Creating Dramatic Self Portraits (feat. Fiona Lark)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Links for Fiona:
/ fiona_lark
www.fionalouis...
Music:
'Illuminate' by Shawn Williams
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: fm.pxf.io/c/35...
My links:
Instagram: / seantuck
Website: www.seantucker....
In this video I head up to the Lake District to interview Fiona Lark about her dramatic self portraits. She shares how and why she shoots her images, and how she came upon her style. In the era of the selfie she has a refreshingly earthy approach to shooting images of herself which have depth and texture to them, and go a long way to conveying personality and story.
Share this video on if you enjoyed it or found it helpful.
#portraits #selfportraits #blackandwhite
"I havent taken a good photo yet"
-Proceeds to show some of the best images i've ever laid my eyes on in my entire life
Exactly:)
My thoughts exactly!
is it though?
@@someonewithsomename Probably not. Sean did an excellent job editing this video and finding the right music for the right time. Just going to her instagram with no music looking through the pictures by yourself is going to leave you quite underwhelmed tbph. It's basically the same picture
@@thewaywelive2775 i disagree... since the video I started following her and I'm still impressed by her work and her sweet personality every single day :3
This is a Master Class, it's just free.
Shoaeb Hameed Mohel Yes INDEED👏
You're absolutely right! I'm not even a photographer, it's just something I enjoy, but this is excellent content.
Every single video is a therapy/masterclass.
This was a very well-made mini-documentary. The subject, Fiona, was so self-effacing, that any photographer who has struggled with wondering where they fit in relation to their peers, (especially the ones they greatly admire), can easily relate to. I especially loved hearing her describe the cycle of self-doubt she goes through, ranging from "I'm not good enough" to "I'm pretty good", to questioning her editing choices and even her motives for doing what she does... and then coming full circle, and starting it all over again. I also liked hearing her say that she's not worried if she takes a hundred photos, and none of them turn out well, because she's confident that, eventually, she will end up getting a good shot tomorrow... or the next day.
She has a wonderful smile, and although she only hinted at what sort of hard times she has been through, it was easy to imagine how a walk through the mountains, and a long session of taking photos, helps to restore her soul when she's feeling low.
I also enjoyed hearing how she can't wait to get to her iPad to start editing her images, even when she's exhausted, because I think we can all relate to that desire to see what we've gotten, and to start picking through the so-so images, in hopes of finding a gem or two. (Or maybe taking an ordinary image, and turning it into something more interesting and dramatic.)
I was glad that none of her images were shown until the very end, because it really helped to keep a sense of mystery and anticipation, while hearing about her methods and philosophy. Because, I can't help but feel that I might not have appreciated them in the same way, if I had seen them before knowing more about her personally, and how she chooses her spots, and what photography means to her.
Although she creates self-portraits, she didn't strike me as self-indulgent at all, because she explained what prompted her to begin adding herself to the landscapes to begin with, and how she'd love to have models to work with, but no one wants to walk a mountain with her in the freezing mist at 5 o'clock in the morning!
(Having seen the simplicity of her backgrounds, it almost feels strange to call them "landscapes", because oftentimes, they are just mist and vignettes.)
The editing in this video was also beautiful, and I loved the interplay between soaring drone footage over lakes and mountains, and then coming back to Fiona sitting in her sweater in a cozy room, talking about what photography means to her.
And, something about the entire piece being shown in black and white really worked for me. It helped show the starkness and rugged beauty of the terrain, and emphasize the many textures, (without the distraction of color), which set the stage nicely for her own black & white images.
This is beautiful work, Sean. From start to finish, you've created one of the most affecting and insightful presentations of a young photographer and what drives her that I have ever seen.
The trend of young photographers to be seen as hip and trendy and wizards with their cameras has already gotten very stale for me. Because the one thing they never seem to discuss is their actual love and passion for the process of creating images. Instead, they focus on flying to some fashionable locale to try out a new camera or lens or light, and in the end, the best thing I can say about it might be, "Hmmm, interesting."
But after seeing your documentary, a bland word like "interesting" seems very inadequate. (Although it did hold my interest greatly.) Rather, I found myself thinking a series of words throughout, such as "beautiful", "touching", "heartfelt", "vulnerable" and "relateable."
The leisurely pace of the story, and the extra work involved in showing the many lovely places Fiona likes to haunt on her travels, (including the wonderful shot of driving along the wavy, undulating road by the lake), helped to make this much more of a story about the inner process of becoming a photographer, and far less about the tools she uses to reach that goal.
It reminded me of being in High School, many years ago, and the excitement of creating black & white images in a dark room, and the joy of being able to capture places in town that other people never looked. (Like under bridges, or abandoned homes.) And Fiona seems to have that same excitement and rush of joy, where she can't wait to see what she's got.
Very inspiring, Sean, and very beautiful. This is one you can look back on ten years from now, and still feel very good about.
professionalvideos ..... “where men compare the lengths of their Lens” OMG. Absolutely on point. I thought I was the only one that felt that way. This video was so refreshing and reminder to me that what matters most in photography is the creative process; not the technology and convoluted processes, but the simple act of writing with light.
Thanks for such a kind and considered comment my friend.
Beautifully put one of Sean's best videos. Shot exquisitely with an interesting guest whose modesty belies her talent. Well done Fiona and all the best in your future endeavours.
You have encapsulated in its entirety, my exact sentiments! This piece, and these two people are exquisite! I don’t quite have the vocabulary as you, but you have summed it up perfectly!
Peter Lemk
Ah, the cycle of the artist:
"This is ok"
"This is great"
"This is hard"
"This is garbage"
" *I* am garbage"
"This is ok"'
Lovely person, and a kindred spirit (re: mist and mountains). Really appreciate her humility, as well as the joy and peace through which she creates. Fantastic feature for your channel, your style and presentation were of utmost excellence.
I'd really love to see how she postprocesses. I realize it's 90% composition and an eye for lighting, but that final touch on top is what brings the atmosphere together.
I think you are tired of hearing it, but I will say it anyway, you can literally press pause anywhere in your video, take a screenshot, print it and hang it on the wall... and it's going to be the most beautiful picture in the house. Amazing video, you have taught me a lot about black and white, and even tho I don't shoot to much B&W I always bring the elements of it and the foundations to my colored pictures in order to make them more dramatic.
Thanks my friend
I kept putting off watching this video because of the title and because I had no interest in an 18 minute long video about the subject which I thought would be the same as all of the others on UA-cam. However everyday after a refresh of suggested videos, this kept popping up so I finally decided to watch it. Wow!! Not what I expected. Very inspiring!
Thanks Jay:)
she is way too modest, her images are absolutely amazing and truly inspiring!
I'm sure many of us can relate to our own fluctuating opinions of our shots and abilities. I so enjoyed this video Sean.
Agreed. She is amazing.
Yeah if she has no good images yet I'm hopeless and need to give up now.
@@TimberGeek I know, right!
Her images are stunning! @TimberGeek I feel the same! The video inspired me as well. Well shot!
Oh my, these were breathtaking, and I’m glad you made us wait until the end to see them. It was the perfect crowning moment
Be warned: This is eye watering, majestic and humbling from both the production as well as subject. Much Respect.
Tobias H. Reese, yeah I don’t know why but I found myself tearing up. Really inspirational and motivating.
This video reminds me why i falled in love photography. This close contact with nature and learning discovering camera capabilities gived me beautiful feeling of creation.
This what is most important in photography, creative creation.
Breath of fresh air, auto , no tripod no complex gear. All about the art and no care for the tech, awesome. This lake district seems like a place i always dream of living in, a very beautiful place the world is pitty we spend so much time tearing it down ans fighting over it.
Thanks Sean for introducing Fiona.....she is such a nice person as well beyond photography. Just like I watch your every photo and video, I like her pics so much.
Fiona Lark is one incredible lady. She is beautiful, yet humble and incredibly talented. She has a fundamental connection with nature and the outdoors which totally resonates with me. One can see she has had some real challenges in her life, of which she has overcome, and one of those healing channels has been that of her photography. I have much admiration for such souls of this Earth. You’re an inspiration Fiona!!
Now you Mr Tucker. Not only do I love your photography and your extraordinary ability to pass on your knowledge in such a wonderful way, but you have now just blown me away with your videography! Man, you are such a talented oke!!! This wasn’t a UA-cam “clip” I’ve just watched, this is a short professional documentary, with an incredible writer, DOP, Producer, Director & editor. You’re an inspiration mate! SERIOUSLY! I kid you not! Thank you Sean!
Thanks so much Warren
She has such a divine presence... I really do admire such genuine down to earth humble personalities.. Great to see, our world still have such pure souls walking amongst us... ✨💗😇
I have been a photographer for 45 years and after witnessing this fabulous work I am in awe for this young lady, well done, ma belle! Thank you for sharing. From Canada eh!
Sean this is absolutely amazing...you're right I've watched many people on UA-cam...I take notes..lot's of notes from everyone... but you have something... I don't know what yet that makes me come back every day to your videos...the reality, the honesty, the calm sound in your voice...the simple and easy way to teach us ...the way you did it...I just love your videos.... PLEASE DON'T STOP...keep it coming..Thank you
Sean you are a standout that doesn't allow his channel to be over run with nonsense. FIONA is as beautiful as her photography. This sounds alot like another thing I know called being an Audiophile, where people get obsessed with 5000 thousand dollar power cables and sound becomes secondary, it becomes about the gear.
When photography becomes the means and the gear the end, we are all in trouble.Thank you for being grounded and providing a higher standard for your channel.
Audio gear makes more difference than cameras really.. not cables though, that's snake oil
Possibly my favorite video of yours I've ever watched... From what you shared in the beginning to Fiona's humanness and creativity. So inspired. Thank you to you both.
Thank you for this, my friend, I find Fiona and I share much in common. Photography became my door to recovery from PTSD after losing my disabled son through some pretty horrible circumstances. There is healing in the soul when alone with our camera, we climb to the highest peak, allowing the peace of nature to fill our hearts and free our minds.
A video about writing in poetic light instead of all that boring tech. Well done Sean.
I adore you for calling out the gear driven culture of photography. Thank you for always being about the art and soul. Also I love your channel and your photography
Such beautiful work ! Thanks for presenting this wonderful artist Sean
Sean, this video is a masterpiece. My jaw dropped for a few minutes. Black and white is both powerful and intimate, even timeless. Thanks so much for sharing.
Breathtaking. Thanks Sean. Thanks Fiona.
Fionas' images made me cry, she can relax, she's a photographer.
Thank you so much to have shown me a great photographer that I can be Inspire by! What amazing shots she takes.
We have officially found the female version of Sean Tucker!! Her images are extremely evocative. They share the same brooding, melancholic quality that Sean's work does. This was an absolutely top notch little film. It made my heart sing!
Darling, you are always better than you think you are. :) Such a beautiful soul, capturing evocative scenes as she goes. I'm grateful to be introduced to Fiona and her process.
Sean, I laughed over your description of middle-aged mens' pissing matches over equipment and technical aspects of photography. I've witnessed it many times. Oftentimes, they overcompensate for the sterility of the photos by applying filters and other effects.
Your content is absolutely next level and the fact that you’re making it available for free consumption is an indication of your love of the art that is photography. A sincere thank you is in order.
Thanks for bringing such lovely videos to us, Sean.
Bravo Sean Tucker. You are on to something here. Showcasing the simplicity of Fiona’s work and the process she goes through as well as her inner self doubt is awesome. She is an inspiration.
The photography along with the eerily calming music towards the end was the best way to end the video and credit the photographer properly.
I find stories that tell me about the artist's emotional connection to their work really inspiring.
Wow , wow and wow again !!!!!! Stunningly shot , with superb tones and light . Engaging interview with a really talented photographer enhanced by the mellow soundtrack . Her images are superb . Best shot film i've seen in YEARS .
Thanks Bill:)
Wow so beautiful. Thanks Sean for this video!
Her smile is contagious ☺️! I too could not stop smiling. What a GREAT interview/ story. Plus the way SHE told it and the way YOU captured the moment was / is amazing. WOW!
Okay. I could tell from the way Fiona was talking about her work and your footage of the landscape that the photos would be amazing. But when you finally showed them I was blown away. Totally inspiring
Watched and could relate to the whole thing but the last minute and 18 seconds that showed her actual work was so beautiful I was choked up.
It’s so refreshing to see a photographer like her, she’s completely the opposite of what you find today spread over social media. The way you portrayed her on this video was beautiful, you can tell she seems to have a gentle personality and soul. Her images are amazing and it’s really encouraging to find someone like her (as an amateur photographer myself) to be inspired by.
Thank you for this Sean!
Hey Sean, you can tell Fiona that if she's ever looking for a model to hike up a mountain in sub-zero temps and take their jacket off, I would happily do it if I'm ever in the area. She's got a wonderful gift! Thank you for sharing Sean!
I want to give her a hug and tell her how great she is! she has beautiful work. great vid!
"Photography, where men compare the length of their lenses" Hahaha.
I laughed at that too! Brilliant!
@@01r1sh same here, my coffee is all over my screen, lol
Funny and unfortunately so true.
it's common all around the world, like in Japan as well. while old men drag the lives of the young generation away from prosperity, they enjoy their money such as collecting expensive cameras with the latest technologies, replace their alpha-manness - now old and uselsee - with big cameras and lenses, and take mandane photos that we have seen thousand times already with horrid edits. i beg to differ, thankfully.
Personally, I'm a fan of wider lenses....
Wow. I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't that ❤ she has just blown my mind. What amazing images.
This was just soul nurturing. I woke up feeling a bit overwhelmed today with a sore throat, and I realized I needed some grounding, some soul-food. I came to this and I teared up at Fiona's work at the end. Thank you Sean.
Wow straight talking from a great photographer, what a breath of fresh air, thank you.
“The only way for you to keep your mind straight is to run from those who would confuse you.”
I watched this video several months ago when it came out, I liked it then, but rewatching it again it is much more rewarding, and the subtleties really shine through. Very nice job, she is very talented and makes beautiful soulful images that anyone would be proud of. Thank you both!
Wow, just wow! This video speaks such volume on so many levels. Really brings me back to why I picked up a camera in the first place so many years ago. It really reminded me that photography is an art form, an expression of yourself. That it really doesn't matter how many "likes" or "shares" you get on some online forum, but just the joy of photography and making yourself better at something you love, just for the love of doing it. Everything from the intro to this video to the amazing photos at the end is inspirational. Thank you.
Thank you, Sean. Fiona Lark is the real goods in my estimation. Her photos may use herself as the subject but they convey very deep and universal themes. I am grateful for having been introduced to her work. Blessings to Fiona and to Sean.
Beautiful interview. Inspiring , calm , and charming photographer.. Fiona Lark.. Thank you.. i love your work and you inspire all of us the photographers..
What a stunning interview! Thanks Sean! This is one of my favorite photography interviews ever.
This vid is a perfect example of why I follow this channel. This is the reality of being a creative photographer and I love it! Fiona Lark is the definition of a beautiful woman and, obviously, an amazing photographer. Thank you Sean and Fiona, I'm inspired!
I was so happy when i saw Fiona's name in the title, she is easily one of my favorite photographers on instagram, i love her work. It was nice getting a glimpse of her life and personality and having a chance to connect it to everything she does, i can only say i find her work even more beautiful now. Thank you both for doing what you do, it gives me motivation to try and be a better photographer every day.
Fiona, the mood and drama you capture in your photos is so moving. What a blessing for me to watch this interview and view your work.
Sean, thank you for the work you do to serve this community. Blessings.
This is awesome! I've been following her for about a year and was wondering when more people would figure her out. She's amazing and seriously inspirational no matter what style or subjects you shoot. She is a reminder of how much can be done with so little.
the lighting and contrast of this video is amazing, the b roll of the lake is in another level, i had to rewind it a few times just to see it, and after that i had go back again because i went away just watching and didn´t pay atention to what she was saying, amazing
I relate so much to this, I spend 90% of my time crippled by fear of not being good enough. This interview is awesome and her photos make me cry, I love them
What an amazing story you put together there, such a truthful open interview with a truly beautiful person. Agree with the audience these are some amazing images!
She could say anything with the same ambient music playing and I would cry. Serene and humane feeling.
She's really really awesome!! And because she never feels fully complete and because she is soo authentic, that's why she is really amazing. She says she didn't take a particularly good photo yet, that's not true, not true. Please, Sean, tell her that. She is absolutely inspirational!! I will follow her example and start to take self portraits, too.
Thank you for this post. It is important, especially for beginners like me.
lmao she will not care.
Nicki, she said she loves having a positive comment on her work, so when she reads the comments here, she will get a great boost as her work deserves. But that's not the same as feeling awesome. Maybe great artists are most critical of their work, waiting for the inspiration but frustrated at the gap between their vision and what they have produced.
I’m so glad I watched this. Portraits aren’t something I gravitate to in my own photography although I do enjoy studying them. This lady was able to give a voice a lot of things I’d been thinking or feeling but didn’t know how to articulate. These stories were meditations on life more than they were about selfie’s. Wonderfully edited with a great story and flow. Just a pleasure to watch
I love her photographs. They are beautiful, thought provoking, relatable. And thank you for featuring a woman photographer. You're correct. We are so drastically under-represented in all the commotion and noise. I appreciate both the artistic and the techy side of photography, but have yet to spot female role models. Now I have one in the artistic category for sure, and she certainly understands the technical enough to capture evocative light. Thank you again, Sean, for another thoughtful and brilliantly shot video.
What a lovely person she is, vulnerable and strong, authentic, reflective, humble. Her captures are amazing. Sean, you are doing something really great with your channel and it is so refreshing to hear you talk and inspire about the essence of photography.
Wow! Those photos are amazing!
Bravo! to be on trend I'll say "Fiona is Fire!" To be natural I AM saying, how fascinating Fiona is. I can relate with numerous points that she made. Thank Fiona.
Again I find myself relating to numerous points Sean spoke on. awhile back I needed to freshin up my photography knowledge, which turned out needing more, as I originally started with film. I unfortunately took a long hiatus from photography, and a tough, emotional period brought me back to my creative side. Still deciding on a direction with the different mediums I now create with, but Sean was/is one of the few people I chose to "freshin' up" my knowledge with, like most things, it will be a on-going education. Thanks Sean for being one of the real, non-petty, organic artist in photography.
The atmosphere, her voice and the cinematography in this beautiful video invites to slow things down, makes you feel like you're there, in the conversation. it's peaceful and simply excellent. Thank you for your contributions.
Beautiful person. I like very much Fiona's photos 👍
Thank you for showing her works, Sean!
That is the essence of photography … Authentic and real.
Fiona describing her camera rolling down the mountain was hilarious to me! " it's quite amazing how your camera can pick up speed" I'm just imagining myself running down a hill after my camera as if it was my life just forever getting more and more out of control. lovely video Sean!
I love how she describes the fact that she can still remember a striking image from childhood, and that is the first photo she's ever taken. I can relate.
I've known Fiona for many years on Flickr - I can't add any more positive comments that have already been said. I always looked forward to her images when she was a regular on that platform, which is where I saw the link to this video. I sincerely thank you for making this and revealing more about Fiona to us!
this is so refreshing to hear, even thou it's from 2019, it still relevant, as a designer going into photography, i was naive thinking that i could continue the everyday visual communication and story telling chats, there's so much 'measurement', 'hear me', tech chat, technique focus etc., people forget to see and feel and embrace the happy mistakes :).
'Try to keep it simple' ... thank you for the reminder.
I was also having a bad time as a photographer and as a human, when this video and Fiona's interview refreshed my mind.
I think what makes your videos amazing is that the questions and topics you cover are relatable. That whole cycle she mentions of how she thinks she is terrible, then realizes she's doing ok, etc... is very relatable. I think creatives have a lot of self doubt which in one way helps us push to be better. She has such amazing work.
I became aware that I was smiling the whole way through. And you made me laugh Sean with the pissing competition remark. I don't remember that happening before. Wonderful work.
Well most of the UA-camr photo experts are so-called because they are simply nerds. As Sean said, photography is about creating great images, and not about my camera is bigger/better than yours, or "more bokeh", whatever it means.
I've watched this video a few times now and every time i realize I'm smiling through it too
Ok. Again I've said it before and I'll say it again. How anyone could give this a thumbs down is utterly ridiculous to me. This young lady is extremely gifted and her work reflects her beauty inside and out. The simplicity of it all is amazing.
‘Thumbs down’ is just how some people communicate:) It really doesn’t matter though because UA-cam still counts it as in interaction and the video gets boosted, so the jokes on them:)
Coincidentally going through an expectedly rough "my photos suck and so does life and so do I" phase, so thank you for this.
A simple, pure delight from start to finish.
Thank you Sean, for showing us Fiona. She is... her work is... absolutely stunning and fantastic. The inspiration I get from this video is endless... her talk, your stunning black&white shots... all this just really left me speechless. Thank you.
Wow what beautiful images!! And she is SO lovely
Thank you, Sean, for the introduction to Fiona and her amazing work.
This! I thought I was the only one who's experiencing that cycle! from "I'm not good enough' to "Oh yeah I think I'm good".
She is soooo modest! Her works are absolutely amazing!
Ohh...Its one of the best VDO or documentary i have ever seen on photography...what a serenity..what a simplicity in her voice..her personality and your documentation...Sean you are a great inspiring soul in this so much devastating world...i am thabkful to god that i have come across your channel...and today feel much more blessed to watch this beautiful sincere lady and her work her thoughts...you two have given me a new insight into my photography...Thanks again dear.. God bless u and Fiona...
Thanks my friend.
This is a film, not a youtube channel!
Truly amazing!
breathtakingly beautiful photos by Fiona
Fiona Lark's images make me want to enter the scenes, to see and know more of the story. Magical!
This is such a beautiful video & story. Her pictures are incredible. Truly an antidote to Instagram plastic
thank you so much. you've just created honesty.
This was amazing, thank you Sean. This mini documentary reminded me that the camera is a tool. As a complete amateur I was starting to worry so much about getting the settings right that photography was becoming a prison of technical data, instead of a world of freedom and creativity.
Absolutely stunning work by Fiona! Wonderful and inspirational selfportraits!
amazing. I like this style. I love photographers working on their style, instead of trying to race to give us more and more quick tips and flashy bombastic ideas.
I sometimes tune out when I hear the buzz phrase: getting you to the "next level". It is not always meant in the way I take it, but when I hear that phrase, I get rebellious inside and usually tune out. they usually lose me.
I agree with you about the beauty of Fiona's images. they show an authentic naturalness. They can inspire the viewer to access a private place where personal emotion exists
Sean, you are such a breath of fresh air in the photography community and im so incredibly grateful that you are so genuine and true to yourself and your artwork. You truely create artwork with your videos, and the message you tell is what all photographers need to hear! Thank you! Thank you for all your helpful videos, thank you for being raw and authentic. Youve really made a huge impact on my photography career and I hope one day I can shake your hand to show my gratitude.
Thanks my friend
The knowledge of the balance between lighting and shadows is the key of supreme photo and life,Lovely work.
Sean, your work is lovely......and so is Fiona's......thanks for sharing
Probably the best interview I've seen to date on any photography channel, that last sequence displaying Fiona's work was moving to say the least. Excellent work, from both of you!
You're right. She does incredible work. I'm grateful to her for bringing us the beauty she sees in her creative vision.
Fiona's portraits are beautiful works of art! Simple, yet so magnificent..
It’s rare on social media to see this type of vulnerability expressed without an air of self-indulgence or acting. Lovely woman and work. I’d go up that mountain with her in the cold and rain!
Thank you for sharing Fiona’s story, she is delightful, love her work. Your comments are so true.
I will pick this video as my best content for photography this year. It was full of enlightenments. Thank you for taking the interview.
This is really fantastic. I love what she says about never feeling that her photos are finished, that it's always an ongoing process. I always feel the same way about my own photos, especially as I learn more about editing and experimenting with my visual style. Great interview. :)