It seems a lot of you misunderstood my comment about shallow depth of field, which might be my bad communication, so let me clarify. I said that "I can't hide behind a shallow depth of field" and by shooting deep DOF "I'm not being lazy", precisely because I know I've been guilty of this in the past. If you look at my portrait work you'll see I consider shallow DOF to be a legitimate technique, but I also know that I went through a stage of trying to make boring shots look interesting by just shooting very shallow, instead of moving on to find a genuinely interesting shot. In my mind this is lazy, and bad photography. Shoot deep DOF when I'm out and about forces me to be more disciplined in my composition. It's an exercise, not a rule. If that comment got your back up, perhaps you are in the same boat and need to adjust some things. Ween yourself off shallow DOF and only use it when it's appropriate. Ask yourself honestly, have you been using it as a crutch, like I was?
This advice is awesome. I've recently been thinking about how common it is to see people shoot wide open all the time, even in scenarios when stopping down to create layers would tell a better story. This is one advantage of crop sensors that most people overlook: using wider lenses to achieve a given 35mm equivalent focal length (eg. ~23mm on APSC to get 35mm FF-equivalent) gives you way more DoF, and like you said, the DoF on phone cameras is huge. It's also one reason I prefer rangefinder shooting over SLRs; SLRs lie about the DoF unless using DoF preview, whereas the rangefinder window keeps everything in focus.
Gahanika I mean, you still need to know the technical stuff unless you want to shoot in auto mode. Yes you can be a master of the tech and a mediocre photographer, but you can't be inept with your camera and be a good photographer.
takes probably a couple of days to understand your gear with the proper tutorials ,a bit of practice and you're done .Then is just getting faster and make everything in a kind of instinctive and automatic way. learning how to master photography is like composing music , takes much longer ,you actually never stop . This is my case after 3 years in this world, I still feel that I have so much more to learn and instead I'm loosing my time watching videos about Nikon having a bit more dinamyc range then canon and fall in the trap that makes me think that I need better gears.
You need to learn how to walk before you learn how to fly, and you need to learn the 'technical stuff' to break the rules. Can't break em if you don't know em.
I think every photographer should do a drawing course. It’s a great way to train your eyes. Sit down and look at the subject you want to draw. It helps to see the world visually. More in abstract underlaying patterns then in function.
I did just that without connecting the dots to photography. Then one day it clicked. I now find it helpful to return to drawing when I feel my photography is getting stale. The mind is an amazing thing.
The two things that always make me hyper aware of my surroundings - riding my motorcycle and walking the city with my camera in hand. Great video as always my man!
I've seen on youtube that this is a single photography channel have got thousands of like for each video. Just 3 days before I started to watch videos on this channel. Really @SeanTucker is an inspiration for all beginners.
So happy to find you... These are the aspects of creativity that 90% of the content is missing on the internet. This pollution of imagery, video, sound and graphics is misguiding and disconnects us from great art - that great moment - which leaves an inspiration for a thousand lives. So glad.
Great , inspiring post, Sean. You're so right. My artist statement includes this line: "My camera's just a tool. It's how I use it that counts. It's not the camera that takes great pictures; It's the photographer behind the lens who makes great photographs." I'm always looking for and seeing patterns, visually interesting scenes & compositions, and light interactions in the world around me. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder in 2008, and living with it has made me a better photographer. My brain looks at the world around me differently, and I see light, shapes, patterns and compositions in a way that I never did before. I was a good photographer before. Now people who see my work tell me that my images are outstanding. Photography truly is a therapeutic and creative art.
No question about it a good photographer can find virtually anything to make an interesting composition. Getting that photographer's eye takes time just like everything else you learn. Great video!
I spent today taking photos on my few hrs in town and didn’t get any photos I liked and realised I didn’t have a clue what I was doing- but I had a feeling I learnt a lot by noticing the light, what people were doing and this vid confirmed it for me- thanks
I have never ever commented on any RUclips video but this video made me do so. I love shooting with my iphone, for me it's all about capturing that moment. I try not to use any filters, or edit my photos because I want my photos to look the way my eyes see it. Went through a couple of RUclips accounts which were mostly about dslr technical know-how .. but I don't even own a proper camera! Was even tempted to send some pictures to those accounts for a critique but felt sort of shamed that my photos weren't professional enough or even taken with a dslr. BUT Your video, your message, is an encouragement. Thanks!
So many other photographers say go out and shoot. Its like if you don't feel creative that's hard. But with what you are suggesting is very different. Go out and observe and yes capture things in photo, but just that act of thinking and considering the "whole" world around you. Is a step in the right directions. Thanks you for the change in thinking
So refreshing to watch a video like this one. In terms of knowledge the technical side of photography is just there so the artistic side doesn't suffer. You master the technical side in about a month or two and yet a lot of people only talk about specs or camera settings. The only thing that maters is the art and the emotion in your work.
One of the best videos I’ve seen regarding the art of photography. Using a smartphone will indeed free you up to see, the light and composition, without being bogged down with camera technicalities. Then, all you have to do is capture the moment!
Sean Tucker the most beautifully shot instructional video on RUclips. The Crazy Bavarian Bullfrog would be proud. The information was great too; all the best to you sir
Never have I ever NOT fallen in love, with awe and wonder, at what and how this man conveys simply, clearly and straight-forward. All that with depth. Next level genius, Sean. Always an admirer.
Refreshing video. I searched RUclips for “how to push yourself to become a better photographer”. So glad to find a video that doesn’t give 5 tips to improve your photos and tells me that I need to use rule of thirds and shallower DOF. We have to go deeper than that and unlock something within us so we can see differently. This was inspirational. Thanks.
My great grandfather was a photographer during WW2 and looking through his printed work it's crazy to see how everything is composed in the frame where it should be and it makes it all so much more interesting to look at
I really appreciate that you create videos that touch beginner photographers like me to the core in a way that I stay inspired to keep pushing through to get better. Thank you Sean!
This was such a pleasure to watch and listen to. I think being a gardener has made me a better photographer. Every day i walk around my ground (.75 acre) and study everything that i planted the previous year. Watch the trees as they bud, watch the green shoots as they struggle to pop out of the early frost in March. I can visualize how much larger of space they will take up this year than the next. That attention to detail has made it easier to compose photos when traveling (for me)
Thank you for your videos. I find them extremely inspiring and almost spiritual. As you said very rightly, there are millions of tutorials for the technical parts, but very very few which teach us how to SEE. For me, photography is not always about getting the perfect settings or composition. It's more about catching a moment, telling a story, sharing an emotion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Peace
As soon as you whipped the phone out I was hooked. The best camera is the one you have in your hand. Since we always have our phones attached to our hip there is likely almost never a time we aren't a photographer ready to shoot. Given the quality of new phones coming out and the amazing apps we can work with it's a no brainer. Most people are looking at these photos on some digital format and the hyper-quality ($$$) gear would really be wasted resources. Great job !!!
I LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!! It talks about what MOST photography/film RUclipsrs do not talk about which is the art of photography itself. It makes me appreciate that craft even more without over thinking about the technicalities. That's life sometimes, if not, most of the time. We CHOOSE to over complicate things instead of seeing, appreciating and being grateful for what's actually important. We focus on the cameras and not the photographs.
This is an older video but the message will ring true forever. There is far too much emphasis on gear, specs, techs, than there is on actually building a photograph worth looking at. Long before I touched a camera, I was engrossed by photographs, not photographers and their gear of choice. Life, National Geographic, and Time magazines, etc, taught me the end game of photography, simply the image should be interesting to stare at versus a glance.
I just stumbled to this video that's 7 years old and found further confirmation of a truth I needed to see. I have been a hobby photographer for about 10 years now . I really enjoy taking pictures. Sometimes though I manage to find something really beautiful in the images I capture. Some of the images I have purposefully took, while others have came by accident (moreso the latter). I just recently upgraded my camera to a new mirrorless variety. I love it, but I feel as though I am a little overwhelmed by all the new bells and whistles. The camera takes a very nice picture indeed, but its making it even more clear to me that I tend to shoot while in awe of something new, rather than something I wish to capture to create something with. And it bothers me. This video reminded me to be present in the moment, wherever I am. To see the people, places, and things a little more differently. To train my eyes to see, and my ears to hear. You stated to just take a walk, and be present wherever you are. For some reason, the being present in the moment message is really resonating with me as of late. It's a very strong message and quite frankly I believe it's going to be a life altering message for me. I think not only will it improve my photography, but will improve me as a person spiritually. All life, whether good or bad, is a beautiful gift. While it is great to be in awe of new experiences, it's even better to learn to appreciate them, right down to the finer detail. Thank you for making this video. Whether you acknowledge God or not, I believe you were used by him to speak to me, confirming a message I have been hearing, about being present in the moment, and that will not only help me as a hobby photographer, but also as a human being. Thank you.
I just love the feeling when i walk slowly through town,stop and notice something that would be overlooked by milions of people that day.And furthermore,i love even more the feeling when i try hard to honor that moment by setting myself up in the perfect position to get that Moneyshot. for me photography is slowing down,beeing observent,feel the moment and recognize the details and most importantly,does it make me happy and proud to have that photo in my portfolio. The more i photograph,the more i get stuck in one place because i have so many ideas and angles to shoot and it is truly addictive and inspiring..almost meditative experience.I usually listen to ambient or chill music whilst taking pictures and it helps me to zone out,be out of time snd space and just convey my feelings through photos
This might just be your best video yet. It puts it all out there. The technique... The philosophy... The heart and soul of photography regardless of what fancy gear you have.
This vid is probable one of if not the best video for explaining what it's all about. I work in a large camera store and most people are obsessed with the tech and not the image. Some people spend thousands just to take images so then can ooooh and ahhhh and the detail, sharpness, lens performance etc but the actual shot is visually sub standard.
Another lovely vid, my friend. Legendary LIFE magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstadt purportedly walked to and from work every day from his home in Jackson Heights, Queens to his office in Manhattan - about six miles each way. And I STILL think if Cartier-Bresson were a 20-something today, he’d be shooting with a smartphone. But that’s just me.
Thank you Sean! This video is everything. This is the essence of photography. And now I understand better why I have always loved to photograph. It helps me to be present in the moment. The small details, the light and shadow contrasts, the movement around me....everything matters. These moments of observation bring me peace and I feel connected with the place where I am, with life. And that is the essence of this beautiful ART.
Wow! As an artist (drawing, painting digital) and growing videographer this was perhaps the MOST inspiring and honest teaching about how to shoot great photos and videos ....by experimenting, learning and being observant of your surroundings!!! I felt like I was back in art school with one of my favorite professors!!! Great job Sean! Thank you!
Being influenced by so-called "theme" in instagram made me had barriers that I mostly only take photos that will benefit my IG feed, however, you made me feel like I should explore more, and experience more on the photography. Thank you.
Perfectly inspirational. I'm a fellow pro photographer in New Orleans and your video inspired me. The things we do in a daily basis you forgot the why's! Why do I capture I every the way I do...then we explain it and realize all of the experience we have perfecting this craft. I'm motivated to create a video like this from my view as well. Great job!
Hi Sean, I don't usually comment on videos but this video of yours captures where I am now. So thank you. You posted this 6yrs ago and it is still very helpful today.
Excellent video. A few years ago I walked about with only my cell phone camera only for nearly a year. What I discovered first was that I could make good photographs by using the phone within the camera's limitations. The second thing I learned was that looking at the small screen at arm's length allowed me to improve my sense of composition because with my less than perfect eyesight I focused primarily on the geometry in the frame - the shapes, lines, color, and tonality. I would position the phone so what was in the frame looked "right." It was a valuable lesson in seeing.
You are spot on! Photography is about seeing others and how to see and capture others true unhidden self, and sometimes this takes life experience, patience and just being able to wait for great light and real true emotion. You are a true artist! Love your work.
This is one of those videos that everyone should be watching because it's about the art of photography and not the gear of photography. Gear is something so easy to get into but distracts us from the real focus the 'art' of photography. Composition and light are everything the gear really is secondary. I agree with you about the iPhone. Some of my favorite shots have been taken with it. I's always with me and I really don't have to think about which lens, f-stop, shutter speed etc. Just take the pic. Thanks
Watched one vidéo last night and watched two more in a row right now. Last time I'll do that. Not because I don't like your videos or what you talk to us about, no, no. I drink it all and I am truly inspired by what you explain about your photography, about how your life has affected you being a photograph. It's like reading a good book, sometimes you have to turn it over to the page your on and just think about what you read. So now one at a time, maybe I'll go out and try some of your techniques or otherwise just think a while about what you said. Glad to see you tomorrow Sean.
Excellent video! I lost interest in photography when I moved from Philadelphia to the suburbs. I rationalized that suburban life didn't have the same visual interest as that of a city. Recently I started walking daily as part of rehabilitation after a motorcycle crash, and I have suddenly found myself once again seeing the world as a photographer. Never in a million years would I have made the connection between walking and photography. Thank you, now I know that so long as my feet are willing to carry me I'll always have photography.
Playing with different depth of field is fantastic. Everything does definitely not need to be sharp. At all. But agree with most other stuff. Many people say" i see", but they don't
There is so much wasted noise and pixels on You Tube. Every once in awhile there is a photographer who says things, that if we pay attention and practice what he suggests, can actually make us better photographers. I have a small group of amazing photographers on Facebook and whenever I find a You Tube Video worth watching (very rare) I post it in that group. Sean's videos top the list.
Within the first 2 minutes of this video after hearing you talk and reference Herzog I hit subscribe. You understand exactly what photography and what it is for, and I feel many camera crazed consumers (myself included) need to be reminded that what we photograph is more important than what we photograph with. Thank you for this video and I can't wait to see more!
I started reading The Peregrine because of this video. It is indeed a great book full of breathtaking descriptions and the author demonstrates an incredible level of visual awareness.
Spot on I finished Uni with a degree in commercal Photography, I left with a good grade, but found it clinical, lifeless. Now that is out the way I am truly free to be creative. .
Great advice! I also find it important to leave the camera at home during some walks. Try to isolate the pure intention of observing surroundings for more creative discovery.
Wow I just accidentally clicked on this video coz of that phrase"visual experience" and just a few seconds of watching-I'm already convinced that I will be inspired or learn a great deal subscribing to your site....grateful...
Great reminder of what photography is (or should be) about: images that speak to people. Thank you, Sean. This and the others I've seen are a refreshing take on what amateurs like me need to learn.
So nicely said. Our advice is always to just start looking and shooting. Practice writing short stories and drawing to further expand your visual palate. Remembered that in the time it took one person to look at tech specs, several others who started at the same time, developed their unique eye and storytelling skills using nothing but film and early point and shoot cams (this was before digital was accessible). Lovely stuff.
OMG.. . You are such a great teacher..creating interest in the subject.Its pleasure to hear u,not only about photo..graphy..but also about real life.Thank u sir.
Sean, my friend! This has been some of the most valuable 6 minutes I have watched on RUclips IN A LONG TIME! Thank you for pushing me to get into my environment and stop worrying about all the technical issues of photography! God bless!
I've watched a few of your videos recently and they've really made me stop and think about myself. In my mind there's nothing more important in film or photo than making people stop and think. I've subscribed to you now and I can't wait to dive into more of your videos. Thank you Sean.
Really well said. I remember when I started photography in a more serious manner, two years ago, that I slowed down the pace, that I started to be more aware of people and everything around me, started to look for and find patterns, shapes and interesting angles to what initially seem a boring scene. There's still a lot to be improved but, I'm happy with what I gained so far. A great video and you got yourself a new subscriber :)
Hit the nail on the head mate, nice thinking. Currently on holiday with a full frame and an apsc but using smartphone 99% of the time. It's the moment, the composition that really matters.
+Cole. Brown shallow DOF is a legitimate technique, I just know I use it to cheat when I can't get a background to work. It's a good exercise to shoot deep:)
I was recently challenged to begin shooting at only f/8 and higher. It was one of the best changes I've ever made and I think that it has truly made me improve artistically as a photographer
lilblingking1491 I do all my "real" photography shooting on instax mini film. It has really reinspired me years after all my camera gear was stolen. Now after 10 shots a roll, I've learned to be more selective in my lighting, subject, and framing, even inspiring me to be more bold in my shots by asking strangers to pose to make the most of my film. I'm moving back to 35mm film now as I realize digital photography just doesn't capture light the way film does.
I'm an illustrator, but the same principles work in my field too - you have to be curious about the world around you, train your brain to notice (and sometimes sketch down little things) so you build your own visual library and when the project comes you're ready/ or you find an idea for a project in something you saw. And experiment - it's absolutely inevitable for growth! Different fields of art, same things!
Wow! Truly inspiring! I'm now saving to buy my first dslr. But most times I feel so handicapped because I feel I need a better camera than my smart phone to capture great images. But you have really inspire me to just keep shooting and improve my artistic eye, which is of more importance. Thank you so much!
Of all the photography-vids I’ve spent time looking at, this is the most important and I watch this one from time to time just to remember what it’s all really about. Thank you Sean 👍
I definitely agree that it can be a crutch to soley rely on the shallow depth of field. I find it's only been recently where I have been playing around with my own aperture and it makes me realize how many shots were slightly out of focus because of that. Cheers to constantly learning and improving!
Excellent, excellent. I know the importance of having a "good eye" and I'm glad to see this addressed by someone. Thank you so much for sharing and kicking the cobwebs out of my brain. I'm not a pro photographer, but I like to take memorable images.
Great advice, used this to challange myself and use my eye, and think about light today 06/08/18 while walking in London with the Mrs and son...... the superb thing that while doing this I bumped into Sean, and went over and introduced myself. I've gotsome images thatim loking forward to editing tomorrow.
It seems a lot of you misunderstood my comment about shallow depth of field, which might be my bad communication, so let me clarify. I said that "I can't hide behind a shallow depth of field" and by shooting deep DOF "I'm not being lazy", precisely because I know I've been guilty of this in the past. If you look at my portrait work you'll see I consider shallow DOF to be a legitimate technique, but I also know that I went through a stage of trying to make boring shots look interesting by just shooting very shallow, instead of moving on to find a genuinely interesting shot. In my mind this is lazy, and bad photography. Shoot deep DOF when I'm out and about forces me to be more disciplined in my composition. It's an exercise, not a rule. If that comment got your back up, perhaps you are in the same boat and need to adjust some things. Ween yourself off shallow DOF and only use it when it's appropriate. Ask yourself honestly, have you been using it as a crutch, like I was?
Sean Tucker your communication is perfect sir.., I got what's you have to share.. thanks for your thoughts..
So articulate. As a new photographer, I'm feeling very inspired after watching. Thank you! Subscribed
This advice is awesome. I've recently been thinking about how common it is to see people shoot wide open all the time, even in scenarios when stopping down to create layers would tell a better story. This is one advantage of crop sensors that most people overlook: using wider lenses to achieve a given 35mm equivalent focal length (eg. ~23mm on APSC to get 35mm FF-equivalent) gives you way more DoF, and like you said, the DoF on phone cameras is huge.
It's also one reason I prefer rangefinder shooting over SLRs; SLRs lie about the DoF unless using DoF preview, whereas the rangefinder window keeps everything in focus.
you are right on this, dont worry. Shallow DOF can easily kill photography if one just stick to it.
It's not a point I've seen made before and it was well made.
Finally I see a smart video about photography that inspires me instead of overwhelming me with all the technical stuff
Gahanika I mean, you still need to know the technical stuff unless you want to shoot in auto mode. Yes you can be a master of the tech and a mediocre photographer, but you can't be inept with your camera and be a good photographer.
takes probably a couple of days to understand your gear with the proper tutorials ,a bit of practice and you're done .Then is just getting faster and make everything in a kind of instinctive and automatic way.
learning how to master photography is like composing music , takes much longer ,you actually never stop .
This is my case after 3 years in this world, I still feel that I have so much more to learn and instead I'm loosing my time watching videos about Nikon having a bit more dinamyc range then canon and fall in the trap that makes me think that I need better gears.
You need to learn how to walk before you learn how to fly, and you need to learn the 'technical stuff' to break the rules. Can't break em if you don't know em.
Couldn't agree more my friend
Agreed
a true life poet...not just a great photographer...you sir inspire me.
I think every photographer should do a drawing course. It’s a great way to train your eyes. Sit down and look at the subject you want to draw. It helps to see the world visually. More in abstract underlaying patterns then in function.
I did just that without connecting the dots to photography. Then one day it clicked. I now find it helpful to return to drawing when I feel my photography is getting stale. The mind is an amazing thing.
I agree started sketching around few years ago and it did improve my photography skills
I wish i had the talent because i love photography
'Photography in the end of the day is still an art'. Thanks for that.
Probably the best-spoken RUclipsr amongst photography circles👍🏼.
"Art is going to come out of experimentation!"
Thank you Sean you are my favourite youtube channel.
Needed this! In this polluted ocean full of talk about tech specs and gear, this was truely refreshing and much needed. Thank you!
Composition. Capturing light. Everything in place. Don't 'cheat' with dof. Video. Your video. A breath of fresh air. Thanks.
Wonderfully said. Even with professional photographers, you can see their personality and feelings reflected in the pictures.
The two things that always make me hyper aware of my surroundings - riding my motorcycle and walking the city with my camera in hand. Great video as always my man!
I've seen on youtube that this is a single photography channel have got thousands of like for each video. Just 3 days before I started to watch videos on this channel. Really @SeanTucker is an inspiration for all beginners.
More than 2 yrs have passed since you posted this, your captured moment still gives ppl a good lesson. Thank you.
Your voice, the poetic manner of speaking, the video composition, background music. Nothing less than perfect. Inspiring. Amazing.
Telling stories is what photography is all about. Seeing the world through our own eyes. And in hopes we inspire others to do the same.
So happy to find you... These are the aspects of creativity that 90% of the content is missing on the internet. This pollution of imagery, video, sound and graphics is misguiding and disconnects us from great art - that great moment - which leaves an inspiration for a thousand lives. So glad.
Great , inspiring post, Sean. You're so right. My artist statement includes this line: "My camera's just a tool. It's how I use it that counts. It's not the camera that takes great pictures; It's the photographer behind the lens who makes great photographs." I'm always looking for and seeing patterns, visually interesting scenes & compositions, and light interactions in the world around me. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder in 2008, and living with it has made me a better photographer. My brain looks at the world around me differently, and I see light, shapes, patterns and compositions in a way that I never did before. I was a good photographer before. Now people who see my work tell me that my images are outstanding. Photography truly is a therapeutic and creative art.
No question about it a good photographer can find virtually anything to make an interesting composition. Getting that photographer's eye takes time just like everything else you learn. Great video!
This video has driven almost 10% of your subscriber base and I can see why. Thank you for the inspiration and encouraging words!
I spent today taking photos on my few hrs in town and didn’t get any photos I liked and realised I didn’t have a clue what I was doing- but I had a feeling I learnt a lot by noticing the light, what people were doing and this vid confirmed it for me- thanks
Join the club. I OFTEN come home with nothing to show for it, but I have learnt a lot for next time:)
I'm binge watching Sean Tucker
Nice :)
I have never ever commented on any RUclips video but this video made me do so. I love shooting with my iphone, for me it's all about capturing that moment. I try not to use any filters, or edit my photos because I want my photos to look the way my eyes see it. Went through a couple of RUclips accounts which were mostly about dslr technical know-how .. but I don't even own a proper camera! Was even tempted to send some pictures to those accounts for a critique but felt sort of shamed that my photos weren't professional enough or even taken with a dslr. BUT Your video, your message, is an encouragement. Thanks!
So many other photographers say go out and shoot. Its like if you don't feel creative that's hard. But with what you are suggesting is very different. Go out and observe and yes capture things in photo, but just that act of thinking and considering the "whole" world around you. Is a step in the right directions. Thanks you for the change in thinking
You're welcome:)
So refreshing to watch a video like this one. In terms of knowledge the technical side of photography is just there so the artistic side doesn't suffer. You master the technical side in about a month or two and yet a lot of people only talk about specs or camera settings. The only thing that maters is the art and the emotion in your work.
This and Adam Marelli's talk for B&H are the best photography lessons I've seen in a while.
One of the best online videos I've seen about developing the "photographer's vision" - life as lived and the importance of light...tchau.
One of the best videos I’ve seen regarding the art of photography. Using a smartphone will indeed free you up to see, the light and composition, without being bogged down with camera technicalities. Then, all you have to do is capture the moment!
Subbed by the way!
I clicked subscribe 35 seconds into the video.
Thanks mate:)
Wassim Murr Same here
Sean Tucker the most beautifully shot instructional video on RUclips. The Crazy Bavarian Bullfrog would be proud. The information was great too; all the best to you sir
Not quite that early, but way before the end. Thanks Sean Tucker.
I waited 36 seconds.
Never have I ever NOT fallen in love, with awe and wonder, at what and how this man conveys simply, clearly and straight-forward.
All that with depth.
Next level genius, Sean.
Always an admirer.
Refreshing video. I searched RUclips for “how to push yourself to become a better photographer”. So glad to find a video that doesn’t give 5 tips to improve your photos and tells me that I need to use rule of thirds and shallower DOF. We have to go deeper than that and unlock something within us so we can see differently. This was inspirational. Thanks.
Why haven't I listened to you before? You speak from the heart. I am truly enjoying your content. ♥️
One of the greatest videos on RUclips if you really want to understand true photography
My great grandfather was a photographer during WW2 and looking through his printed work it's crazy to see how everything is composed in the frame where it should be and it makes it all so much more interesting to look at
I really appreciate that you create videos that touch beginner photographers like me to the core in a way that I stay inspired to keep pushing through to get better. Thank you Sean!
Ditto.
This was such a pleasure to watch and listen to. I think being a gardener has made me a better photographer. Every day i walk around my ground (.75 acre) and study everything that i planted the previous year. Watch the trees as they bud, watch the green shoots as they struggle to pop out of the early frost in March. I can visualize how much larger of space they will take up this year than the next. That attention to detail has made it easier to compose photos when traveling (for me)
That’s lovely. I like it.
Thank you for your videos. I find them extremely inspiring and almost spiritual. As you said very rightly, there are millions of tutorials for the technical parts, but very very few which teach us how to SEE. For me, photography is not always about getting the perfect settings or composition. It's more about catching a moment, telling a story, sharing an emotion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Peace
Ok,
As soon as you whipped the phone out I was hooked. The best camera is the one you have in your hand. Since we always have our phones attached to our hip there is likely almost never a time we aren't a photographer ready to shoot. Given the quality of new phones coming out and the amazing apps we can work with it's a no brainer. Most people are looking at these photos on some digital format and the hyper-quality ($$$) gear would really be wasted resources. Great job !!!
I like the intimacy of the very close filming of your face. Sorry, that was not the point of this video, but I had to mention it.
I LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!! It talks about what MOST photography/film RUclipsrs do not talk about which is the art of photography itself. It makes me appreciate that craft even more without over thinking about the technicalities. That's life sometimes, if not, most of the time. We CHOOSE to over complicate things instead of seeing, appreciating and being grateful for what's actually important. We focus on the cameras and not the photographs.
Agreed:)
This is an older video but the message will ring true forever. There is far too much emphasis on gear, specs, techs, than there is on actually building a photograph worth looking at. Long before I touched a camera, I was engrossed by photographs, not photographers and their gear of choice. Life, National Geographic, and Time magazines, etc, taught me the end game of photography, simply the image should be interesting to stare at versus a glance.
I just stumbled to this video that's 7 years old and found further confirmation of a truth I needed to see. I have been a hobby photographer for about 10 years now . I really enjoy taking pictures. Sometimes though I manage to find something really beautiful in the images I capture. Some of the images I have purposefully took, while others have came by accident (moreso the latter).
I just recently upgraded my camera to a new mirrorless variety. I love it, but I feel as though I am a little overwhelmed by all the new bells and whistles. The camera takes a very nice picture indeed, but its making it even more clear to me that I tend to shoot while in awe of something new, rather than something I wish to capture to create something with. And it bothers me.
This video reminded me to be present in the moment, wherever I am. To see the people, places, and things a little more differently. To train my eyes to see, and my ears to hear. You stated to just take a walk, and be present wherever you are. For some reason, the being present in the moment message is really resonating with me as of late. It's a very strong message and quite frankly I believe it's going to be a life altering message for me. I think not only will it improve my photography, but will improve me as a person spiritually. All life, whether good or bad, is a beautiful gift. While it is great to be in awe of new experiences, it's even better to learn to appreciate them, right down to the finer detail.
Thank you for making this video. Whether you acknowledge God or not, I believe you were used by him to speak to me, confirming a message I have been hearing, about being present in the moment, and that will not only help me as a hobby photographer, but also as a human being. Thank you.
"Give me permission to be careless" I love that!
yesss
Excellent comment
I just love the feeling when i walk slowly through town,stop and notice something that would be overlooked by milions of people that day.And furthermore,i love even more the feeling when i try hard to honor that moment by setting myself up in the perfect position to get that Moneyshot. for me photography is slowing down,beeing observent,feel the moment and recognize the details and most importantly,does it make me happy and proud to have that photo in my portfolio. The more i photograph,the more i get stuck in one place because i have so many ideas and angles to shoot and it is truly addictive and inspiring..almost meditative experience.I usually listen to ambient or chill music whilst taking pictures and it helps me to zone out,be out of time snd space and just convey my feelings through photos
This might just be your best video yet. It puts it all out there. The technique... The philosophy... The heart and soul of photography regardless of what fancy gear you have.
This vid is probable one of if not the best video for explaining what it's all about. I work in a large camera store and most people are obsessed with the tech and not the image. Some people spend thousands just to take images so then can ooooh and ahhhh and the detail, sharpness, lens performance etc but the actual shot is visually sub standard.
+Andy West thanks for saying so:)
Another lovely vid, my friend. Legendary LIFE magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstadt purportedly walked to and from work every day from his home in Jackson Heights, Queens to his office in Manhattan - about six miles each way. And I STILL think if Cartier-Bresson were a 20-something today, he’d be shooting with a smartphone. But that’s just me.
I love how you are making your videos. You are teaching and showing your style, your taste. I love it
Thank you Sean! This video is everything. This is the essence of photography. And now I understand better why I have always loved to photograph. It helps me to be present in the moment. The small details, the light and shadow contrasts, the movement around me....everything matters. These moments of observation bring me peace and I feel connected with the place where I am, with life. And that is the essence of this beautiful ART.
Wow! As an artist (drawing, painting digital) and growing videographer this was perhaps the MOST inspiring and honest teaching about how to shoot great photos and videos ....by experimenting, learning and being observant of your surroundings!!! I felt like I was back in art school with one of my favorite professors!!! Great job Sean! Thank you!
Loved the quotes at the start. Photography taught me to open my eyes to the world around me and for that I will be eternally grateful.
Possibly the most useful 7mins on how to be an exceptional photographer on the web.
Being influenced by so-called "theme" in instagram made me had barriers that I mostly only take photos that will benefit my IG feed, however, you made me feel like I should explore more, and experience more on the photography. Thank you.
Perfectly inspirational. I'm a fellow pro photographer in New Orleans and your video inspired me. The things we do in a daily basis you forgot the why's! Why do I capture I every the way I do...then we explain it and realize all of the experience we have perfecting this craft. I'm motivated to create a video like this from my view as well. Great job!
Hi Sean, I don't usually comment on videos but this video of yours captures where I am now. So thank you. You posted this 6yrs ago and it is still very helpful today.
Excellent video. A few years ago I walked about with only my cell phone camera only for nearly a year. What I discovered first was that I could make good photographs by using the phone within the camera's limitations. The second thing I learned was that looking at the small screen at arm's length allowed me to improve my sense of composition because with my less than perfect eyesight I focused primarily on the geometry in the frame - the shapes, lines, color, and tonality. I would position the phone so what was in the frame looked "right." It was a valuable lesson in seeing.
I moved home (NZ) from London last year. So nostalgia to see your shots of places I've been or even same frame of photo I've taken walking past!
You are spot on! Photography is about seeing others and how to see and capture others true unhidden self, and sometimes this takes life experience, patience and just being able to wait for great light and real true emotion. You are a true artist! Love your work.
5 years later and this is still awesome. Great perspectives and shots.
This is one of those videos that everyone should be watching because it's about the art of photography and not the gear of photography. Gear is something so easy to get into but distracts us from the real focus the 'art' of photography. Composition and light are everything the gear really is secondary. I agree with you about the iPhone. Some of my favorite shots have been taken with it. I's always with me and I really don't have to think about which lens, f-stop, shutter speed etc. Just take the pic. Thanks
Watched one vidéo last night and watched two more in a row right now. Last time I'll do that. Not because I don't like your videos or what you talk to us about, no, no. I drink it all and I am truly inspired by what you explain about your photography, about how your life has affected you being a photograph. It's like reading a good book, sometimes you have to turn it over to the page your on and just think about what you read. So now one at a time, maybe I'll go out and try some of your techniques or otherwise just think a while about what you said. Glad to see you tomorrow Sean.
Thanks Anthony.
Excellent video!
I lost interest in photography when I moved from Philadelphia to the suburbs. I rationalized that suburban life didn't have the same visual interest as that of a city. Recently I started walking daily as part of rehabilitation after a motorcycle crash, and I have suddenly found myself once again seeing the world as a photographer.
Never in a million years would I have made the connection between walking and photography. Thank you, now I know that so long as my feet are willing to carry me I'll always have photography.
Playing with different depth of field is fantastic. Everything does definitely not need to be sharp. At all. But agree with most other stuff. Many people say" i see", but they don't
This is honestly the best photography video on RUclips. Extremely valuable lessons to be learned here.
I'm sure there's nothing to be said that hasn't been said; but you make some incredibly good points. Thank you for sharing your words, and your work.
There is so much wasted noise and pixels on You Tube. Every once in awhile there is a photographer who says things, that if we pay attention and practice what he suggests, can actually make us better photographers. I have a small group of amazing photographers on Facebook and whenever I find a You Tube Video worth watching (very rare) I post it in that group. Sean's videos top the list.
thanks:)
One of the most sensible opinions regarding photography ever....
it's about the story, the emotions...not about technical stuff.....
You not only improve my photography but you make me a better human.
+Russell Mayes ah thanks mate:)
Within the first 2 minutes of this video after hearing you talk and reference Herzog I hit subscribe. You understand exactly what photography and what it is for, and I feel many camera crazed consumers (myself included) need to be reminded that what we photograph is more important than what we photograph with. Thank you for this video and I can't wait to see more!
It's the only video no youtube that actually teach about photography. Thanks Sean.
Glad you found it then:)
I started reading The Peregrine because of this video. It is indeed a great book full of breathtaking descriptions and the author demonstrates an incredible level of visual awareness.
Spot on I finished Uni with a degree in commercal Photography, I left with a good grade, but found it clinical, lifeless. Now that is out the way I am truly free to be creative. .
Great advice! I also find it important to leave the camera at home during some walks. Try to isolate the pure intention of observing surroundings for more creative discovery.
This video is exactly why subscribers really like your work!!!!
Wow I just accidentally clicked on this video coz of that phrase"visual experience" and just a few seconds of watching-I'm already convinced that I will be inspired or learn a great deal subscribing to your site....grateful...
Everything gets better with the experience but having a foundation to build on makes the experience even better.
Great reminder of what photography is (or should be) about: images that speak to people. Thank you, Sean. This and the others I've seen are a refreshing take on what amateurs like me need to learn.
You speak everything I think. Bookmarking this video forever!
So nicely said. Our advice is always to just start looking and shooting. Practice writing short stories and drawing to further expand your visual palate. Remembered that in the time it took one person to look at tech specs, several others who started at the same time, developed their unique eye and storytelling skills using nothing but film and early point and shoot cams (this was before digital was accessible). Lovely stuff.
OMG.. .
You are such a great teacher..creating interest in the subject.Its pleasure to hear u,not only about photo..graphy..but also about real life.Thank u sir.
Sean, my friend! This has been some of the most valuable 6 minutes I have watched on RUclips IN A LONG TIME! Thank you for pushing me to get into my environment and stop worrying about all the technical issues of photography! God bless!
+Christopher Soule you're welcome mate:)
I've watched a few of your videos recently and they've really made me stop and think about myself. In my mind there's nothing more important in film or photo than making people stop and think. I've subscribed to you now and I can't wait to dive into more of your videos. Thank you Sean.
sean this is the second time I have seen this video I think you are one of the best photographers on utube
Really well said. I remember when I started photography in a more serious manner, two years ago, that I slowed down the pace, that I started to be more aware of people and everything around me, started to look for and find patterns, shapes and interesting angles to what initially seem a boring scene. There's still a lot to be improved but, I'm happy with what I gained so far. A great video and you got yourself a new subscriber :)
this video kept popping up in my home feed. kept ignoring it and finally gave in to watch it.... yea I'm subscribed now...
Hit the nail on the head mate, nice thinking. Currently on holiday with a full frame and an apsc but using smartphone 99% of the time. It's the moment, the composition that really matters.
I never thought of shallow depth of field as cheating. Interesting perspective. I'll have to start trying a broader depth
+Cole. Brown shallow DOF is a legitimate technique, I just know I use it to cheat when I can't get a background to work. It's a good exercise to shoot deep:)
I'll definitely try it! I'm watching at least one photography video a day for 2017. Your channel has been a goldmine so far. Thank you!
+Cole. Brown you're welcome:)
I was recently challenged to begin shooting at only f/8 and higher. It was one of the best changes I've ever made and I think that it has truly made me improve artistically as a photographer
lilblingking1491 I do all my "real" photography shooting on instax mini film. It has really reinspired me years after all my camera gear was stolen.
Now after 10 shots a roll, I've learned to be more selective in my lighting, subject, and framing, even inspiring me to be more bold in my shots by asking strangers to pose to make the most of my film.
I'm moving back to 35mm film now as I realize digital photography just doesn't capture light the way film does.
I'm an illustrator, but the same principles work in my field too - you have to be curious about the world around you, train your brain to notice (and sometimes sketch down little things) so you build your own visual library and when the project comes you're ready/ or you find an idea for a project in something you saw. And experiment - it's absolutely inevitable for growth! Different fields of art, same things!
I’m sure! I think all artists need the same awareness. Thanks my friend.
Wow. This has opened my eyes on so many ideas as a beginner photographer. Thank you for this.
So glad I found your channel. You are a wonderful teacher of art and life. Thank you for the ongoing inspiration.
Wow! Truly inspiring! I'm now saving to buy my first dslr. But most times I feel so handicapped because I feel I need a better camera than my smart phone to capture great images. But you have really inspire me to just keep shooting and improve my artistic eye, which is of more importance. Thank you so much!
Photography is still an art! That's what I have been preaching all these time.
Beautiful work!
You are beautiful
Of all the photography-vids I’ve spent time looking at, this is the most important and I watch this one from time to time just to remember what it’s all really about. Thank you Sean 👍
This should be the first video anyone watches when they're thinking about getting into photography. Great job!
I really, really like your way of speaking. Almost poetic, and hitting on all they key areas that I tend to forget. Thank you for making these videos!
Thanks mate:)
I definitely agree that it can be a crutch to soley rely on the shallow depth of field. I find it's only been recently where I have been playing around with my own aperture and it makes me realize how many shots were slightly out of focus because of that. Cheers to constantly learning and improving!
How can anyone "dislike" this? Brilliant Sean.
Excellent, excellent. I know the importance of having a "good eye" and I'm glad to see this addressed by someone. Thank you so much for sharing and kicking the cobwebs out of my brain. I'm not a pro photographer, but I like to take memorable images.
Great advice, used this to challange myself and use my eye, and think about light today 06/08/18 while walking in London with the Mrs and son...... the superb thing that while doing this I bumped into Sean, and went over and introduced myself. I've gotsome images thatim loking forward to editing tomorrow.
Great to meet you John:)
Dude, you see the world how it really is. You know what art is and you are inspiring me. Keep up the good work mate.