Dear Sean, I have been a fan of yours for some time now. I live in Pretoria, South Africa. I am a single dad of an almost 12-year old boy, Henk. I made one very special portrait of my mom when she was staying with us. My objective was to make a photograph of her to remind me how I knew her. Every evening she sat with me while I was working, doing needle work and that was how I wanted to remember her. I said to her just continue and ignore me. I also had a one light setup from above. I took a few shots as she was working and then I had it. Sadly a few month after she passed away. The image was printed A1 size and now I can celebrate her every day! To me it was the best photograph I ever made! Thank you for inspiring us and sharing. Kind regards Hendrik van der Merwe
Fuck Sean, everything you said has been in my mind for months and months. I didn't know how to articulate it, but listening to you here has struck so deep in me. My big take away "What are you trying to say?" What is it that I want to say in my work? And further, and this is the impact this video had on me, when I look at my current work and ask "What was I trying to say," the answer unfortunately is "Nothing." I just took the photo because it was neat, or pretty, but no real message, no real depth from my end. Thank you, this is massive for me. Appreciate the work and willingness to put out these videos. If you're ever in the Los Angeles, CA area please hit me up. I'd love to say thank you face to face.
Photography is not about megapixels and f-stops. It is is about communicating your vision. Before discovering this channel I was about the former. Now I am all about the latter. Bravo, Sean! Your videos inspire me not only to be a better photographer and but also a better man.
I understand your reluctance to be too declarative about what does and does not make great portraits, because it's art and thus incredibly subjective, but when I saw the groups of three portraits of each of the men from your early life there was an intangible something mroe to them that really struck me. Fantastic job, and as someone who is getting back into photography for the first time in a long while and only really starting to take it seriously now, I've taken this as a really valuable lesson. Thanks!
I loved the challenge that presented to you photographing the African villager portraits with just one shot. I wonder how many “westerners” could agree to take that challenge on? The one-shot portrait challenge! 😅😅
I'm over 30 years in, I can do the pretty pictures in my sleep, but only now am starting to awake to what the soul of an honest portrait is like. For me it is like beginning again and trying hard to make the acquired technical knowledge subordinate to the meaning and spirit of who I am photographing. Perfection is not perfection of technique, it is honesty of mind and heart with the person before my camera.
This is the best photography channel on UA-cam. Your authenticity cuts through all the crap. I've been learning so much from your videos and have been inspired to dig deeper into my own photography. Thank you!
I have tried photography because I love it. But your videos have helped me improve my life in general. I am always on your channel to help myself to be creative and learn how to be a better version of myself. Your videos go beyond photography.
Sean just found your content last week,after a minute had no choice but to join your journey.Stunning mindset and value (out of photography) as well👊🏾😎.Greetings from Moscow Russia 🇷🇺
Same! I'm a filmmaker and one of Sean's filmmaking videos popped up in my recommended last week. I have since gone back and watched every video from the start. I love his vibe and his ethic. Truly inspiring!
Beautiful essay. Over the years I developed a mantra for my own work (as a writer), which is, "Write your values." So whenever a story isn't working, a scene goes sideways, a character doesn't feel right, it's often because there's a disconnect between who I am and what I'm trying to say. After noticing that, the shift happens, and the rewrites begin. I'm still working on it, but more and more of my work aligns more closely with the kind of art I want to put into the world. It also affects what I consume and how I consume it.
Sean, Thank you for making these videos. I came to them having recently picked up a GRiii. I was looking for set up tips when I found your channel. As I’m sure you’ve heard before, I came to learn more about photography but I come back for your insights into art and life, dare I say wisdom. Again, thank you.
What I really like about you is that you do your thing. It seems like you don't care too much about what others think of you and I feel that is the right way to go though life.
Dear Seam, I have been watching your videos for many years and I never got tired of them. It's easy to say that technically, your videos are well made and worth watching, however, but there's something about it that strongly catches my attention and touches me deeply. I graduated in photography in Toronto - Ca but now I live in Japan where I own a studio and I always try to bring to my work the same sense of humility, truth, gratitude, love, and respect for the craft that I perceive in you through your videos. Of course, I don't know you and you might be a completely different person but as I said, that's how I perceive you. I'm 47 and my wife is 41; both from different cultures, with her being Japanese, and we always watch your videos together and share the same opinion. With that being said, I sincerely would like to congratulate you for your talent, for your work, and for being generous enough in sharing it with us. I hope you stay safe, patient, and inspired in this turbulent time were living in. it will go away and we, the photographer, will play an important role in registering and telling this part of our history through our images. Best regards, Roger.
Nobody talks about the journey like you! As a photographer for the past 30 years, and then some, always trying to make a living with my camera. So much of that passion has just disappeared. I only have a few photos of people that meant a lot to me. Some of them I look back at very fondly. Keep up the great work! And thank you.
I never ever expected to hear a photographer talk about Ken Wilber or Richard Rohr. Sean, you are a kind of soul photographer and as being a kind of priest of the wilderness for myself this is one of the biggest compliments I can make. Thank you for your work
I never get bored listening to you. You're not just a great photographer. You're also a great storyteller. You're my favorite photographer - im not kidding. Keep posting videos. :)
Sean your work and your story, and your openness to sharing that, have relit the spark of inspiration for me. Finding meaning in the countless images has always been a struggle for my photos, and my timidness shows. I want to become like you, simple as that. So thank you for offering your wisdom to the world. You’ve made the photographic community a much better place.
Every once and a while someone lights up a flare that illuminates an important part of the road ahead. That someone for a lot of creative image makers is you, Sean. We’re all Wayfaring Strangers journeying along our paths. Going stale can be devastating for a creative without the tools to make it through to the next phase. As Bruce Springsteen puts it “you walk on through the dark because that’s where the next morning is.” Your comments today give us all a route through the darkness of doubt. BTW, great technique on this compilation video. I’m impressed by how your filmmaking technique have grown by leaps and bounds. Outstanding.
I have shot 120k pictures, because of this video, today I made my first real portrait! I would really thank you for the inspiration and push to stop making just nice pictures and really connect with my subject! Thank you very much!
I really appreciate you Sean.. it seems that you speak right to me. You are a great teacher and I appreciate how candid you are. I’ve learned a lot from you and I’m thankful for your Chanel and for you!
Wonderful video. Exactly what I needed now, as a designer and photographer. Injecting more meaning to what you do instead of just adding techniques - "what do you want to say?". If its worth it, it should take time. And would like to point out how wonderful you treated the people in the village giving them full respect when taking their photo.. It shows who you are as a good person mashallah Much love from Oman ❤️
Another very timely video for me. I’ve been shooting a lot of “Instagram models” during my slow times. It’s been very valuable in improving my technique and keeping me sharp. But I feel like I need to do something more meaningful. I’ve started shooting more stripped down portraits of the models before we get into the session we’ve planned. The challenge there is the models are so used to posing it can be difficult to get them to drop that and just give me something honest and personal. But I like what I’m getting. I’ve started creating books of my personal work and I think those stripped down portraits might eventually make a great stand alone piece.
After every video, I have to spend serious time reflecting on how I go about what I do. I reflect on my photography but also my relationships and interactions with the world. Thank you for using photography as a vehicle for such powerful messages, reminders, and encouragements.
" Be kind to yourself..." This statement means the most to me because it's been almost 9 years since I started shooting, with 5 of them in a hiatus that felt more like a rut...so now that I've moved from Canon to Sony mirrorless, I feel like I've truly started over again, but I also struggle with feeling like I should be better and further along although I haven't consistently been shooting to show for it. Thank you so much for everything you've shared. My Director at work told me about you and that you had great work, but I didn't expect to have so much shift for me with so many understandings about myself and my work and what's been stopping me...until now. I appreciate you and look forward to getting to the rest of your videos.
This has me in tears at the end. It made me think of my grandfather. I would love to photograph him, but it’s too late. He already passed away years ago.
Sean, I work with organisations and businesses and have found that collectively and sharply articulating purpose of the organisation is almost a magically transformative event. It changes everything while nothing really (operationally) changes. Unlikely to be able to express how this video is so amazing on so many levels. Thank you for the very personal and raw glimpse into your journey.
Yay! You posted! Sean always have the wisest words! “If it’s worth it, it should take time.” I think we all struggle with finding meaning in our work and it’s so nice to to have you explain what meaningful work looks like. Thank you! ☺️👍
The way you took a somewhat random and arbitrary conversation with the guy at the printery and transformed your approach to the portraits is incredibly impressive to me. The first set of portraits were really great looking but as you mentioned, not really significant to me as an onlooker. The second set of portraits absolutely astounded me. I love them. I almost feel somewhat close to them even. Although I'm a dancer this video has really made a lightbulb go off for me in terms of the creative process as well as having clearer intentions and more confidence in creating a piece of work. So thank you!! I needed this video.
Sean - you never cease to amaze me with your videos. They are a combination of therapy, photography tuition, a trigger for some personal soul searching and probably a few other things that I cannot articulate. I was also a lost soul as a child who found a mentor in my teens, so I understand how important those three men were to you and your love for them clearly radiates from those portraits. You have a considerable ability to communicate with people, which is how you come to have almost 400k subscribers and so many positive heartfelt comments. But the photo sessions you described of those tribal women, who showed up for a brief moment and then left after one single exposure, did not exploit your personal talent as a communicator. The magic of the three mentor portraits is the fact that you have so much love and gratitude for those people. Those portraits are not really about those three men, (almost nothing about who they are is revealed). The portraits are about you and your relationship with them and as such, they are self-portraits in many ways. There is clearly a lot of warmth in the images and the bigger story is revealed further in your commentary. Revealing yourself on UA-cam is courageous indeed. I, and a lot of other people appreciate it a great deal. So....... thank you. Sincerely.
Brother, as a new photographer, just calling in love with light and composition, I am so grateful I found you. Thank you for this story. I have absolutely no technique, but I see the beauty and people, and get lost in them. You are helping me see the possibility that I might be able to show others what I see in them. Again, thank you so much for your content and the story.
Sean, watching you always give evoke a certain emotions in me. I'm feeling jaded, stagnant and slowly sinking into the giving up phase in photography. Now I'm a little bit energised. You've been in the business for 15 yrs. I just started last year. I still have a long way to go. Thank you for the inspiration. Would love to get your book, but I'm broke. Have not gotten a job since Mar due to the Covid19 lockdown. I will persevere and carry on.
There are very rare occasions on this platform where I want to stop whatever I am doing and try to think of what Sean has said... I just cant watch any other video anytime soon. I have to sit on this... It's just so deep.
Literally weeping over your experience of photographing the men who stood in the gap for you where your father should have been. What a touching moment. I love what you do.
As a Canadian photographer the journey towards Truth & reconciliation with the indigenous people of Canada started for me back in the late 90’s inspired by Curtis work. As time wore on and awareness grew in this country, his work is dismissed out of hand as a relic of colonialism. But Sean you’ve done a wonderful job explaining Curtis’s motivation and intention were well meaning within the system. Technically they are amazing Back in the 90’s someone located original photograuve plates from the publishing of the volumes, snd were selling prints. I own two and they are some of my most treasured possessions
I love the way and honesty you talk about life, relations and share your knowledge and wisdom. Technique we can all learn on many chanels, but this kind of sharing I only find here. And that's so much more important than technique. Many, many thanks! My best!
i never thought a video like this would connect with the 15 years old teenager that i am. i feel deeply moved by this video, and really have plans for applying what you said in this video, whether it be about photography or not. thanks!
If nothing else, Sean, you've reinforced how importent it will be for me to really connect with my (de facto) fatherless grandson. Every time I watch one of your videos, I come away inspired one way or another.
5:05 - 5:14 - you buddy ;) don't change a thing. "Protect your highlights and let the shadows fall where they may" - I'll always remember that. And I learned how to use my AE-L button w/ spot metering on my X-T4 to do just that!
Hearing your Story about your father figures was really moving. The metaphor of those man sitting behind you, watching you, is striking. Thanks for your honest approach Sean!
This is the only one UA-cam channel that makes me think, I had to watch this in a bigger screen, not just in the mobile. Good job Sean, I love your channel.
I will never be a complete photographer, thank goodness. You are really good and talking with your shields down Sean, appreciate this and hope it’s something people can take away from your videos.
I am not a photographer. And I learn so much from you. Which makes it clear to me that you are so much more than a photographer. Thank you Sean for making this content. Please continue to do so. It is of immense help to me and I am sure many other people people feel the same way.
Sean, this was an incredibly moving way to interpret your journey so far, and I thought it was so fitting that the men who helped you early on also came back later to help your photography progress. Thanks for all the great content and for changing the way I think about the craft.
The more I learn about your journey, the more I like you and relate to you. Growing-up without a father, no one to show you how to shave, and no one to validate you: you did most of this on your own. I say to myself, "you did the best you could on your own". I am thankful to have found your videos and the knowledge therein.
one of the most beautiful stories I've seen on youtube that actually applies to me on more than a few layers. As a photographer, as a guy that lost his dad at a young age, and many others. thank you sean. I'm currently reading your book. I came across your channel very late but each time I rewatch some videos of yours, they somehow reconnect me to my own intuition. amazing stuff.
You made me cry. It was a good cry. all your videos are like a "safety net " that I watch over and over again when I am feeling lost or discouraged in my photography. and for that reason, I do really appreciate all your effort in making them and the value that they bring to my life. Thank you Sean.
Strange how it was the other way around with me, I got to a point in life where I felt like I had something meaningful to say, but no way to say it, until someone presented me with a camera. Now I've spent the last few years struggling to learn and train techniques in order to say what I want to... Photography is a pretty challenging medium to work in, but Im loving the learning process. Great video, as allways!
How awesome to see you include Joey L's photos from India. Years ago I discovered his documentary "Varanasi: Beyond India" featuring the journey he took to shoot these images. That film is so beautiful and compelling I've watched it at least seven times and shared it with many others. This is the first time I'm seeing his work outside of that.
Another wonderful video. I feel you will be a truly great Father, if you're not one already. I can't imagine growing up without a Father. Thank you for your videos.
Dear Sean, I’ve been photographing for nearly 50 years and been following you for about 5. I’ve always watched your videos with eagerness as you always share knowledge that results in an ah-ha moment for me. But, this video is the first to touch the depths of my being. In telling the story of how you came to your current state, I felt as though someone had opened the classified files on my life story. Not your successful parts, mind you. But, so many of the tent poles that end up shaping one’s life. I, too grew up fatherless and had to teach myself how to shave. I, too hooked up with Model Mayhem to shoot TFP and get a pile of practice in the technical proficiencies of photography. I found beautiful and willing subjects to photograph, and my problem was that I enjoyed the company of of young aspiring models too much. I became stagnant in doing the same things over and over. True, I did end up with hundreds of excellent fashion photos and beauty shots, and true, I did learn how to use my camera and multiple strobe lighting. But in the last 18 months, mostly due to restrictions from COVID, I’ve done hardly a thing with my photography. Over all that time, I barely squeezed out one shoot with a model, and even that used up every ounce of enthusiasm I could muster. That year and a half period of time gave me a chance to look back and consider all that I have accomplished. The sad story is, my thoughts rang hollow. There is not much I could claim as meaningful work. For weeks I’ve been thinking about where to take things and I came up with no answers. Then, today I watched a your video on shooting portraits with one light and at the heart of that video was a core message that told me to take a simple set of tools and think more about the essence of the being yo’re trying to capture in the camera, and think less about trying to impress others with your artistic genius. That message hit me like a ton of bricks. Then, I couldn’t get enough of your wisdom, so I watched your video on making meaningful portraits, and I damn well got inspired. When you told about your journey to Africa and you showed the beautiful portraits that resulted, my jaw dropped. But then the other shoe fell when you said the guy at the printer told you he didn’t see anything special in your work. I wanted to punch him. But, I understood your point when you said his comments actually taught you something. When yo turned that ugly experience into a transition to culminate in focusing on the 3 men in your history that meant to most to you and who you loved…that’s when the light bulb in me lit up. I realized at that point that before I pick up my camera again, I should spend some time sorting out what and who are the most important things in my life and prioritize what it is I want to say about them. So Sean, I just had to write this comment to say thank you for sharing your experiences that let the rest of us know we are not alone in making our way through this maze we call life.
Your story resonates it just took me to reach my mid 50s before I learned to feel comfortable in my own skin and communicate myself and not a projection of what I thought people wanted. A portrait to me feels real when I see a story in a face as I did in your mentor portraits and as I did in the pictures of tramps taken by John Free. At 61 I have just started my photographic journey and I hope I will see plenty of stories in plenty of face. GREAT VIDEO AS USUAL
Sean, I started taking photographs about 2 years ago. Starting out is crazy. There is so much to shoot, but at the same time, nothing at all. The photographer that has had the most influence over me and whom I admire most is you. I found a path to grow my photography from these types of videos. From your words. The street images that you produce are truly inspiring. The portraits that you do are simply stunning. I watch other UA-cam photographers, and no one, honestly, passes on what it means to be a photographer in the ways that you do. I’m not blowing smoke here. This is me saying “thank you”. I think I would have taken what I’ve learned and accepted that I know how to take good pictures, and left it at that without the passion that you have passed along. Am I a professional photographer? Absolutely not. Am I finding my way to becoming someone that earns money from behind the lens? I hope so. THANK YOU!
The guy at the lab hit the nail on the difference of making fascinating photos of ordinary things compared to making ordinary photos of fascinating things
I’ve been taking photos professionally for four years, mainly as a digital artist who uses photography. However recently I’ve wanted to convert to film and documentary/ street photography. Sean you’ve definitely helped me by sharing a ton of knowledge and covering the important part of photography, the human mind - not gear. Keep up the great work. Love the photos you got during your trip.
Such a beautiful Story - thank you for sharing it. If you ever back in South Africa let us know - we based here and would love to connect some time. Keep inspiring the world . And thank you for reminding us to follow and create meaningful work.
Sean, What a beautiful, heartfelt and moving video. I was very emotional seeing the last three portraits. Really good stuff. I appreciate your natural storytelling style of speaking to us. Thank you my friend.
Please never stop doing what you're doing Sean! I've been looking for direction forever and I'm not even sure yet what I'm learning from your videos, but I absolutely know I am learning.
Hey Sean, I was amazed by your thought-provoking UA-cam and Instagram videos, and this would be my third video of yours. I look forward to your perspective on varied topics.
Sean I think with your channel and the way you tell your personal stories and how they have influenced your photographic philosophy you have become a mentor to others. I always find at the end of your video that I have so many question to ask myself and lots to think about and reflect on. Thank you for creating such compelling content and food for the soul.
Wonderful and provocative, as always. By the time you were done describing your process for your portraits of your influential male role models I had tears ready to fall and thought to myself...I must put my dad in front of my camera and have him sit for a portrait while I still can(He's 78). I'm just catching up on your channel after a couple of months as I feel your content is so deserving of a philosophical deep-dive and I have to say you really seem to have hit a stride during this surreal time. Good on you and thank you so much.
Dear Sean, I have been a fan of yours for some time now. I live in Pretoria, South Africa. I am a single dad of an almost 12-year old boy, Henk. I made one very special portrait of my mom when she was staying with us. My objective was to make a photograph of her to remind me how I knew her. Every evening she sat with me while I was working, doing needle work and that was how I wanted to remember her. I said to her just continue and ignore me. I also had a one light setup from above. I took a few shots as she was working and then I had it. Sadly a few month after she passed away. The image was printed A1 size and now I can celebrate her every day! To me it was the best photograph I ever made! Thank you for inspiring us and sharing. Kind regards Hendrik van der Merwe
What a nice thing to do.... You were a lucky one, Hendrik! Are you a Belgian or Dutch descendant? (Because of your name...)
Fuck Sean, everything you said has been in my mind for months and months. I didn't know how to articulate it, but listening to you here has struck so deep in me. My big take away "What are you trying to say?" What is it that I want to say in my work? And further, and this is the impact this video had on me, when I look at my current work and ask "What was I trying to say," the answer unfortunately is "Nothing." I just took the photo because it was neat, or pretty, but no real message, no real depth from my end. Thank you, this is massive for me. Appreciate the work and willingness to put out these videos. If you're ever in the Los Angeles, CA area please hit me up. I'd love to say thank you face to face.
Photography is not about megapixels and f-stops. It is is about communicating your vision. Before discovering this channel I was about the former. Now I am all about the latter. Bravo, Sean! Your videos inspire me not only to be a better photographer and but also a better man.
I just want to say how much I truly appreciate your videos.
I understand your reluctance to be too declarative about what does and does not make great portraits, because it's art and thus incredibly subjective, but when I saw the groups of three portraits of each of the men from your early life there was an intangible something mroe to them that really struck me. Fantastic job, and as someone who is getting back into photography for the first time in a long while and only really starting to take it seriously now, I've taken this as a really valuable lesson. Thanks!
I loved the challenge that presented to you photographing the African villager portraits with just one shot. I wonder how many “westerners” could agree to take that challenge on? The one-shot portrait challenge! 😅😅
Sean; what is the best image anyone has shot of YOU? Knowing what you know, knowing what you've said, I'd love to see that photo.
Great question. Pity he didn't reply :)
Bump! Sean please answer!
Not sure what his personal favorite is, but I remember Fiona Larkins took a great one of him
I'm over 30 years in, I can do the pretty pictures in my sleep, but only now am starting to awake to what the soul of an honest portrait is like. For me it is like beginning again and trying hard to make the acquired technical knowledge subordinate to the meaning and spirit of who I am photographing. Perfection is not perfection of technique, it is honesty of mind and heart with the person before my camera.
Sean, this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for posting this.
This is the best photography channel on UA-cam. Your authenticity cuts through all the crap. I've been learning so much from your videos and have been inspired to dig deeper into my own photography. Thank you!
The more I keep watching your videos the clearer I get to my vision. I can't thank you enough for being such a gret mentor.
Watching your videos cleanse my soul. Thank you.
UA-cam videos really don't get any better than this one.
I have tried photography because I love it. But your videos have helped me improve my life in general. I am always on your channel to help myself to be creative and learn how to be a better version of myself. Your videos go beyond photography.
very considered, reflective and open analysis of your development - the narrative is certainly relevant well beyond photography, thanks
Sean just found your content last week,after a minute had no choice but to join your journey.Stunning mindset and value (out of photography) as well👊🏾😎.Greetings from Moscow Russia 🇷🇺
Same! I'm a filmmaker and one of Sean's filmmaking videos popped up in my recommended last week. I have since gone back and watched every video from the start. I love his vibe and his ethic. Truly inspiring!
Beautiful essay. Over the years I developed a mantra for my own work (as a writer), which is, "Write your values." So whenever a story isn't working, a scene goes sideways, a character doesn't feel right, it's often because there's a disconnect between who I am and what I'm trying to say. After noticing that, the shift happens, and the rewrites begin. I'm still working on it, but more and more of my work aligns more closely with the kind of art I want to put into the world. It also affects what I consume and how I consume it.
Great advice, thanks.
This is so touching!
Excellent story
Sean,
This is great commentary
and a great video.
Thank you!
Sean,
Thank you for making these videos. I came to them having recently picked up a GRiii. I was looking for set up tips when I found your channel. As I’m sure you’ve heard before, I came to learn more about photography but I come back for your insights into art and life, dare I say wisdom.
Again, thank you.
What I really like about you is that you do your thing. It seems like you don't care too much about what others think of you and I feel that is the right way to go though life.
Dear Seam, I have been watching your videos for many years and I never got tired of them. It's easy to say that technically, your videos are well made and worth watching, however, but there's something about it that strongly catches my attention and touches me deeply. I graduated in photography in Toronto - Ca but now I live in Japan where I own a studio and I always try to bring to my work the same sense of humility, truth, gratitude, love, and respect for the craft that I perceive in you through your videos. Of course, I don't know you and you might be a completely different person but as I said, that's how I perceive you. I'm 47 and my wife is 41; both from different cultures, with her being Japanese, and we always watch your videos together and share the same opinion. With that being said, I sincerely would like to congratulate you for your talent, for your work, and for being generous enough in sharing it with us. I hope you stay safe, patient, and inspired in this turbulent time were living in. it will go away and we, the photographer, will play an important role in registering and telling this part of our history through our images. Best regards, Roger.
Nobody talks about the journey like you! As a photographer for the past 30 years, and then some, always trying to make a living with my camera. So much of that passion has just disappeared. I only have a few photos of people that meant a lot to me. Some of them I look back at very fondly. Keep up the great work! And thank you.
I never ever expected to hear a photographer talk about Ken Wilber or Richard Rohr. Sean, you are a kind of soul photographer and as being a kind of priest of the wilderness for myself this is one of the biggest compliments
I can make. Thank you for your work
This was touching. Thanks for sharing your story. It hit home for me because I live in Cape Town, South Africa.
Hey Sean, I've got to say, I like your content the way you present yourself and pass your knowledge it just gets to me. Keep up the good work
Can’t agree more,just saw him for a minute and had to subscribe.Top narrator 👌
I never get bored listening to you. You're not just a great photographer. You're also a great storyteller. You're my favorite photographer - im not kidding. Keep posting videos. :)
Thanks Monica:)
Sean your work and your story, and your openness to sharing that, have relit the spark of inspiration for me. Finding meaning in the countless images has always been a struggle for my photos, and my timidness shows. I want to become like you, simple as that. So thank you for offering your wisdom to the world. You’ve made the photographic community a much better place.
Every once and a while someone lights up a flare that illuminates an important part of the road ahead. That someone for a lot of creative image makers is you, Sean. We’re all Wayfaring Strangers journeying along our paths. Going stale can be devastating for a creative without the tools to make it through to the next phase. As Bruce Springsteen puts it “you walk on through the dark because that’s where the next morning is.” Your comments today give us all a route through the darkness of doubt.
BTW, great technique on this compilation video. I’m impressed by how your filmmaking technique have grown by leaps and bounds. Outstanding.
Thanks Roger, that's very kind, on all counts.
It's like sitting down with a guy listening to his great stories, in person! All real, all insightful!
I have shot 120k pictures, because of this video, today I made my first real portrait! I would really thank you for the inspiration and push to stop making just nice pictures and really connect with my subject! Thank you very much!
I really appreciate you Sean.. it seems that you speak right to me. You are a great teacher and I appreciate how candid you are. I’ve learned a lot from you and I’m thankful for your Chanel and for you!
Thanks so much for the support my friend.
Struggled so hard watching this that i wendt back and to make sure I got everything, still moved me passed the brink, thank you.
Wonderful video. Exactly what I needed now, as a designer and photographer. Injecting more meaning to what you do instead of just adding techniques - "what do you want to say?". If its worth it, it should take time.
And would like to point out how wonderful you treated the people in the village giving them full respect when taking their photo.. It shows who you are as a good person mashallah
Much love from Oman ❤️
i wasn't expecting this, but this made me cry
Another very timely video for me. I’ve been shooting a lot of “Instagram models” during my slow times. It’s been very valuable in improving my technique and keeping me sharp. But I feel like I need to do something more meaningful. I’ve started shooting more stripped down portraits of the models before we get into the session we’ve planned. The challenge there is the models are so used to posing it can be difficult to get them to drop that and just give me something honest and personal. But I like what I’m getting. I’ve started creating books of my personal work and I think those stripped down portraits might eventually make a great stand alone piece.
After every video, I have to spend serious time reflecting on how I go about what I do. I reflect on my photography but also my relationships and interactions with the world. Thank you for using photography as a vehicle for such powerful messages, reminders, and encouragements.
I see why you like their photography. I had chills that just kept coming in waves, powerful images and powerful people.
Thanks for you sincerity , taking the time to share, with warm regards.
" Be kind to yourself..." This statement means the most to me because it's been almost 9 years since I started shooting, with 5 of them in a hiatus that felt more like a rut...so now that I've moved from Canon to Sony mirrorless, I feel like I've truly started over again, but I also struggle with feeling like I should be better and further along although I haven't consistently been shooting to show for it. Thank you so much for everything you've shared. My Director at work told me about you and that you had great work, but I didn't expect to have so much shift for me with so many understandings about myself and my work and what's been stopping me...until now. I appreciate you and look forward to getting to the rest of your videos.
This has me in tears at the end. It made me think of my grandfather. I would love to photograph him, but it’s too late. He already passed away years ago.
Sean,
I work with organisations and businesses and have found that collectively and sharply articulating purpose of the organisation is almost a magically transformative event. It changes everything while nothing really (operationally) changes.
Unlikely to be able to express how this video is so amazing on so many levels. Thank you for the very personal and raw glimpse into your journey.
Yay! You posted! Sean always have the wisest words! “If it’s worth it, it should take time.” I think we all struggle with finding meaning in our work and it’s so nice to to have you explain what meaningful work looks like. Thank you! ☺️👍
The way you took a somewhat random and arbitrary conversation with the guy at the printery and transformed your approach to the portraits is incredibly impressive to me. The first set of portraits were really great looking but as you mentioned, not really significant to me as an onlooker. The second set of portraits absolutely astounded me. I love them. I almost feel somewhat close to them even. Although I'm a dancer this video has really made a lightbulb go off for me in terms of the creative process as well as having clearer intentions and more confidence in creating a piece of work. So thank you!! I needed this video.
Sean - you never cease to amaze me with your videos. They are a combination of therapy, photography tuition, a trigger for some personal soul searching and probably a few other things that I cannot articulate.
I was also a lost soul as a child who found a mentor in my teens, so I understand how important those three men were to you and your love for them clearly radiates from those portraits.
You have a considerable ability to communicate with people, which is how you come to have almost 400k subscribers and so many positive heartfelt comments. But the photo sessions you described of those tribal women, who showed up for a brief moment and then left after one single exposure, did not exploit your personal talent as a communicator.
The magic of the three mentor portraits is the fact that you have so much love and gratitude for those people. Those portraits are not really about those three men, (almost nothing about who they are is revealed). The portraits are about you and your relationship with them and as such, they are self-portraits in many ways. There is clearly a lot of warmth in the images and the bigger story is revealed further in your commentary.
Revealing yourself on UA-cam is courageous indeed. I, and a lot of other people appreciate it a great deal. So....... thank you. Sincerely.
Brother, as a new photographer, just calling in love with light and composition, I am so grateful I found you. Thank you for this story. I have absolutely no technique, but I see the beauty and people, and get lost in them. You are helping me see the possibility that I might be able to show others what I see in them. Again, thank you so much for your content and the story.
Sean, watching you always give evoke a certain emotions in me. I'm feeling jaded, stagnant and slowly sinking into the giving up phase in photography. Now I'm a little bit energised. You've been in the business for 15 yrs. I just started last year. I still have a long way to go. Thank you for the inspiration. Would love to get your book, but I'm broke. Have not gotten a job since Mar due to the Covid19 lockdown. I will persevere and carry on.
There are very rare occasions on this platform where I want to stop whatever I am doing and try to think of what Sean has said... I just cant watch any other video anytime soon. I have to sit on this... It's just so deep.
Thank god for you Sean and the positivity and inspiration you bring !!
You touch my heart. I like watching you, I think I need more sensibility in my life, to feel more and do less. Thank you.
That last abrupt sentence... that one hit home.
Literally weeping over your experience of photographing the men who stood in the gap for you where your father should have been. What a touching moment. I love what you do.
As a Canadian photographer the journey towards Truth & reconciliation with the indigenous people of Canada started for me back in the late 90’s inspired by Curtis work.
As time wore on and awareness grew in this country, his work is dismissed out of hand as a relic of colonialism.
But Sean you’ve done a wonderful job explaining Curtis’s motivation and intention were well meaning within the system. Technically they are amazing
Back in the 90’s someone located original photograuve plates from the publishing of the volumes, snd were selling prints. I own two and they are some of my most treasured possessions
I love the way and honesty you talk about life, relations and share your knowledge and wisdom. Technique we can all learn on many chanels, but this kind of sharing I only find here. And that's so much more important than technique. Many, many thanks! My best!
I thought about whenever I saw them. Thank you for sharing this beautiful back story to the portraits.
i never thought a video like this would connect with the 15 years old teenager that i am. i feel deeply moved by this video, and really have plans for applying what you said in this video, whether it be about photography or not. thanks!
If nothing else, Sean, you've reinforced how importent it will be for me to really connect with my (de facto) fatherless grandson. Every time I watch one of your videos, I come away inspired one way or another.
5:05 - 5:14 - you buddy ;) don't change a thing. "Protect your highlights and let the shadows fall where they may" - I'll always remember that. And I learned how to use my AE-L button w/ spot metering on my X-T4 to do just that!
Hearing your Story about your father figures was really moving. The metaphor of those man sitting behind you, watching you, is striking. Thanks for your honest approach Sean!
This is the only one UA-cam channel that makes me think, I had to watch this in a bigger screen, not just in the mobile. Good job Sean, I love your channel.
I will never be a complete photographer, thank goodness. You are really good and talking with your shields down Sean, appreciate this and hope it’s something people can take away from your videos.
I am not a photographer. And I learn so much from you. Which makes it clear to me that you are so much more than a photographer. Thank you Sean for making this content. Please continue to do so. It is of immense help to me and I am sure many other people people feel the same way.
UA-cam should be made of channels like yours. Thanks for your genuineness.
When I do videos like amazing! You can tell who's the fun mentor, the wise mentor, etc. That's so beautiful
Sean, this was an incredibly moving way to interpret your journey so far, and I thought it was so fitting that the men who helped you early on also came back later to help your photography progress. Thanks for all the great content and for changing the way I think about the craft.
The more I learn about your journey, the more I like you and relate to you. Growing-up without a father, no one to show you how to shave, and no one to validate you: you did most of this on your own. I say to myself, "you did the best you could on your own". I am thankful to have found your videos and the knowledge therein.
I deeply respect you as the honest, authentic person that you are. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences with us.
one of the most beautiful stories I've seen on youtube that actually applies to me on more than a few layers. As a photographer, as a guy that lost his dad at a young age, and many others. thank you sean. I'm currently reading your book. I came across your channel very late but each time I rewatch some videos of yours, they somehow reconnect me to my own intuition. amazing stuff.
I absolutely love your videos! Great story and very enlightening :)
Thanks my friend.
Wow! Pure wisdom. This channel is unique among all then photography blogs I watch in UA-cam every day. Infinite thanks Sean!
Sean, all I can say is THANK YOU for making these videos
You made me cry. It was a good cry.
all your videos are like a "safety net " that I watch over and over again when I am feeling lost or discouraged in my photography.
and for that reason, I do really appreciate all your effort in making them and the value that they bring to my life.
Thank you Sean.
Strange how it was the other way around with me, I got to a point in life where I felt like I had something meaningful to say, but no way to say it, until someone presented me with a camera. Now I've spent the last few years struggling to learn and train techniques in order to say what I want to... Photography is a pretty challenging medium to work in, but Im loving the learning process.
Great video, as allways!
Dear Sean , you are wholesome !
What i learn from you is valuable to my core .
You keep pushing me back to myself.
Thank you...gratitude.
By the way, brilliant portraits of your father figures... they really do speak ❤️❤️❤️
What a sweet man you are. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation.
How awesome to see you include Joey L's photos from India. Years ago I discovered his documentary "Varanasi: Beyond India" featuring the journey he took to shoot these images. That film is so beautiful and compelling I've watched it at least seven times and shared it with many others. This is the first time I'm seeing his work outside of that.
Thank you so much for what you do. You're a fabulous human. (I cried).
I love how fragile, strong, honest, motivational and down to earth you are
Thanks Laura:)
Another wonderful video. I feel you will be a truly great Father, if you're not one already. I can't imagine growing up without a Father. Thank you for your videos.
Dear Sean, I’ve been photographing for nearly 50 years and been following you for about 5. I’ve always watched your videos with eagerness as you always share knowledge that results in an ah-ha moment for me. But, this video is the first to touch the depths of my being. In telling the story of how you came to your current state, I felt as though someone had opened the classified files on my life story. Not your successful parts, mind you. But, so many of the tent poles that end up shaping one’s life. I, too grew up fatherless and had to teach myself how to shave. I, too hooked up with Model Mayhem to shoot TFP and get a pile of practice in the technical proficiencies of photography. I found beautiful and willing subjects to photograph, and my problem was that I enjoyed the company of of young aspiring models too much. I became stagnant in doing the same things over and over. True, I did end up with hundreds of excellent fashion photos and beauty shots, and true, I did learn how to use my camera and multiple strobe lighting. But in the last 18 months, mostly due to restrictions from COVID, I’ve done hardly a thing with my photography. Over all that time, I barely squeezed out one shoot with a model, and even that used up every ounce of enthusiasm I could muster. That year and a half period of time gave me a chance to look back and consider all that I have accomplished. The sad story is, my thoughts rang hollow. There is not much I could claim as meaningful work. For weeks I’ve been thinking about where to take things and I came up with no answers. Then, today I watched a your video on shooting portraits with one light and at the heart of that video was a core message that told me to take a simple set of tools and think more about the essence of the being yo’re trying to capture in the camera, and think less about trying to impress others with your artistic genius. That message hit me like a ton of bricks. Then, I couldn’t get enough of your wisdom, so I watched your video on making meaningful portraits, and I damn well got inspired. When you told about your journey to Africa and you showed the beautiful portraits that resulted, my jaw dropped. But then the other shoe fell when you said the guy at the printer told you he didn’t see anything special in your work. I wanted to punch him. But, I understood your point when you said his comments actually taught you something. When yo turned that ugly experience into a transition to culminate in focusing on the 3 men in your history that meant to most to you and who you loved…that’s when the light bulb in me lit up. I realized at that point that before I pick up my camera again, I should spend some time sorting out what and who are the most important things in my life and prioritize what it is I want to say about them. So Sean, I just had to write this comment to say thank you for sharing your experiences that let the rest of us know we are not alone in making our way through this maze we call life.
Your story resonates it just took me to reach my mid 50s before I learned to feel comfortable in my own skin and communicate myself and not a projection of what I thought people wanted. A portrait to me feels real when I see a story in a face as I did in your mentor portraits and as I did in the pictures of tramps taken by John Free. At 61 I have just started my photographic journey and I hope I will see plenty of stories in plenty of face. GREAT VIDEO AS USUAL
Sean, I started taking photographs about 2 years ago. Starting out is crazy. There is so much to shoot, but at the same time, nothing at all. The photographer that has had the most influence over me and whom I admire most is you. I found a path to grow my photography from these types of videos. From your words. The street images that you produce are truly inspiring. The portraits that you do are simply stunning. I watch other UA-cam photographers, and no one, honestly, passes on what it means to be a photographer in the ways that you do. I’m not blowing smoke here. This is me saying “thank you”. I think I would have taken what I’ve learned and accepted that I know how to take good pictures, and left it at that without the passion that you have passed along. Am I a professional photographer? Absolutely not. Am I finding my way to becoming someone that earns money from behind the lens? I hope so. THANK YOU!
i am a hobbyist, my father was a pro, not sure i would want to be a pro but i have a love for low key portrait photos. I love you story, take care!
The guy at the lab hit the nail on the difference of making fascinating photos of ordinary things compared to making ordinary photos of fascinating things
It is always a pleasure to watch your video my friend... meaningful and thought provoking!
Thank you.
I’ve been taking photos professionally for four years, mainly as a digital artist who uses photography. However recently I’ve wanted to convert to film and documentary/ street photography. Sean you’ve definitely helped me by sharing a ton of knowledge and covering the important part of photography, the human mind - not gear. Keep up the great work. Love the photos you got during your trip.
Such a beautiful Story - thank you for sharing it. If you ever back in South Africa let us know - we based here and would love to connect some time. Keep inspiring the world . And thank you for reminding us to follow and create meaningful work.
Sean your depth of insight into yourself and life and photography is profound. It is a privilege to be your friend.
Sean, What a beautiful, heartfelt and moving video. I was very emotional seeing the last three portraits. Really good stuff. I appreciate your natural storytelling style of speaking to us. Thank you my friend.
Sean, just one word to describe you over your videos.
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
I love and respect your honest evaluation of your work and journey. Thanks.
I wait for, and watch each one of your videos because you are such a beautiful human being 👍🏼
Please never stop doing what you're doing Sean! I've been looking for direction forever and I'm not even sure yet what I'm learning from your videos, but I absolutely know I am learning.
Hey Sean, I was amazed by your thought-provoking UA-cam and Instagram videos, and this would be my third video of yours. I look forward to your perspective on varied topics.
Sean I think with your channel and the way you tell your personal stories and how they have influenced your photographic philosophy you have become a mentor to others. I always find at the end of your video that I have so many question to ask myself and lots to think about and reflect on. Thank you for creating such compelling content and food for the soul.
Probably the greatest video of yours I've seen so far! Great job Sean!
I just wanna, thank you for making me understand what photography really is.
Damn why am I becoming teary eyed?
Wonderful and provocative, as always. By the time you were done describing your process for your portraits of your influential male role models I had tears ready to fall and thought to myself...I must put my dad in front of my camera and have him sit for a portrait while I still can(He's 78). I'm just catching up on your channel after a couple of months as I feel your content is so deserving of a philosophical deep-dive and I have to say you really seem to have hit a stride during this surreal time. Good on you and thank you so much.
Lovely:) Thanks George.