7 tips for black & white street photography with Alan Schaller

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  • čas přidán 14. 05. 2024
  • Black & white images and street art photography go together like two peas in a pod. But they both can be very challenging, even for experienced photographers.
    That’s why we asked a real pro for advice: Alan Schaller! The London based street photographer shoots exclusively in black & white and is the co-founder of Street Photography International, a platform for talented yet unrepresented photographers.
    Alan knows what black & white photography really needs, different angles and views for example, to add a nice twist to your images.
    Find out more awesome tips from Alan in our video, which has been created in collaboration with Leica.
    Alan is shooting on the Leica M Monochrom: de.leica-camera.com/Fotografi...
    Find more of Alan's work at / alan_schaller
    Tag @thecooph and #coophshoutout on Instagram for a chance to be featured in our stories. We can’t wait to see your pics!
    Join the Cooperative of Photography: www.cooph.com
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Komentáře • 674

  • @francisco5434
    @francisco5434 Před 3 lety +196

    Tip #8 The golden hour is for color. In b/w photography, you want the opposite. Be out at midday, when you have bright highlights from streaming sunlight and dark shadows present. Those stark contrasts promote form where b/w film shines. You can get good reflections on windows during daylight hours that would be transparent at night.
    Tip #9 Although digital software corrects lighting issues in camera, if you are using actual film, you can greatly improve contrast of sky, foliage, even brick buildings with color filters. Instead of blown out skies, you can see moody, even stormy looking skies with orange or red toned lenses. You can create some really dramatic effects. Blue filters can bring out the texture of aged hands or faces in a close up. A yellow helps cut those skin blemishes if you want to soften a complexion.

    • @850Tech
      @850Tech Před 2 lety +5

      Reading your comment took me back to the Film Reel Era Thanks ! it was wonderful to shoot not knowing how the developed result will look after the dark room process ! And I have used Color Grad Filters those days on Skies as you have described above. Wonderful comment and thanks for the extra 2 Tips ! ( Specially #8)

    • @francisco5434
      @francisco5434 Před 2 lety +9

      @@850Tech Glad you liked it. I too miss that mysterious outcome, where you had to preplan every shot. Digital removes that step and you can just reshoot until you get the results you like.
      But, it’s a crutch that can fail you when those magic, once-in-a-lifetime moments happen. It can remove that creative process that makes you a photographer and not just an extension of a machine.

    • @850Tech
      @850Tech Před 2 lety +1

      @@francisco5434 very true

    • @SketchTurnerZero
      @SketchTurnerZero Před 10 měsíci

      Thanks!! Tha is a great tip!!

    • @PujicMafia
      @PujicMafia Před 9 měsíci

      @@francisco5434I got that one too often in my composition, regarding editing. I find I rely adjusting my crop in post vs nailing in in the field more than I’d like. Thanks for the info, great tips!

  • @aerialfilm1
    @aerialfilm1 Před 4 lety +16

    For better street and candid photos of strangers, not looking like a creep helps tremendously. Alan’s grooming, attention to his attire, appearance and manners make him appear gentlemanly and non threatening. Given the same skills, talent and Leica, I don’t believe a poorly groomed hygienically deficient slob in disheveled clothing with an abrasive personality would produce images nearly as stunning as Alan.

  • @fruitl00p08
    @fruitl00p08 Před 3 lety +205

    This was fantastic! No long intros, no babbling on, your just gave us what you advertised.
    Easily the best CZcams video I've felt I've seen in years.

  • @GaryR55
    @GaryR55 Před 2 lety +74

    The "editing" is the digital equivalent of processing film and prints. It is as necessary to the process of digital photography as photographic chemicals and enlargers are to film-based photography. If you eschew the use of digital editing software, you are confining yourself to what came out of the camera. Ansel Adams never thought his images were "complete" by merely tripping the shutter and then using standard processing. His "Moonrise: Hernandez, New Mexico" wasn't as it was shot. Every photographer who ever had control over the processing of his film and prints always applied some degree of "manipulation" either in the enlarger or the developer tray. I've been doing photography since 1971, when I was a photo lab technician. The camera is only the beginning. The final image, whether on film or a digital sensor, requires processing, which is the final stage of the process of photography. Think of your software as an enlarger and developer. Too many people think of "Photoshop" whenever digital "editing" is mentioned.

    • @amb8405
      @amb8405 Před 10 měsíci

      but how is the best way to learn?

    • @Channel-xx8qt
      @Channel-xx8qt Před 9 měsíci

      @@amb8405 shoot with RAW, processing to BW Jpeg

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@amb8405by having the camera, reading, CZcams videos.

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Před 9 měsíci

      ⁠process to Jpeg?

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 Před 9 měsíci

      Than wtf u talking about

  • @nfornick
    @nfornick Před 4 lety +216

    0:21 #1 Shoot b/w on purpose
    0:48 #2 Focus on what makes b/w interesting
    1:25 #3 Adapt to your light situation
    2:12 #4 Make good use of your environment
    2:45 #5 Capture a good range of contrast
    3:24 #6 Change perspective
    4:09 #7 Edit wisely

    • @darielkenneth2571
      @darielkenneth2571 Před 2 lety

      You probably dont care at all but does any of you know a way to get back into an instagram account??
      I somehow forgot my account password. I would love any tips you can give me.

    • @lennoxtravis9487
      @lennoxtravis9487 Před 2 lety

      @Dariel Kenneth instablaster :)

    • @darielkenneth2571
      @darielkenneth2571 Před 2 lety

      @Lennox Travis thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm.
      I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

    • @darielkenneth2571
      @darielkenneth2571 Před 2 lety

      @Lennox Travis It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
      Thank you so much, you saved my account :D

    • @lennoxtravis9487
      @lennoxtravis9487 Před 2 lety

      @Dariel Kenneth happy to help =)

  • @philw8741
    @philw8741 Před 4 lety +92

    Varnishing the table analogy, I like that.

  • @wahabdilawar
    @wahabdilawar Před 4 lety +46

    Finally... someone with excellent tips and brilliant shots to back his ideas. Just perfect.

  • @alexblaze8878
    @alexblaze8878 Před 3 lety +50

    My #1 Tip: Shoot as if you’re shooting on film in 1980 and no photo editing software exists. Too many rely on photo editing to replace fundamental skills and artistic vision. When I (and everyone else) shoot film, I tend to really think about composition and lighting much more than when shooting digital and subsequently my “keeper” rate is much higher than when I shoot digital. Digital is great but knowing that I can review what I just shot and then retake the photo on the spot takes the urgency away from really thinking BEFORE I shoot.
    Just my 2 cents.

    • @awpqq
      @awpqq Před 7 měsíci

      Photos were edited in 1980 - and before! We used techniques in the darkroom to burn and shade, different grades of paper and other techniques. You can't do it all in the camera.

    • @alexblaze8878
      @alexblaze8878 Před 7 měsíci +2

      @@awpqq my point was meant to encourage thinking about what makes a great shot instead of just firing away thinking the shot can be “made great” in post processing. But there IS a reason why my keeper rate is much higher when I shoot film and that’s because I contemplate each shot much more than when I shoot digital.

  • @RohitPant04
    @RohitPant04 Před 4 lety +12

    Alan is my favourite b&w photographer. He really has so much creativity in all of his composition!

  • @jenohogan9254
    @jenohogan9254 Před 4 lety +12

    His work blows my mind. It makes me so happy.

  • @AlejandroRamos-im4to
    @AlejandroRamos-im4to Před 4 lety +27

    Finally!! A photographer that goes right to the point on his tips. His work is just awesome!!

  • @dhaug
    @dhaug Před 3 lety +3

    The analogy of editing as varnish on a well made table is spot-on!

  • @gdoe00
    @gdoe00 Před 3 lety

    Alan Schaller is the master. Absolutely loves his works.

  • @LeonardoLaprano
    @LeonardoLaprano Před 4 lety +523

    This guy is sick. One of the best on instagram. Thank you

    • @TheCooph
      @TheCooph  Před 4 lety +18

      That's what we think!

    • @brnzh
      @brnzh Před 4 lety +6

      One of the best, period, always an inspiration to me

    • @kociasek
      @kociasek Před 4 lety +24

      Forget IG, follow Alan on Flickr to view his work in high resolution and chronological order: www.flickr.com/photos/alanschaller

    • @alexis.x
      @alexis.x Před 4 lety +1

      I'd like to see his editing tips. Can't find anything on Alan's editing techniques.

    • @gicechicken7062
      @gicechicken7062 Před 4 lety +1

      @@kociasek people dont give a shit of high resolution. Forget Flickr its dead

  • @jacobgolden8599
    @jacobgolden8599 Před 4 lety +3

    Yes! Alan is one of my absolute favorites. Thanks.

  • @GONZOFAM7
    @GONZOFAM7 Před 4 lety +158

    Editing is varnish that finishes the table. I'm a woodworker too, this is a clear metaphor for me. Thanks.

    • @westyavro
      @westyavro Před 4 lety +3

      "'this is a clear ... " Actually it might be amber in some cases.

    • @jorgensen8
      @jorgensen8 Před 4 lety +3

      Then there are some really creative people who build a whole image in Photoshop.

    • @thothheartmaat2833
      @thothheartmaat2833 Před 4 lety +3

      I just had to suffer through the stupidity of people who claim to love Ansel Adams yet believe photography is only what is done in camera with no developing. Ansel Adams said that the camera is for composers and the dark room is for conductors.

    • @Robert.Dickson
      @Robert.Dickson Před 3 lety

      Great metaphor.

    • @TheoBunge
      @TheoBunge Před 3 lety +1

      Yep. Rubbish in, rubbish out.

  • @circleofattention6021
    @circleofattention6021 Před 3 lety +6

    There's no such thing as bad light. Thank you for that! ❤️🙏

  • @jpm74
    @jpm74 Před 3 lety +5

    This guys really hits the nails on the heads. Great lessons for new B&W photographers.

  • @MurphyKargesBass
    @MurphyKargesBass Před 3 lety

    Brilliant video. Simple. Quick. To the point. No wasted anything.

  • @davehenderson9105
    @davehenderson9105 Před 3 lety +5

    This man is my favorite street photographer of all time! I have been following his work for years

  • @fabiolfpetry
    @fabiolfpetry Před 4 lety +9

    Alan is one of the best street photographers alive! Great video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  • @LimitedWard
    @LimitedWard Před 2 lety +6

    This was extremely well stated. Even just the first tip alone is super important. I've been hesitant to shoot in B/W since I don't really understand it and was worried I'd end up with bad shots. But clearly, the only way to get better at it is to go all in.

  • @metaheisenberg
    @metaheisenberg Před rokem

    He is my inspiration... been following his style for 3 years now, suddenly i am finding myself going through these tips again for the fact that his photography has been so captivating for me...

  • @wissnasraoui
    @wissnasraoui Před 3 lety +5

    his photos are simply mind-blowing, and this video gave me the energy to go out and shoot, even though im living in a place where street photography is harder to do than other places.

  • @JackPickle
    @JackPickle Před 3 lety +1

    Varnishing a table. That’s the best description of post production that I’ve heard

  • @albertsmith9315
    @albertsmith9315 Před 2 lety +7

    I have never seen a better 5 minute lesson that if followed can give years of improvement.
    I set one of my Fujifilm bodies to permanent B&W, and go out to ONLY shoot mono with it. It really changes the way you "see" when you don't keep switching with color.

  • @mikerivers9634
    @mikerivers9634 Před 4 lety +7

    Plain speaking and great advice. I like the tip about editing being the varnish on a well made table. If the photo isn’t there to start with forget it. So many great B&W film photographers (eg. Angel Adams, Brassaï, Henri Cartier-Bresson) used their intuitive skill to nail their shots knowing there was barely any headroom left for editing the image during the processing. There is a debate which interests me about ‘processing your picture to achieve success’ versus ‘the impact of a shot as it appears in reality’. In other words you can process the life out of a shot if you ain’t careful! But I like Alan’s approach since it’s not that complicated and makes perfect sense.

  • @TomKaszuba
    @TomKaszuba Před 4 lety +92

    Alan Schaller is my favorite photographer. His work is iconic. He is an inspiration. Thank you for making this video.

    • @ssa371
      @ssa371 Před 4 lety +4

      And he is master of the b/w dogs!

    • @adamcraig1468
      @adamcraig1468 Před 2 lety +1

      I cant believe hes the same age as me. I always think of him as some older artistic icon. It must be his genius coming through

  • @TheC0wboyWay
    @TheC0wboyWay Před 4 lety +19

    Understanding Ansel Adams' 'Zone System' is what really made photography easier for me. I hear other photographers say you can't have clipping because there's no detail in absolute black or white, but it's that clipping that will clear your image of the dreaded grey fog.

  • @jajabarbd1289
    @jajabarbd1289 Před 4 lety +1

    You are a great teacher. What a wonderful video. Specific and precise instructions. Simple yet very helpful.

  • @seattlegrrlie
    @seattlegrrlie Před 4 lety +14

    Excellent video. My additional tip is go to the same place at different times of day on different days. Sometimes, it can completely change the look of the place

  • @zeppelinstudio6
    @zeppelinstudio6 Před 4 lety +11

    This guy push me into black and white world.

  • @framedge
    @framedge Před 4 lety +2

    One of my absolute favorite photographers on Instagram. Thanks for sharing these tips.

  • @dan_s_higginson
    @dan_s_higginson Před 4 lety +4

    I love Alan’s work!

  • @smaeyl
    @smaeyl Před 4 lety +29

    The master of BNW street photography. For me, one of the best street photographers in the World. Thank you for the tips, Professor.

  • @tommybui2990
    @tommybui2990 Před 4 lety +10

    Omg, I’ve seen tons of your ART photos, finally u’ve showed up on yt 🔥🔥

  • @DannerPlace
    @DannerPlace Před 3 lety

    Concise refresher we all need from time to time, good job.

  • @COCOTEIER
    @COCOTEIER Před 4 lety

    These black and white photos are really superb!

  • @mr.l6982
    @mr.l6982 Před 4 lety +1

    You're the best! Good for you! Nailing it! One of the best in the world!

  • @lolivars4304
    @lolivars4304 Před 4 lety +2

    Thank you so much for this wonderful tips. AMAZING pictures!

  • @caelanwilliamson4284
    @caelanwilliamson4284 Před 4 lety +1

    Very clean video. Loved the tip about editing and the analogy about the table. It’s so true.

  • @randygerdes
    @randygerdes Před 4 lety +2

    Outstanding tips and showcase of your work. I am really drawn to this style and these are such powerful images. Well done!

  • @instagramlikes3234
    @instagramlikes3234 Před 4 lety +3

    One of the best inspiring photographer, 🔥🔥🔥

  • @sarbajitsarkar5254
    @sarbajitsarkar5254 Před 4 lety

    He is a master of composition..Very inspirational.

  • @jasonhicks5473
    @jasonhicks5473 Před 3 lety

    very well presented, especially for students, short quick and to the point. love the music and pace and style of this video as it does not linger and reveals crisp examples with confidence.

  • @JohannBauermeister
    @JohannBauermeister Před 3 lety +2

    Wow. Refreshing to get advice from someone that’s actually good! Brilliant advice, incredible photographs...

  • @josegulias
    @josegulias Před 3 lety

    I started photography not long time ago... Alan discovers the bnw for me!! His work is inspiring!!

  • @evaeriksson9950
    @evaeriksson9950 Před 4 lety +2

    Wow absolutely stunning images!

  • @ragemodels
    @ragemodels Před 4 lety +1

    Great simple and Eternal tips !!! Thank you and ur B/W images are Lovely !!!

  • @stellaanger3479
    @stellaanger3479 Před 2 lety

    So happy to come across this video. Love black and white photos

  • @ImSamSuburban
    @ImSamSuburban Před 4 lety +1

    Stunning photos! this guy is a legend

  • @fotolookconde
    @fotolookconde Před 3 lety

    This is what we are talking about!!!! Very inspirational work!!!

  • @rajat5894
    @rajat5894 Před rokem

    Wow...best 5 minutes on photography I have seen on You Tube!

  • @abelsinglavalls9926
    @abelsinglavalls9926 Před 4 lety +4

    Really interesting! I liked so much. My tip: Shot B&W film. Fixed Iso, fixed Lens and what day brings to you. Don't loose time looking menus and fotos already taken. Shot and go for the next.

  • @newnatsfan
    @newnatsfan Před 4 lety +2

    So many pro photogs say never shoot in B&W because you can make any color photo b&w. I completely disagree, just as he says...seeing the world in b&w is so different than seeing it in color. Great tips!

  • @sivasankargv8522
    @sivasankargv8522 Před 4 lety +1

    I love Alan b/w photography 🖤

  • @anzaeria
    @anzaeria Před 4 lety +8

    Outstanding images.

  • @4053rubber
    @4053rubber Před 3 lety

    Love Alan's work. Absolutely amazing. Great video BTW 👍

  • @Hendoneabdar
    @Hendoneabdar Před 2 měsíci

    One absoluty best photographer out there!!!

  • @sjsphotog
    @sjsphotog Před 4 lety

    Superb B&W tips and tricks here. Excellent. More please.

  • @swapnilshah2100
    @swapnilshah2100 Před 4 lety

    As always, very helpful! Thanks for sharing.

  • @bblair2627
    @bblair2627 Před 4 lety +9

    pretty much every pic used as an example was like amazing

  • @thewildgoose7467
    @thewildgoose7467 Před 4 lety

    Some brilliant examples of street photography

  • @kamv7261
    @kamv7261 Před 4 lety

    Incredible photos. Wow.

  • @ravindrajahagirdar2701

    Undoubtedly faaanstaaasticcccc ! What unique capturing,at the right moment ! Loved your work and tips too.

  • @MarttiSuomivuori
    @MarttiSuomivuori Před 4 lety

    Beautiful shooting. An artist and a pro.

  • @usertoemas
    @usertoemas Před 3 lety +1

    as someone who hated black and white when i first started 5 years ago to now me only wanting to shoot in black and white this was very helpful and i will be looking more into Alan’s work

  • @troyphillips1077
    @troyphillips1077 Před 4 lety +1

    Phenomenal! Enough said

  • @sonicalchemyst
    @sonicalchemyst Před 2 lety

    Brilliant tip. I also love how he looks like a Bond villain. Outstanding.

  • @ultimatechrisso6592
    @ultimatechrisso6592 Před 4 lety

    Saw his pictures in the Leica Gallery Frankfurt awhile ago. Absolutely fantastic black and white images, very creativ! I was very impressed!

  • @robcarew5925
    @robcarew5925 Před 4 lety

    I love your pictures. My Photo Journalism teacher would have loved your work.

  • @user-ww5xh7fh3j
    @user-ww5xh7fh3j Před 3 lety

    Thanks so much for this video. I have always been drawn towards black and white but really never had the courage to pursue it. Inspired.

  • @Rumbo7
    @Rumbo7 Před 4 lety

    Alan Schaller is amazing!

  • @boris.dupont
    @boris.dupont Před 4 lety +3

    Brilliant! Thank you!

  • @laurelb8372
    @laurelb8372 Před 2 lety +1

    Very well presented, straight to point, will be helpful when next try street photography. Thank you

  • @michaelbruchas6663
    @michaelbruchas6663 Před 4 lety +1

    Great stuff. You have a great city for your palette!

  • @abjordan2217
    @abjordan2217 Před 3 lety

    Every picture in the video is a masterpiece 📸

  • @RickGTI2019
    @RickGTI2019 Před rokem

    Your tips are very interesting and logical. I’ve been shooting b/w for 60 years , on film. I never over think my photography, I just shoot everything and let the chips fall where they may ! Thanks, Rick….. 📷

  • @aaragon8876
    @aaragon8876 Před 2 měsíci

    Following him for years... Talented eye thanks u

  • @puspenbain45
    @puspenbain45 Před 3 lety

    my favourite PHOTOGRAPHER!!❤️❤️💪

  • @davidantoniocostarica2465

    Te sigo en IG y eres el master de nuestra era.Otro nivel sin duda!

  • @dimakor5914
    @dimakor5914 Před rokem

    Finaly tips from someone who can shoot. Really good photos.

  • @hotlippsmartin
    @hotlippsmartin Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you! Great tips, very helpful!

  • @FauxtakuLounge
    @FauxtakuLounge Před 4 lety +1

    Excellent stuff. I've never been into street, nor do I reckon I have much ability there, but I hope to keep this knowledge close.

  • @StavrosMoshidis
    @StavrosMoshidis Před 3 lety

    Straight to the point! Well done!

  • @fergusfitzgerald977
    @fergusfitzgerald977 Před 27 dny

    I do a bit of Street -mostly with my iPhone which is super - occasionally my old M8 .
    This photographer produces some lovely work !
    I have some nice photos different but none as beautifully created as this photographer!
    His comments are totally correct - especially what he said about editing - this is where a lot of Post Processing Savy photographers go wrong - you can so easily overwork images in post !

  • @RyB717
    @RyB717 Před 3 lety

    One of my favorite photographers.

  • @sanfordlavine1760
    @sanfordlavine1760 Před 4 lety

    Thank you Alan. Great tips.

  • @andreasbeyer9921
    @andreasbeyer9921 Před 2 lety +2

    I take street photos with my Olympus EM 10 Mark II and an adapted Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm f1,8 and it´s a great thing. Thank you for your tips!

  • @motretjalanan
    @motretjalanan Před 4 lety

    One of the most valuable video to watch.

  • @AramKaptein
    @AramKaptein Před 4 lety +1

    What a great video. Thanks for sharing.

  • @stepitup5409
    @stepitup5409 Před 4 lety

    Excellent advice from a great photographer.

  • @DevaneApolonio
    @DevaneApolonio Před 3 lety

    🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 thank you for sharing this...

  • @HoLeeChit11
    @HoLeeChit11 Před 4 lety +1

    Wow, this guy is amazing. Please make more videos giving advice like this and showing examples.

    • @TheCooph
      @TheCooph  Před 4 lety

      Thanks so much! You will be amazed, there's a full playlist of those videos on our channel, check it out: czcams.com/video/7ZVyNjKSr0M/video.html

  • @scottyg9167
    @scottyg9167 Před 4 lety +2

    Sir, I came across your work just by chance.... and am enthralled. You clearly get it! You sure your name isn’t Henri? Your reportage is stellar.

  • @keviinzhiitow
    @keviinzhiitow Před 4 lety

    I love his work

  • @knifeyboy82
    @knifeyboy82 Před 3 lety

    Wow amazing work. Thank you for introducing me to his work

  • @duncanmacleod8066
    @duncanmacleod8066 Před 4 lety

    Allan es un maestro!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  • @bhupeshpatel575
    @bhupeshpatel575 Před 2 lety

    very crisp and to the point... loved it... will try to emulate in my own way...

  • @malaranu6883
    @malaranu6883 Před 2 lety

    So good. Thanks for the tips. Keep your videos coming.