How to become a better photographer through 'visual exercise'
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Website: www.seantucker....
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As photographers it's very easy to fall down the deep, dark hole of gear lust; or to get lost in reams of techy info, thinking these things will make us better photographers. They may help you learn how to use the tools, but in the same way as owning a paint brush doesn't make you an artist, becoming a great photographer is about so much more.
The following video gives some of my thoughts on how to 'exercise visually', how to open your eyes to the world around, and how to become photo-aware.
I hope it inspires you to shoot more often, with more abandon, and to develop your photography as art, not science.
Enjoy, and share it on if you found it helpful.
www.seantucker.photography
#photography #streetphotography #visualexercise
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
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
"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!
a true life poet...not just a great photographer...you sir inspire me.
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:)
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!
"Give me permission to be careless" I love that!
yesss
Excellent comment
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
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!
Sean, my friend! This has been some of the most valuable 6 minutes I have watched on UA-cam 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:)
You speak everything I think. Bookmarking this video forever!
Why haven't I listened to you before? You speak from the heart. I am truly enjoying your content. ♥️
I clicked subscribe 35 seconds into the video.
Thanks mate:)
Wassim Murr Same here
Sean Tucker the most beautifully shot instructional video on UA-cam. 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.
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 :)
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 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
It's your second video I see. This one made me subscribe!
Glad to hear it:)
I did the same on Instagram ;)
Same for me: Second Video - Subscribed :)
Same :)
Same for me, too. First watched Snowdonia, then this one. Now subscribed. Keep up the great work!
5 years later and this is still awesome. Great perspectives and shots.
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 video kept popping up in my home feed. kept ignoring it and finally gave in to watch it.... yea I'm subscribed now...
One of the greatest videos on UA-cam if you really want to understand true photography
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Wow. This has opened my eyes on so many ideas as a beginner photographer. Thank you for this.
The best bit of kit is your eyes! Using a smartphone is teaching me to see.
Sean, you are so pleasing to watch, inspiring and helpful. Also you have an awesome tone of voice, which adds up to the experience. And you don't talk about stuff everyone else does) Thank you!
Just watched another video of yours and very happy to see someone talk about the creative part of photography. I find it fascinating that most of the "photography" channels are only/mostly about gear instead of how to actually become a better photographer. Keep up the great work!
This video is exactly why subscribers really like your work!!!!
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!
I‘m so happy, that I have found your channel and your Instagram page. You are so authentic. It‘s a pleasure to see your videos talking about
photographie. Like the style and way you do your videos. There is so much important to learn. Thanks so much for sharing!
One of the most sensible opinions regarding photography ever....
it's about the story, the emotions...not about technical stuff.....
I feel just the same about photography as you do. I am not as an accomplished photographer yet but we share the mindset and seeing how good you are I feel Im on the right track.
Thanks Sean! I really appreciate all your great ideas and hard work sharing them. I am a big fan.
Love that there are more than just camera tutorials on UA-cam! Keep it up!
My phone has been my main camera for nearly a year now. It’s definitely a great exercise in composition, and if you do closeups you can still get really good bokeh and create a good sense of depth.
I need to watch this again and again. great advice.thank you
Thank god someone said it. If I see another camera review that just regurgitates specs to me...
Photography is art. Thank you
You've got really good shots to prove. Love your work
Yoy get right , thank you for this photography cure !!!!!! It's 04:00 AM , I am awake , and can't wait to go outside to shoot
Love your philosophy, and how you break down photography into its essence... I currently just take photos with my phone, but your channel has definitely inspired me to try more!
I been watching yr channel for a couple days what I love about your channel is you, the way you talk, yr ideas, yr vision, how you see things and yr suggestions not too technical, more reality, simple and easy to understand but still keep a bit of technical part that we should be aware. Keep up the good work.
Beautifully done, as always Sean. Subscribed recently and now working through you’re back catalogue as well as you’re new stuff.
That’s great John. Thanks.
Thank you Sean. I appreciate all you do.
This video revolutionized the way I saw photography
Up at 12 midnight. Really needed this.
You not only improve my photography but you make me a better human.
+Russell Mayes ah thanks mate:)
Absolutely agree with this...loving your videos Sean.
Man! Your videos are always great.... to watch and to listen....
I am an artist from India. Love your works and chanel so much!
Enjoyed the video Sean and agree with what you say here. Looking forward to going through the videos you’ve previously posted.
So essential - again. Itˋs a pure pleasure to watch your videos because theyˋre about the big PICTURE. Thanx Sean 😊
thanks sean, totally with you on these points .. in fact i have stopped cropping any photos, practising the front end load old school, do the leg work on composition, exposure etc at shutter stage, leaving a 20 sec post edit .. / guess film n darkroom taught me that ..
edit, if you are interested in The Peregrine and J A Baker, visit an excellent reasource at: jabaker.co.uk .. the Uni of essex holds a collection of drafts, photos etc from baker himself ..
Appreciate that. Nice one. I don't dare ever call myself a photographer but I do it as much as I can.
Totally agree with the shallow DOF mentality. The first lens I bought separately from my DSLR was a 50mm f1.4, so background blur and bokeh is common place when you use a lens like this on an APC camera. I recommend to anyone with a shallow DOF addiction to try film photography. Old and out dated as it may seem, you realize when you use film cameras with manual settings that shutter speed or ISO, your aperture is just another setting to adjust in order to expose your photos as best as possible. You can't change ISO to get that bokeh you want, so you have to settle with whatever aperture works best for the situation. And, in most cases, it can be a lot better than having that freedom on a digital camera. Limiting ourselves helps us push ourselves further creatively.
I absolutely needed to hear this today! It resonates with me, and I'm glad to it does with so many others as well.
found this channel...love this channel. subscribed to this channel.. going to binge watching this channel.
Possibly the most useful 7mins on how to be an exceptional photographer on the web.
Sean...you are always excellent!!! Great Video as always.
I really enjoy your videos! I just can't find my words to describe how much you help us. UA-cam needs more photographers like you.
I agree it takes practice. I lost some of my skill when I stepped away from photography for several years and just now getting more serious about it again. Still need work on seeing, but with practice it will return. Great video!
What a great video. I'm starting out in photography and I have watched way too many overwhelming videos about the technicalities when this is exactly the one I needed to watch. Thank you for making this.
Hi, Sean. I find that it's also great to get inspiration from watching quality films, looking at all forms of visual arts, going to exhibitions and reading books (literature as well as photography theory). Pairing technique with ideas is the hardest but most fascinating part, at least for me.
Agreed:) I talk about this more in my ‘Autodidact’ video
Thanks for sharing this insight on photography Sean!
Photography is still an art! That's what I have been preaching all these time.
Your videos are such a treat.
Great content, as usual. You never cease to amaze.
You have explained the entire point of photography, in this video!
This is not only photography advice, this is life advice
Very thought provoking, thank you for posting this and reminding me of the basics of photography.
You're welcome:)
Something worthy of photography.... aesthetic photography
Bra, your vids are always so inspiring and informative. Thnx
your def my favorite photographer
I really like the philosophical and artistic direction you took with this channel. I really like your content! 🙂
Thanks Alina.
@seantucker yet another totally inspiring and true video! Explains what photography is all about, not looking at the gear but the person behind it and the photo infront of it
Thank u for this video. It's the 1 thing that a lot of videos that i'vs seen fail 2 cover
You, your art and your words are very inspiring.
Thanks mate.
Just 5 minutes of this video and I subscribed you! You're amazing man..
World needs more of this kind. :)
+parag167 thanks mate.
Seeing the same thing in a different perspective usually adds an interesting aspect to the subject in photos.
I'm seeing photography in a new perspective because of this video, and I think it's time I start challenging myself.
Liked, Subscribed, and can't wait for more.
+Donald R. Edman thanks mate:)
Sean Tucker Thank you as well :)
must be fun going around and like all of your videos.
Yes it is.
Wonderfully described. We all look but few ever see. Another great video Sean.
Amazing! You make me love photography even more!
You are so an insperation! God bless you!
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I also took that masterclass. Then further read the peregrine, listened to the audio book, then read it again. It has been a huge help to my perception of what’s around me; though, I thought I already had a good grasp of it.
I loved this. Thank you Sean.
Loved this video :) Spoke directly to my heart! Other tutorials confuse me and make me think "This is HOW you do photography".
You video clearly brought out thoughts of creativity, freedom, learning from doing/action, instead of doing what the majority of everyone else is doing :) Love it. Subscribe :P lol
Really liked your video that goes right to the point. Sure going to show it to my students.
Brilliant! The only difference between film and digital photography I experience is that with film I’m not careless. With digital I can afford to be, but maybe that gives me license to shoot stuff that I know isn’t great. So I go out for a few hours with digital and I come back with 200 images, of which 4 are keepers. I spend the same 2 hours shooting medium format film, and I’ve taken 12 shots, 4 of which are keepers. So I mostly shoot film, because it forces me to be discriminating when I click the shutter. Thank you for your many inspirational videos that resonate with me. Be well.
thank you. i really like that attitude of yours.
Thank you Sean. I appreciate you sharing your work and knowledge
i dont know how to thank you. you have very good understand what you do
THIS is the video I needed to see today. Thanks, man :) This was genuinely inspiring.
best video i've seen on photography!!
Excellent advice, thank you Sean
Thaaaank you for this 😍 I'm now inspired to go outside and shoot 😍 I kind of embarassed sometimes with my gear (i have nikon d3300 with my reliable cheap yongnuo 50mm lens) but you're right we should consider what's behind the camera rather than the technical things
This was one of the most helpful, encouraging, inspiring videos that I have seen in a long time. Thank you for sharing it with us!