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  • VALOI 360 Kickstarter campaign promises affordable way to digitize film

    A new Kickstarter campaign for VALOI 360 promises to deliver an affordable, high-quality way to digitize rolls of 35mm and medium format film.

    VALOI 360, which is over halfway toward its roughly $ 74,000 USD goal, is a system of modular physical components you can use to digitize 35mm and 120mm film negatives using a digital camera. There are three main components in the 360 system. There is the VALOI 360 35mm Holder. The holder keeps 35mm film flat while allowing for a backlight to shine through. It is constructed of injection-molded plastic and has an S-curve film path to flatten the film without touching the image area.

    Prototype VALOI 35mm Holder

    The other holder, the VALOI 360 120 Holder, holds 120 medium format film up to 6 x 9cm frames. Like the 35mm holder, it allows light to shine through, is made of injection-molded plastic, and has an S-curve film path. Both holders also include rubber dome feet to make sure the holder sits flat on the light source underneath.

    Prototype VALOI 120 Holder

    The third component is the VALOI 360 Film Advancer upgrade. You place a film holder inside the Film Advancer and the advancer allows you to quickly forward to the next frame by rotating a knob. The frame and axle are made of steel and the rollers are rubber. It comes with screw-in rubber feet with long threads which can be used for leveling. As part of the Kickstarter campaign, the Film Advancer upgrade is only available alongside holders, but VALOI plans to sell it separately later.

    To use the VALOI 360, you must have a digital camera (or, in a pinch, even a smartphone) and a light source. An ideal setup involves a digital camera, tripod, and a stable, color-consistent light source. The VALOI 360 holds your film flat, you capture an image of the film and if you’re digitizing a negative, you use a computer to invert and process it. There is additional information about digitizing best practices on the Kickstarter page.

    Prototype VALOI 360 Film Advancer

    The primary challenge that VALOI hopes to overcome with its 360 system is how to hold film flat and stable in front of a light source. This is the problem that VALOI founder, Arild, first tried to address with various prototypes. Arild used plywood, acrylics, LEGO components and more in pursuit of building something affordable and easy to use when digitizing film. He even learned how to build 3D CAD designs. Mechanical engineer Wicher van Lambalgen, VALOI co-founder, came on board to turn Arild’s ideas and early designs into a commercially viable prototype.

    Assuming the campaign reaches its funding goal, by pledging €19 backers will receive the VALOI 35mm Holder. For €29, you can select the 120 Holder. The €44 pledge includes the VALOI Holder Pack, which includes both the 35mm and 120 film holders. For photographers wanting the VALOI 360 Film Advancer, you must step up to the VALOI 35mm Kit at €129 (the €139 kit includes the 120 Holder instead). A full kit with all three components is also available for €179. All pledge options include a scanning tutorial to help beginners learn how to best use the VALOI 360 system to scan their film. Products are expected to begin shipping to backers in April 2021. For full details about the VALOI 360 system and the available backer options, click here.

    Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • ON1 announces ON1 Professional Plugin Series, including new versions of 4 plugins

    ON1 has announced its all-new ON1 Professional Plugin Series. The suite includes new versions of ON1 HDR, ON1 Effects, ON1 Resize and ON1 Portrait AI. ON1 states, ‘The ON1 Professional Plugin Series is a new product line focusing on bringing ON1’s editing technologies into existing professional photo workflows with a more integrated experience.’

    The ON1 plugins work with an expanded set of host applications, including Adobe Lightroom Classic, Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Corel Paintshop Pro, Apple Photos and Capture One (coming soon). ON1 says, ‘We were founded on creating plugins for Adobe Photoshop and later the Lightroom workflow. Back then, it was all about saving photographers time by making things easier to do in our plugins, which would make their workflows much faster. Today, it’s about how ON1 software can tightly integrate our newest technologies from ON1 Photo Raw into more workflows to produce better results.’

    ON1 HDR 2021 includes improved performance and control over your images. Image credit: ON1

    ON1 HDR 2021 promises ‘natural HDR photos’ that combine highlight and shadow details from bracketed exposures. It includes de-ghosting controls for reducing movement in a scene, such as clouds in the sky or moving water, and promises fast previews. ON1 says the software is up to 7x faster than ‘leading HDR apps.’ You can also adjust tone and color while working with layers and applying special effects. ON1 HDR includes noise reduction and lens corrections as well.

    ON1 Effects 2021 features filters and presets crafted by ON1’s team of experts. New features in the 2021 version include a replace color filter, non-destructive Spot Healing Brush and Color-Sensitive Gradient Masks. ON1 states that the new custom brush shapes ‘give customers a quantum-leap in new ways to add creative edits.’ Further, the latest version includes a new full-screen preview option.

    ON1 Effects 2021 features filters and presets designed by ON1’s team of experts. The plugin includes a non-destructive spot healing brush, among other features. Image credit: ON1

    When you need to enlarge your images, ON1 Resize 2021 delivers ‘industry-leading Genuine Fractals technology’ to make it simpler and quicker to enlarge image files without sacrificing sharpness and detail.

    Finally, ON1 Portrait AI 2021 relies upon machine learning to automatically find and retouch each face in an image. The plugin analyzes the image, locates the faces and adds ‘just the right amount’ of retouching to each person’s skin, eyes and mouth. The plugin includes a spot healing brush, custom brush shapes and full-screen preview as well.

    ON1 Portrait AI 2021 uses machine learning to automatically retouch each face in a portrait. Image credit: ON1

    ON1 is looking forward as well, promising that the company is working hard to introduce better integration with each host application. Future updates will also include better options for non-destructive workflows between plugins and host applications, such that your photos will remain re-editable.

    Dan Harlacher, VP of Product, says, ‘One of the biggest challenges plugins face today is the walled gardens created by host applications. It makes it very difficult to re-edit your adjustments. We have a powerful solution for this common complaint that will maintain flexibility and your creativity on both sides, and we can’t wait to unveil this in the coming months.’

    ‘We have a powerful solution for this common complaint that will maintain flexibility and your creativity on both sides, and we can’t wait to unveil this in the coming months.’ -ON1’s Dan Harlacher

    ON1 is also working ‘to improve on working with multiple photos between plugin and host application and quick access to features and functionality from ON1 within the host application itself.’ As part of the ongoing development, ON1 is investing in new AI technologies and solutions, with the goal of removing repetitive manual tasks. Improved AI-based solutions will result in faster culling of images, improved noise reduction and better batch image processing.

    ON1 has also announced a partnership with photo and software educator, Matt Kloskowski. Matt K’s Corner is a new resource center for photographers using ON1 alongside Adobe products. Kloskowski will provide tutorial videos and articles each month and recommend workflows for users.

    Click to enlarge

    You can try each of the new plugins with a free 14-day trial. Each plugin is available for $ 59.99 USD each (regularly $ 69.99), or you can purchase the bundle of ON1 HDR 2021, ON1 Effects 2021, ON1 Resize 2021 and ON1 Portrait AI 2021 for $ 89.99 (regularly $ 99.99). For additional information and to download trials, visit On1’s website.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 sample gallery (DPReview TV)

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    70-300mm zooms are incredibly popular, particularly for travel. How does Tamron’s newest model compare? Check out our sample gallery to judge sharpness, bokeh and pincushion distortion for yourself.

    View the Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DPReview TV: Best smartphone gimbal

    Smartphones capture amazing video, but to kick production value up a notch consider adding a compact gimbal to your kit. This week, we test three leading smartphone gimbals: The DJI OM 4, the Moza Mini MX and the Zhiyun Smooth XS.

    Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

    • Introduction
    • The competitors
    • Sample footage
    • Size and weight
    • Setup and breakdown
    • Ergonomics
    • Stability
    • Companion smartphone apps
    • Overall recommendations

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • 3 Simple Ways to Create Stunning Eyes in Your Portrait Photography

    The post 3 Simple Ways to Create Stunning Eyes in Your Portrait Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Gina Milicia.

    portrait photography with beautiful eyes
    Image model credits, clockwise from top left: Chris Milligan/Fremantle Media, Rachael Lever, Danny Spannerz/East Brunswick Tattoos, Tiffany Diaz

    “Here’s looking at you, kid.”

    Reclusive Hollywood legend Marlon Brando would always close his eyes when paparazzi tried to take his photo. He knew that without his eyes open the image wasn’t worth publishing.

    The eyes are the single most important feature of any portrait. Beautiful eyes can make even the dullest portrait mesmerizing. Poorly lit, out of focus eyes, or eyes that lack connection, will weaken the impact of a portrait.

    Here are my three favorite techniques to make eyes really stand out in your portrait photography.

    1. Light

    “Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.” – George Eastman

    Eyes look best when they are lit well, with beautiful catch lights. Catch lights are the reflection of a light source in the eyes. The size, shape, and brightness of your catch lights depend on the light source you use.

    An eye lit by windows
    Two large, frosted windows from my studio create beautiful catch lights. Model: Bryana Karanikos
    Naked Flash on camera
    Diffused on-camera flash creates a slightly softer, rectangular catch light.
    Eyes lit by a medium softbox off camera
    A medium softbox, off-camera and positioned at 2 o’clock, gives a soft, natural catch light.
    Badly lit eyes
    Poorly-lit eyes without catch lights look cold and a bit creepy.

    2. Expression

    “You are what you think. All that you are arises from your thoughts. With your thoughts, you make your world.” – Anon.

    Comparison of portrait photography with bad and good eyes
    Model: Tiffany Dias

    In the image on the left (above), Tiffany’s eyes are cold, and she looks nervous. After I gave Tiffany a visualization exercise, her eyes became warm, confident, and connected (see the right image above).

    How you communicate, connect with, and direct your model is key to capturing a great expression in the eyes. If your model’s smile isn’t genuine, his or her eyes will appear cold and dull-looking. If your model is nervous or distracted, this too will be reflected in his or her eyes.

    One technique I use to create a great expression is visualization. I ask my model:

    If you could be anywhere right now, doing anything, where would that be? Tell me about that moment. Who is there? What does it feel like?

    Once your model is in the moment of their visualization, their body language and expression changes.

    3. Post-production

    “Be willing to give that extra effort that separates the winner from the one in second place.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

    Post-production can lift your portrait photography from good to great – when it’s done well. The key to great post-production is to avoid overdoing it. It’s easy to get excited with all the tricks and enhancements that post-production software offers. It’s addictive, and much like opening a jar of Nutella, it’s very difficult to control yourself once you’ve begun.

    I try and use the overnight rule when it comes to retouching. Once I’ve worked on an image, I won’t look at it again for at least a day. I find that my eyes constantly adjust to the modifications I’m making, so it’s more difficult to see when I’ve gone too far (which is also what happened when I dressed in the ’80s).

    Here’s a step-by-step technique to enhance eyes using Adobe Lightroom:

    Before and after images of eyes
    Before and after: I’ve used Lightroom to make the eyes sharper and brighter and to enhance their color.

    Step 1: Import your image into Lightroom and use the Basic panel in the Develop module to edit your shot. In this case, I’ve used one of my own beauty presets.

    Eyes edited in Lightroom
    eye adjustments in Lightroom
    Here are the basic adjustments I’ve used for this image.

    Step 2: Zoom in on the eyes (“B” in the image below) and select the Adjustment Brush tool (“A” in the image below). You can also select the Adjustment Brush using the keyboard shortcut “K.”

    Adjusting the eyes in portrait photography

    Step 3: Next, you should adjust the eye color with the Adjustment Brush:

    Adjusting the eyes in portrait photography
    • Increase the Temperature slider (A) to make the eyes appear warmer in tone.
    • Increase the Exposure slider (B) to brighten the iris.
    • Increase the Shadow slider (C) to bring more detail into the shadow area.
    • Increase the Sharpness slider (D) to make the eyes appear more detailed.

    Adjust only the colored part (the iris) of your subject’s eye (highlighted in red in the image above) and set the brush to have a slight feather and a low flow so you can build up your adjustments slowly.

    Step 4: Next, select a new Adjustment Brush (A, below), increase the Sharpness slider (B, below) by +22, and paint over the colored part of the eyes, eyelashes, and eyebrows. This will really make the eyes stand out.

    Adjusting the eyes in portrait photography

    Step 5: Finally, select a new Adjustment Brush. Set the Exposure slider to -29, and increase the Clarity to +10. Paint around the edge of the iris. This will darken the area slightly and give the eye more definition.

    Here, the final portrait was imported into Adobe Photoshop, where I did a basic skin retouching to remove a few small blemishes.

    Final image with beautiful eyes

    And that’s it!

    I’d love to hear about your techniques for enhancing eyes in portrait photography, and it’d be great to see some examples. So share them in the comments!

    Gina is the author of several dPS eBooks, including Portraits: Making the Shot.

    The post 3 Simple Ways to Create Stunning Eyes in Your Portrait Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Gina Milicia.


    Digital Photography School

  • Nikon Z6 II sample gallery

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    Nikon unveiled the Z6 II last month, adding some more processing power and a few other modest upgrades to its ‘multimedia’ full-frame mirrorless offering. We got our hands on one and have some preliminary samples to share – take a look.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Buying guide: The best gifts for film photographers in 2020

    Introduction

    Do you love film photography, or are you shopping for someone who does? Lucky you / them! Film photography is exploding in popularity and the folks in on the fun tend to be some the coolest cats in town: sorry, digital peeps.

    Cool cats deserve cool gifts. And so we’ve combed the analog universe, searching high and low for the hottest gear to include in this guide. It’s filled with fun stuff that should please even the pickiest analog avenger, and most budgets. From funky film stocks, to home developing and digitizing solutions, these are the best film photography gifts in 2020.

    Note: Gifts are listed in order from least to most expensive.

    Fujifilm Neopan 100 Acros II – $ 12 a roll – A classic film stock, resurrected from the dead

    Fujifilm’s beloved B&W film stock is back, baby! Discontinued in 2018, the Japanese film producer announced a new and improved Acros II in November of 2019, much to the delight of monochrome fanatics everywhere. Available in 35mm and 120 formats, Acros II offers silky smooth grain, excellent sharpness and lovely tonality; the perfect film for a nice sunny day.

    It’s nostalgic, yet practical, and a film certainly worthy of a spin through any analog lovers’ camera, whether they shot the OG version or not.

    See our Fujifilm Acros II sample gallery

    The Solarcan – $ 20 – A cool recyclable pinhole camera

    The Solarcan is a long exposure camera, which, you guessed it, is built from a can. The intended use is for documenting the path of the sun across a horizon over a long period of time – we’re talking weeks or months. Originally launched on Kickstarter back in 2017, this single-use pinhole camera is a fun project for any analog nerd also interested in astronomy. Plus, it’s recyclable!

    Each Solarcan is preloaded with a piece of B&W photographic paper (Solarcan Color is coming soon) and includes instructions for use, mounting materials and a storage tube to keep it light tight until exposure time. The Solarcan is also available in a five-pack ($ 80), which we recommend for added experimentation. Note: this item ships from the United Kingdom.

    Lomography Analogue Aqua camera – $ 40 – An inexpensive waterproof 35mm camera

    I’m giddy with excitement just thinking about how fun Lomography’s reloadable waterproof cameras are. For folks in the Northern Hemisphere facing a dreary winter, summer swims may seem like a far-off memory. But sunny skies and COVID-free days will someday soon (hopefully) be back upon us. And when the time does come again to take the watery plunge, the film-lover in your life will have the perfect camera to document it.

    The Analogue Aqua is basically one of Lomography’s $ 20 disposable cameras sandwiched into a watertight plastic case. There are two version of the camera, one with Lomo Color Negative 400 film and one with Lomochrome Purple film. But it’s worth noting, unlike a traditional ‘disposable’ camera, these ones are not sealed shut and Lomography intends for you to reload them them again and again.

    Lomography Fantôme Kino B&W ISO 8 film – $ 45.50 (5-pack) – A cool and new 35mm film stock

    Speaking of Lomography, another great idea for the celluloid celebrator is the gift of a new film stock to try. Lomo’s Fantôme Kino B&W ISO 8 – announced earlier this year – is not technically new, since it’s cut from German cine film stock, but it’s newly-available for stills shooters!

    This incredibly-low ISO monochrome film is super contrasty and perfect for creating a film noir–style look. And for more B&W fun, we also recommend Lomography’s Babylon Kino B&W ISO 13 film. Unlike Fantôme, it offers subtle tonal changes and plenty of dynamic range. Both are only available in 35mm as of writing.

    View our sample gallery: Lomo Fantôme Kino ISO 8 & Babylon Kino ISO 13

    The Pixlatr – $ 55 – A better way to digitize negatives

    One of the most annoying struggles faced by analog lovers is how to get high-resolution, high-quality digital versions of their negatives. One of the best non-scanning solutions is to photograph negatives using a digital camera and a macro lens. But how the heck do you hold them in place and ensure even lighting?

    Thankfully our good pal and DPR’s Film Photography Talk forum moderator, Hamish Gill, invented a solution. The Pixlatr, originally launched on Kickstarter, is a modular film holder that works with most film formats (up to 4×5) and features a semi-translucent back to diffuse light. It’s a simple, versatile and effective solution for anyone who owns a macro lens, a digital camera and a tripod.

    Another solution is the Nikon ES-2. It’s a little more straightforward to use than the Pixlatr – it attaches to the end of a lens – but is also nearly three times the cost ($ 145) and only works with 35mm format film.

    Analogue Wonderland film subscription box – $ 65 every other month – A reoccurring 35mm film subscription box

    Who doesn’t love getting a parcel filled with fun surprises in the mail on a reoccurring basis? UK-based Analog Wonderland is bringing the concept of the ‘curated subscription box’ to 35mm film lovers everywhere. Once signed up, subscribers will receive a box every other month (depending on the length of subscription). Each box contains six different rolls of 35mm film, curated from a selection of 100.

    This is not only a fun way for film lovers to try new emulsions, but also a way to connect with other 35mm shooters. Each month all subscribers receive the same film stocks, and Analog Wonderland provides an online space for folks to both discuss their results and compete in friendly competitions.

    Lomography HydroChrome Panoramic Camera – $ 80 – A wacky camera with a ‘water lens’

    Bear with us on this one, because Lomography’s HydroChrome Panoramic camera is truly wild. Based off a mid-1800’s camera design, this inexpensive panorama camera is built around a 32mm equivalent water-filled lens. Yes, you read that correctly.

    While the concept may sound gimmicky, the results are actually pretty compelling and cool. And the camera plays nice will all sorts of liquids, not just water (though we’d avoid anything sticky). For instance, simply adding food coloring, or watered-down coffee can change the results dramatically.

    UN Twin Film Pocket & Rama Works Film Canister – $ 20 & $ 110 – A watertight film holder

    Is the film shooter in your life also an adventure-seeker? If so, a water/light tight film holder may be the perfect gift, providing peace of mind. And we’ve got two models to choose from: one on the sensible side and one a little more swanky.

    First, the sensible: The UN Twin Film Pocket is a straightforward product that will safely store two rolls of 35mm film. It’s built of plastic and features screw-down caps with rubber gaskets as well as a metal clip to attach to a camera or bag strap. These units can be a little tricky to hunt down stateside, but the product is carried by both European and Japanese distributors. That said, we’ve successfully had them sent to the USA, just plan for a little extra time in transit.

    On the other end of the spectrum is the Rama Works Film Canister. Sure, it costs 5x as much as the UN Twin Film Pocket, but it is a beauty to behold: machined from a solid block of aluminum and anodized. Note: Only the 120 format version is currently available as the time of writing.

    Rama Works Film Canister shown above.

    Fujifilm SQ1 Instax Square camera – $ 120 – A larger format Instax Camera

    Most folks are probably familiar with Fujifim’s Instax Mini format, but did you know there’s also an Instax Square format, which provides a larger image size? And the hottest new Instax Square model is the Fujifilm SQ1, which dropped earlier this year.

    It’s a handsome-looking model that’s easy-to-use, comfortable and capable of excellent results. Available in three chic colors, it’s the perfect camera for documenting social outings, once we’re allowed to gather together again!

    For even more Instax photography fun, we also recommend the Fujifilm Wide Instax 300 ($ 90). It’s a good bit chunkier than the SQ1, but makes use of the largest Instax format: Instax Wide. It also offers a bit more creative control than the SQ1.

    Lab-Box Daylight Developing Tank – $ 160 – An easier way to develop film at home

    Analog shooting and DIY often go hand-in-hand. And nothing beats the thrill of successfully developing your own images at home. But for those a little nervous to dip their toes in the unknown world of loading exposed film to reels in the dark, the Lab-Box Daylight Developing Tank is for you.

    Because let’s face it, most home developing mistakes are a result of improperly loading film and/or accidentally exposing it in the process. Lab-Box removes this pain point, though there is a slight learning curve to using the device. But ultimately, once mastered, it should help speed up the workflow of any home developer while also cutting down on the number of botched rolls.

    And there you have it, the best film photography gifts in 2020, sure to bring a smile to the faces of emulsive eccentrics everywhere! Happy holidays and happy shooting, from the analog nerds here at DPReview.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Weekly Photography Challenge – Down

    The post Weekly Photography Challenge – Down appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

    We did ‘Up’ a few weeks back… It made me think about how SO many of us walk from place to place looking down at devices (I’m not going to start in on the whole devices thing, don’t worry!) but it did make me think about what we miss by not looking at what we’re walking over, details or cracks in the pavement, etc. It can take some extra work to make ‘Down’ look good, and so with that gauntlet thrown down, let’s see what you’ve got… (Side note, if you fly a drone, this week is a good time to share your aerial photographs!)

    Make sure you tag your photograph #dPSDown wherever you post it!

    Weekly Photography Challenge – Down
    Weekly Photography Challenge – Down
    Weekly Photography Challenge – Down

    SO ‘down‘ from your camera or your drone or wherever you like, just has to be ‘down’ – and yes, bonus points for alternate interpretations of ‘down’ – Just make sure you tag your photo #dPSDown wherever you post it! Oh, and don’t forget, you can try all of our previous challenges over here —> CLICKETY CLICK!

    Great! Where do I upload my photos?

    Simply upload your shot into the comments field (look for the little camera icon in the Disqus comments section) and they’ll get embedded for us all to see. Or, if you’d prefer, upload them to your favourite photo-sharing site and leave the link to them.

    Weekly Photography Challenge – Looking Up

    Share in the dPS Facebook Group

    You can also share your images in the dPS Facebook group as the challenge is posted there each week as well.

    If you tag your photos on Flickr, Instagram, Twitter, or other sites – tag them as #dPSDown to help others find them. Linking back to this page might also help others know what you’re doing so that they can share in the fun.

    Follow us on Instagram?

    The post Weekly Photography Challenge – Down appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.


    Digital Photography School

  • Nikon teases upcoming super telephoto lenses, 50mm prime with an updated lens road map

    Click to enlarge. The new ‘Micro 50mm’ prime is center-left in the bottom row and the two super-telephoto lenses are top-right in the back row.

    Nikon has released an updated version of its visual lens roadmap for Z-mount camera systems, revealing silhouettes of three upcoming lenses, including two super-telephoto lenses and one macro prime lens.

    While there are eleven total silhouettes, only three of them are new: the ‘Micro 50mm,’ the 400mm S-Line and the 600mm S-line. As you would expect, the silhouettes for the two super-telephoto lenses tower above the rest. Meanwhile, the ‘Micro 50mm’ lens falls halfway between the already-released 24–50mm F4–6.3 and 35mm F1.8 S-Line prime.

    Below is another roadmap from Nikon that shows the focal length coverage of current and future lenses:

    Click to enlarge.

    There’s still no concrete information on expected release dates for thee lenses, so the waiting game continues. But at least we now have visual representations of all the lenses currently on Nikon’s Z-mount lens roadmap and Nikon does say all of the lenses on display ‘will be available by the end of 2022.’

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Angelina Jolie to direct Don McCullin biopic starring Tom Hardy

    Portrait of Sir Don McCullin from his website. To learn more about his career and work, click here.

    Legendary photographer Don McCullin will be portrayed on the big screen by Tom Hardy in an upcoming film based on McCullin’s autobiography, ‘Unreasonable Behaviour’. It has been announced that the movie will be directed by Angelina Jolie. Gregory Burke is handling the adaptation. Burke has previously written the screenplay for the movie, ’71’, based on The Troubles in Northern Ireland. The movie is being produced by Working Title and Hardy Son & Baker. The film’s title and release date have not been confirmed.

    In a statement, Jolie says, ‘I am humbled to have a chance to bring Don McCullin’s life to film. I was drawn to his unique combination of fearlessness and humanity – his absolute commitment to witnessing the truth of war, and his empathy and respect for those who suffer its consequences. We hope to make a film that is as uncompromising as Don’s photography, about the extraordinary people and events he witnessed, and the rise and fall of a unique era in journalism.’

    The upcoming film will be adapted from McCullin’s autobiography by Gregory Burke.

    This will not be Jolie’s first time directing a movie about real-world conflict. She has previously directed ‘First They Killed My Father’ in 2017. The film documented the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia and its devastating, violent impact on the people there.

    Of the movie, McCullin, 85, said, ‘I was very impressed at how she made such a powerful and accurate representation of the place at that time. I feel as if I am in safe, capable and professional hands with her.’ Jolie’s directorial debut in 2011, ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey,’ took place during the Bosnian War.McCullin’s autobiography follows his life and career as a respected photojournalist and war photographer. His photography career began in earnest after working as a photographer’s assistant in the Royal Air Force. After his service, McCullin began taking photos in London and earned himself various photo assignments.

    Angelina Jolie has previously directed ‘First They Killed My Father’ in 2017. This film, along with her directorial debut, ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey’ (2012), focused on people caught up in violent conflict.

    In 1961, McCullin won the British Press Award for his essay documenting the construction of the Berlin Wall. Three years later, he won a World Press Photo Award for his work covering violent tensions in Cyprus. In the following decades, McCullin and his camera photographed conflict across the globe, including wars in Congo, Uganda, Vietnam, Cambodia, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, and many more places.

    His career has been a dangerous one. He’s been shot (Vietnam), imprisoned (Uganda), expelled (Vietnam), and even been the subject of a bounty (Lebanon). His photography has focused exclusively on war, however, McCullin has also shined a light on those who have fallen through the cracks in society, including the homeless in his native United Kingdom.

    Conflict has never completely disappeared from McCullin’s work, however. In 2015, McCullin traveled to northern Iraq to photograph the Kurdish struggle with ISIS, Syria and Turkey. For his prodigious work, McCullin was the first photojournalist to be an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1993.

    McCullin’s life is certainly rich with incredible events for Burke and Jolie to highlight in their film. For further reading, be sure to check out the movie’s source material. McCullin’s autobiography ‘Unreasonable Behaviour’ is readily available in multiple formats. McCullin has also recently released a limited edition three-volume box set of his work, ‘Irreconcilable Truths.’ Limited to 1,000 copies, each set is hand-signed by McCullin. You can order it here. Further, there is a documentary, ‘McCullin’, which was released in 2012 to critical acclaim. The film was directed by David Morris and Jacqui Morris.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)