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Ben Rains

@benrains.bsky.social

2.6K followers 700 following 852 posts

Forever lost in light & shadow, actinic alchemy, and the beauty of everything. I'm a photographer who mainly works with film. 🇺🇦Slava Ukraini🌻 linktr.ee/benrains

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by Ben Rains

Dan Katz Photography @thatzkatz.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Fashion Femme Model: Mariia See more of my work, link in my bio. #nude #nudefineart #fineartphotography #fineartnude #losangelesphotographer #modellosangeles #lamodels #fineart #humanbeauty

Reposted by Ben Rains

My Imaginary Brooklyn @myimaginarybrklyn.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Walter Schnackenberg, 1919. “Germania” #illustration #1910s #WalterSchnackenberg

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

A few years ago I got this Verito 14.5in soft-focus lens for a real bargain. Its aperture blades had come unseated, and it lacked a mounting flange. It was unexpectedly easy to repair the aperture myself, but it was only last month that I finally had a flange machined for it. #largeformatphotography

A photograph of a vintage Wollensak Verito 14.5" portrait lens set on a table next to a 12oz drink can (for size comparison).

Reposted by Ben Rains

My Imaginary Brooklyn @myimaginarybrklyn.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Alistair MacDonald, 1932. “Girls and Cats” #illustration #sketches #1930s #cats #AlistairMacDonald

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

This is an interesting project. Despite everything, film photography is very active in Ukraine. There's a wonderful camera store and photolab in Kyiv, Fotovramci, and there's even Igor Polyakov in the Lviv area who is making his own film by hand: united24media.com/inside-ukrai... #filmphotography

united24media.com

You Hand Ukrainian Soldiers Disposable Cameras. They Show You the War You Rarely See

In early 2025, Ukrainian servicemen captured their lives during the war with disposable cameras, offering an intimate glimpse into military routines.

Reposted by Ben Rains

Forever Louise Brooks @foreverlouiseb1.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Patricia White gets set for a portrait by Warner Brothers photographer Scotty Welbourne (L) and his studio assistants, 1946.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Roarie in the garden (2014). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #artnude #35mm #roarieyum #benrains

A black and white photograph of a woman standing in a bed of coneflowers, leaning against a brick wall.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 35/2.8, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Madeleine in winter light (2018). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #madeleine #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a woman lying on a wood floor. She's resting her head on her crossed arms and her face is illuminated with a narrow shaft of light.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2 and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

A pair of pears (2009). #filmphotography #stilllifephotography #largeformatphotography #4x5 #instantfilm #polaroid #fp100c45 #benrains

A color photograph of a still life with two pears. The pears are arranged on a tabletop covered with a white cloth.
Photographed with a Sinar F2 4x5 on Fujifilm FP-100C45 color instant film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

‪A portrait of Selina (2014). Wishing a happy birthday to the brilliant and lovely @selinkamayer.bsky.social today! #portraitphotography #selinamayer #benrains

A black and white nude photograph of a model seated on a wooden floor in a pool of light coming through a window.
Photographed with a Nikon D90.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

A little something from my collection of vintage photographs. One of the most magical things about photography is being able to witness past scenes from ordinary life. It's a form of time travel. benrains.substack.com/p/the-picnic #photohistory #vintagephotography

benrains.substack.com

Rescued moments

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Roarie at the stone mill (2014). #portraitphotography #artnude #roarieyum #benrains

A color photographic image of Roarie Yum standing in a shaft of light against a backdrop of piles of broken stone.
Photographed with a Nikon D90.

A color photographic image of Roarie Yum standing against a backdrop of a stone quarry wall.
Photographed with a Nikon D90.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

A portrait of Selina (2014) with @selinkamayer.bsky.social. #filmphotography #portraitphotography #largeformatphotography #blackandwhitefilm #11x14 #selinamayer #benrains

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

A portrait of Roarie Yum in the studio (2014). #filmphotography #largeformatphotography #portraitphotography #artnude #blackandwhitefilm #8x10 #roarieyum #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a woman.
Photographed with a Century 10A 8x10 studio camera, Wollensak Vesta 14-in/5, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Somnio series with Sharnayla (2014). #filmphotography #blackandwhitefilm #surrealism #35mm #sharnayla #benrains

A black and white photograph of a nude woman and a rectangle of wire mesh. Her back is turned to the camera and she's in front of a white wall.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 35/2.8, Speedlight SB-15 flash, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Ephemeral pool (2017). Canyonlands National Park, Utah. #filmphotography #landscapephotography #nationalparks #canyonlands #utah #35mm #benrains

A landscape photograph with a shallow temporary pool of water seen in the foreground and the dry desert of Canyonlands in the middle distance and far distance.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 32/2.8, and some sort of Agfa color film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Noelle (2013). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #largeformatphotography #blackandwhitefilm #8x10 #noelle #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of Noelle in the studio. She's reclined on a small sofa.
Photographed with a Century 10A 8x10 studio camera and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

‪ A portrait of Sharnayla (2014). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #artnude #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #sharnayla #benrains

A black and white photograph of a woman standing against a plain white wall.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2 on Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

A portrait of Mo (2015). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #largeformatphotography #blackandwhitefilm #8x10 #mo #benrains

A black and white photograph of a model standing in front of a folding room divider. The model's back is turned to the viewer.
Photographed with my Century 10A 8x10 studio camera, Wollensak Velostigmat 12-in/4.5, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

If you've ever puzzled over the old standard portrait photographers' exclamation "Watch the birdie!" this object holds part of the answer. benrains.substack.com/p/the-canary... #photohistory #portraitphotography

A photograph of brass bird shaped whistle.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Roarie Yum (2014) and Renée Jeanne Falconetti in La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc (1928) directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer. The visual similarity here wasn't planned. It was just something I noticed. #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #roarieyum #renéejeannefalconetti #benrains

A black and white head and shoulders portrait of Roarie Yum in the shower.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 50/1.8, and Ilford HP5+ film.

A black and white still of Renée Jeanne Falconetti in the 1928 film La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc. She's wearing a straw crown.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

A portrait of Sharnayla (2016). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #sharnayla #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a woman in a black top and black skirt. Her hair is styled in an updo.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 50/1.8, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

A portrait of Kyotocat (2016). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #kyotocat #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a woman with her arms raised about her head.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 50/1.8, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

Delicate Arch at Arches National Park, Utah (2017). #filmphotography #landscapephotography #blackandwhitefilm #nationalparks #utah #35mm #benrains

A black and white photograph of Delicate Arch at Arches National Park.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 35/2.8, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

Roarie Yum (2015). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #roarieyum #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of Roarie Yum with an eroded rock formation in the background.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 50/1.8, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

Portraits of Tess (2013). We were going for something with a bit of a French New Wave cinema look here. #portraitphotography

A closely framed black and white photographic portrait of a woman with black hair leaning her head on a bench.

A closely framed color photographic portrait of a woman with black hair.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

One of my favorite references for historical photography. The old encyclopedia and dictionary styled volumes like this have an incredible amount of information in them about a wide range of photography topics. benrains.substack.com/p/cassells-c... #photography #photohistory #vintagephotography

benrains.substack.com

Cassell's Cyclopædia of Photography

An indispensable reference

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

The Relic, with Roarie (2017). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #largeformatphotography #8x10 #roarieyum #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of Roarie Yum seated in an arm chair and holding a large pine cone.
Photographed with a Century 10A 8x10 studio camera and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

A portrait of Annie (2013). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #largeformatphotography #blackandwhitefilm #8x10 #annie #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a seated woman wearing polkadot print dress.
Photographed with a Century 10A 8x10 studio camera, a Wollensak Velostigmat Series II 12-in/4.5 lens, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Reposted by Ben Rains

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

Sharnayla, 2014. #filmphotography #portraitphotography #bnwphotography #largeformatphotography #8x10 #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a nude woman standing against a white wall.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Winter farm field along I-69 (2010). Gaston, Indiana. #filmphotography #landscapephotography #blackandwhitefilm #largeformatphotography #4x5 #benrains

A black and white photograph of a plowed farm field in the winter. The field is flat and dusted with patches of white snow. On the horizon is a farmhouse with a few leafless trees around it.
Photographed with a Graflex Crown Graphic Pacemake 4x5, Wollensak Optar 135/4.7, and Ilford FP4+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

A portrait of Sharnayla in the breakfast nook (2018) #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #sharnayla #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a woman seated by a window.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 50/1.8, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

On matters of international trade (2007). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #largeformatphotography #4x5 #instantfilm #polaroid #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a woman sitting on a sofa while reading a book.
Photographed with a Graflex Pacemaker Crown Graphic 4x5, Wollensak Optar 135/4.7, and Polaroid Type 57 film.

Reposted by Ben Rains

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

Sharnayla in the studio. #portraitphotography #photography #artnude #vintagestyle

A photograph of a nude woman reclining on a couch covered in tapestries and scarfs with an assortment of patters.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

A portrait of Gina (2018). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #largeformatphotography #8x10 #gina #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a woman seated on a small couch.
Photographed with a Century 10A 8x10 studio camera on Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

A portrait of Rachel Dashae (2017). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #racheldashae #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a model, seated. She's wearing a nightgown and has both of her arms drawn up to touch her hair. A tattoo of a prowling wolf is visible on her left forearm.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 50/1.8, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Reposted by Ben Rains

Meander @meandermodel.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

I'm launching original cyanotype prints and 25 zines! meandering-images.bigcartel.com Coming signed and numbered. @yaotsy.bsky.social @riellife.bsky.social @oddblum.bsky.social @dianegivry @valentinedelanque.bsky.social @nausicaayami.bsky.social

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

Here's a useful film photography hack: If you've got an iPhone or iPad. Under "Settings -> Accessibility -> Accessibility Shortcut" check the "Classic Invert" setting on. #filmphotography #darkroom

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Dance Pants Revolution with Jen and Shelley (2004). #filmphotography #blackandwhitefilm #punkshows #35mm #benrains

A black and white photograph of a woman walking on a makeshift catwalk at a DIY fashion show. Her friend, the designer is standing in the background.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Legs No.7 (2006). #filmphotography #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #benrains

A black and white photograph of the lower half of a model, lying down, featuring her legs.
Photographed with a Nikon FM3A and Ilford HP5+.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

A portrait of Noelle (2013). This is an 8x10 contact printed cyanotype that was toned with strongly brewed black tea to alter the normal rich blue color. #filmphotography #portraitphotography #largeformatphotography #8x10 #cyanotype #vintagestyle #noelle #benrains

A photographic portrait of a young woman wearing an Edwardian era inspired blouse.
Photographed with a Century 10A 8x10 studio camera on Ilford HP5+ film. Printed as a cyanotype and then toned with strong black tea.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

A portrait of Madeleine (2018). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #madeleine #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a young woman. This is cropped from the full frame.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2 and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Madeleine in the hallway (2018). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #35mm #madeleine #benrains

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

A portrait of Gillian (2012). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #largeformatphotography #blackandwhitefilm #8x10 #gillian #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a woman with a pixie cut hairstyle.
Photographed with a Century 10A 8x10 studio camera, Wollensak Vesta 14-in f/5, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

This is an Arnold Genthe portrait I acquired a few years ago. The sitter wasn't known by the seller or identified on the print, but with some sleuthing I think I've found out who it is. benrains.substack.com/p/a-portrait... #photohistory #arnoldgenthe #almadebretteville #portraitphotography

benrains.substack.com

A Portrait by Arnold Genthe

Alma de Bretteville

Reposted by Ben Rains

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

Roarie drying off (2014). #filmphotography #blackandwhitefilm #artnude #35mm #roarieyum #benrains

A black and white photograph of a model standing in a bathroom drying off with a towel.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Skye and Tyler at Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Utah (2017). #filmphotography #blackandwhitefilm #canyonlands #nationalparks #utah #35mm #benrains

A black and white photograph of a man and woman looking out to the horizon through Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
Photographed with a Nikon FM2, Nikkor 35/2.8, and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Roarie at the old mill (2014). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #blackandwhitefilm #artnude #35mm #roarieyum #benrains

A black and white photograph of a model, crouched and balanced on their feet.
Photographed with a Nikon FM3A and Ilford HP5+ film.

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

Lily & Madeleine (2016). This is a single frame scan from some 16mm movie footage I made of these sisters and musicians. #filmphotography #cinematography #portraitphotography #bolexh16 #16mm #lilyandmadeleine #benrains

A photographic image of two young women, sisters, dancing in the studio.
Captured with a Bolex H16 motion picture camera on Ektachrome 2253 High-Speed Daylight color reversal film.

Reposted by Ben Rains

Ben Rains @benrains.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

Sharnayla (2018). #filmphotography #portraitphotography #largeformatphotography #8x10 #blackandwhitefilm #benrains

A black and white photographic portrait of a woman kneeling in a couch. Her back is turned to the viewer and she's looking over her left shoulder.