7 tips for black & white street photography with Alan Schaller
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.
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Levitate - Song by: Out of Flux
This was fantastic! No long intros, no babbling on, your just gave us what you advertised. Easily the best KZhead video I've felt I've seen in years.
A well edited vid. Straight to the point.
True.
as cooph usually does, straight to the point with practical tips avoiding annoyng blabla, great video !
Hate babblers
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.
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)
@@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.
@@francisco5434 very true
Thanks!! Tha is a great tip!!
@@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!
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.
but how is the best way to learn?
@@amb8405 shoot with RAW, processing to BW Jpeg
@@amb8405by having the camera, reading, KZhead videos.
process to Jpeg?
Than wtf u talking about
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
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.
@Dariel Kenneth instablaster :)
@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.
@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
@Dariel Kenneth happy to help =)
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.
Finally!! A photographer that goes right to the point on his tips. His work is just awesome!!
Varnishing the table analogy, I like that.
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 !
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.
That’s a very nice perspective.
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.
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.
@@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.
The analogy of editing as varnish on a well made table is spot-on!
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!
Finally... someone with excellent tips and brilliant shots to back his ideas. Just perfect.
Alan Schaller is my favorite photographer. His work is iconic. He is an inspiration. Thank you for making this video.
And he is master of the b/w dogs!
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
There's no such thing as bad light. Thank you for that! ❤️🙏
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
This man is my favorite street photographer of all time! I have been following his work for years
This guy is sick. One of the best on instagram. Thank you
That's what we think!
One of the best, period, always an inspiration to me
Forget IG, follow Alan on Flickr to view his work in high resolution and chronological order: www.flickr.com/photos/alanschaller
I'd like to see his editing tips. Can't find anything on Alan's editing techniques.
@@kociasek people dont give a shit of high resolution. Forget Flickr its dead
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.
Bw more depth
This guy push me into black and white world.
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.
Editing is varnish that finishes the table. I'm a woodworker too, this is a clear metaphor for me. Thanks.
"'this is a clear ... " Actually it might be amber in some cases.
Then there are some really creative people who build a whole image in Photoshop.
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.
Great metaphor.
Yep. Rubbish in, rubbish out.
Following him for years... Talented eye thanks u
His work blows my mind. It makes me so happy.
Yes! Alan is one of my absolute favorites. Thanks.
Water is outstanding, rain, raindrops, puddles, reflections, still water, ripples, bird baths, it’s endless. Just imagine not being able to see color, now imagine what the image would be like if you could and someone described the color to you
Alan is my favourite b&w photographer. He really has so much creativity in all of his composition!
Alan Schaller is the master. Absolutely loves his works.
These black and white photos are really superb!
The master of BNW street photography. For me, one of the best street photographers in the World. Thank you for the tips, Professor.
Brilliant video. Simple. Quick. To the point. No wasted anything.
Wow. Refreshing to get advice from someone that’s actually good! Brilliant advice, incredible photographs...
You are a great teacher. What a wonderful video. Specific and precise instructions. Simple yet very helpful.
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!
Varnishing a table. That’s the best description of post production that I’ve heard
Alan is one of the best street photographers alive! Great video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Tip 8 Put your EVF (RAW + B/W jpg ) on Monochrome (if possible) to get a direct feeling how your photo is going to loo like !!
Superb B&W tips and tricks here. Excellent. More please.
This guys really hits the nails on the heads. Great lessons for new B&W photographers.
I love Alan’s work!
Concise refresher we all need from time to time, good job.
Very clean video. Loved the tip about editing and the analogy about the table. It’s so true.
One of my absolute favorite photographers on Instagram. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Outstanding images.
No such thing as bad weather. excellent. That's gonna open me up to everyday is a good day instead of, ooooh, looks a bit overcast etc.
Outstanding tips and showcase of your work. I am really drawn to this style and these are such powerful images. Well done!
Thank you so much for this wonderful tips. AMAZING pictures!
Incredible photos. Wow.
So happy to come across this video. Love black and white photos
Omg, I’ve seen tons of your ART photos, finally u’ve showed up on yt 🔥🔥
Wow absolutely stunning images!
He is a master of composition..Very inspirational.
I would only add something that he showed but didn't comment. That is print the photos that you like! It is important and at the same time very satisfying to look at your pictures on paper.
This is what we are talking about!!!! Very inspirational work!!!
Great simple and Eternal tips !!! Thank you and ur B/W images are Lovely !!!
I like this photographer's work very much
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.
One of the best inspiring photographer, 🔥🔥🔥
Seeing this for the second time now - a very welcome exception to all the tech blabla and endless new model testing here on YT. Alan, you give great advice. And then you always DELIVER. Not one mediocre pic here. So what is my advice after many years of photography (I'm 63)? Use the best camera: the TALENT 2020 from LEIJIKON! ;-))). And your EYES. This way, you don't have to buy ultra-expensive stuff like the Monochrome. Just use a good 35mm or 50mm lens (the one for my Nikon came at under 150,-€) - then THINK for 10 minutes. And then start.
This guys photos are amazing.
Thanks for an excellent video with excellent images and with many excellent reader comments.
You're the best! Good for you! Nailing it! One of the best in the world!
man.. his photos are amazing
Some of the better tips I've heard for sure.
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.
Beautiful shooting. An artist and a pro.
Lessons from Snape is truly marvelous.
I thought that too. And both are amazing people 😁
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...
Brilliant, very helpful and informative. thanks for sharing,
I started photography not long time ago... Alan discovers the bnw for me!! His work is inspiring!!
Wonderful photos. The best. Will try to schedule one of the London walks. If I can add a tip, wait for fortuitous things to happen. Some scenes seem boring - two people eating dinner in a cafe -- until suddenly one of them will make a wild gesture. You need to be ready and watching for it. And always have your camera with you. When you run across a fortuitous situation, stop what you're doing and start shooting.
Stunning photos! this guy is a legend
Gracias Alan. Cuídate!!
Allan es un maestro!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I have the new Nikon ZF with the black & white switch , and love to go out and take B&W photos .
Some brilliant examples of street photography
One absoluty best photographer out there!!!
The lady on the tube train hypnotises you!
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.
Te sigo en IG y eres el master de nuestra era.Otro nivel sin duda!
Phenomenal! Enough said
Excellent. Basic yet crucial.
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
very crisp and to the point... loved it... will try to emulate in my own way...
brilliant! thank YOU Alan!
Love Alan's work. Absolutely amazing. Great video BTW 👍
Whenever I am annoyed with my visualization. I come back to this video. Hearing him clears all the mist in the mind.
Soooo gooood ! What a pro! And using live view unlike diehard r/f shooter! very good!
Este video fue excelente, corto, conciso y preciso. Y además las fotos hermosas !!!!
One of the most valuable video to watch.
Undoubtedly faaanstaaasticcccc ! What unique capturing,at the right moment ! Loved your work and tips too.
Thanks for your wise pointers and great pictures
Straight to the point! Well done!
Brilliant! Thank you!
As always, very helpful! Thanks for sharing.
Great tips and very well presented. Beautiful photos too!
Wow...best 5 minutes on photography I have seen on You Tube!
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.
I'd also like to add that I identify with your example pictures. They "are what they are". No need for any explanation - which is faithful to the Street genre. Well done!
So good. Thanks for the tips. Keep your videos coming.