Portraits on Kodak TMax 400

Portraits on Kodak TMax 400

It's a done deal y'all. I've committed to shooting 100% on film for personal projects. But not just any film, Kodak TMax to be specific. I love everything about this film and SUPER pumped to have Kodak's re-released TMax P3200 on my side. I now have every ISO range needed to capture it in black and white AND develop and scan myself. Nothing has satisfied me creatively as much as owning this process from start to finish. To note, I shoot all street and portraits on my Voigtlander Bessa R2A. It's definitely a great tool for the job with the Zeiss ZM 35mm and 50mm lenses. With that said, I'm currently shopping around for a medium formate camera that I can really leverage for my film portraits. 

Some of these shots were captured with the Paul C. Buff Einsteins and white beauty dish. It's really a match made in heaven. I hope you enjoy. 

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Seattle Muscle

Seattle Muscle 

I don't have a lot to say about this amazing muscle car other than that when I found it... I said out loud "you've got to be kidding me". I was walking through the hills of Seattle trying to find a solid vantage point to get a photo of the skyline and this slapped me in the face. It's actually an absolutly beautiful canary yellow with black top. It was stunning to say the least. 

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Portraits on the Streets of Chattanooga

Portraits on the Streets of Chattanooga

As I'm sure you've noticed on my gram... I've been diving back into 35mm film full speed ahead, but there are times that call for digital. Some would argue that film can conquer all styles of shooting (me being one of them), but when going for a specific look in a short amount of time, sometimes you have to choose a quicker tool to capture the vibe.

As you all are aware, we live in an instant gratification/no education/no experience/point & shoot/skill-less world of endless "photographers" across our great nation. Yes, at the risk of being overly negative... I'm calling all of you out that don't even know the simple principles of the exposure triangle. Go on with yer bad selves and keep dumbing down photography for the rest of the world... (as you can tell, I'm a bit passionate on this topic).

Disclaimer: This isn't directed at the new shooters to the game, and if anyone has any questions about photography, both digital or film, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'd love to geek out with you. 

With that said... I head out to Chattanooga, TN to capture photos of Ciscily Crislip for a Spring ad I'm putting together for Unclaimed Baggage. It was completely impromptu and we had a blast!! 

Gear Used:

• Canon 5D Mark IV
• Canon 70-200mm Lens
• Paul C. Buff Einstein 640 x2
• Paul C. Buff 64" PLM x 2
• Paul C. Buff Vagabond
• Pocket Wizard Triggers

Portraits in the Rain

Portraits in the Rain

It's always a pleasure working with a model you have a history with. Lauren has been great to work with for well over a year now. Once you develop a working relationship with your crew things go smoother.

We had a full afternoon to explore Scottsboro, Alabama to shoot some upcoming Spring apparel for an ad I'm buildling. This particular day the sky decided to fall out and we had to work with the limitations we were given. "But Matt... why not just work on a different day"? Great questions, it's becuase this is the only day we had the model and opportunity to shoot. So... adapt and overcome. Fortunately, the sky dried up just long enough for us to capture this beautiful back country road and stay relatively dry.  

Equipment Used:

• Canon 5D Mark IV
• Canon 70-200 Lens
• Paul C. Buff Einstein 640
• Paul C. Buff 64" PLM
• Paul C. Buff Vagabond Battery
• Pocket Wizard Triggers\Recievers

Final Note:

I did want to point out a little note on the last image. This was shot outside under a gazebo. To get this "studio backdrop" feel to the image I exposed my background first, then angled higher than normal, exposed the model a bit brighter than her surroundings and BAM... it looks fake LOL! Kind of a neat look to it that may work well for some of you. This was a happy accident. Not a designed shot.  

Go to Paul C. Buff and check out their gear. It's proven time and time again to get me the look I want. They'll serve you well

Ilford Delta 3200

Ilford Delta 3200

Ilford Delta 3200 is a bit tough to get through being a higher ISO (for my style of shooting), but when you get through your first roll and see what it produces... you'll be hooked for sure.

For me, I shoot a lot in direct sunlight then slowly transition to darker city scapes or inside venues. I fell like in order for me to keep pushing this beautiful film I'll need to invest in a good ND filter for the Bessa R2A and Zeiss ZM 50mm f/2. Sure I could nab Fuji Acros 100 and push it to 400 or 800 to find a happy middle ground, but I'm really in love with the Ilford 3200 feel.

What do you think?

35mm Portrait with Paul C. Buff

I'm not really sure where to begin with this one. I feel like I just hit the next level in my pursuit to create something unique that fulfills me creatively on all levels.

A couple fun facts: I just picked up a Voigtlander Bessa R2A and Zeiss ZM 50mm f/2. With this new camera I have the idea to start shooting portraits with strobe. This is the first round of what that looks like. 

Lindsay Carver

So... I went to Imaging USA in Nashville, TN and connected with the Paul C. Buff crew. Come to find out, they had a photo walk planned with Jeff Carpenter of Ready Light Media. I signed up for that and used the opportunity to play with this new idea.  Ok, I say "new" idea loosely because really, I reverse engineered portraits to the days of film, but using baller new lighting by Paul C. Buff. These two shots were captured with the Voigtlander Bessa R2A | Zeiss ZM 50mm f/2 | Kodak Ektar 100

I'll really begin to understand the different tones in different films after a few rolls shooting portraits with strobe. I have a good idea of what film serves me best on the street, but shooting portraits and dialing in skin tones is a totally different ball game. My next round of 35mm film portraits will be captured with Fuji 400H. It will be a bit more purple vs. the orange of the Ektar, but really, Ektar is better for landscape than portrait, but what I had in my camera at the time. 

I hope this gets you pumped and motivates you to push your film use OR to just start shooting film in general. Film provides so many different affordable shooting styles and will teach patience to nab the best shot you can via a classic medium that's going nowhere but up. 

Making The Streets My Studio

I go back and forth loving the studio over the streets. As you can tell from my Instagram vibes, I transition from 35mm film, to portraits, to lifestyle. I love them all and all provide a unique create outlet for me when one style of shooting is driving me insane. 

The next step in my photographical journey is to implement photo regression and dive into shooting portraits on 35mm. It will be so much fun and provide a look I long for. 

This was a shoot in support of growing the Huntsville community featuring Honest Roasters Coffee and apparel from Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro, AL. I had a Paul C. Buff Einstein 640 posted up in the street and shot around Clinton Ave. in Huntsville, AL. I live for shoots like this. I hope you enjoy. 

Shoot More 35mm

Don't argue. Don't question it. Don't say anything at all. Just go shoot more 35mm

Explore more with the Canon Canonet28 & Kodak Ektar 100.