Saturday, June 21, 2014
5 Films About Photography to Stream This Weekend
Image via Flickr
Summer days are great for getting outdoors and taking pictures, but if you’re looking for a way to stay inside, cool off, and get inspired all at the same time, Netflix has you covered. Here are five great films about photography to stream right now.
A quick note: regrettably, Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, perhaps the all-time greatest film about photographers (and certainly the most chilling) isn’t available to stream, but if you’ve never seen it, add it to your by-mail queue today.
1.) Bill Cunningham New York
This 2011 documentary follows Bill Cunningham who, at 80 years old, still pedals through New York on a bike to photograph what people are wearing. You’ll get an inside look at how Bill manages to get a stunning shot every time, in high-, low-, and no-brow situations. Best of all? Bill’s outlook on life is every bit as inspiring as the images he captures.
Watch it if…you’re a Humans of New York fan. Bill Cunningham’s been photographing New York’s boldest and brightest since before HoNY’s Brandon Stanton was born.
2.) Moving Art: Flowers
This short documentary will inspire you to look at — and capture — nature in a whole new way. Although its focus is on cinematography, the principles of artistry, lighting, and composition at work in Louie Schwartzberg’s filmmaking will intrigue still photographers as well.
Watch it if…you’re in the mood for something fast. At twenty-five minutes, it’s perfect to watch over iced coffee on a hot summer morning.
3.) Black White + Grey
With a predominant focus on the 1970s and 80s, this film explores the work of and relationship between innovative museum curator Sam Wagstaff and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Their collaboration, accomplishments, and work ethic will inspire you to connect more intensely with other photographers and fearlessly capture the images you want — even if they’re shocking.
Watch it if…you like a touch of close, complicated relationships alongside your ground-breaking photography. Patti Smith, Mapplethorpe, and Wagstaff’s is one for the ages.
4.) National Geographic: Through the Lens
With a focus on extreme photography, this documentary is an insider’s look at the creative process of National Geographic’s finest photographers. This film is a crash course in getting the shot you need, even when there’s just a split-second window to capture it. The bold risk taking these photographers endure might make you cringe a little, but it will also empower you to be more bold in your own photography.
Watch it if…you’re not just into looking at jaw-dropping images — you’re equally interested in the behind-the-scenes work it took to capture them.
5.) An American Journey: In Robert Frank’s Footsteps
In 1958, Swiss photographer crisscrossed America, capturing images of his newly-adopted home that would later be collected in one of the 20th century’s most highly praised photography books. Fifty years later, French director Philippe Seclier retraces his steps and to capture film and images of his own. Over 15,000 miles, he tracks down Frank’s subjects, rethinks the Beat culture Frank was inspired by, and explores all the American landscape as to offer.
Watch it if…you’re prepared to get inspired to jump in the car and capture classic American images of your own. Road trip!
Svema 125 Color Film
by: Commiecam
Well, I bought a roll of Svema 125 Color with my first order and I just had it processed. (Don't laugh! The local drugstore has a Noritsu system and they actually maintain it properly.) I shot the film at 125 in my Canon Eos-1N, whose exposure system does almost as well as I might with a spot meter. The negatives look lovely to the eye and the prints have an overall greenish cast similar to but far stronger than what you used to see in absolutely fresh Kodachrome 25. The colour palette definitely is VERY different from ours, so much so that I think the dye intermediaries have got to be totally different from the standard Kodak/Fuji practice. Well, I was warned...
BUT!!! This film may require some filtration fiddling either in the darkjroom or in the software, but it is really interesting! I have not seen colour contrast or saturation like this since Kodak gave up C22 and Agfa conformed toii the C41 standard. The colours have PUNCH! And there really is BLACK in the shadows, enough so that you'd have to be careful with metering there.
It is, perhaps in some ways, a film from a bygone era. But that bygone era produced films with colour saturation and real he-man contrast and a bit of grain as well, that can be used to make great images. I am mainly interested in doing B&W, but when I am not shooting kids' birthday pictures, I am certain that I will return to this colour film.
BTW, though I have the equipment, I do not do colour develpoment or printing in the darkroom because I do not like handling expensive, short-lived and hazardous chemicals. Instead I use my Epson 4870 scanner and GIMP graphics software in conjunction with an Epaon Workforce 1100 printer. Gimp, by the way, is freeware and it's every bit as good as Photoshop.
Now to get onto the Svema 64. I still have two rolls (120&35mm) from 2005 that will now become display items.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Yuki Sugiura
Back in April we announced that Yuki Sugiura was the winner of the unearthed® food in film winner with her beautiful animation ‘Florentines’- see it below. Well she has taken some time out of her busy schedule to have a chat to us about her inspiration for making the film and how she got started in film-making.
Tell us a bit about yourself? 
I’m originally from Tokyo, but have been based in London for more than 12 years. I did a BA Joint Honours in Visual Arts, specialising in Ceramics and Graphic Design. I didn’t actually study photography, although got really into B&W photography in the dark room they had in the basement.
I’m originally from Tokyo, but have been based in London for more than 12 years. I did a BA Joint Honours in Visual Arts, specialising in Ceramics and Graphic Design. I didn’t actually study photography, although got really into B&W photography in the dark room they had in the basement.
How long have you been working in the industry, what is your background?
After graduating college in 2000 I did a couple of months assisting a food photographer. I then returned to Japan where I worked in various industries, eventually getting some photographic commissions. Two years later I came back to London and freelanced as an assistant for nearly 5 years working for a number of top photographers in the food industry and other areas. I was even lucky enough to work with Tessa Treager (winner of the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the year 2014 lifetime award) on an advertising project ten years ago. I now mainly shoot food, interior and travel for UK, Japanese and American clients. But I love and am obsessed with food and cooking.
After graduating college in 2000 I did a couple of months assisting a food photographer. I then returned to Japan where I worked in various industries, eventually getting some photographic commissions. Two years later I came back to London and freelanced as an assistant for nearly 5 years working for a number of top photographers in the food industry and other areas. I was even lucky enough to work with Tessa Treager (winner of the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the year 2014 lifetime award) on an advertising project ten years ago. I now mainly shoot food, interior and travel for UK, Japanese and American clients. But I love and am obsessed with food and cooking.
When did you first get into film?
Three years ago, making a series of cooking demo videos for a cookbook I shot with a TV chef Johnnie Mountain. It was my first time ever to film something so i had to learn and guess things as we went but with the help of a technical guy we managed well. This animation is the third film I’ve ever made and the second stop-motion. The first stop-motion was also for the Guardian, similar but simpler piece, showing a salad recipe. We learnt a lot from it.
Three years ago, making a series of cooking demo videos for a cookbook I shot with a TV chef Johnnie Mountain. It was my first time ever to film something so i had to learn and guess things as we went but with the help of a technical guy we managed well. This animation is the third film I’ve ever made and the second stop-motion. The first stop-motion was also for the Guardian, similar but simpler piece, showing a salad recipe. We learnt a lot from it.
Is film your main job or a hobby?
I’m a full-time still photographer but with a big interest in moving images. I would like to direct/make more films in the future, that’s for sure! About the entry How did the film come about? Rachel Vere, the picture editor of the Guardian wanted to make an animation to promote Cook and Ruby Tando’s baking column so they obtained funding from the Guardian Media.
I’m a full-time still photographer but with a big interest in moving images. I would like to direct/make more films in the future, that’s for sure! About the entry How did the film come about? Rachel Vere, the picture editor of the Guardian wanted to make an animation to promote Cook and Ruby Tando’s baking column so they obtained funding from the Guardian Media.
How long did the film take to make?
Originally we booked 2 days to shoot (which is still short for the amount of work), but due to other commitments we only had 1 free day so we had to shoot in just that. We started at 8am and finished at 2am next morning (a solid 18 hours) with very few breaks. There was a a lot of prepping before filming, plus editing and music to be added. All in all, more than 4 weeks from the start to the finish, which is still quite quick!
Originally we booked 2 days to shoot (which is still short for the amount of work), but due to other commitments we only had 1 free day so we had to shoot in just that. We started at 8am and finished at 2am next morning (a solid 18 hours) with very few breaks. There was a a lot of prepping before filming, plus editing and music to be added. All in all, more than 4 weeks from the start to the finish, which is still quite quick!
Who was on the team?
- Me, the photographer – setting the scene, shooting the cover, doing lighting and moving props
- Lee, the animator – he made the original story board and edited the film
- Rachel, the stylist and art direction – she came up with the feel of the story and got the props to go with it
- Valerie the food stylist – she tested the recipe and prepared the food for each steps
- Evan, sound designer – he put the music afterwards once the film was edited
We were all new to this so it was sometimes trial and error but we had such a great spirit of collaboration between us all. We had a storyboard to keep us on track but every single shot was discussed and spontaneously animated reflecting our opinions and suggestions. What was the hardest/most difficult part about making the film? Lack of time? If we had more time and money we could have paid more attention to details and add more cool moves to the Florentine – which were not the most visually easy thing to animate. Stop motion picture is a very slow process, but we did it super-fast because we were forced to
Do you need any special equipment to make animation films?
A camera, lights, computer, animation and editing programs. And a lot of patience, if doing stop motion pictures especially!
A camera, lights, computer, animation and editing programs. And a lot of patience, if doing stop motion pictures especially!
Any top tips for making animations?
You can do a lot with the simplest idea, but the concept/story is the most important part. And for me, it’s got to be fun and almost bit silly. A good sense of humour is essential.
You can do a lot with the simplest idea, but the concept/story is the most important part. And for me, it’s got to be fun and almost bit silly. A good sense of humour is essential.
What gadget can you not do without when you’re photographing/filming?
A camera of course!!
A camera of course!!
Where did you hear about the competition and the unearthed food in film award? How has winning the competition helped your career?
I saw it online. I don’t really know yet but definitely a great thing to have an award. I’m in talks with a food producer at the moment that is really keen to make an animation with me so that’s really exciting.
I saw it online. I don’t really know yet but definitely a great thing to have an award. I’m in talks with a food producer at the moment that is really keen to make an animation with me so that’s really exciting.
What is your favourite dish?
Unagi – a very special grilled Eel on rice you can only eat in specialised Unagi restaurants in Japan. It’s expensive so is a treat for us but not a pretentious meal ever, and unbelievably delicious when done nicely.
Unagi – a very special grilled Eel on rice you can only eat in specialised Unagi restaurants in Japan. It’s expensive so is a treat for us but not a pretentious meal ever, and unbelievably delicious when done nicely.
What’s your most memorable meal?
That’s a tough question to answer and to pick one!! My mums’ cooking is pretty memorable though. Always tasty, healthy and full of her thoughts and love for us.
That’s a tough question to answer and to pick one!! My mums’ cooking is pretty memorable though. Always tasty, healthy and full of her thoughts and love for us.
Where in the world would you most like to eat?
I don’t like to admit this, but Japan. To me it’s the best cuisine and we have so much versatility. There’s a lot of regional food I’ve only read about and one day I’d like to travel more in Japan to taste it and get to know the culture around it.
I don’t like to admit this, but Japan. To me it’s the best cuisine and we have so much versatility. There’s a lot of regional food I’ve only read about and one day I’d like to travel more in Japan to taste it and get to know the culture around it.
Street Hunt No8 – A Street Photography video Tutorial
Introduction
During this Street Photography video Tutorial I have been shooting in the busy streets of Athens, the capital of Greece. I start from a part of Athens called Pagrati, walk to an important Athenian landmark, called Kalimarmaro and then up the Athens Gardens and all the way to Syntagma Square, the centre of the city. During my walk this time I use a film camera instead of my trusty Sony NEX-6. The concept behind this Street Hunt is to share with you each and every shot on that roll. A roll has 36 shots, I manage to get 35. Unfortunately I shot one while I wasn’t recording and wasted it. So, at the end of this video you will have seen 35 film shots. You will notice that the experience is different to that of my digital camera. The shutter sound of the film camera is very, very silent, but the lack of any stabilisation technology leads to some blurry shots unfortunately. Luckily only a few.
My Gear
In the video I use an old Yashica Electro 35 rangefinder camera, the CC model. The CC model is compact and well built. It offers a shutter speed up to 1/250th of a second and supports up to 500 ASA (ISO) film. It is equipped with a fixed 35mm manual focusing lens that is very sharp! I manual focusing with hyperfocal distance. I have pre-focused using the settings I found on the www.dofmaster.com website, so everything from around 1,29m to infinity is always in focus at the f stop of 16 which I have set my camera too. I have added annotations in the video to make sure that I properly communicate to you what I am trying to convey through my descriptions and actions.
So, stick around, sit down, relax, grab a piece of pizza or whatever makes you feel comfortable and enjoy this month’s Street Hunt!
Stay Sharp & Keep Shooting!
NOTE: If the video doesn’t work in the website directly, please visit the Street Hunters YouTube channel to watch.
Germany Film Wedding Photography (A Small Warm Up)
When I got my Germany film wedding photography scans back from UK Film Lab, the excitement and nerves are, without doubt, EQUAL MEASURE. I’m literally staring at the email, watching the file download, trying not to panic. I shouldn’t be panicking; I know how to use my film cameras, I know what photos I’ve taken…but there’s still that tense moment, you know?
Of course, my beloved Mamiya RZ67 traveled to Bavaria in Germany with me. As if I was going to leave it behind for Barbara and Peter’s wedding?!? PFFFFFT dude, please. I only put it away when I finally ran out of film the following day (with a disappointed face). You ever whipped out a massive medium format camera in a cable car, 1,500m above sea level? You should, it’s freaking ACE. Anyway, I wanted to share a couple of shots from around Bavaria, in the (little) spare time I had. Barbara & Peter were happy to indulge my film wedding photography kick, so I pretty much, and quite literally, went to town. It rained (annoyingly) for the first 2 days, and then we had heavy cloudy skies. My last day? Beautiful sunshine, of course. If nothing else, it was good practice for shooting in variable weather. All of my “digital” clients will know that rain NEVER stops my play.
Anyway, in short, I heart film. I adore UK Film Lab. I’m insanely keen to head back into the main part of Europe for another wedding (or holiday, please). Until then, I’m going to keep looking at my film photography shots with a nostalgic face. And go order another stash of film like some kinda addict…
Here’s a load of stuff I shot in between wedding stuffs. Keep an eye open for the full Bavarian wedding very soon.
Here’s a load of stuff I shot in between wedding stuffs. Keep an eye open for the full Bavarian wedding very soon.
All of the above images were shot on my Mamiya RZ67.
Films were Fuji 160ns and 400h, and Portra 400.
Dev and scan by the mighty UK Film Lab.
Analogue Long Exposure Photography of Beautiful Streams
Long-exposure photography or time-exposure photography involves using a long-duration shutter speed to sharply capture the stationary elements of images while blurring, smearing, or obscuring the moving elements. The paths of moving light sources become clearly visible.
Long exposures can blur moving water so it has mist-like qualities while keeping stationary objects like land and structures sharp.
Doing long exposure photography with streams always brings back soft, romantic and poetic images.
Long exposures can blur moving water so it has mist-like qualities while keeping stationary objects like land and structures sharp.
Doing long exposure photography with streams always brings back soft, romantic and poetic images.
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| Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park by mat4226 |
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| Fairy Pools by skysh4rk |
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| Flow by Benjamin Postlewait |
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| Milky stream by Daniil Tkachuk |
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| Rushing Stream | Three rivers, Sequoia, CA, USA by ART SRISAK | PHOTOGRAPHY |
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| River Scream by The Greenery |
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| Tumble Creek 2 by APD Photo |
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| Little Carp River - Greenstone Falls by LeavenworthObey |
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| Our beautiful earth by zane&inzane |
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| Sólheimajökull by bornintoa |
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| Misty Minnehaha by John Cothron |
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| Stream of Life. by jasonwaterhouse1 |
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