I've thought a lot about this. There are two questions every photographer needs to ask themselves: 1) Why do I **make** my photographs? 2) Why do I **share** my photographs. The answers will be different for different people, are often confused with each other, but are rarely the same. One connecting theme, at least for anyone who aspires to make art through their photography, is authentic self-expression. This should be the goal of art (not uniqueness, as some think). For me, at least, I make photographs with the goal of making images that I love; that I can then hang on my wall and smile and remember and feel again that moment of wonder. I want to capture the fleeting experience of my life as beautifully and faithfully as I can. This is self-expression with the emphasis on self. For that, no one's judgment matters but my own. But I share my images with the goal of **connecting** with others - **sharing** my self, my experience, and my feelings - and I do that, I think, to seek communion with others. Simon Baxter understands this distinction, and I think all of us would do well to embrace it.
That's how I felt in the beginning of my career for sure and it's awesome BUT then I wanted to serve others and boy that was hard to figure out but I did and do and WOWZA what a better feeling in my life that I have with what I create :)
Hanging a picture on a wall is the fun thing to do with a photograph. Sadly, most people wouldn't know a great work of art from a fast food hamburger. But for us, it is a hobby first, a way of documenting our life and many times, just for fun. Taking pictures of family and friends gets far more attention than a rotting tree in a forest. We like the tree, everyone else likes pictures of themselves and family. Quite simple. We have to know our target audience, the critics and family/friends. Most of the time, we do it for our personal satisfaction. And let's be real, there are trillions of photos out there that look the same, cover everything in existence and beyond so we should not get too excited about being THE greatest. We are but one in a million photographers.
Agree, yesterday I framed an photo I took with a 2004 6mp camera. I absolutely love this scene. I have taken thousands of photos over the years, nobody sees what I see in this one image, I don't care.
Sean, I appreciate this take on “popular” work vs “mature” work. I do post on FB and find that the Likes are for the typical (easy) pieces, while the images that are kinda beyond my “norm,” are not so popular. I’ve been shooting for over 20 yrs & believe that my images have improved. When I “step out” of the norm, I don’t receive as many likes. Initially, I thought that I was just not doing a good job. After listening to your video here, I’m thinking that perhaps I’m moving beyond my friends/acquaintances appreciations. Sigh. I really am not sure, but making art pieces that are different and a bit out of my own comfort zone bring me more pleasure than the same ol’, same ol.’
Reminded me of Vivian Meier, who took over 100,000 photos throughout her life that were only discovered after her death. She took photographs for her own pleasure and for her own sake and never received any reward - or “likes” so to speak. Unless you're a professional who makes a living at it, ask yourself why you're so upset about the lack of appreciation from others. Our deepest, most sincere values are visible in the things we do, even when no one else cares or sees.
Yes her story and discovery after her death is what got me into street photography If the motivbation is internally driven then there is no need for instagram and the like
After I've read about Vivian I was wondering was there more similar "stories" , but the box with film or photos were just put into trash or something. I think her story is truly inspiring and quite motivating during our times, when photography is so mass because of smartphones and most probably there is only one person who really cares about your photography - it's you 🙃
As a photographer for over 40 years, now, I wholeheartedly agree with yours and Simon’s sentiments. Thanks for another fine collection of insights, Sean.
This was so timely for me Sean. I have been shooting for over 15 years. I was invited to participate in my first group photography show in an art gallery. The show comes down next week and I have sold nothing. One of the other photographers exhibiting work shoots and edits their work on their iPhone. They have sold multiple pieces, which leaves me scratching my head. I realize sales do not equate to quality or ability, but it is hard to ignore. I am proud of my work and feel my skill as a photographer has steadily grown. I shoot for myself, which is what I need to remind myself. Thanks again, Sean
Aww dang. I can totally understand that. It's still pretty awesome that you were featured in a show, though! I get jazzed when a friend uses one of my picture as a wallpaper for a while lol.
Out of curiousity what are your thoughts on the other photographers iphone photos? Were they simple and loud or complex and nuanced? Did you enjoy them? Were they of a different genre than your work?
Agreed with @bladerealm124 - I wouldn't discount a photographer purely because they used a phone. A lot of great photographers in history have used cameras with significantly lower quality sensors. The more common trap is the opposite - people assume that a great camera will make their pictures great. That, and the subject of this video, are both dangerous because some people will use it as an excuse to stop improving themselves.
As an economist (amateur photographer) I must say that the concept of “sales man” is precise. The elements and values that you describe are those that I learned in my university studies. Thank you so much for the video !
This entire video is wonderful, but the comparison of character vs personality is absolute gold. Thanks again Sean (and Simon) for more worthwhile philosophy for me to mull on.
This came at the right time for me, just when I think I’m sharing my best photos, the ones that show my growth as a photographer, the engagement has dropped off a cliff. I’m choosing to believe in myself, but there is that voice in the back of my head that says “what if you’re just not very good?”. This video is encouraging and helps to remind me to not worry about social media and to keep taking photos, and do that for me. If I’m good, and deserve recognition, I’ll get that eventually. In the meantime, I should just enjoy the process of learning and the thrill of being out there taking it all in.
I think this is a huge thing to be aware of with the Instagram space. People follow accounts because they like to see a consistent brand presented to them, not because they want to see the photographer’s individual growth. The skill needed to succeed there is less brilliance at photography and artistic skill as it is marketing and branding strategy.
I think there is also the third type of photographer that "likes" other's works. Ones, possibly like me, who have been a professional photographer for a long time (since 1976 for me) and appreciate the work of others, and to support those photographers visions. Yes, there is an over abundance of likes on images that are gratuitous that may have little skill or technique, but on social media there will always be those types. As a good friend of mine once said; "Sure, you can make a pretty image of a pretty person or location, but rarely do those 'photographers' make a compelling and emotionally captivating image". Thank you for sharing with us Sean, and thank you again for The Meaning of the Making books!
@@cliveadams7629Not every artists want or need to sell their art. Indeed, most artists never do. Of those who do, frighteningly few are successful enough that they can pursue their art without compromising it to make it more likely to sell. It’s okay to sell out, just don’t pretend your art is meaningful anymore. As a practical example, the wedding photographer who takes the same bland portraits every couple wants and expects. Are we supposed to believe that all wedding photographers are in some sort of hive mind and share the exact same taste? Of course not. They compromise their integrity to make a product the client wants. That’s not a criticism, I admire the skill it takes. But it’s no more art than the plumbing in my house, the wiring loom in my car or the detection of the Higgs boson.
Far and away one of the most thoughtful RUclipsrs speaking to creatives today. Excellent stuff, Sean-increasingly glad I found your channel amongst all the gear reviews and hype videos.
I definitely agree with you and Simon. There are pictures that I post on socials and others that are for exhibitions. An image like the second one Simon shows would have no sense in a "double tap, scroll" context. To be able to set an audience when you decide to take a picture is extremely important. Thank you for sharing
This applies not only to social media. I usually get the most positive feedback from friends and family for the most basic techniques. For most people, a simple long exposure will do the trick. "How did you get the train to be transparent?! That looks so cool, you can see the platform behind it! That's real art!!"
Great thoughts that reflect my experiences. I live near Hamburg, where it's easy to take those high-contrast black and white photos that are hyped on social media. The first pictures make me proud, but it quickly became boring. I took the "Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View" with my iPhone this year, it didn't take a minute and I got likes. On the other hand, it's a real challenge for me to capture the simple beauty of the salt marshes on the North Sea with their muted colours and minimalist structures, and my best pictures will hardly get any likes on social media.
This could be possibly one of your best videos or spoken subject. Not only about photography but I find it an amazing reflection about human nature or social behavior that I never reflected on it the way you now show. Also about how our personal growth can be linked or conditioned by what others think or what we do think others expect from us as value. Congratulations. This is pure photography talk but with a very powerful message about life in general.
Very true. Thank you! What we should remember here however is that people who are using Instagram and other platforms watch images on the small screen of their smartphones and we as photographers should know that rules of composition work differently for small picture size of the phone and big one like painting half the wall size. It's good to present the image in a way (size) that matches it's composition and character.
You and Simon are bang on. Those images that you posted of the sheep and the person in the wheelchair tell stories and most people on SM aren't interested, there only interested in the images that go bang , not that there is anything wrong with those , but your right less attention gets paid the story images I feel. I like to print t my work regularly and make dummie books , which I have a lot of and curate them as more images come in it feels very creative and that's how I started many decades ago. I tend to work on projects more now of an area could be street, landscape, more often from road trips so includes road houses etc . I love it. I post much less now and the stress relief is worth it
This has to be the most impactful video I have watched and heard in such a long time. Everything the both of you said was true - I have grown a lot as a photogrpaher and I am also guilty of passing by photos I used to like when I was a beginner. I learned to just post what I like for me and for those who appreciate my work. I don't care about likes or engagement as much as I used to.
Man you hit the point here up to today I was thinking of this Don't please the machine and socials please yourself and grow as an artist Kudos sir I love these videos and interviews very inspiring and informative
Lovely reminder. I care about my photography. Everyone else needs to show me. I actually have some pretty supportive experienced and talented photographers in my sphere, but the haters can get wild if they think I challenge their world view. Better to just do me. Thanks for this
One last thought on all this (provoked by yet another brilliant video by Sean) is that we can kid ourselves into thinking because we have no recognition that we can do great work for ourselves. That we are a unique snowflake that nobody has ever seen. That we are that tree that falls in the woods that nobody hears. Because my father was a well-known photographer, (and I see this as a gallery owner when asked for shows), growing up I got to meet and know many of the greats, ranging from Richard Avedon to Diane Arbus, Elliot Erwitt, Annie Leibovitz, Arnold Neuman, W. Eugene Smith, Slim Aarons, Irving Penn, and on and on. And one thing I observed in all of them - their most common shared trait besides raw talent - and why they all got noticed and on the map, (while having brilliant work of course) is that they were all, to a person, major hustlers, salesmen and self-promoters and marketers; and some indeed were true hucksters. None of them had small egos, and all took themselves deadly seriously. It should also be noted this was before photography became something available on millions and millions of phones. The cavalcade of brilliant images out there now rivals some of the best work I have seen. For me, when people ask me what a "real" photographer is these days, I come down to intent. Real photographers commit fully to the work, see it as the main thrust of their lives and pursue it day in and day out. It has nothing to do with being a "professional". They do want to show their work to communicate with the world through images. The rest of us? We take pictures and maybe that is enough. But when someone approaches me for a show, I look for someone with serious intent, not whether or not they are a hack wedding photographer or are a "professional". The difference between a "pro" and an "amateur" is irrelevant. For me intent and the ability of the photographer to show me one true thing is all I look for.
Loved the video and the message. It reminded me of your conversation with Saddoris, where you mentioned the first drawing your mom put on the fridge, praising it, and how good it felt. The need for approval seems to stick with many of us for a while; shaking it off is the challenge.
My opinion is that you're absolutely correct. It also applies to RUclips. I'd love to watch some advanced topic sometime, but it seems like everyone are doing the same "top 10" clickbaits over and over again. Getting watch hours and likes. This unfortunately also includes me. I target my videos mostly to beginners, because that's where the interest lies. When I cover a more advanced topic, I always seem to get less traction on those videos. Great thoughts, will take them with me in the future and think about my strategies and choises. Thanks S.
This video just popped on my feed out of nowhere and it is very interesting. I am experiencing the same thing with video now. If I show something for beginners amazing.... more advanced it just falls through... photography is sadly dead for me. I shot for almost 18 years weddings, fashion, and glamour.... won so many awards, but people don't seem to care.. just video... and what you said absolutely applies to me.... simple stuff great... advanced... who cares.
Love this. Great analogy with the quietness of character versus flashy personality. Another issue with 'getting the attention' you think a favorite image deserves is the tiny venue in which your work is shown on social media. The detail and complexity of great work is overlooked and invisible to the masses because of the tiny resolution offered for viewing. Subtleties are lost, as well as the opportunity to learn from those who have mastered their craft. We're turning into a society of half-second reviews and a double-click.
So well articulated. Unfortunately, many people still perfectly equate likes with inherent worth; it is a powerful drug. Many will be happy to stay on that Merry-go-round forever. How many genuine talents will be lost to this diversion we will never know.
My wife and I watched this with our morning coffee. So timely and needed in our journeys! Thanks for doing what you do and for providing such great teaching. Cheers ☕️
Thank-you for pointing out this issue. I continue to shoot almost exclusively with film. I’ve been doing so for the last 40 years. And let’s be honest, the worst way to view any art form is on an electronic screen. My photography has surpassed what most of my friends understand. I’ve seen this happen with my other art form: ceramics. I look for nuance and delicate light or form. Most people don’t understand that type of artistic growth. Just look at the screen-saver on your computer. Hyper colors, unrealistic exposures and layered images. The digital “salesman” has lowered the artistic bar and convinced the average consumer of art that only brash and bombastic will work as art. Subtlety and character mean very little today. Please continue to address this issue with the available solutions: like visiting real art galleries on a regular basis or joining a local artists guild/association.
Great video and so true. Talking about growth of your photography, which I fully understand, makes me wonder how you measure that growth without resorting to the likes on IG, or judges comments in a competition which are so often driven by stereotypical reasoning. I know my photography constantly develops, I hope for the "better" and this usually means that the images say something, alone or in a project, rather than just being there to look at. What they say may vary from person to person, and hopefully is quite clear to most viewers without being elevated by the author to some level of pretention. Its all very personal and subjective, but maybe that is what "growth" is all about - thinking !!
For me growth is doing my own research, and looking at the work of some of the greats to see the heights photography can reach both in technique and meaning, and then comparing what I'm learning to my own work over time to see progress towards those lofty heights... but not 'social media scores'.
Hi Sean, I don't tend to comment much, though I've watched all your videos and bought your photography books. I just wanted to say your channel is my favorite on RUclips because of your depth and thought-provoking content. Thank you for what you make.
Agree. I have never thought social media is the right place to be looking for affirmation or criticism of your work. As you rightly point out most of those commenting and liking are novices. They have never studied photography or art for that matter in a meaningful way. The best photographers are those who have a quiet confidence in what they do and will not be led by the crowd. This needs a bit of courage. Simon Baxter is a great example. I love his approach to woodland photography. If I was looking for affirmation of my photography, I would seek it from photographers I admire not Instagram.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!! I've been thinking about this but was never able to verbalize it so eloquently even to myself. Shortened attention span and never ending stream of new "in-your-face" images to scroll through don't lend themselves to photos that require time and/or effort to appreciate.
Sean - you were one of the first photographers I watched on RUclips a couple of years ago when I was starting to be more serious about my photography - it was a video on how to edit to make striking portraits. I've developed in a different direction now, more towards seascapes, landscapes and nature, but videos like this one cut across genres and can inform and inspire anyone. I really think you are the most thoughtful and thought provoking photographer on RUclips today. Thank you!
Bravo Sean. Packaging over content, personality over character; simplicity over complexity. I scroll, sometimes I pause, but, when I find myself stopping to really look at and absorb an image, I often come away with more complex thoughts and feelings. I think I'm getting too old for eyecandy. I love your work. Thank you for sharing.
It was so helpful to hear Sean talk about newbies and where they get their feedback from. As someone who has only been taking photographs seriously for a year, it made me think about why I post online. What I think I look for, and I suspect is the same for others is, validation and encouragement, particularly if you have started this late in life as I have with little confidence. However posting on social media can be used as a learning opportunity. Whilst much of the "likes" I get may well be almost indiscriminate, after a year of posting I have come to acknowledge that those photographs that get more likes are usually my better ones ( and by better I don't mean good in any sense at this stage!). I have realised that I am now being far more thoughtful about the ones I share, and I think (hope) this indicates growth and self honesty. I hope this is a process many go through, and I hope that in another year I will post much less, and better quality. I think this is a sign of progress, increased confidence that many have achieved. I hope also by then to have a better sense of why I do this at a much deeper personal level- all I know right now is it gives me great joy and pleasure, has opened up a new world to me, and for now , that's enough.
Really apreciate what you`ve said to be honest, as someone who's trying to find a certain style of photography to identify with, everytime I upload some photo I think it's at least interesting, I find out it gains very little atraction and as a consequence I ask myself "What am I doing wrong?" instead of just liking the very photo as is, it seems tho I am giving the power to the public in some way and adapting my style to what gains more likes and its a dangerous road to go through, thank you for making us aware of this perspective!
I really appreciate that you’re able to consider your own work in such a clear-sighted way. It can be tricky to be objective when thinking about the merits of your own work and your practice. Always so much so think about in your videos, thank you.
interesting that you’re talking about your audience as being photographers. I’ve never really thought of photographers as being the people I want most to be looking at my images. It’s too tempting for us to make comparisons with our own work or become distracted by the how rather than the why to be an objective and fully appreciative audience.
Yep, for YEARS my audience wasn't photographers. I feel that's why photographers give up so fast or they end up teaching photography like I did later in my career. I WILL say I still license my work and I feel much happier than teaching how I shot my work :)
I like seeing that you’re posting about once a month. I think you’re an important voice in the world of photography. At least, in my world of photography. And to me, that’s what matters. Thank you Sean, for the time you take to create something that is, in its own right, a piece of art.
Thank you for this. I’ve been photographing since film in the 70s then into digital and about a year ago I put down my cameras. This video is exactly what I needed to pick them back up and go back to photography for myself like in the beginning. I left social media and deleted most of my presence and thought “no one cares” when it never should have mattered. I really really needed this. 🫶
the size of the picture you're looking at also plays a large role in how its digested. 1 photo might have to be printed to A0 to appreciate, while others are better viewed small and quickly, like on a phone or in a book. I think we're at an interesting time in the history of photography because of A: there's a lot of different ways to appreciate a photo. and B: so many more people are improving their understanding of photos, how to read them, that it's pushing towards a global language. the key is to understand the importance of sharing, how and why, moving into the future. photography isn't just an art for art snobs anymore
I never really thought about it this way before but it does make a lot of sense. I ended up deleting most of my social media because I felt like nobody liked my work anymore and it was tough to swallow the amount of effort I put into a photograph to get little attention but perhaps like you say it might be because I reached a new level in photography where my work no longer appeals to beginner photographers on social media. Hmmm, this is pretty interesting. Looking back at my work and I can tell that my work is has changed from more louder images to more nuance and "boring" photos but I enjoy them so much more. Great video Sean. Hope you're doing well.
I find that social media images need to have an big immediate impact to the viewer, myself like Simon enjoying the woodlands creating images that some have low impact on these platforms But when these images are on a A3 paper of choice, then it holds the viewers eye of natural beauty.
Fascinating and thought-provoking discussion. I tend to share my 'more obvious' images and not my what I call my 'quiet' images. I liked Simon's thinking on this. Thank you.
As always Sean your videos remind me how I was originally drawn to becoming a photographer. It was finding those rare gems of photos that became more interesting the longer I looked at them and wanting to create gems of my own. We are bombarded with so many images these days, particularly on social media, that it can be challenging to slow down and find those pictures that say more than just the obvious.
I love your videos Sean. Your channel has been always my source of inspiration, along with Simon's and the other photographers I have found in this space. I am glad that I started watching your videos when I was just starting to do photography in my spare time. At first, it kind of hurt me when no one's liking my photos. Social media is a trap for us photographers. Yes, we would like to share our images but the system of likes and taps, not to mention the feed algorithms hurt our growth and appreciation in our own craft. Eventually, I grew out of sharing my photos online. I only share a couple once every few months. I now realize that I should take my photographs with my heart and gut, as much as I would like. Photography is my private space to get lost in, recover and nourish my sense of self and creativity. I am doing photography for myself, not for others (makes sense for a hobbyist photographer like me).
Thank you for the great advice, it has helped me a lot as you do start to beat yourself up for no reason, if its something I enjoy, and I do enjoy photography, I should just get on with it.
Great video. This reminds me of Fred Herzog, considered a pioneer of colour photography in the 1950’s and 60’s. It was very difficult to print colour photos back then, so he kept taking pictures of life in East Vancouver, and working as a medical photographer. His work was not really recognized until he was 77 years old, but it did not matter. He did not do it money of fame. He just kept up taking photos, pushing that rock up the hill.
@chrissteward I lived in Vancouver Fred Herzog was immediately recognised by people who know photography just as Dostoevsky as soon as he wrote and published his work. Fred Herzog did not show his work to the public work 20 years as soon as he did I don’t know a single person who did not like it
Thanks Sean, your videos have always been so inspiring... You are able to pick up the thoughts of a photographer and talk about it .. Comforting..Thanks for your effort in making these videos ..May you grown leaps and bounds...🙏
This is a great conversation because it has been happening in my own work and I hadn’t noticed. You’re absolutely right that simple images attract (for lack of a better term) simple minds. I look forward to slowly shifting my work to reflect my true interests.
Spot on and well put. It's easy to get side tracked when previous success is suddenly fading. You wonder what you are doing wrong while all you did is getting better. Many thanks for the encouraging pep talk.
Learning to not just post consistently to please the algorithm and post pieces that are not meant for that kind of social media and audience, but holding back for when you might have the right space to share that type of work is extremely important.
Dear Sean, You have no idea how this video could have come at a better time. I really appreciate you posting this. I've been a professional photographer for quite a while. Most of my work is never seen owing to the clients I deal with. As a result, I don't get the recognition or feedback of my work that I and my clients consider good. That does make me question if I'm any good or have lost my edge. I need to realize that I wouldn't be hired if it wasn't. I'm not trying to sell myself, instead showing evidence of this. Your approach to psychological mentoring is one that goes so much deeper than so many videos found on RUclips. As a result, has a longer-lasting effect and carries more gratitude. Thank you 🙂
Easily the best photography channel on youtube. Stopping and thinking about what it is we do, and who we do it for, is important. How do we negotiate social media and its impact on our own work as photographers whether professional or amateur.
One of your best videos! I’m going through that transition now and trying to figure out how to get out of my high intensity (dawns, sunsets) comfort space and into more subtle and challenging work.
It is so true, it applies to any art form, do you see often jazz in the top chart? It is typically pop. But the jazz players enjoy a different stage… they don’t expect the platinum disk, not because they do not deserve, simply a different audience
Hi Sean. This one really hits home. I've been in a photographic rut lately. I love "street" photography but have found that when I go out and shoot, I'm all too often confronted with the same old shots that you see all over social media (and that I've taken plenty of times myself). Stealing a page (or thought) from your book, I feel as if I'm in that liminal space between shooting the same old shots and not yet finding a new direction. I know I'll eventually find my vision so I'm not worried. Just need some time to work through it. Interesting that you mentioned Susan Cain's Quiet. Just finished it and couldn't help but having felt similar thoughts to your observations.
This resonates with me so much, right now! Beautiful said by you and Simon. I’ve recently started to understand why it is I take photos and the types of images I want to take. Sadly, this was previously dictated (more influenced) by the social media platforms based on the likes for particular images or styles. I now know my path, the likes are minimal or ‘slow burns’ but for me that now sits more comfortably as it feels vindicating because the work is for me and is representative of my maturing style. Thank you, Sean (and Simon).
Hi Sean. Thanks for this video. It really helps me 😉 I thought I was the only one who experienced this and I believe your theory is quite accurate 👍🏻 Tom
First time visiting your channel, basically due to having Simon Baxter in the title. I am not on any social media platform because I don't give a hoot what anyone thinks of my photography. I shoot for myself. Even when I was working as a paid (i.e. "professional) photographer, I didn't care or worry what my clients thought of my work. They hired me based on my portfolio and that is what they got for their money. Besides, most people wouldn't know a good photo anyway. They assumed my work was good (it was) because that was my job. More to the point. I think what you have described here is the quintissential discription of the human condition in the 21st century - popularity over substanstance, character, and integrity. While your essay revolves around photography, I find it perfectly descibes the state of the world today. Give the people what they want; any new gadget that is different from the last new gadget that came out last week or last year; or tell them what they want to hear, even if it is a complete lie or total fiction. That is how you succeed today. Sad.
Thank-you for this video Sean. You made a lot of sense. I feel a lot better about my work now. After 2 years i'm still enjoying it but not getting the recognition online i thought i would. Now i know why.
Very thought provoking and I am sure there is some validity in what you are saying. I definitely agree that social media encourages certain formulaic work and offers a easy success route. There is nothing wrong with a simple and powerful image, Michael Kenna has been doing this for years. I think the key is about being original and that is the problem with social media, it too easy to copy and social media promotes it whether it be beginners or just people with less cultural capital. I personally believe the true artistic is the person who breaks the mould and does something different
Thank you so much for this, you and Simon have put in words some feelings and thoughts I am having since a few months about my work and social media and greatly helped to put some order in this madness! 😁
A famous photographer in the sixties, his name escapes me now, said and it shocked me totally at the time, that he "couldnt understand why amateur photographers took photos". I believe it was directed at the fact that we don't sell or exhibit but that has changed today, entering competitions I do know, I am the only one that cares about my images.
Your insight and validation is real. The thoughtfulness of videos you make like this clear the funks for me. Thank you for taking the time to create these videos. I had decided “they don’t get it”, but your explanation greatly expands on that. And a personal favorite comment from you was “my work speaks for itself” - I have always noticed images posted with lengthy dialog usually receives more likes and comments; ridiculous IMO.
Excellent commentary and insight in life and in art and how they intersect. Well done Sean. I see why you have over half a million subscribers. Well done indeed. Character over flash. Build depth in your life and in your art. I'm a subscriber now and really look forward to more of your intersection moments.
Great video, Sean. It's funny, because this is the 2nd video I've seen recently about the whole comparison between Character and Personality. Makes me want to look into that book some more.
Thank you for this video. I am definitely on a growing path as a photographer. I love the idea of building character and deeper connection to my work. 🙌😍
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I've thought a lot about this. There are two questions every photographer needs to ask themselves: 1) Why do I **make** my photographs? 2) Why do I **share** my photographs. The answers will be different for different people, are often confused with each other, but are rarely the same. One connecting theme, at least for anyone who aspires to make art through their photography, is authentic self-expression. This should be the goal of art (not uniqueness, as some think). For me, at least, I make photographs with the goal of making images that I love; that I can then hang on my wall and smile and remember and feel again that moment of wonder. I want to capture the fleeting experience of my life as beautifully and faithfully as I can. This is self-expression with the emphasis on self. For that, no one's judgment matters but my own. But I share my images with the goal of **connecting** with others - **sharing** my self, my experience, and my feelings - and I do that, I think, to seek communion with others. Simon Baxter understands this distinction, and I think all of us would do well to embrace it.
That's how I felt in the beginning of my career for sure and it's awesome BUT then I wanted to serve others and boy that was hard to figure out but I did and do and WOWZA what a better feeling in my life that I have with what I create :)
Hanging a picture on a wall is the fun thing to do with a photograph. Sadly, most people wouldn't know a great work of art from a fast food hamburger. But for us, it is a hobby first, a way of documenting our life and many times, just for fun. Taking pictures of family and friends gets far more attention than a rotting tree in a forest. We like the tree, everyone else likes pictures of themselves and family. Quite simple. We have to know our target audience, the critics and family/friends. Most of the time, we do it for our personal satisfaction. And let's be real, there are trillions of photos out there that look the same, cover everything in existence and beyond so we should not get too excited about being THE greatest. We are but one in a million photographers.
Agree, yesterday I framed an photo I took with a 2004 6mp camera. I absolutely love this scene. I have taken thousands of photos over the years, nobody sees what I see in this one image, I don't care.
Sean, I appreciate this take on “popular” work vs “mature” work. I do post on FB and find that the Likes are for the typical (easy) pieces, while the images that are kinda beyond my “norm,” are not so popular. I’ve been shooting for over 20 yrs & believe that my images have improved. When I “step out” of the norm, I don’t receive as many likes. Initially, I thought that I was just not doing a good job. After listening to your video here, I’m thinking that perhaps I’m moving beyond my friends/acquaintances appreciations. Sigh. I really am not sure, but making art pieces that are different and a bit out of my own comfort zone bring me more pleasure than the same ol’, same ol.’
@amorlucisphotography do you have Instagram?
Reminded me of Vivian Meier, who took over 100,000 photos throughout her life that were only discovered after her death. She took photographs for her own pleasure and for her own sake and never received any reward - or “likes” so to speak. Unless you're a professional who makes a living at it, ask yourself why you're so upset about the lack of appreciation from others. Our deepest, most sincere values are visible in the things we do, even when no one else cares or sees.
Yes her story and discovery after her death is what got me into street photography If the motivbation is internally driven then there is no need for instagram and the like
she was a bit nuts though 😅
@@slothsarecool The line between being nuts and being a genius is often very thin.
@@slothsarecool I am following in her footsteps - I took 12,000 photos over the course of 2 days at US Open Tennis championship 😁
After I've read about Vivian I was wondering was there more similar "stories" , but the box with film or photos were just put into trash or something. I think her story is truly inspiring and quite motivating during our times, when photography is so mass because of smartphones and most probably there is only one person who really cares about your photography - it's you 🙃
As a photographer for over 40 years, now, I wholeheartedly agree with yours and Simon’s sentiments. Thanks for another fine collection of insights, Sean.
This was so timely for me Sean. I have been shooting for over 15 years. I was invited to participate in my first group photography show in an art gallery. The show comes down next week and I have sold nothing. One of the other photographers exhibiting work shoots and edits their work on their iPhone. They have sold multiple pieces, which leaves me scratching my head. I realize sales do not equate to quality or ability, but it is hard to ignore. I am proud of my work and feel my skill as a photographer has steadily grown. I shoot for myself, which is what I need to remind myself. Thanks again, Sean
What happened is that the people who came to the show weren't your ideal clients. THEY are out there, trust me!
Aww dang. I can totally understand that. It's still pretty awesome that you were featured in a show, though! I get jazzed when a friend uses one of my picture as a wallpaper for a while lol.
@@photobizmethodor they aren't and your work isn't as good as you think it is?
Out of curiousity what are your thoughts on the other photographers iphone photos? Were they simple and loud or complex and nuanced? Did you enjoy them? Were they of a different genre than your work?
Agreed with @bladerealm124 - I wouldn't discount a photographer purely because they used a phone. A lot of great photographers in history have used cameras with significantly lower quality sensors.
The more common trap is the opposite - people assume that a great camera will make their pictures great.
That, and the subject of this video, are both dangerous because some people will use it as an excuse to stop improving themselves.
This is why I’ve started to move towards gallery walls and zine/books for my work now. Wonderful video, been having these feeling for a while.
Sean Tucker, his work and colleagues have character.
Thanks for making this world that bit better Sean and co.
Thanks my friend.
Just in time for my breakfast. Love a Sunday sermon from Friar Tuck!
Friar Tuck:)
As an economist (amateur photographer) I must say that the concept of “sales man” is precise. The elements and values that you describe are those that I learned in my university studies. Thank you so much for the video !
This entire video is wonderful, but the comparison of character vs personality is absolute gold. Thanks again Sean (and Simon) for more worthwhile philosophy for me to mull on.
Thank you Sean (and Simon). Definitely applies to my field (music) and I’m sure with other arts and to other artists that interact with social media.
This is a conversation I've been trying to have with other photographers for years. This was so well done, and reaffirming. Thank you for making this.
This came at the right time for me, just when I think I’m sharing my best photos, the ones that show my growth as a photographer, the engagement has dropped off a cliff. I’m choosing to believe in myself, but there is that voice in the back of my head that says “what if you’re just not very good?”. This video is encouraging and helps to remind me to not worry about social media and to keep taking photos, and do that for me. If I’m good, and deserve recognition, I’ll get that eventually. In the meantime, I should just enjoy the process of learning and the thrill of being out there taking it all in.
I think this is a huge thing to be aware of with the Instagram space. People follow accounts because they like to see a consistent brand presented to them, not because they want to see the photographer’s individual growth. The skill needed to succeed there is less brilliance at photography and artistic skill as it is marketing and branding strategy.
Can i see your photos?
Yeah sure! @mr_lee_does_photography
@@alexlee3227 I'll check it out. Thanks.
I think there is also the third type of photographer that "likes" other's works. Ones, possibly like me, who have been a professional photographer for a long time (since 1976 for me) and appreciate the work of others, and to support those photographers visions. Yes, there is an over abundance of likes on images that are gratuitous that may have little skill or technique, but on social media there will always be those types. As a good friend of mine once said; "Sure, you can make a pretty image of a pretty person or location, but rarely do those 'photographers' make a compelling and emotionally captivating image". Thank you for sharing with us Sean, and thank you again for The Meaning of the Making books!
Art needs no confirmation from others, it's the own soul that's tells us if it's meaningful or not.
Unless you want to eat and have a roof over your head.
@@cliveadams7629Not every artists want or need to sell their art. Indeed, most artists never do. Of those who do, frighteningly few are successful enough that they can pursue their art without compromising it to make it more likely to sell. It’s okay to sell out, just don’t pretend your art is meaningful anymore.
As a practical example, the wedding photographer who takes the same bland portraits every couple wants and expects. Are we supposed to believe that all wedding photographers are in some sort of hive mind and share the exact same taste? Of course not. They compromise their integrity to make a product the client wants. That’s not a criticism, I admire the skill it takes. But it’s no more art than the plumbing in my house, the wiring loom in my car or the detection of the Higgs boson.
@@PippetWhippet So you wouldn't count Dali as an artist? Fair enough.
Love how you reframed thinking about social media attention there. As deep as always. Thank you from the heart for what you're doing Sean.
Sincere gratitude for just being you. I know you have helped me many times to “keep it real”.
Far and away one of the most thoughtful RUclipsrs speaking to creatives today. Excellent stuff, Sean-increasingly glad I found your channel amongst all the gear reviews and hype videos.
I definitely agree with you and Simon. There are pictures that I post on socials and others that are for exhibitions. An image like the second one Simon shows would have no sense in a "double tap, scroll" context. To be able to set an audience when you decide to take a picture is extremely important. Thank you for sharing
This applies not only to social media. I usually get the most positive feedback from friends and family for the most basic techniques. For most people, a simple long exposure will do the trick. "How did you get the train to be transparent?! That looks so cool, you can see the platform behind it! That's real art!!"
Great thoughts that reflect my experiences. I live near Hamburg, where it's easy to take those high-contrast black and white photos that are hyped on social media. The first pictures make me proud, but it quickly became boring. I took the "Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View" with my iPhone this year, it didn't take a minute and I got likes. On the other hand, it's a real challenge for me to capture the simple beauty of the salt marshes on the North Sea with their muted colours and minimalist structures, and my best pictures will hardly get any likes on social media.
This could be possibly one of your best videos or spoken subject. Not only about photography but I find it an amazing reflection about human nature or social behavior that I never reflected on it the way you now show. Also about how our personal growth can be linked or conditioned by what others think or what we do think others expect from us as value. Congratulations. This is pure photography talk but with a very powerful message about life in general.
Agreed! Seeing the Character vs. Personality development, is a clear indicator for how egoistic. The world has become, unfortunately.
Very true. Thank you! What we should remember here however is that people who are using Instagram and other platforms watch images on the small screen of their smartphones and we as photographers should know that rules of composition work differently for small picture size of the phone and big one like painting half the wall size. It's good to present the image in a way (size) that matches it's composition and character.
Thank you for very eloquently stating something that has been at the back of my mind for the past few years.
You and Simon are bang on. Those images that you posted of the sheep and the person in the wheelchair tell stories and most people on SM aren't interested, there only interested in the images that go bang , not that there is anything wrong with those , but your right less attention gets paid the story images I feel. I like to print t my work regularly and make dummie books , which I have a lot of and curate them as more images come in it feels very creative and that's how I started many decades ago. I tend to work on projects more now of an area could be street, landscape, more often from road trips so includes road houses etc . I love it. I post much less now and the stress relief is worth it
This has to be the most impactful video I have watched and heard in such a long time. Everything the both of you said was true - I have grown a lot as a photogrpaher and I am also guilty of passing by photos I used to like when I was a beginner. I learned to just post what I like for me and for those who appreciate my work. I don't care about likes or engagement as much as I used to.
right! It's not the numbers it's the ideal people who YOU value
Man you hit the point here up to today I was thinking of this
Don't please the machine and socials
please yourself and grow as an artist
Kudos sir I love these videos and interviews very inspiring and informative
Lovely reminder. I care about my photography. Everyone else needs to show me. I actually have some pretty supportive experienced and talented photographers in my sphere, but the haters can get wild if they think I challenge their world view. Better to just do me. Thanks for this
One last thought on all this (provoked by yet another brilliant video by Sean) is that we can kid ourselves into thinking because we have no recognition that we can do great work for ourselves. That we are a unique snowflake that nobody has ever seen. That we are that tree that falls in the woods that nobody hears. Because my father was a well-known photographer, (and I see this as a gallery owner when asked for shows), growing up I got to meet and know many of the greats, ranging from Richard Avedon to Diane Arbus, Elliot Erwitt, Annie Leibovitz, Arnold Neuman, W. Eugene Smith, Slim Aarons, Irving Penn, and on and on. And one thing I observed in all of them - their most common shared trait besides raw talent - and why they all got noticed and on the map, (while having brilliant work of course) is that they were all, to a person, major hustlers, salesmen and self-promoters and marketers; and some indeed were true hucksters. None of them had small egos, and all took themselves deadly seriously. It should also be noted this was before photography became something available on millions and millions of phones. The cavalcade of brilliant images out there now rivals some of the best work I have seen. For me, when people ask me what a "real" photographer is these days, I come down to intent. Real photographers commit fully to the work, see it as the main thrust of their lives and pursue it day in and day out. It has nothing to do with being a "professional". They do want to show their work to communicate with the world through images. The rest of us? We take pictures and maybe that is enough. But when someone approaches me for a show, I look for someone with serious intent, not whether or not they are a hack wedding photographer or are a "professional". The difference between a "pro" and an "amateur" is irrelevant. For me intent and the ability of the photographer to show me one true thing is all I look for.
Loved the video and the message. It reminded me of your conversation with Saddoris, where you mentioned the first drawing your mom put on the fridge, praising it, and how good it felt. The need for approval seems to stick with many of us for a while; shaking it off is the challenge.
My opinion is that you're absolutely correct. It also applies to RUclips. I'd love to watch some advanced topic sometime, but it seems like everyone are doing the same "top 10" clickbaits over and over again. Getting watch hours and likes. This unfortunately also includes me. I target my videos mostly to beginners, because that's where the interest lies. When I cover a more advanced topic, I always seem to get less traction on those videos. Great thoughts, will take them with me in the future and think about my strategies and choises. Thanks S.
This video just popped on my feed out of nowhere and it is very interesting. I am experiencing the same thing with video now. If I show something for beginners amazing.... more advanced it just falls through... photography is sadly dead for me. I shot for almost 18 years weddings, fashion, and glamour.... won so many awards, but people don't seem to care.. just video... and what you said absolutely applies to me.... simple stuff great... advanced... who cares.
Don't give up. Just find a way to use photography as an expression for yourself and you might reclaim it. Who cares what the response is at first?
Love this. Great analogy with the quietness of character versus flashy personality. Another issue with 'getting the attention' you think a favorite image deserves is the tiny venue in which your work is shown on social media. The detail and complexity of great work is overlooked and invisible to the masses because of the tiny resolution offered for viewing. Subtleties are lost, as well as the opportunity to learn from those who have mastered their craft. We're turning into a society of half-second reviews and a double-click.
That’s totally true thanks for sharing I’m experiencing this and I’m totally aware.
So well articulated. Unfortunately, many people still perfectly equate likes with inherent worth; it is a powerful drug. Many will be happy to stay on that Merry-go-round forever. How many genuine talents will be lost to this diversion we will never know.
My wife and I watched this with our morning coffee. So timely and needed in our journeys! Thanks for doing what you do and for providing such great teaching. Cheers ☕️
Thank-you for pointing out this issue. I continue to shoot almost exclusively with film. I’ve been doing so for the last 40 years. And let’s be honest, the worst way to view any art form is on an electronic screen. My photography has surpassed what most of my friends understand. I’ve seen this happen with my other art form: ceramics. I look for nuance and delicate light or form. Most people don’t understand that type of artistic growth. Just look at the screen-saver on your computer. Hyper colors, unrealistic exposures and layered images. The digital “salesman” has lowered the artistic bar and convinced the average consumer of art that only brash and bombastic will work as art. Subtlety and character mean very little today. Please continue to address this issue with the available solutions: like visiting real art galleries on a regular basis or joining a local artists guild/association.
Very true and I can't agree more. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Oomph Sean, I felt tears coming up. I find huge comfort in this framing. Thank you.
That's great to hear.
Great video and so true. Talking about growth of your photography, which I fully understand, makes me wonder how you measure that growth without resorting to the likes on IG, or judges comments in a competition which are so often driven by stereotypical reasoning. I know my photography constantly develops, I hope for the "better" and this usually means that the images say something, alone or in a project, rather than just being there to look at. What they say may vary from person to person, and hopefully is quite clear to most viewers without being elevated by the author to some level of pretention. Its all very personal and subjective, but maybe that is what "growth" is all about - thinking !!
For me growth is doing my own research, and looking at the work of some of the greats to see the heights photography can reach both in technique and meaning, and then comparing what I'm learning to my own work over time to see progress towards those lofty heights... but not 'social media scores'.
Hi Sean,
I don't tend to comment much, though I've watched all your videos and bought your photography books. I just wanted to say your channel is my favorite on RUclips because of your depth and thought-provoking content. Thank you for what you make.
That's so kind. Thanks:)
My feelings exactly ‼️ 🇳🇿
Agree. I have never thought social media is the right place to be looking for affirmation or criticism of your work. As you rightly point out most of those commenting and liking are novices. They have never studied photography or art for that matter in a meaningful way. The best photographers are those who have a quiet confidence in what they do and will not be led by the crowd. This needs a bit of courage. Simon Baxter is a great example. I love his approach to woodland photography. If I was looking for affirmation of my photography, I would seek it from photographers I admire not Instagram.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!! I've been thinking about this but was never able to verbalize it so eloquently even to myself. Shortened attention span and never ending stream of new "in-your-face" images to scroll through don't lend themselves to photos that require time and/or effort to appreciate.
Sean - you were one of the first photographers I watched on RUclips a couple of years ago when I was starting to be more serious about my photography - it was a video on how to edit to make striking portraits. I've developed in a different direction now, more towards seascapes, landscapes and nature, but videos like this one cut across genres and can inform and inspire anyone. I really think you are the most thoughtful and thought provoking photographer on RUclips today. Thank you!
very true words, delivered in a peaceful and nuanced way. thank you and congratulations.
Bravo Sean. Packaging over content, personality over character; simplicity over complexity. I scroll, sometimes I pause, but, when I find myself stopping to really look at and absorb an image, I often come away with more complex thoughts and feelings. I think I'm getting too old for eyecandy. I love your work. Thank you for sharing.
It was so helpful to hear Sean talk about newbies and where they get their feedback from. As someone who has only been taking photographs seriously for a year, it made me think about why I post online. What I think I look for, and I suspect is the same for others is, validation and encouragement, particularly if you have started this late in life as I have with little confidence. However posting on social media can be used as a learning opportunity. Whilst much of the "likes" I get may well be almost indiscriminate, after a year of posting I have come to acknowledge that those photographs that get more likes are usually my better ones ( and by better I don't mean good in any sense at this stage!). I have realised that I am now being far more thoughtful about the ones I share, and I think (hope) this indicates growth and self honesty. I hope this is a process many go through, and I hope that in another year I will post much less, and better quality. I think this is a sign of progress, increased confidence that many have achieved. I hope also by then to have a better sense of why I do this at a much deeper personal level- all I know right now is it gives me great joy and pleasure, has opened up a new world to me, and for now , that's enough.
Really apreciate what you`ve said to be honest, as someone who's trying to find a certain style of photography to identify with, everytime I upload some photo I think it's at least interesting, I find out it gains very little atraction and as a consequence I ask myself "What am I doing wrong?" instead of just liking the very photo as is, it seems tho I am giving the power to the public in some way and adapting my style to what gains more likes and its a dangerous road to go through, thank you for making us aware of this perspective!
That “character vs personality” breakdown was really insightful. Thanks Sean
I really appreciate that you’re able to consider your own work in such a clear-sighted way. It can be tricky to be objective when thinking about the merits of your own work and your practice. Always so much so think about in your videos, thank you.
interesting that you’re talking about your audience as being photographers. I’ve never really thought of photographers as being the people I want most to be looking at my images. It’s too tempting for us to make comparisons with our own work or become distracted by the how rather than the why to be an objective and fully appreciative audience.
Yep, for YEARS my audience wasn't photographers. I feel that's why photographers give up so fast or they end up teaching photography like I did later in my career. I WILL say I still license my work and I feel much happier than teaching how I shot my work :)
I like seeing that you’re posting about once a month. I think you’re an important voice in the world of photography. At least, in my world of photography. And to me, that’s what matters. Thank you Sean, for the time you take to create something that is, in its own right, a piece of art.
Thank you for this. I’ve been photographing since film in the 70s then into digital and about a year ago I put down my cameras. This video is exactly what I needed to pick them back up and go back to photography for myself like in the beginning. I left social media and deleted most of my presence and thought “no one cares” when it never should have mattered. I really really needed this. 🫶
the size of the picture you're looking at also plays a large role in how its digested. 1 photo might have to be printed to A0 to appreciate, while others are better viewed small and quickly, like on a phone or in a book.
I think we're at an interesting time in the history of photography because of A: there's a lot of different ways to appreciate a photo. and B: so many more people are improving their understanding of photos, how to read them, that it's pushing towards a global language.
the key is to understand the importance of sharing, how and why, moving into the future. photography isn't just an art for art snobs anymore
I never really thought about it this way before but it does make a lot of sense. I ended up deleting most of my social media because I felt like nobody liked my work anymore and it was tough to swallow the amount of effort I put into a photograph to get little attention but perhaps like you say it might be because I reached a new level in photography where my work no longer appeals to beginner photographers on social media. Hmmm, this is pretty interesting. Looking back at my work and I can tell that my work is has changed from more louder images to more nuance and "boring" photos but I enjoy them so much more. Great video Sean. Hope you're doing well.
I find that social media images need to have an big immediate impact to the viewer, myself like Simon enjoying the woodlands creating images that some have low impact on these platforms But when these images are on a A3 paper of choice, then it holds the viewers eye of natural beauty.
This is all quite encouraging. Thank you, Sean.
I really need to hear this today. Thank you for your wise perspective on things, as always 💕
Fascinating and thought-provoking discussion. I tend to share my 'more obvious' images and not my what I call my 'quiet' images. I liked Simon's thinking on this. Thank you.
Thank you for the reminder. Sometimes, I lose sight of the key "beginner" factor you talk about here.
Thanks!
Thanks for the support my friend
As always Sean your videos remind me how I was originally drawn to becoming a photographer. It was finding those rare gems of photos that became more interesting the longer I looked at them and wanting to create gems of my own. We are bombarded with so many images these days, particularly on social media, that it can be challenging to slow down and find those pictures that say more than just the obvious.
Thanks for sharing this, I have been trying to understand what was disturbing me, this gives me a lot of clarity
I love your videos Sean. Your channel has been always my source of inspiration, along with Simon's and the other photographers I have found in this space. I am glad that I started watching your videos when I was just starting to do photography in my spare time. At first, it kind of hurt me when no one's liking my photos. Social media is a trap for us photographers. Yes, we would like to share our images but the system of likes and taps, not to mention the feed algorithms hurt our growth and appreciation in our own craft.
Eventually, I grew out of sharing my photos online. I only share a couple once every few months. I now realize that I should take my photographs with my heart and gut, as much as I would like. Photography is my private space to get lost in, recover and nourish my sense of self and creativity. I am doing photography for myself, not for others (makes sense for a hobbyist photographer like me).
Thank you for the great advice, it has helped me a lot as you do start to beat yourself up for no reason, if its something I enjoy, and I do enjoy photography, I should just get on with it.
Great video. This reminds me of Fred Herzog, considered a pioneer of colour photography in the 1950’s and 60’s. It was very difficult to print colour photos back then, so he kept taking pictures of life in East Vancouver, and working as a medical photographer. His work was not really recognized until he was 77 years old, but it did not matter. He did not do it money of fame. He just kept up taking photos, pushing that rock up the hill.
@chrissteward
I lived in Vancouver Fred Herzog was immediately recognised by people who know photography just as Dostoevsky as soon as he wrote and published his work.
Fred Herzog did not show his work to the public work 20 years as soon as he did I don’t know a single person who did not like it
Thanks Sean, your videos have always been so inspiring... You are able to pick up the thoughts of a photographer and talk about it .. Comforting..Thanks for your effort in making these videos ..May you grown leaps and bounds...🙏
I love Simon. His videos are so peaceful and packed with knowledge. He's a true artist.
This is a great conversation because it has been happening in my own work and I hadn’t noticed. You’re absolutely right that simple images attract (for lack of a better term) simple minds. I look forward to slowly shifting my work to reflect my true interests.
Spot on and well put. It's easy to get side tracked when previous success is suddenly fading. You wonder what you are doing wrong while all you did is getting better. Many thanks for the encouraging pep talk.
Learning to not just post consistently to please the algorithm and post pieces that are not meant for that kind of social media and audience, but holding back for when you might have the right space to share that type of work is extremely important.
Dear Sean,
You have no idea how this video could have come at a better time. I really appreciate you posting this.
I've been a professional photographer for quite a while. Most of my work is never seen owing to the clients I deal with. As a result, I don't get the recognition or feedback of my work that I and my clients consider good. That does make me question if I'm any good or have lost my edge. I need to realize that I wouldn't be hired if it wasn't. I'm not trying to sell myself, instead showing evidence of this.
Your approach to psychological mentoring is one that goes so much deeper than so many videos found on RUclips. As a result, has a longer-lasting effect and carries more gratitude.
Thank you 🙂
Easily the best photography channel on youtube. Stopping and thinking about what it is we do, and who we do it for, is important. How do we negotiate social media and its impact on our own work as photographers whether professional or amateur.
One of your best videos! I’m going through that transition now and trying to figure out how to get out of my high intensity (dawns, sunsets) comfort space and into more subtle and challenging work.
Bravo. Totally nailed a number of important points here. Your content has character! Nice to see something of quality with intellect.
I’ve run into this. It really messed with my confidence until I realized what was happening. I’ve started posting less and it’s really helped.
Good for you.
Thanks Sean, this helps me in determining what kind of content I should create for "mindset, thought or philosophy behind composition".
This is so true, thank you for sharing this video. It really makes sense and reminded me to stay true to myself and my growth going forward.
The message in this video is very thought provoking. Thank you very much because I think I needed to hear all of this right now!
An absolutely necessary conversation to be had - something worth thinking on.
It is so true, it applies to any art form, do you see often jazz in the top chart? It is typically pop. But the jazz players enjoy a different stage… they don’t expect the platinum disk, not because they do not deserve, simply a different audience
Hi Sean. This one really hits home. I've been in a photographic rut lately. I love "street" photography but have found that when I go out and shoot, I'm all too often confronted with the same old shots that you see all over social media (and that I've taken plenty of times myself). Stealing a page (or thought) from your book, I feel as if I'm in that liminal space between shooting the same old shots and not yet finding a new direction. I know I'll eventually find my vision so I'm not worried. Just need some time to work through it. Interesting that you mentioned Susan Cain's Quiet. Just finished it and couldn't help but having felt similar thoughts to your observations.
Food for thought, thank you for your fresh perspective! I look forward to following your channel.
This resonates with me so much, right now! Beautiful said by you and Simon.
I’ve recently started to understand why it is I take photos and the types of images I want to take. Sadly, this was previously dictated (more influenced) by the social media platforms based on the likes for particular images or styles. I now know my path, the likes are minimal or ‘slow burns’ but for me that now sits more comfortably as it feels vindicating because the work is for me and is representative of my maturing style. Thank you, Sean (and Simon).
Hi Sean. Thanks for this video. It really helps me 😉 I thought I was the only one who experienced this and I believe your theory is quite accurate 👍🏻 Tom
First time visiting your channel, basically due to having Simon Baxter in the title. I am not on any social media platform because I don't give a hoot what anyone thinks of my photography. I shoot for myself. Even when I was working as a paid (i.e. "professional) photographer, I didn't care or worry what my clients thought of my work. They hired me based on my portfolio and that is what they got for their money. Besides, most people wouldn't know a good photo anyway. They assumed my work was good (it was) because that was my job. More to the point. I think what you have described here is the quintissential discription of the human condition in the 21st century - popularity over substanstance, character, and integrity. While your essay revolves around photography, I find it perfectly descibes the state of the world today. Give the people what they want; any new gadget that is different from the last new gadget that came out last week or last year; or tell them what they want to hear, even if it is a complete lie or total fiction. That is how you succeed today. Sad.
Thank-you for this video Sean. You made a lot of sense. I feel a lot better about my work now. After 2 years i'm still enjoying it but not getting the recognition online i thought i would. Now i know why.
Very thought provoking and I am sure there is some validity in what you are saying. I definitely agree that social media encourages certain formulaic work and offers a easy success route. There is nothing wrong with a simple and powerful image, Michael Kenna has been doing this for years. I think the key is about being original and that is the problem with social media, it too easy to copy and social media promotes it whether it be beginners or just people with less cultural capital. I personally believe the true artistic is the person who breaks the mould and does something different
I always appreciate your deep thinking and openness. Thank you!
and of course, your photography :)
Your ideas are always thoughtprovoking. Thank you so much talking about the soul part of photography and not so much the techniques.
Such a great presentation of a very important topic. Made me rethink some of my own misgivings about posting online. Thanks for this.
Thank you so much for this, you and Simon have put in words some feelings and thoughts I am having since a few months about my work and social media and greatly helped to put some order in this madness! 😁
This was a great thought. Thanks for sharing it so articulately for us!
Sean and Simon in one video on a dull Monday morning talking about something I find myself in the middle of... This is going to be a good week😃
A famous photographer in the sixties, his name escapes me now, said and it shocked me totally at the time, that he "couldnt understand why amateur photographers took photos".
I believe it was directed at the fact that we don't sell or exhibit but that has changed today, entering competitions I do know, I am the only one that cares about my images.
Your insight and validation is real. The thoughtfulness of videos you make like this clear the funks for me. Thank you for taking the time to create these videos. I had decided “they don’t get it”, but your explanation greatly expands on that. And a personal favorite comment from you was “my work speaks for itself” - I have always noticed images posted with lengthy dialog usually receives more likes and comments; ridiculous IMO.
Excellent commentary and insight in life and in art and how they intersect. Well done Sean. I see why you have over half a million subscribers. Well done indeed. Character over flash. Build depth in your life and in your art. I'm a subscriber now and really look forward to more of your intersection moments.
Quiet - great book! Enjoy. Hopefully you will get a lot out of it Sean. Thanks, as ever, for your video.
Excellent wisdom right here! Definitely makes me stop and look at what my motivations are for creating and posting my photography.
Great video, Sean. It's funny, because this is the 2nd video I've seen recently about the whole comparison between Character and Personality. Makes me want to look into that book some more.
Thank you for this video. I am definitely on a growing path as a photographer. I love the idea of building character and deeper connection to my work. 🙌😍