Taking a Legendary Portrait in 30 Seconds
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- We're back with another challenge! This was a tough one because we were given only 30 seconds to take a meaningful studio portrait. Jake and I used two totally different cameras, which made the outcome that much more interesting. He rocked with the Leica M10 Monochrome digital camera, while I kept it OG with the Mamiya RZ67. I hope y'all enjoy this one.
More of my work:
/ mikegrayfilm
www.mikegrayfi...
My Gear List: (If you purchase using any of these links I receive a small percentage which helps me continue to keep the channel going. It doesn’t cost you any extra.)
M1 Macbook: geni.us/m1macb...
Sony Fx3: geni.us/sonyfx...
Small Rig Cage: geni.us/rigcage
Ronin S2: geni.us/ronins2
Atomos 4k: geni.us/atomos4k
Rode Mic: geni.us/rodepod
SD Card: geni.us/256SD
Light Meter: geni.us/lightm...
Kodak Portra 400: geni.us/portra...
Air Rocket: geni.us/dustbl...
Film Scanner: geni.us/epsonv600
Editing Headphones: geni.us/bosehe...
Rode Shotgun Mic: geni.us/rodesh...
Davinci Resolve: geni.us/davinc...
Hasselblad: geni.us/hassi
Film Light Box: geni.us/filmli...
Jake's Info:
/ jakecloobeck
www.jakecloobe...
Tyler's Info:
/ thetylershields
Beat by: 7XII
...
Cameras:
Mamiya RZ67
Leica M10 Monochrome
#FilmPhotography
You’ll probably never forget to remove the dark slide ever again. Lesson learned.
Never haha
I laughed so bad at this. I would've been the same as Mike!
Tyler with the subtle help
“You might wanna take your dark slide out. 10 SECONDS” 🤣🤣
Big save from the wizard lol
Haha
hahahahaa!
You are fortunate to have Tyler as a mentor. He’s the bomb.
agreed.
I preferred Mikes photo's.. For some reason, seeing the eyes makes the subject more human, it makes it easier for me to connect with the subject. There's honesty and vulnerability in peoples eyes and that's why I love Mikes photo's.
The pressure is kind of crazy. Even though Mike had a harder time, his pictures were definitely better. With the glasses on, there is less personality - feels a bit generic and since Hunter was reluctant to take them off to begin with, you see that they aren't tilted correctly. Mike came through with the win because the soul came through the pictures more prominently.
Thanks for the feedback Anthony!
Yoooo the panic that dark slide caused lmaoooo
Unforgettable lol
You were right in wanting to remove his dark glasses. Now you can see his personality. Your exposure is way better and the pose spot on.
Thanks Christopher
For some years ago I always took on music festivals in the backstage from the artists a one take shot with the Fujifilm x100t. I loved it. You both won the challenge. You made the photos with different cameras and from a own approuch. Photographing is not a competition, it's all about passion.
Mike’s best IMO the fall off shadow is more subtle and the more pleasing to the eye
i prefer mike's because recently i've been drawn so heavily to the film look + imo i think grey's mastered the black and white look.
Thanks Troy!
MIke's photo on the right is the best of the bunch- contrast, composition, and exposure were all well executed.
Thank you
The one thing I really like about Jake's photos is the texture of the leather jacket, I feel like it adds quite a bit to the portrait. However, TO ME nothing beats the textures in Hunter's face and in the shadows behind him in both your shots; I feel like those two things really give the portrait a strong character.
Thanks for the feedback Juan!
That second shot Mike 👏👏 The lighting setup and the pose/angle is spot on
Thank you Sophia 🙌🏾
I like Mike's photos more, those have more character of a person. Love those challenge videos.
Thank you.
Mike’s jawn for me. The combination of the soft light, emotion, and that film grain. That did it for me in Mikes photos.
Thanks!
Cannot really say what better, can only tell what I prefer:
Mikes pictures have deeper blacks even if there is not much details on the jacket shadows, softer light, contrast, perfect framing, and even though they shoot the same moment we could say, they look very different, Mike's pictures have more of a vintage look and definitely have that VIP look. Strange blacks in the Jakes image, especially on the sun glasses reflection, it looks like something was done to cover whatever the reflection was, on Jack's pictures I would have personally removed some whites and hightlights on the face, probably play with the white balance a little (not sure if that was possible), as a black and white image Mike's pictures look more balanced to my eye. Also it looked like Mike had a shot in mind and got really lucky he was able to take 3 picture 2 of which are really good.
Mike had the best shots. The glasses down in Jake's looks goofy. Mike's shots felt like you captured his personality more, it felt like an intimate portrait. Smashed it in 3 shots!
Dang I dig it. The situation/scenario looked fun (albeit a little stressful), but the idea of prepping as much as you can before you make an image and then being able to flow while shooting I think it really important. Both sets of images are really great and have completely different personalities. Mikes first image is particularly great, but its not cause of any one thing...its a lot of little things that all work and just really grab me. The lighting quality, the crop, the expression, the grain, the contrast...the combination of all those little things really made it the standout image to me. Also a good reminder that in the end we show an image, nobody sees how we got there, if it took 30 seconds or 3 hours, if it was spontaneous or was in the works for 3 years. (although definitely the story behind an image can be a crucial part of the image, and often is)
Really well put Nathan. Thanks a lot for the amazing feedback.
Mike's the best. The connection to the person, the focal length and last but not least the lighting
In the little time he had left I think Mike still killed it. The glasses make Hunter look a bit gimmicky, without the glasses he gets way more personality. And although I myself shoot digitally, I can see the beautiful result you get from film!
Mike, the second picture of yours on the right hand side it is stunning, it is perfect in black and white.
I like Mike's image. I felt as though it showed more emotion.
Wooow!!! I cannot thank you (Mike) and Tyler enough for showcasing this real life scenario we all need to be insanely prepared for as a professional photographer. Wow!! I’m legit stunned at just how mentally collected and poised you have to be to function under severe pressure and still walk away with notable photographs.
PURE GOLD! 🙏🏾🙏🏾
I like jakes more because of the contrast and mood, there’s an atmosphere that he captured(probably the sunglasses). The model really feels like a celebrity and especially very magizine’eskt
Mike - one of the MOST real life situation vids I have seen - lessons there. Tyler was legit acting the part. Shooting a vid interview of Simon Baker years ago and had 5mins to do it- put in a new freshly formatted card. Came up OK on the camera as having 30mins of space, drop Simon in the chair, crowds of ppl around, manager, client, publicist, PR agency... and it just wouldn't record. Had to erase earlier unbackedup footage on a working card - choosing selectively in 30seconds and freed up 5min 20seconds of space with other camos looking on - the stress took years off my life. Now I always insist my guys roll-record for like 5 seconds on every newly formatted card before the client is around as well as double check every possible scenario - especially audio.
For 9 seconds, those 3 shots were absolutely beautiful! I think Mike won but the story behind it is hilarious and eye opening. Jake’s shots were beautiful too but theres something about the film on the Mamiya that absolutely authenticated this experience more.
FIrst to get three shots off and nail two under the pressure was damn amazing. So you get points for that. It shows you know your craft. Second I like your photos. You did a good job filling the screen and capturing the vibe of the client. It feels real. Like you just captured a moment. Jake's image, though nice, feels staged
mike photos was better in my opinion because of the black and white film quality and the portraits was the prefect mood overall
I like mikes because it gives me a vibe with the model looking straight to the camera plus those 2 photos of mike they blend perfectly. And the film makes it even better!
Mike is the winner with the second photo. The model look to the side and I just feel that the expression and mood of the photo tells the most interesting story.
Thanks bro!
Both photos from y’all are solid! I like how Jake was already shooting even though The publicist was on one. I think about street photography and catching fleeting moments is a constant things. The Leica was probably a good choice given the time. Dope vid!
I agree 100% Henry. 🙌🏾
Your shots give off a mugshot typa feel, which i think is DOPE and seems super authentic and unplanned. Jakes shot seems to come off as a sunglass product shoot more than anything, that being said they would be some sick product photos for ray-bands. I prefer the emotion and vibes that come from your 2 pictures. Video is fire as usual bro!
Thanks a lot bro!
I like yours a lot more! They look and feel timeless. The softer light and no shades was definitely the way to go. Also the contrast and grain are the cherry on top of the ice cream. Excellent work!
Thanks!
Mike’s photos are best to me. I love the feel of the Mamiya’s black and white images.
Thank you Tasha!
I prefer your photos. The intention and the glimpse of personality that we get to see just by taking off the glasses made a huge difference. Keep up the good work 👌
My favorite is Mike's 2nd image (right hand side). The expression, framing and character is just leagues better than the other 3 images IMHO.
Damn. This was crazy different. The feedback from Hunter was so good too. It was great to see different approaches to capturing the shot under pressure
I liked Mike’s better. I think the lighting on the skin plays better and it really captures more of the “James Dean” energy of the client. I have always shot portraits in natural light (since it’s so accessible for hobbyists) but I really need to try some flash and studio type portraits!
I‘d say Jakes 1st Photo is my Favourite one, because it shows this „Rockstar“ coolness attitude with the sunglasses. He looks kinda unreachable like a star and that’s what catched me! But all four Photos are great, especially in theese conditions! 👌📸👌
Both portraits are real good provided the circumstances and their personal styles and camera they were thrown into. Probably, this was a shocking experience basically NOT for the technicalities of the camera gear BUT for the unexpected and so real behavior of the freaking impeccable role of the publicist working and assisting the celebrity (LOL)... I have been a photojournalist for years and usually, the assisting entourage - no matter who s/he might be - is the most difficult crew to work with. That part is critical. The best from this challenge/ video clip was Mike's facial expression and his "loudly silent WTF!?" thought. Epic experience, right? Awesome video, man. Thank you.
I stumbled on this video I don’t know how but it’s deffo one of the best on CZcams. Subscribed. This challenge was so much better than the normal ‘2 photographers shoot the same model’ I’m hooked. I love the guy that ran the shoot and acted as publicist. So much talent in one video 👊🏾🙌🏾👌🏾
Those Dark Slides Moments, man that shit have me flashbacks 😂
That sh*t is a pain lmao
Mike Gray crazy also that photo was all over Chicago! Crazy to think that’s what you had to experience, knowing NBA Youngboy he probably came 20+ deep too 💀
@@olawalesanni2872 facts. 😂😂😂
I think I actually prefer your shots with the Mamiya than the selected shots from the Leica... (That's me off Leica's Christmas card list..)
Spending that 5 sec to remove his glasses was the best move you have done! More personality without the glasses. The portrait where he looks straight to the camera is for me the winner shot! Well done under this huge amount of pressure!
Thank you !
The sunglasses are cool. But with the leather jacket, I think the full look would serve best as a 3/4 or full body shot.
For a headshot, I believe there’s more of a connection without sunglasses. In the particular pose, the eyes show character. Plus the sunglasses aren’t distracting.
Mike has my vote. Great job! 👍
I’ve never had to shoot in a 30 second time frame. I would imagine it to be challenging. Yet, as Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
I’m guessing you’re getting the Hasselblad X1D II 50C✊
Love the pictures from Mamiya eventhough only few pictures taken but with the intense and confusion that 15secs time created sort of personality and look of the subject and story behind
Great challenge. This is is how the real world works...You spend more time prepping and conceptualization...The shoot doesn't last long...Photography is all about learning how to catch the moment, when it happens at the blink of an eye...great video...
100% agreed.
Great video Mike. You both did well. My favorite is your 2nd image the one he is not looking at the camera. I like the feel and the soft light.
Mike's his photos feel better- has soul and emotion
Dang, I need photography teacher just like that
Mike's Photos are just perfect to my eyes ! well done mate !!!
Mikes on the left. Best shot. Makes you feel. Character.
I WANT to take this challenge.
Thank you!
Your's due to medium format closeness to the subject, plus film softness on skin , plus dynamic range of the film and your choice of a softer light than him, and that you preserved the highlight like you do most of the time, amazing look !!!
Dear lord, I remember having to shoot a local celebrity's portrait alongside an interview, I think I had about 5 minutes. At least 3 of those minutes I spent trying to get my flash with softbox to work. I decided it took too much time and got my on-camera flash out, pointed it at the ceiling and went for it. It's years ago now and today I would have been better prepared and certain my gear was working, but I'm very happy with how I responded and problem-solved at the time. I would have still done that today. Amazing video, thanks!
I love your shot because is more dramatic. The model’s expression and contrast of image is more impactful.
Tyler is a true legend. Great video and great shots with only like 15 seconds ha ha! I like yours more. The exposure was better with more range in the shadows and highlights and the glasses sort of killed the vibe in my opinion.
Mike I prefer your photos. I think your lighting is better for this situation (slightly softer than Jake's lighting). This allows your image to be slightly less contrasty. Great job.
This was so much fun to make
such a good time
I prefer Mike's. The lower exposure with the white background. The look of film and composition works well too. But Mike did get a big assist from Tyler on telling him to take the dark slide out.
Both image sets were super dope. I would have liked some kind of catchlight in Jakes with the sunglasses. Mikes were the overall favorite for me as they conveyed a lot more soul with the eyes. Fantastic for just 3 shots !
Thanks!
I had to shoot a Dr. and his staff once for some holiday photos. He was a short mid eastern man and he was very impatient. As I started to set up the my lighting before getting the entire staff lined up for the group photo as they were setting up I would take photos just to see where I was at. Once they were set I was almost set with my lighting. The Dr. started saying things like, “why does it take so long to take a photo? I don’t understand.” I told him just making sure I have my light right with a bigger group and I want to make sure I get enough photos just in case someone blinks in the photo so I have some to choose from. And because of his impatience I ended up only taking decent photos instead of photos I was satisfied with. It wasn’t a 30sec thing but in some way I felt that pressure of having to move quick and trying to get great shots.
This was a great video of a real life situation. I do think your photo was a lot better. It was simple and magazine quality. Great Job!!
Thank you.
i like Mikes photos more, the softer lighting and shadow on the wall is pleasing to me, plus the film grain adds to the look
Thanks Kevin!
I love Mike's, because:
- sharpness shows the texture of his hair, skin
- light looks natural, falls of in a beautiful way on the left side of his face, and I love that the background is bright next to it, so separation is perfect
- dynamic range: I love all the tones from dark to bright
- contrast is just enough
Overall it looks so professional, congrats!
Thanks a lot!
I love the grain in your photo Mike. The exposure was also to my liking.
Mike, love your portrait because it feels real, honest, a little more intimate. the portraits with the sunglasses felt more like a snapshot than a calculated portrait. either way, great job. I dies laughing at the scenario because it really hit home. I'll drop bts from my experience soon 😅
My personal opinion is I like Mikes because I think the subject had a better look without the glasses. Other than that they are both great captures.
As an rz user I feel the pain. You can’t tell if the slide is off or not with it being oriented to the bottom haha. I love the images you created and the way it looks. There’s something organic about film.
I agree 100%
Both images are cool but Mikes felt a little more personal and more true to life. Always Love a great RZ67 strobe frame.
This time I gotta go Mike! For me, the grain on the film black and white takes it to another level, and the exposure looks a little more even on Mike's too.
haha i appreciate it Owen.
Mike for the win. The softer light and look of the film just tips it for me. Tyler busting your balls as the publicist was so funny. Bet your checklist now consists of "film's in....meter reading.... darkslide... darkslide... darkslide. take OUT the darkslide."
Yes indeed haha. Thank you
"Thank you for coming -- Fuck you. Sorry I was having a flashback" LOOOOOL
Lmfaooo
despite the experience seeming a little calmer for Jake during the shoot, I like your (Mike's) results better. The 'feel' of the images is preferable to me. Idk for sure but I think the subtle presence of a grain provides character to the images. Let us know about that new camera when you can!
how fresh is this compared to so many other hipster film shooter vids out there!!! thank you I really enjoyed watching it. I think your shots got realy character over Jakes too!
Thanks Matt
I really do like your first image (left) the look in the eye is intense just like the shoot was, also that of Jake on the left was good too got the celeb vibe! Great video bro. keep em coming
Thanks a lot Edmund!
Mike, I like your photos more because the photos you took have a "mugshot" feel to them, which I think is really dope.
My favorite photos were shot on the film camera but it wasn't necessarily what the camera did, it's what the photographer did and in this case , Mike, it was a great call to ask for the removal of the eye wear. While it was a risk, it was one worth pursuing because the eyes, without obstruction gives your photo so much more life. At the end of the day, the camera is the tool and the photographers decision making make all the difference and your decision to ask for no glasses made the difference, not the camera, well done.
I think is the best challenge so far!!!
The dark slide is the JPGs instead of Raw lol
I like both photos, Mike and Jake have a unique style
Man I am watching this in bed in 30 minutes. Can't wait. It's crazy you get to work with Tyler every time, that's so nice.
haha enjoy.
Awesome challenge 👌🏾. Both photographers did well, but I do prefer yours Mike. Here’s why...the medium format depth, the fine grain, and the expression. Jake’s isn’t far behind, but you managed to notch this one out, even with the loss of time. 👊🏾
Thanks Kavan!
Your's of the two, I see his personality, nice photo, good video. Best!
That darkslide was painful lol
Loved the photos. Tyler's sarcasm on point as always
It killed me bro haha
thanks!
@@MikeGrayFilm by the way, I preferred yours cause I think it's all in the eyes. There's just too much expressiveness being “lost” behind sunglasses.
Thank you
I would have to pick your image on the left.
The reason behind this is the way you were able to capture the client's emotion & personality through his eyes.
Even though it didn't run as smoothly as you would have liked, it also broke down the front that clients usually put up at the start of the shoot.
Leading to your image being one that I could see on a cover of a magazine or an image of the client that would go down in history.
Although jakes photos are incredible it doesn't have the same impact in the way of being on a cover of a magazine.
Look forward to seeing more of these.
Thanks a lot for the feedback Devon!
I like the two photos from Jake and Mike. The film grain adds a different feeling to the picture. jakes photo is more dramatic :).
I thought the same thing Leago Lekganyane wrote. The eyes, the connection and even the angle of the tilt.
Mike because the shadows are softer, less contrast and there is a grain that is pleasing.
I prefer the look and tonality of your shots. That goes to show you that you really only need one or two shots if you know what you are doing. Good job Mike! I was yelling at the screen telling you to take the darkslide off! lol
haha I appreciate it Alan!
These challenge videos are so fun to watch. tyler plays the "rude" agent so well you really feel that he has expiriencded these kind of situations a lot.
I personally prefered Mike's shots. I feel like they had a more grimey aesthetic to them which probably came from his dicision to shoot on film. Jake's shots are dope as well but they look more clean which is personally not my prefered style. I could imagine his shots as pages of a high end fashion magazine while Mike's look like shots from a movie set or even screenshots off of a movie itself.
That was goddamn amazing. well done. Incredible challenge. Mike, I prefer your images as your left image has a real presence and intimacy. Jake's images (downward angle, crop, and facial expressions) suggest a barrier between the subject and the audience. Sometimes this can provide an edge that can add to the image, but in this case it seems inauthentic and pulls me out of the connection with the subject.
Mike,
I just love the soft shadows and that little bit of grain more
Wild challenge - that was fun to watch! I liked the lighting and tones in yours better, Mike.
Thank you!
I like Mikes photos without the sunglasses, you get to see the person, their more intimate, the sunglasses act as a barrier between you and your subject. Humans always make eye contact first, we can take in a lot of information just by eye contact... you captured mystery you broke down the barrier !!
Thanks for the feedback!
Mike. Nicer range of tones and the composition emphasises the expression without losing context
Mike's better! The feeling of film cant be replaced
As a former photo editor, man, you crushed it! No offense to Jake, but I’d publish your second frame all day.
Your second frame with the subject looking away captures something more than just a straight on look. There’s way more feeling in that frame. And yes, 30 seconds with a celebrity or top level executive is not uncommon. When it’s game on, you’ve got to have your team focused and ready. Great job!
Thanks Terry!
Mike! Love the contrast and shadows.
Thanks Dylan.
I go with Mikes photos. To be honest I can quite put my finger on it but they seem to capture on 'honesty' and more emotion of the model.
Thank you.
Mike's image - film always wins for me!
Thanks Bree!
very very very solid shots! love these challenges frfr
Thanks Michael!
@@MikeGrayFilm no problem! i do prefer your shots too because i really vibe with the grain in the photo!
Mike's photo - the texture