Blog | Mezzaninehttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/2024-03-28T14:23:41+00:00BlogUsing Pushed and Expired 35mm Film for Grainy Black and White Studio Portraits2020-08-24T17:33:04+00:002024-03-28T13:56:53+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+00:002024-03-28T11:21:37+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>Fashion Editorial in a Backyard Portrait Studio2020-07-02T12:51:27+00:002024-03-28T13:03:22+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/fashion-editorial-in-a-backyard-portrait-studio/<h2>How I Convert My Backyard into a Portrait Studio for a Fashion Editorial</h2>
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<p>I tried this portrait studio setup outdoors on a bit of a whim. I was tiring of shooting against seamless paper, so I tried my Savage Universal Muslin backdrop oudoors on a traditional backdrop stand. I placed the backdrop in multiple locations but didn't quite love it. It wasn't until I had the thought to blend it into the trees that I completely fell in love with it. Glennon brought over her own styling from her personal wardrobe and as always killed the mood and vibe in this vintage fashion editorial at my Charleston SC home. The warm clothes and skin tones pop against the cool greys and deep greens of the surrounding. </p>
<p><img alt="charleston sc fashion editorial in a backyard studio with savage universal dark grey muslin 10'x24' backdrop" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/projects/general/2006-glennon-wagner-charleston-backdrop-high-fashion-editorial-warmth-00011_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Equipment Used</h2>
<p>I photographed this editorial using my Sony a7iii and adapted Leica Summilux-m 50mm F1.4 lens (my favorite digital combination). I tend to shoot most of my work on film, but have found this combination quite a joy to shoot and gets me close to the look of my film imagery. Sometimes I prefer digital for fashion work because it affords me the opportunity to shoot more to catch the imperfect and in between moments that often end up being my favorite. The backdrop is a 10'x24' dark grey muslin backdrop from Savage Universal. </p>
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<h2>Learn more about Brian D Smith Editorial Photography</h2>
<p>I have portrait studios in Charleston South Carolina and Traverse City Michigan, but am constantly traveling around the country and world in search of new faces and unique backdrops.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/creative-editorial/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/portraiture/creative-editorial/">Brian D Smith Photography Editorial 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 Editorial Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Vintage Levis Inspired Women's Fashion Lookbook2020-01-29T21:44:38+00:002024-03-28T10:31:04+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/vintage-levis-inspired-womens-fashion-lookbook/<h2>Inspiration for The Vintage Fashion Editorial Lookbook</h2>
<p>A Levi's Vintage Clothing inspired fashion lookbook telling the story of a struggling musician working her way through abrupt the highs and lows of pursuing a dream. Women's fashion, vintage clothing, and storytelling through photography. To shop clothing similar to the jacket in this Michigan Fashion editorial, check out Levis Vintage Clothing.</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">Levis Vintage Clothing - Levis.com</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 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 Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>
<p></p>Pink Lipstick and Charleston Fashion on 35mm Film2019-12-29T18:08:43+00:002024-03-28T10:31:12+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/pink-lipstick-and-charleston-fashion-on-35mm-film/<p>Pink lipstick and Kodak 35mm film create a charleston fashion lookbook reminiscent of a futuristic Barbie. Images were shot around the old jail, downtown, on Kodak Gold 200 and Portra 800 film with a Nikon FM3a with Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 ZF.2 and a Leica M-A with Summilux 50mm F1.4</p>Colorful Fall and Golden Hour Portraits in Charleston's Hampton Park2019-12-17T17:30:44+00:002024-03-28T10:28:08+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/colorful-fall-and-golden-hour-portraits-in-charlestons-hampton-park/<p>Fall colors in Charleston South Carolina's Hampton Park are hard to beat. These dreamy portraits were photographed at golden hour, capturing all of the beautiful fading light and season during the transition to winter. </p>Summer Fashion Lookbook on Northern Michigan Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes2019-11-21T14:48:49+00:002024-03-28T10:56:33+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/summer-fashion-lookbook-on-northern-michigan-sleeping-bear-sand-dunes/<p>Summer fashion lookbook on Northern Michigan's Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. Shot on Kodak Gold 200 film with a Leica M-A and Summicron 35mm and a sony a7iii with a adapted Leica Summilux 50mm. </p>Charleston Street Portraits with the Sony a7iii Leica Summilux 50 Voigtlander VME2019-10-13T13:09:05+00:002024-03-28T11:52:02+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/10-10-19/<p>Testing out the Leica Summilux 50mm F1.4 asph on my Sony a7iii with the Voigtlander VM-E close focus adapter - Quick portraits of friends at golden hour in Charleston, SC. </p>August Film Scenes from my Leica M-A and Expired Kodak Film2019-10-03T19:09:48+00:002024-03-28T11:51:56+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/10-03-19/<p>Film grabs from Charleston South Carolina and Bear Lake Michigan shot on my favorite daily camera, my Leica M-A on expired Kodak P160NC 35mm film</p>Perfect Summer Weather for a Northern Michigan Wedding at The Homestead Glen Arbor2019-10-03T18:44:40+00:002024-03-28T10:32:08+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/perfect-summer-weather-for-a-northern-michigan-wedding-at-the-homestead-glen-arbor/<p>Mark and Elizabeth got married at The Homestead in Glen Arbor on a perfect Northern Michigan August day. In so many ways, they were my ideal clients. They were a joy to be around, expressed themselves to me and to eachother, and let me be my creative self. They put their trust in me, and that always makes for a beautiful reltationship that translates so well to photographs. It is such a priveledge to photograph weddings amongst the beauty of Northern Michigan and the cool people who hold this area with such sentimental value.</p>
<p>The Homestead is a beautiful property in Glen Arbor, nestled up on a hill and surrounded by trees. The ceremony space is hella charming. </p>
<p><img alt="the homestead michigan wedding venue summer glen arbor" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bonaventura/1908-august-homestead-glen-arbor-michigan-summer-wedding-bonaventura-00293_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>All I can really say is that Elizabeth and Mark were cool as shit. Seriously, check them out...</p>
<p><img alt="homestead wedding northern michigan venue portrait bride groom black and white" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bonaventura/1908-august-homestead-glen-arbor-michigan-summer-wedding-bonaventura-00194_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The pictures should tell the story, so now I will let them do just that. </p>
<p></p>Blue, Red and Yellow Fashion Portrait Spread in an Industrial Amsterdam Warehouse2019-08-22T22:45:02+00:002024-03-28T10:27:24+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/blue-red-yellow-architectural-fashion-amsterdam-ndsm/<p>Blue, red and yellow architectural inspired fashion portraits at Amsterdam's NDSM warehouse building for creatives. Shot on Sony a7iii and Leica 50mm Summiluz F1.4</p>Yellow and Red Fashion Inspiration Shoot at Amsterdam's NDSM warehouse2019-08-22T22:30:15+00:002024-03-28T10:54:07+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/yellow-red-ndsm-amsterdam-fashion-portraits/<p>Yellow and red toned fashion portrait spread photographed in the industrial NDSM warehouse in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Shot on Sony a7iii + Leica 50 Summilux F1.4</p>First Roll Leica M-A2019-07-16T16:29:06+00:002024-03-28T11:12:20+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/first-roll-leica-m-a/<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>*FIRST ROLL*</strong></h2>
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<p>Images from the first roll I put through my newly acquired Leica M-A. These images were taken quickly over the course of a day, as I needed to test the camera quickly before I left on a europe trip. Stay tuned for my first impressions blog post on the M-A. All images shot with a Leica Summilux 50mm F1.4</p>
<p></p>Capturing Gran Canaria of the Canary Islands on Film2019-06-12T16:30:28+00:002024-03-28T11:08:36+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/capturing-gran-canaria-of-the-canary-islands-on-film/<p>I traveled to Gran Canaria of the Canary Islands as part of a two week Europe trip with a photographer friend and his cousin. We found cheap flights into Amsterdam, then prioritized finding warm destinations with unbelievable hikes and views. Gran Canaria was our first stop of the trip and it did not dissapoint. We hit up four major areas of the island: Las Palmas, Aegete, Tejeda and Maspalomas. I was quite amazed at the intense variety of terrain we encountered on the 3 day excursion. </p>
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<p>These images were recently featured on the fabulous film blog: Trendy Bride</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.trendybride.net/blog/gran-canaria-travel-photos?fbclid=IwAR2gb-0Ey-RHBs69ZRFUl8NDFX2OvC7sVgq-Ne7pfnaxVOVmQl3DaXX774c" target="_blank" title="http://www.trendybride.net/blog/gran-canaria-travel-photos?fbclid=IwAR2gb-0Ey-RHBs69ZRFUl8NDFX2OvC7sVgq-Ne7pfnaxVOVmQl3DaXX774c">Trendy Bride - Gran Canaria On Film</a></span></p>
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<p>Las Palmas was a surprisginly developed city and far more populated than I had imagined:</p>
<p><img alt="las palmas gran canaria kodak portra 400 leica m-a summilux 50 city" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/gran-canaria/snowdonia-mallorca-canary-kodak-film-ektar-portra-leica-gf670-4_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Our next stop was the northwest corner of the island and the mountains surrounding the city of Aegete. We stayed more central to the island, for two nights, in a mountaintop hostel. The hostel rooms were built into the rock face, and it proved to be a wonderful escape from the heat. </p>
<p><img alt="kodak trix 400 film contax t3 canary islands gran canaria travel" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/gran-canaria/snowdonia-mallorca-canary-kodak-film-ektar-portra-leica-gf670-33_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>By far the best view I had of the whole trip was found outside of Tejeda at Roque Nublo </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187471-d2359816-Reviews-Roque_Nublo-Gran_Canaria_Canary_Islands.html" target="_blank" title="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187471-d2359816-Reviews-Roque_Nublo-Gran_Canaria_Canary_Islands.html">Trip Advisor - Roque Nublo</a></span></p>
<p>We were greeted with a surreal mountaintop sunset, high above the clouds, with 360 degree views. We enjoyed summit beers and jammed out to some radiohead that a European couple was so casually listening to over a few glasses of wine and some charcuterie. </p>
<p><img alt="leica m-a sunset flare film kodak portra 400 summilux 50 35mm" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/gran-canaria/snowdonia-mallorca-canary-kodak-film-ektar-portra-leica-gf670-53_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>We drove south, following the best driving road I have ever been on my life, to the beach town of Maspolomas. Maspolomas is quite touristy, with an abundace of beach resorts, but the sand dunes are worth the trek. In a matter of hours we transitioned from mountaintop views to something fit for a star wars movie. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g562819-d4873154-Reviews-Dunas_de_Maspalomas-Playa_del_Ingles_Maspalomas_Gran_Canaria_Canary_Islands.html" target="_blank" title="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g562819-d4873154-Reviews-Dunas_de_Maspalomas-Playa_del_Ingles_Maspalomas_Gran_Canaria_Canary_Islands.html">Trip Advisor - Dunas de Maspalomas</a></span></p>
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<p><img alt="expired kodak e100sw film medium format fuji gf670 " src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/travel/gran-canaria/snowdonia-mallorca-canary-kodak-film-ektar-portra-leica-gf670-65_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p>I always travel with film, as I feel that it keeps me more in the moment. I'm not constantly reviewing the last picture I took. I trigger the shutter, and move onto the next scene. I don't spend my nights in the hostel editing photos, but instead enjoy the company of those around me and the nightime views bathed in moonlight glow. Film allows me to relive my memories in slightly unpredicatble glory, weeks later, and is the most amazing gift each and every time I get an email from my lab. My travel kit of choice is the following:</p>
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<p>CAMERAS:</p>
<ol>
<li>Leica M-A + 50mm Summilux F1.4 - Well built, small form factor, and a genuine pleasure to shoot. </li>
<li>Contax T3 - My dedicated black and white 35mm camera. Honestly, why not bring it everywhere. It is small enough to fit in my jeans pocket and it takes unbelievable images</li>
<li>Fuji GF670 Medium Format folding rangefinder - The most portable medium format camera you can buy. It isn't necessarily light, but it folds up and can fit in my jacket pocket. I pull this camera out for the show stopping landscapes</li>
</ol>
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<p>FILMS</p>
<ol>
<li>Kodak Portra 400 - the do it all, always nails exposure, always produces beautiful colors with just a touch of grain</li>
<li>Kodak Ektar 100 - my favorite landscape film, fine grain, brilliant earth tone colors and blue skies</li>
<li>Kodak Tri X 400 - I rarely see a Tri X image I don't love. It's grainy, it's contrasty, and it has such a timeless and classic bnw rendering</li>
<li>Kodak Ektachrome E100sw - Expired 16 years, medium format E100SW. This was my wild card film. I'd shot it, expired, in 35mm before and it rendered everything with a beautiful warmth. I learned that this film was less properly stored, and it rendered everything various shades of pink and blue. I LOVED the result. It was surreal and otherworldy, and was such a fun surprise. </li>
</ol>
<p></p>Film Portraits of a Ballet Dancer - Expression in Vulnerability2019-05-20T16:36:43+00:002024-03-28T12:29:25+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/film-portraits-of-a-ballet-dancer-expression-in-vulnerability/<p>Film portraits of a ballet dancer in downtown greenville. Shot largely in black and white, conveying a sense of intimacy and gritty realness in the subject. This shoot was an expression of simplicity and grace in doing something you love. </p>
<p></p>Two Weeks in Amsterdam2019-03-04T21:11:20+00:002024-03-28T11:16:40+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/two-weeks-in-amsterdam/<p>I visited Amsterdam for the first time on the end of a 2 week European trip with my photographer friend and his cousin. We were only in the city for a day and a half, but it was enough time for me to gather a sense of it's charms. The entire city looked like a movie set. We drank beer, visited museums, walked many miles and visited the hippest cafe I have ever seen.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.publicspace.amsterdam/" target="_blank" title="http://www.publicspace.amsterdam/">Amsterdam's Coolest Cafe - Public Space</a></p>
<p>After a few fantastic craft beers from <a href="http://oedipus.com/" target="_blank">Oedipus Brewing</a> and <a href="https://www.brouwerijhetij.nl/?lang=en" target="_blank">Brewerij</a>, I briefly hopped on Bumble to for a curious look at the Amsterdam dating seen. I went on a date with a girl when I was in Sweden, and it was a wonderful experience and a great way to get to know some local spots and meet new, interesting people. </p>
<p><a href="https://bumble.com/" target="_blank" title="https://bumble.com/">Bumble - Swiping All Over the World</a></p>
<p>I quickly struck up a conversation with a girl. I'm drawn to witty, yet silly conversation, and I quickly turned to my friends and echoed something poetic of the likes of "damn, this girl's cool"...something about a polaroid photo and her saying I reminded her of Demi Moore?</p>
<p><img alt="bumble-amsterdam-instant-connection-american-australian" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/blog/img_0536.png" width="400"/></p>
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<p>We talked on and off throughout the night, but never got a chance to meet. In a rather silly move, we had our first "date" over phone while I was in the Airport to leave the country. We continued to stay in touch, conversations got longer, and I bought a plane ticket to see her. This is a glimpse into my adventurous and sometimes silly personal life. Life is boring without spontaneity. This is a photographic depiction of a 2 week first date, and documentation of the city that I quickly grew to adore. It's rather long, but as a wedding photographer, I find that it takes a lot of images to tell a complete story. Each image means something to me, a reflection of a memory and, honestly, I wish I shot more. </p>
<p><img alt="bumble-first-date-amsterdam-american-australian" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/blog/amsterdam-sony-a7iii-leica-summilux-50mm-february-catalina-5_web.jpg" width="400"/></p>
<p><img alt="bumble-first-date-in-another-country-amsterdam" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/blog/amsterdam-sony-a7iii-leica-summilux-50mm-february-catalina-6_web.jpg" width="400"/></p>
<p></p>Public Space - An Afternoon in my Favorite Amsterdam Cafe2019-02-25T14:12:14+00:002024-03-28T14:23:41+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/public-space-amsterdam/<p>Vignettes from an afternoon in my favorite amsterdam cafe</p>
<p><a href="http://www.publicspace.amsterdam/" target="_blank">http://www.publicspace.amsterdam/</a></p>Downtown Columbus Portraits on The Riverfront at Genoa Park2019-01-14T22:36:59+00:002024-03-28T12:26:38+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/lina-downtown-columbus-riverfront-january-portraits/<p>Lina and I met for portraits at Genoa Park in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The skyline stood tall against the sciotto river, and provided a beautiful backdrop to showcase Lina's playful personality. </p>