Blog | Mezzaninehttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/2024-03-28T18:23:00+00:00BlogUsing Pushed and Expired 35mm Film for Grainy Black and White Studio Portraits2020-08-24T17:33:04+00:002024-03-28T18:10:24+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>Beach Trips and Documenting Life and Love2020-07-07T13:28:55+00:002024-03-28T18:18:48+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/06-30-20/<h2>Documentary Photography on my Fuji X100V</h2>
<p>I've been carrying my Fuji X100V with me everywhere I go in an attempt to be better about documenting my life. I set it up to work like a point and shoot and just focus on capturing these moments. Being better at documenting my own life will make me a better wedding and documentary editorial photographer, but primarily I do this for myself. I do this for the memories, especially now that I've found love. </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>Ice Cream, Tacos and a New Charleston Home2020-06-19T12:55:49+00:002024-03-28T18:18:46+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/06-19-20/<p>Another chapter in my ongoing attempt to document the life of a Charleston photographer. This episode featuring home made tacos, <a href="https://offtrackicecream.com/" target="_blank" title="https://offtrackicecream.com/">Off Track Ice Cream</a>, and my beautiful girl settling in to a new Charleston home. All photographed on my Fujifilm x100V. </p>
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<p><img alt="fujifilm x100v documentary photograph of girl eating off track ice cream in charleston sc" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/weekly/2005-emily-and-brian-charleston-fuji-x100v-my-love-00001_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>My First Travels To India - A Photographer's Colorful Paradise2019-02-26T14:57:33+00:002024-03-28T18:23:00+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/first-travels-to-india/<p>One afternoon walking with my good friend Monica through the streets of downtown Charleston, she mentioned that she was traveling back to India to attend a friend's wedding and visit her extended family. I asked if I could come and knew it was the perfect opportunity to visit a country that carried so much mystery and unknown. I knew very little of India, aside from it's colorful festivals and uncanny ability to produce engineering talent. I booked my flight, and had 3 weeks to experience India with my friend and her family as my guide. </p>
<p>My wonderful guide to India...</p>
<p><img alt="monica india wedding contax g2 film kodak gold 200" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/india/1801-india-162_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>I spent most of my time in a small suburb outside of Mumbai in the Maharashtra state. I'm grateful for staying with Monica's family in their apartment. I got to live amongst those just going about their daily lives. It was a unique and entirely new perspective for me. I wasn't surrounded by other backpackers. I wasn't in the heart of a big city or to my lonesome in nature. I walked outside of the apartment and my skin color and curly, moppy head of hair instantly set me apart. My appearance caused those around me to pause...not aided by the subtle draw of my camera. It took me a while to get used to, and I'm not sure I ever entirely did. I've traveled a good bit, but have never been situated in an area where I so distinctly stood out. It really challened the introvert in me, but it was so amazing. I struggled to find my comfort zone as a photographer, while I was in awe of everything around me. The town was vibrant, colorful, and always abuzz with sights and sounds....oh the sounds!</p>
<p><img alt="india streets maharashta film kodak gold 200 contax g2" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/india/1801-india-123_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Attending an Indian wedding was a dream of mine and it did not disappoint. The energy, the love and the colors were contagious. I so strongly admired a country and traditions that celebrate it's people so proudly and comes together with such color and passion. </p>
<p><img alt="brian india wedding photography head wrap" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/india/briand-wedding-2.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>*not my photo</p>
<p><img alt="brian india wedding head wrap 2" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/india/brian-wedding.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>*not my photo</p>
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<p>Congratulations Priyank and Sara!</p>
<p><img alt="indian wedding contax g2 kodak tri x 400 black and white film flash" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/india/1801-india-144_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>A special thanks to the friends I made and their kindness and generosity that made me feel so at home in India</p>
<p><img alt="india friends maharashta mumbai rooftop contax g2 kodak gold 200 film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/india/1801-india-152_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>I spent the majority of my time with Monica and her family, but ventured out on my own to explore the north of India during the final week of my stay. I started my journey in Mumbai, staying in the small town of Mulund East. I sampled local food (Monica's cousin is a restauraneur) and visited Monica's extended family, where I was promtly served even more food. The Indian hospitality made certain that I was never hungry. After attending the wedding in Mumbai, I traveled with the wedding party to the Pink City of Jaipur and then to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. I flew home through Ahmnedabad where I stayed a few days with Monica's father, touring the oil mining operations that his company pioneered. Finally, I returned to Mulund East for a few days rest before I set off to Darjeeling in the north of India, on my own. I was fascinated by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway...partly by some unfounded Wes Andersen image of an Indian railway (not the same), but largely because of it's history and engineering prowess. It remains the highest railway station in the world and was built by the british to carry tea and other trade goods down the steep twists and turns of the mountains. In total it was a confusing 8 hours of windy turns, unexplained stops, and a hole in the train car for a toilet, but the end destination will remain a favorite of my trip. I stayed with a wonderful Airbnb host who toured me around the city and showed me all the local homes where we sampled the finest homemade rice beer and dumplings that the, largely, Nepalese people had to offer. I'd love to return and better convey the feelings I felt in India through photographs, but for now I hope these do it a bit of justice. </p>
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<p></p>Local Fall Florals and a Michigan Bride - Styled Shoot2019-01-15T11:39:35+00:002024-03-28T18:21:42+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/sleeping-bear-national-lakeshore-michigan-fall-floral-bridal/<p>There isn't much I love more than a Michigan Fall. The colors, the smells and the light all come together to provide a sense of peace and calm. I spent my 2018 summer up in Michigan, living out of my family's small lakeside cottage, photographing weddings. Northern Michigan is special to me for so many reasons, but the fall is nearly indescribable. I wanted to create an homage to the feeling of a Michigan fall with a styled bridal shoot. </p>
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<p>MODEL: Samantha, Insta @daisyraetravel | FLORALS: Derek at The Floral Underground, Insta @floralunderground, <a href="https://floralunderground.com/" target="_blank">https://floralunderground.com/</a> </p>
<p>DRESS BOUTIQUE: One Oak Bride, Insta @oneoakbride, <a href="http://oneoakbride.com/">http://oneoakbride.com/</a> | DRESS: Kim from @truvellebridal, <a href="https://truvelle.com/">https://truvelle.com/</a></p>
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<p><img alt="fall-michigan-ring-sun-flare-florals-sony-a7iii-model-bridal-styled" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/sam-fall-floral/1809-michigan-sam-fall-film-field-styled-bridal-56_web.jpg" width="400"/></p>
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<p>I met Sam, the model, on facebook and worked on two projects with her, all in the same day. We were photographing for 8 hours that day and she could not have been better to work with. We bonded over music tastes and a love for travel, and I cannot wait to reconnect with her when I return to Michigan for the 2019 summer. The flowers are from The Floral Underground, a traverse city based floral designer. I found Derek and his company on facebook, as well, and instantly knew he was the right fit. He had a background in competitive floral design, and I knew he would be able to take a vision and run with it. His knowledge of local michigan florals was exactly what I needed. He did justice to the beauty of Michigan's historic lakeshore, and exceeded my every expectation. The gorgeous dress and silk shawl came from the wonderful folks at One Oak Bride in downtown Traverse City. Annie and Renee are wonderful people, and they've curated a lovely boutique environment fitting for one of, if not the most, importrant decision of a Bride's wedding planning. I cannot recommend their boutique or their services enough. </p>
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<p><img alt="kodak-ektar-michigan-fall-lakeshore-styled-bridal-film-gf670" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/sam-fall-floral/1809-michigan-sam-fall-film-field-styled-bridal-46_web.jpg" width="400"/></p>
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<p>This shoot produed one of my happiest experiments in film to date, and probably my favorite results from film to date. I shot a roll of 15 year expired Kodak Ektachrome E100SW through my trusty Canon Eos 1V. I had never shot color positive (reversal) film before, let alone something 15 years expired. The results blew me away. There was a orange/golden warmth to the images that I've never before seen in a film stock. It perfectly captured the glow of a fall sunset, and lit Sam's hair with the most beautiful shades of gold. I am going to write a full blog post on my experiences with this film stock soon. </p>
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<p><img alt="kodak-e100sw-ektachrome-expired-film-35mm-fall-michigan-empire" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/sam-fall-floral/1809-michigan-sam-fall-film-field-styled-bridal-50_web.jpg" width="400"/></p>
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<p>I hope these images provide you a sense of Michigan's beauty, but as I tell everyone that asks - "you just have to see it"</p>