2020-06-17T13:38:11+00:002024-03-29T04:49:20+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/large-format-black-and-white-film-portraits-in-my-charleston-back-yard/<h2>About the Large Format 4x5 Film Portraits</h2>
<p>These images were photographed over a series of 3 portrait shoots - all in my backyard in Charleston South Carolina. It was only my second time shooting large format film and my first time developing and scanning myself. When I purchased my <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/products/intrepid-camera" target="_blank" title="https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/products/intrepid-camera">Intrepid Camera Co. 4x5 MKiii camera</a></span>, I knew that the only way it would be a feasible and affordable camera for me to use would be to develop and scan my own film. The results haven't been 100% perfect, but they've been good and I could not be more in love with the result. </p>
<p><img alt="4x5 large format film portrait on black and white expired kodak t-max 400 film of a girl in black dress and sunglasses" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2005-chelsea-green-4x5-film-portraits-expired-tmax-400-film-charleston-sc-00002_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>My 4x5 Large Format Film Portrait Gear and Home Developing Setup</h2>
<p>I purchased the Intrepid Camera Co 4x5 MKiii because...it was cheap. It was a cheap way to get into large format film photography and figure out if it was something that was for me or not. I purchased the camera second hand with a convertible 210mm F5.6 Symmar-s Convertible Lens and a few film holders. The first 15 frames I put through the camera, both color and black and white, were sent off to a lab for developing, then I scanned them myself using my ipad as a backlight and my phone camera to capture and invert. These images were mostly used as a test to see if the camera worked and I wasn't screwing up the process. </p>
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<p>Here are two images from my first experiments with the camera - one color and one black and white. Each was developed by <a href="https://photovisionprints.com/" target="_blank" title="https://photovisionprints.com/">Photovision Prints</a> and scanned by myself usuing the ipad/iphone...not bad for a quickly rigged setup. I did the initial invert using an app on my phone, but the results weren't ideal, so I switched to doing it in Lightroom by inverting the histogram for bnw and all RGB histograms for the color image. The color one took a good bit of tweaking but I think it came out quite well. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="large format film portrait in studio on white backdrop of girl in hat black and white film intrepid 4x5" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/dsc08610_web.jpg" width="600"/></span></p>
<p>And in Color</p>
<p><img alt="4x5 color film portrait on kodak portra 160 large format film in hampton park charleston south carolina" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/dsc08621_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Here is how the inverted histogram looks for a black and white scan. The rest of the tweaks are made using sliders one I get the image balanced in tonality using the histogram curve. </p>
<p><img alt="inverting scanned black and white film negatives in lightroom using the histogram" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/large-format-negative-invert-in-lightroom-using-histogram.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Home Developing 4x5 Large Format Film</h3>
<p>After I confirmed that I knew how to use the camera and the results were interesting enough to continue shooting the camera, I ordered all the supplies to start developing my own 4x5 large format black and white film at home. The process is actually pretty easy, as long as you are careful and follow the procedure. I use the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.digitaltruth.com/devchart.php" target="_blank" title="https://www.digitaltruth.com/devchart.php">Massive Dev Chart app</a></span> on my ihpone to keep track of my processing steps, timing, temps, and chemical ratios. I load my film in a dark bag into a Patterson System 4 Tank. For film holders in the patterson tank, I use the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://filmphotographystore.com/collections/4x5-sheet-film/products/darkroom-supplies-4x5-6-sheet-film-reel-reel-only" target="_blank" title="https://filmphotographystore.com/collections/4x5-sheet-film/products/darkroom-supplies-4x5-6-sheet-film-reel-reel-only">4x5 Sheet Film Holder</a></span> from Film Photography Project. It's super easy to load and fits well in the patterson tank and processes 6 negatives at a time. </p>
<p><img alt="large format film portrait on kodak t-max 100 black and white 4x5 sheet film in charleston sc of girl on backdrop in vintage dress" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2006-sally-mahon-4x5-kodak-tmax-100-film-portraits-intrepid-charleston-00005_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>For Chemicals, I have been using Kodak HC-110, Ilford Ilfostop stop bath, Ilford Rapid Fixer, and Kodak Photo Flo wetting agent. To scan, I have a Nikon 60mm 1:1 macro adapted to my sony mirrorless a7iii. I have the camera facing straight downward. I then place the negative on a piece of clear acryllic that is elevated about 2 inches above an ipad as a backlight. If you don't elevate the focus plane high enough above the ipad you end up with really bad moire noise. A good light table would definitely be a better option, but this setup has actually worked quite well for me. Send me an email if you are more curious about my setup for developing or scanning!</p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact me about my home developing setup</a></span></h3>
<p><img alt="4x5 film portrait on expired kodak film of model in black dress by charleston portrait photographer brian d smith" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2005-chelsea-green-4x5-film-portraits-expired-tmax-400-film-charleston-sc-00004_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>My Final Thoughts on Shooting Portraits with 4x5 Large Format Film</h2>
<p>I have to admit. The process of shooting 4x5 isn't my favorite. I can tell that my subjects check out a little bit because it's so slow. The connection and constant engagement I have with clients is what I think makes me a great portrait photographer, and I feel like I lose a bit of that during the process of shooting large format portraits. The shallow depth of field is great, but if I am being honest, I can get a similar look and feel using my Hasselblad 202FA and 110mm F2 lens. So why have I decided to keep the camera? </p>
<p>1. The tilt shift affects create the most dreamy and surreal portraits, and that ability is worth keeping the camera alone. I can't do this with any of my other film cameras and surreal portraiture is always something I have been fascinated by. If I want a good, clean portrait I will use the Hasselblad 10/10 times. However, if I am looking for something more surreal, more ethereal, the 4x5 is just the tool for the job. </p>
<p>2. Presence - I don't know how to describe it or what quality it is exactly that gives the images this feeling, but there is an unmistakable presence to 4x5 film. The images feel so 3-dimensional. I think the ultra-flat focal plane and shallow depth of field contribute to that, but I also think the tonal rendering has a lot to do with it. Shadow and midt tone transitions are just so subtle and the micro-contrast is so present, that It seems to render more like what my eye can see. </p>
<p>3. Imperfections look better on larger mediums - This has always been my reason for shooting film. Film renders imperfections so beautifully, in a way that digital cannot. The larger the medium, the more those imperfections seem to be a welcomed effect. I shoot a lot of motion blur with medium format film and out of focus shots because of this quality. 4x5 film takes this ability to a whole other level. The image below is out of focus, relatively significantly, but the micro contrast still creates a defined and soulful portrait. When I look at it, I hardly notice the missed focus unless I zoom in or am really looking for it. </p>
<p><img alt="4x5 large format film portrait by brian d smith photography on kodak t-max 100 film and intrepid 4x5 mkiii camera" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2006-sally-mahon-4x5-kodak-tmax-100-film-portraits-intrepid-charleston-00003_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="tilt shift effect on 4x5 large format black and white film portrait in charleston south carolina back yard" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2005-mya-beasenberg-large-format-film-ilford-hp5-portraits-charleston-sc-00002_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>So, I have decided to keep the 4x5 camera. Even if it is just a special use camera, I still think it is worth keeping around because nothing else comes close to it's look and 8x10 film is just unnaproachably expensive. If you have any questions at all about my portraiture or my experiences shooting large format and home developing, please send me a message. I love to talk photography, and hope this inspires someone to do the same. </p>
<p><img alt="large format film portrait on kodak t-max 100 black and white film in front of outdoor muslin backdrop in charleston south carolina home developed" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2006-sally-mahon-4x5-kodak-tmax-100-film-portraits-intrepid-charleston-00001_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Portrait Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/">Brian D Smith Photography Portrait Portfolio and Information</a></span></p>
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<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial<span> </span>and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad.</span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Portraits with One Roll of Kodak Tmax 400 and a Hasselblad 202FA2020-06-12T12:34:20+00:002024-03-29T02:47:30+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/portraits-with-one-roll-of-kodak-tmax-400-and-a-hasselblad-202fa/<h2>About the Film Portrait Photography Shoot</h2>
<p>I shot most of this backyar portrait shoot on digital and in color, but I wanted to practice my black and white film developing so I shot two rolls of black and white film. This is actually the lab develope roll, and I am waiting to develop the other roll to compare! These 12 images are all from a single roll of film. I would be hard pressed to say I have ever had a more successful roll of film. All 12 portraits came out beautifully, some amazingly so, I think. Exposure is spot on and with the exception of 1 focus was nailed on every shot...which is pretty rare for me when using the Hasselblad if I am being honest. </p>
<p><img alt="kodak tmax 400 medium format film portrait chelsea green in charleston south carolina wearing hat and blouse in black and white" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2005-charleston-fashion-portraits-kodak-tmax-400-film-hasselblad-202fa_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Equipment Used for the Film Portraits</h3>
<p>I used my favorite portrait camera and lens for this shoot - Hasselblad 202FA and 110mm F2. Honestly, the camera is pretty new to me, and while I have liked the results in the past, these are the images that made me fall in love with the camera. Each film portrait was shot at F2. The film was Kodak Tmax 400 medium format film and developed/scanned by <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://photovisionprints.com/" target="_blank" title="https://photovisionprints.com/">Photovision Prints</a></span></p>
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<h3>Why Kodak Tmax 400?</h3>
<p>I have always been pretty loyal to Kodak Trix 400 but recently saw a Tmax 400 medium format portrait that left me in awe. I decided to try the film stock out for myself. Until this point, I haven't really developed a strong preference for it over trusty old Trix. I love everything about the way the film stock rendered in these images. The contrast is beautiful, but Tmax seems to have this softer quality about the way shadows transtition to midtones. It gives the film more of a "quintessentially" large format look, in my oppinion...which, let's be honest, is the real reason to shoot at F2. The images are almost creamy, the contrast transitions are so smooth. I think I just fell in love with Tmax. </p>
<p><img alt="Kodak tmax 400 and hasselblad 202fa 110mm F2 lens portrait in charleston south carolina yard with overgrown foliage" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2005-charleston-fashion-portraits-kodak-tmax-400-film-hasselblad-202fa-12_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="portrait of a girl in hat on black and white kodak tmax 400 film with hasselblad 202fa" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2005-charleston-fashion-portraits-kodak-tmax-400-film-hasselblad-202fa-9_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>Bokeh and Rendering of the Hasselblad 110mm F2 Lens</h3>
<p>This lens is so smooth and still plenty sharp at F2. Honestly, its breathtaking and is by far my favorite lens that I have used to date...maybe besides my Leica 50mm Summilux. </p>
<p><img alt="hasselblad 110F2 lens bokeh example on kodak tmax 400 medium format film in charleston sc by portrait photographer brian d smith" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/portraits/2005-charleston-fashion-portraits-kodak-tmax-400-film-hasselblad-202fa-5_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/levis-vintage-clothing/levis-vintage-clothing-for-men/c/levi_clothing_men_vintage_clothing_us" target="_blank" title="https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/levis-vintage-clothing/levis-vintage-clothing-for-men/c/levi_clothing_men_vintage_clothing_us"></a></span></p>
<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Portrait Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/">Brian D Smith Photography Portrait Portfolio and Information</a></span></p>
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<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial<span> </span>and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad.</span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Charleston SC Studio Portrait Branding Photography - Reagan Events2020-04-26T22:04:26+00:002024-03-29T09:22:35+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/charleston-sc-studio-portrait-branding-photography-reagan-events/<h2>About the branding portraits in Charleston SC</h2>
<p>I met Reagan from Reagan Events over some pastries and she expressed a sincere appreciation for my dramatic style of studio portraiture. She was in the process of hiring new associates and going through a re-brand that was monochrome themed. She approached me about photographing portraits for her Charleston wedding planner team in my Charleston SC photography studio. We put together a concept that was centered around expressive, character driven black and white portraiture - a style that I had developed a real knack for and something I approached like no other branding and portrait photographer in Charleston. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc wedding planner reagan events in brian d smith photography studio for branding portrait photography shoot in black and white film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/reagan-rebrand/1911-charleston-studio-portrait-wedding-planner-film-hasselblad-rebrand-black-white-00005_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>My approach as a studio portrait and branding photographer</h2>
<p>I've developed a unique ability to quickly bond with my portrait subjects. Being an introspective person has given me so much strength in being able to understand human emotion and connect with people as a result. I develop a quick connection with my portrait subject and guide them through a series of conversations and prompts to generate geuine, and wide-ranging expression. I truly shine in this environment and am able to produce portraiture that shows the depth and breadth of someone's character. Reagan and I spent an afternoon conversing and photographing in my Charleston South Carolina portrait studio, planning and coordinating multiple outfits to fit her newly renovated brand. My approach is always the same, regardless of subject. I want to create purpose driven portraiture that shows their true character and markets that character in a way that is reflective of their brand and ideal client. There are no headshots with Brian D Smith Photography - only soulful, character driven portraiture. </p>
<p><img alt="brian d smith photography character branding portrait in charleston south carolina studio grid of film portraits" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/reagan-rebrand/00007-1911-charleston-studio-portrait-wedding-planner-film-hasselblad-rebrand-black-white-00020_web_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h3>Branding portraiture for an entire team</h3>
<p>Regan brought along her entire wedding planning team, including her associates Hannah and Scout to give her brand a cohesive look for their about page portraits. My branding portraiture in Charleston SC is for individuals, creatives, and entire teams of business owners and entrepreneurs looking for a cohesive, art forward and expressive identity to represent their brand. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston wedding planner team branding portrait by brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/reagan-rebrand/2001-hannah-reagan-events-charleston-wedding-planner-team-rebrand-portraits-studio-black-white-00011_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="branding portrait session in a charleston south carolina photography studio on black and white film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/reagan-rebrand/2001-scout-reagan-events-charleston-wedding-planner-team-rebrand-portraits-studio-black-white-00022_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p><img alt="branding portrait in studio with charleston sc wedding planner with black and white re-brand style with black pants and cream sweater" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/studio/reagan-rebrand/1911-charleston-wedding-planner-reagan-barnes-studio-black-and-white-portraits-sweater-cape-00033_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>Make sure to check out Reagan Events! She's a top tier wedding planner in Charleston SC and has a love for NYC, high fashion inspired soirees. She's a wonderful person, incredibly talented and you should get to know her!</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://reaganevents.com/" target="_blank" title="https://reaganevents.com/">Reagan Events - Charleston Wedding Planner</a></span></p>
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<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Portrait Photography</h2>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/">Brian D Smith Photography Portrait Portfolio and Information</a></span></p>
<p>~~ ~~</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in editorial<span> </span>and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina, Northern Michigan, or any destination abroad.</span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Portrait Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Fall Portraits in Charleston on Expired Film and a Vintage Camera2019-12-29T20:57:01+00:002024-03-29T01:24:17+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/fall-portraits-in-charleston-on-expired-film-and-a-vintage-camera/<p>Ethereal portraits taken during golden hour in Charleston's colorful Hampton park. Expired Kodak Tri-x pan 125 film focuses the viewers attention on the subject, and adds a touch of grain and strong highlights. The images were shot on my grandfather's hand me down Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex Favorit TLR and processed by Photovision Prints. Charleston South Carolina's Hampton Park is the perfect location for portraiture, with gorgeous light, beautiful trees, and flowers that bloom all year around.</p>First Roll - Contax G2 Black 35mm Film Rangefinder2019-02-28T21:11:56+00:002024-03-29T02:22:29+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/first-roll-contax-g2/<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>*FIRST ROLL*</strong></h2>
<p>Ever since I immersed myself in the world of film cameras, the Contax G2 35mm rangefinder in black was a grail camera. It's rare, it has the pedigree of Contax and the devoted love of street photographers everywhere. Some say it was a rich man's point and shoot, with a few more bells and whistles. For those that have used it extensively, it often occupies a permanent spot in their rotation. I had to try it.</p>
<p><img alt="contax-g2-black-35mm-rangefinder-film-camera-45mm-zeiss" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/first-roll-contax-g2/contax-g2-black-lenses-28-45-90-flash-tla200_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>I happened upon the camera by chance on a trip to New York - seemingly the only place of existence for these cameras anymore.</p>
<p><img alt="contax-g2-new-york-rangefinder-35mm-film-camera-black" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/first-roll-contax-g2/img_3640_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="contax-g2-35mm-rangefinder-selfie-kodak-portra-800-black" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/fortogs/first-roll-contax-g2/1807-michigan-contax-g2-p400-11_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Here are the images from my first roll, shot on Kodak Tri X 400 film and developed by The FIND Lab. <a href="https://thefindlab.com/">https://thefindlab.com/</a><a href="https://thefindlab.com/" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Stay tuned for my full review...</p>Intimate Bridal Boudoir on Kodak P3200 35mm Film2019-01-15T12:33:21+00:002024-03-28T20:18:40+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/intimate-bridal-boudoir-on-grainy-black-and-white-film/<p>Boudoir presented an interesting challenge for me. It's something that I have wanted to try for quite some time. I don't much care for the traditional boudoir that mainstream culture has come to embrace. I find beauty in mystery and in subtlety. I find beauty in shapes, in grain, in positions and expressions that you might find yourself in during intimate parts of your day. I think bridal boudoir so perfectly fits in with the bridal prep portion of a wedding day. Bridal prep is quiet, it's intimate, and it's a portion of the day that's shrouded in mystery that I'm so glad I get to document and put my artistic spin on. </p>
<p>I wanted to shoot this entire project on grainy black and white film. The grain adds another element of mystery. The blown highlights of 35mm do the same. I shot these images on Kodak P3200 35mm film @1600 iso through my Canon EOS 1V, and on Ilford D3200 medium format film through my grandfather's old Zeiss Ikon Favorit TLR. I'm so pleased with how they turned out, and can't wait to start offering this service to my clients on their wedding day. These images were shot in the gorgeous bath/prep room at Canaan Valley Farms, in Asheville North Carolina. <a href="https://canaanvalleyfarmnc.com/" target="_blank">https://canaanvalleyfarmnc.com/</a></p>