I agree with you 100%. Candid photos are so much more genuine and interesting to look at than overposed unnatural photos which are too common at weddings and similar events.
That picture with the bride an the grandmother is just beautiful and so perfectly showing the connection physically. Like their faces have moved into each other's mirror images. Totally love it. Wonderful moment.
I always love the grandstand critics who remain anonymous and live in the dark just to say their tripe to someone they don't know or never could achieve what that person has achieved. Kevin, try, I know its hard, but, try to skip over these little imps. You work is excellent in every way. Emotion, composition and light. The camera is an extension of your heart. Ive been shooting longer than you have been alive. Your work is excellent.
Having lost a child several years ago, I discovered the importance of capturing the moments in ones life and am are comforted when I look back on them. This is what drew me to documentary photography, something you do it very well. You will never please everyone so do not worry too much about negative opinions. Your videos and blog are interesting and helpful and I have gained a great deal from them. Thank you Kevin and keep the faith.
The more I see of your work and listen to your philosophy of photography the more I realise you're a kindred spirit. You have extremely high standards but you don't allow the 'rules' to become sterile laws that demand technical perfection over a great life moment.
Thanks, Ray. It's a bit of an odd world, the world of wedding photography. There are lots of trends and fashions and by and large, they are good - but ultimately, I always feel, if I didn't enjoy the way I shot, I wouldn't do it. So I pretty much stick to my own stylistic compass :-)
I just wanna tell you, Don't change anything about you'r style!! I love it and right now I'm just crying, because THIS is what I want to see, what I want to make. Real life, real emotions. Well done and I am your fan
I find it difficult not to imitate others but my photography teacher told me I should be myself and everything will be fine. So I decided I would always do as I please, that's the benefit of not being an employee. Your philosophy is very close to mine though. The guests are also important, not just the couple! Great content, Mr. Mullins! Your best video until now (for me that is!)!
I live in Wiltshire and have loved your work from the first time I stumbled across it. You describe what photography is to me perfectly in this beautiful film. All my photos from my younger days, my son growing up and everything in between kept as filed negatives and prints was lost when my wife threw them away in a messy divorce. My memories as you described them were gone. I have since taken photos and tried to capture memories for family for friends and others and myself ever since. Emotion trumps everything. I have no better feeling than when I have given the bride and her mother the chance to view images of the happiness of the big day and they tear up and cry. That for me means I have placed emotions in a frame for them to relive with others. I hate the formal line ups at the wedding and enjoy the same type of images you create so beautifully for your clients. I’m not a professional photographer but it’s where my emotion lies and foolishly as often in life I did not follow my passion as a career and I regret it almost daily. Your style of work will I’m sure effect and endure and be treasured far longer in the hearts of the families you work for than most wedding shots that sit in albums around the country. This is because of your people skills and empathy not just as a result of your technical skill. Thanks for sharing a wonderfully inspiring film.
Wow, people never fail to disappoint me. If there's anything in life I don't like or don't enjoy, I tend to shrug my shoulders and move on. I presume your clients sit down with you prior to their wedding, look through your portfolio and discuss their requirements prior to the day. Therefore, no one is shocked or upset by the beautiful work you hand over to them afterwards. That's probably why your client chose you over those who are so offended by your style. Keep working, keep developing and keep doing the work you do because you're incredibly good at it and I'm sure your clients would agree with me.
These are very true words that should apply to most types of people photography. It's staggering to think that there are wedding photographers out there that think there is more emotion in detail shots in wedding photographs, ie the bride's shoes or lacework on her dress, than those joyous moments of hugs, tears or happiness. In my opinion, emotion & love is harder to capture, than a photo of the table plan or order of service. Keep up the great work Kevin.
Kevin when I met you in NYC for a Street Photography workshop, You asked what do we as a individuals want from this class. I said "you have certain magic, that I wanted to get some of". Your photography has something very unique and special. This video instills awareness of the specialness of your vision, and where it comes from, thank you so much.
I think your photography is spot on, second to none. I especially love your style for wedding photography. I have been following your photography and style for a long time now and only hope to come close in my photos to what you achieve in all the photos that you share. Photography is about sharing a story and there is no better way to share that than through emotion. Keep it up Kevin and don't let the haters bring you down. Do what you love and how you love to do it and ignore the negatives of all those ignorant people out there. Cheers to you! I look forward to much more.
I just got to know about you this week and I just cannot stop watching your videos. I have been doing photography as a hobby but since I started watching your videos I feel something inside my heart. Your pictures move me !!!
I am a beginner, photography is my hobby. I recently buy xpro2 as my first camera and I love black and white photography. Your photos are too inspirational. It actually gives life in the photos and really it tells a story. After seeing your photos I am more into love with black & white. I can see that each and every picture shows so much connection are so much perfect that there is no perfection beyond your photography in this world. Your photos shows lot of patience your intelligence and tons of experience. Great job Kevin. A Salute to you man😊
Great video. I agree 100%, not every photo can be technically correct, lets say The last photo u took of you dad ended up being THE LAST photo, no matter what it looked like it would mean everything to You, same applies to photos at occasions The first kiss, the catching of the flowers it's all raw emotion. I am NOT a photographer I'm a window cleaner who's been taking photos for over 40 years, as we get old people die and I am always being asked "Derek, do you have any old photos of" Keep the videos coming. People love your work, that's why we watch your videos
I love so many things you said. Emotion trumps all. I agree. I love what you said about stop hoping for the best instead start observing. My favorite is "the more I slow down, the more I observe, the more I watch, the more I think I am beginning to see". That just hit the nail on the head. I def need to slow down. Thank you for this video Kevin! Love your work.
The more I slow down, the more I see and the more I like you, Kevin :) But seriously, we really need to go back to what it´s all about..feeling something...and good photography should remind us of that. Certainly, that is why I started to photograph, decades back, and I´m glad people like you are here to remind us of that very fact. It´s funny- for my own family photos I go for the documentary approach and take photos of all kinds of situations, just like you. But somehow, I think I´m not supposed to do that for my wedding clients . Food for thought..! :)
Sorry but I just found your channel. I'm so happy that I see that there is someone that thinks the same way I do when it comes to photography. Thank you for giving me confirmation and confidence to continue taking photos my way.
The emotion in your images is what drew me to your channel. They bring me to a place I've been that's hard to describe; like being able to relive childhood with the awareness of your adult self. The lighting is eternally warm, the compositions are intuitive and spontaneous, but the emotion is... Lovely.
Kevin, you are the reason I now take photographs at weddings. I find that despite some of the fantastic skills in composition, skin tones, lighting etc. by formal editorial style wedding photographers, I am uninspired because they are composing unnatural situations. Photographs should touch the soul, cement memories, create nostalgia and that is where there is joy in revisiting the record of the day. Brilliant video. Ignore the trolls who abuse you. Keep true to your human ideals. Gary
Fantastic video. Very refreshing to hear a photographer talk about emotion and capturing a moment that wont happen again. All too often now, there are far too many people caught up on the technical aspects of photography rather than what is being photographed.
Excellent work Kevin. You will never please everyone. The most important person to please is yourself and if you can do that there will always be others who will appreciate your work.
Photography is a hobby for me. I see so many videos covering technical aspects like F stops , compositions, Lightroom workflow and so on. But what you say in this video is absolutely true. Your style of getting candid shots is fantastic. A simple black and white photo can provoke so much emotion at times which an average, brilliantly edited colourful photo can’t. I also love the way your colours are mute. I just happened to buy a Fujifilm X100-F for candid/street photos and subsequently ran into your videos while searching for tips and tricks of this camera - and just can’t stop watching your videos. Keep it up.
Thank you for making this video! How someone can think that technicality trumps emotion boggles my mind. Your clients should be stunned at the beautiful moments you've captured. Honestly, you are an inspiration to me as a photographer and one of the reasons why I want to start shooting weddings. Fujifilm is lucky to have you as an ambassador.
I 'm a big fan of candid and black and white photography. Thank you for this video! You will be one of my inspiration in pursuing my passion for taking candid and black and white photos.
A brilliant video from the centre of a master artist's experience and conviction. Some of the images of my own wedding, a long time ago, was taken by an amateur friend in a similar style, and we are always pleased to happen on those again. There was a professional wedding photographer too, who made us stand in rows, and those are OK, but only to remind us of everyone who was there. No particular emotion there beyond the canned smiles and stiff postures. Thank you very much for that.
I've lost track of how many times I've watched this video. Absolutely love your photography. I haven't seen anything from you lately, and needed a dose of your photography, so I watched this video again...lol. Hope you are doing well.
Who cares what purists says?... to me, the image at 8:10" is 'one perfect shot' indeed!, the comunication, gesture and sense of moment, are strongly perfect... to me, the better picture is one I want to print to hang in my wall, not one with controled light in studio, with make-up, with the same boring faces of millions of studio images. When you (or everyone) are criticized about is work, often is because the critics are no capable of translate emotion into one image. Excellent work Kevin!
As always Kevin, fantastic. Love your work and I’m learning something new everyday. I think during a wedding emotion of the day trumps all else if you can capture it in a photograph. I’m not a lover of staged group shots. Saying that, our daughter got married a few weeks ago and our photographer was Christopher Daw and his group shots were different and fun not keep still and look into the lens. As a few have said you can’t please everyone.
Luv luv luv this. This is exactly the type photographer I’ve imagined myself to be since I was a kid. In my 50’s and finally pursuing my dream. Thank you for being you.
Kevin, your pictures are certainly not dull but very inspirational! Shooting a wedding candidly and managing to get photos that you do is quite an achievement. Anyone who´s tried it will testify it´s not easy at all. Great work and thanks for sharing.
I love your candid emotional style of wedding photography. People would love recalling their emotions during the wedding including those of the guests at the occasion
I find it very interesting. I was trying to understand the meaning of photography. I was first thought good composition, perfect framing, good lighting, etc were pillars of photography. But when I watch few of your videos, I think I agree with you that 'Moment' is the utmost goal a photographer should think first. I wish you all the best.
Really beginning to love your way of capturing moments for your clients. So many photographers get so bogged down with gear and lighting systems. I do a lot of family shoots and starting to shoot a few weddings. I’m learning that what I’ve think is good is not what the client thinks is good. They don’t care if it’s technically good, they just want an image that makes them smile or touches there heart in some way. Keep up the great videos!!
thank u for sharing these with us, it's absolutely my favorite video about photography. There are so many boring things when shooter is just playing with shadow or pattern. But its the emotion that actually matters
Kevin, I found this very thought-provoking and wanted to thank you for it. I am only a beginner photographer and do not really photograph people. I now realise that my reluctance has been about how to differentiate a 'snap' from a picture. That is, how to make a memorable documentary record of a moment that deserves to be kept, and not just a throwaway. Your pictures have nailed it for me. As a viewer it feels like I am part of the scene, involved in the moment. But, combined with the thoughtfulness of your mental process .... and a ton of experience. Great stuff!
Brilliant, as usual. The pressure on even amateur photographers to achieve 'technically correct' images has always bothered me, it's so refreshing hearing a brilliant photographer describe other reasons for images being great, even for just a small group of people. Thanks for the great content Kevin, keep it up!
Great to see that you use the 18mm f2 a lot. A lovely little lens that is sadly underated. Great pics. Enjoyed the video and really like the style you are producing.
Absolutely lovely video. I was at a wedding as a guest this past weekend, and the (well-meaning) photographer kept walking right down the center aisle throughout the ceremony firing off bursts of 40-60 shots. My friend (who is not a photographer) turned and said "He's really getting in the way of the ceremony." I feel like the bride would rather have had your quieter more personal style, any day! I very much appreciate all your videos and advice. When a photo is imbued with enough meaning and a cherished memory has been captured, the technical characteristics can become nearly irrelevant. I remember Robert Capa's photos of Omaha beach from D-Day in WWII - grainy, blurry from handshake, out of focus, with chemical damage to the film as well. Those photos were a technical "disaster" - and the magazines stopped their presses for them. They are part of Time Magazines's 100 most influential Images of All Time, and he was awarded the Medal of Freedom. In the end, its about whats IN the photograph, not how you took it!
I have been loving your videos and absolutely love your work! The picture of the baby grabbing the hand was priceless.... love this style of wedding photography
Wow, just wow, your captured moments are amazing. I used to shoot like this, I'd see a moment, and take it and show them the image, and no one cared - people's comments, of there's someone in the image foreground, or it's not centered, or other comments have taken me down.. And now it's the thing to capture moments and I've trained myself to focus on technical again. Your work is inspiring to me ♥
Neale, I rented the GFX50S for shooting paddock and pit lane at my last pro motor race of the year last September, and one of my photo buddies, asked when I told him was renting it, "What's the frame rate?" WTF??? Why does it matter?. I came away with this: photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/indycarsonoma2017/Reflections-of-Joseph-Newgarden.jpg Okay, now I have to go check out your videos. Cheers!
It's amazing how much hate photographers get when it comes to style. Maybe its because in different cultures people prefer different styles. For me your style of candid wedding photography is by far the best and most emotional way and it's something I also try to do. Great photos, really moving.
Thank you so much for this vídeo! Your work is amazing! That's what I try to do with my photos, but I wasn't sure if I could make my living of this kind of work. Thank you for giving me a light! ❤
Just found your channel via FStoppers. So glad I did. This is a great video, in fact it's a "must watch". I think the emotial connection between a photographer and their subject is a stunningly important thing. Your message resonates very deeply - "Humanity" and 'The Moment' - that's everything. Kudos sir, I loved this.
Interesting that almost all of what you say applies to street photography as well. Obvs your pictures are good but you show an excellent understanding of human behaviour as well. Really good content. Very generous of you. Thanks
Hello, Kelvin, I identify with you so much! these moments are the true energy of photography! only then can you transmit something so unique! most photographers photograph for other photographers and never for the bride and groom! unfortunately I always have to do a little bit of everything to be able to book weddings! but in 10, 20 years no groom remembers artificial photography and will surely remember all of these that are living memories! Thank you so much for sharing!
Love your work - I was brought up in a household where you had photographs above the mantlepiece of the main actor surrounded by various people - I have always hated these types of photographs - and had a laugh with friends who have them in their homes - I always shoot to capture the emotion - thanks for the tips - keep up the great work.
I always appreciate what you share Kevin, always something new to think about, while there are golden rules in photography, once you know them they are there to be broken, you do this beautifully, the haters are going to keep hating and I think they are extremely jealous too, keep doing it the way you do, it is awesome....!!
I love your approach to weddings - I recently shot a wedding for some friends (out of my depth as I'm a landscape photographer!) and I was watching loads of youtube vids of wedding photographers getting so involved in scenes, as though it were a photoshoot first and a wedding second. I really struggled with this as it seemed like the tail wagging the dog. Anyway, I shot the wedding by looking for moments between individuals that tell the story of the day and am really happy with (some of!) the results.
Hi Kevin.. I'd like to make two comments regarding this video.. an excuse me if I get 'emotional'! 1. what an absolutely 'effing brilliant video!.. the images and stories behind them I find so thoughtful and inspiring 2. where you talk about there not being any photos of you as a kid struggling with your homework, struck a chord with me.. not necessarily because I have none of me in that time but because I wish I had more of my kids at that time, they're all grown up now with kids of there own so I'm doing my best to redress the balance by making as many photos as possible of my grandchildren.. while on that point I'm reminded of what John Lennon said.. "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".. I was so caught up in work, keeping a roof over our heads, providing for my family etc: that before you know it they've left home and you're about to collect your bus pass! can't stress enough how much I enjoyed the vid (I'm gonna watch it again now) and apologies if I've gone OTT and bored you Thanks
Hell Kevin, I'm really happy because I discovered your work and channel only yesterday and wahou I love it ! I almost saw all your videos ! I'm really found of your amazing work. I photograph weddings for 3 years now in France, I'm still young (haven't finished college yet) and I came to a point that I needed to find a way to reconnect with the pleasure of doing this job. So this came with a change of my gear, to heavy, I was looking for infos about fuji and that's how I found you. Thank you very much for sharing content with so much quality
Along with Jeff Ascough, your work inspire the way I shoot. Every time i meet new clients for a wedding, i encourage them to watch your work. I love your philosophy of the photography, and i don't feel guilty anymore if a picture i take is technicaly bad if there is emotion in it. I'm from France and believe me, you're known from the people around me ! Thanks for sharing such amount of knowledge and inspiring us. If you're near Paris one day i'd be very happy to meet you. Bye !
Another terrific video with very helpful advice. It made me feel better about some of my work, which is not "perfect", but captures "moments" that are meaningful. Keep the videos coming !!!!
Thanks Kevin, as u promised, u have made this video to tell us what would happen if nothing is happening. One of the greatest video i have ever seen in the wedding photography.
Great as always, one of my favourite wedding photographers.. I don't think I've seen anyone capture the emotion as you do. Have the greatest respect for your work :)
I was very stressed for the past couple of days. Stressed to the verge of having a migraine. I thought I was taking photos nicely (at the moment) all along. But when I start processing them, it's the same thing over and over again, that is I feel that my composition is a "wanna be" kind of feel to it. It feels stuck, tight, no room to breathe, if I back out, it feels weak. I don't know what this is and why it's happening. Furthermore it's very difficult to find someone to critique. But I found your video, it reminded me to be accepting of who I am, be honest of what I like, Black & White candid documentary style. The value of a photo is feeling free to capture the moment, I'm not editorial photographer no matter what I tried. I'm trying to find out now how to make the photo be valuable to someone else.
Loved this video. There is so much info on YT about technical stuff and gear (I like all of that, too), but this was a very valuable perspective. Your work is beautiful, but your mind and soul are too. Thank you for your generosity.
Kevin after watching this video and reading all the comments, there is not much left to say more than I agree with you and everyone to 100%. You nailed it again. You are my role model. Per
Fantastic! Did you notice that the bride helping her grandma back into her wheelchair appears to have goosebumps? Emotion or the cold? Who knows but they’re there.
#kevinmullins - having worked in some way as a photojournalist and documentary photographer since 1987, this topic is near and dear to both my personal and creative heart and what I see is wrong with the profession with most of today's photographers. Keep doing what you're doing mate - Tyler Wirken and I were talking about you and your work during a video chat. All I have to say is there needs more of this kind of authentic work out in the world. Even after all my years shooting, your work is what has reinspired me in my work. Deeply grateful you're keeping the craft I love alive!
simplemente asombroso tu forma de captar el momento muchas felicidades haces un magnifico trabajo para la historia de tus clientes! me inspiras y me motivas a seguir trabajando en mejorarme
You hit the nail on the head Kevin it's all about the emotion captured not the technicalities of the shot. Great work and words keep the videos coming very inspiring 👍📸
I loved this clip. What you had to say, how you showed your passion to express and capture their moment. I have been for a couple years been trying to find how I can differentiate myself from others... I believe you have helped me understand more of how I can and will be able to do that. Thank you!
No photographer with sensitivities will dislike those images, Kevin. They’re all beautifully imperfect.
I agree with you 100%. Candid photos are so much more genuine and interesting to look at than overposed unnatural photos which are too common at weddings and similar events.
That picture with the bride an the grandmother is just beautiful and so perfectly showing the connection physically. Like their faces have moved into each other's mirror images.
Totally love it. Wonderful moment.
Thank you :-)
I've never understood why people take the time to write rude emails. I can't get enough of your photos, and all the emotion they capture.
I always love the grandstand critics who remain anonymous and live in the dark just to say their tripe to someone they don't know or never could achieve what that person has achieved. Kevin, try, I know its hard, but, try to skip over these little imps.
You work is excellent in every way. Emotion, composition and light. The camera is an extension of your heart. Ive been shooting longer than you have been alive. Your work is excellent.
Having lost a child several years ago, I discovered the importance of capturing the moments in ones life and am are comforted when I look back on them. This is what drew me to documentary photography, something you do it very well. You will never please everyone so do not worry too much about negative opinions. Your videos and blog are interesting and helpful and I have gained a great deal from them. Thank you Kevin and keep the faith.
Hi Peter. Thanks for the kind words. I'm so sorry for your loss.
The more I see of your work and listen to your philosophy of photography the more I realise you're a kindred spirit. You have extremely high standards but you don't allow the 'rules' to become sterile laws that demand technical perfection over a great life moment.
Thanks, Ray. It's a bit of an odd world, the world of wedding photography. There are lots of trends and fashions and by and large, they are good - but ultimately, I always feel, if I didn't enjoy the way I shot, I wouldn't do it. So I pretty much stick to my own stylistic compass :-)
Agree 100% Kevin has been, and remains an inspiration to me for this reason.
perfectly said Ray Morgan!
Thanks very much.
I just wanna tell you, Don't change anything about you'r style!! I love it and right now I'm just crying, because THIS is what I want to see, what I want to make. Real life, real emotions. Well done and I am your fan
I find it difficult not to imitate others but my photography teacher told me I should be myself and everything will be fine. So I decided I would always do as I please, that's the benefit of not being an employee. Your philosophy is very close to mine though. The guests are also important, not just the couple! Great content, Mr. Mullins! Your best video until now (for me that is!)!
I live in Wiltshire and have loved your work from the first time I stumbled across it. You describe what photography is to me perfectly in this beautiful film. All my photos from my younger days, my son growing up and everything in between kept as filed negatives and prints was lost when my wife threw them away in a messy divorce. My memories as you described them were gone. I have since taken photos and tried to capture memories for family for friends and others and myself ever since. Emotion trumps everything. I have no better feeling than when I have given the bride and her mother the chance to view images of the happiness of the big day and they tear up and cry. That for me means I have placed emotions in a frame for them to relive with others. I hate the formal line ups at the wedding and enjoy the same type of images you create so beautifully for your clients. I’m not a professional photographer but it’s where my emotion lies and foolishly as often in life I did not follow my passion as a career and I regret it almost daily. Your style of work will I’m sure effect and endure and be treasured far longer in the hearts of the families you work for than most wedding shots that sit in albums around the country. This is because of your people skills and empathy not just as a result of your technical skill. Thanks for sharing a wonderfully inspiring film.
Thank you, Craig - and Wiltshire is a great place to live ;-)
Wow, people never fail to disappoint me. If there's anything in life I don't like or don't enjoy, I tend to shrug my shoulders and move on. I presume your clients sit down with you prior to their wedding, look through your portfolio and discuss their requirements prior to the day. Therefore, no one is shocked or upset by the beautiful work you hand over to them afterwards. That's probably why your client chose you over those who are so offended by your style. Keep working, keep developing and keep doing the work you do because you're incredibly good at it and I'm sure your clients would agree with me.
Thanks, Martin!
These are very true words that should apply to most types of people photography.
It's staggering to think that there are wedding photographers out there that think there is more emotion in detail shots in wedding photographs, ie the bride's shoes or lacework on her dress, than those joyous moments of hugs, tears or happiness. In my opinion, emotion & love is harder to capture, than a photo of the table plan or order of service. Keep up the great work Kevin.
Thank you. And of course, the details are important too - but it's possible to shoot that within the narative of the day I believe.
Kevin when I met you in NYC for a Street Photography workshop, You asked what do we as a individuals want from this class.
I said "you have certain magic, that I wanted to get some of". Your photography has something very unique and special. This video instills awareness of the specialness of your vision, and where it comes from, thank you so much.
I think your photography is spot on, second to none. I especially love your style for wedding photography. I have been following your photography and style for a long time now and only hope to come close in my photos to what you achieve in all the photos that you share. Photography is about sharing a story and there is no better way to share that than through emotion. Keep it up Kevin and don't let the haters bring you down. Do what you love and how you love to do it and ignore the negatives of all those ignorant people out there. Cheers to you! I look forward to much more.
Thanks, Gabriel. Have a great day.
I just got to know about you this week and I just cannot stop watching your videos. I have been doing photography as a hobby but since I started watching your videos I feel something inside my heart. Your pictures move me !!!
Thank you - that's a really heart warming message to here. Good luck with your photography.
You are welcome Kevin, you are an inspiration !!
I am a beginner, photography is my hobby. I recently buy xpro2 as my first camera and I love black and white photography. Your photos are too inspirational. It actually gives life in the photos and really it tells a story. After seeing your photos I am more into love with black & white. I can see that each and every picture shows so much connection are so much perfect that there is no perfection beyond your photography in this world. Your photos shows lot of patience your intelligence and tons of experience. Great job Kevin. A Salute to you man😊
Thank you for the very kind comments!
Great video. I agree 100%, not every photo can be technically correct, lets say The last photo u took of you dad ended up being THE LAST photo, no matter what it looked like it would mean everything to You, same applies to photos at occasions The first kiss, the catching of the flowers it's all raw emotion. I am NOT a photographer I'm a window cleaner who's been taking photos for over 40 years, as we get old people die and I am always being asked "Derek, do you have any old photos of"
Keep the videos coming.
People love your work, that's why we watch your videos
I love so many things you said. Emotion trumps all. I agree. I love what you said about stop hoping for the best instead start observing. My favorite is "the more I slow down, the more I observe, the more I watch, the more I think I am beginning to see". That just hit the nail on the head. I def need to slow down. Thank you for this video Kevin! Love your work.
Thank you, Linda!
The more I slow down, the more I see and the more I like you, Kevin :) But seriously, we really need to go back to what it´s all about..feeling something...and good photography should remind us of that. Certainly, that is why I started to photograph, decades back, and I´m glad people like you are here to remind us of that very fact. It´s funny- for my own family photos I go for the documentary approach and take photos of all kinds of situations, just like you. But somehow, I think I´m not supposed to do that for my wedding clients . Food for thought..! :)
loved the photo so expressing and emotional , very interesting topic thanks for your efforts and sharring this video
Sorry but I just found your channel. I'm so happy that I see that there is someone that thinks the same way I do when it comes to photography. Thank you for giving me confirmation and confidence to continue taking photos my way.
one of the best videos on emotion in photo on TH-cam thank Kevin for this. These images are indeed beautiful thanks man wow.
The emotion in your images is what drew me to your channel. They bring me to a place I've been that's hard to describe; like being able to relive childhood with the awareness of your adult self. The lighting is eternally warm, the compositions are intuitive and spontaneous, but the emotion is... Lovely.
Thank you, Troy. That's very kind and a lovely comment.
Kevin, you are the reason I now take photographs at weddings. I find that despite some of the fantastic skills in composition, skin tones, lighting etc. by formal editorial style wedding photographers, I am uninspired because they are composing unnatural situations. Photographs should touch the soul, cement memories, create nostalgia and that is where there is joy in revisiting the record of the day. Brilliant video. Ignore the trolls who abuse you. Keep true to your human ideals. Gary
Thanks, Gary - I hope you are enjoying shooting weddings :-)
Fantastic video. Very refreshing to hear a photographer talk about emotion and capturing a moment that wont happen again. All too often now, there are far too many people caught up on the technical aspects of photography rather than what is being photographed.
Excellent work Kevin. You will never please everyone. The most important person to please is yourself and if you can do that there will always be others who will appreciate your work.
Yup, indeed! :-)
What great pics. & such a different view from trad wedding shots. Every bride would want to see these,,, over & over again.
Photography is a hobby for me. I see so many videos covering technical aspects like F stops , compositions, Lightroom workflow and so on. But what you say in this video is absolutely true. Your style of getting candid shots is fantastic. A simple black and white photo can provoke so much emotion at times which an average, brilliantly edited colourful photo can’t. I also love the way your colours are mute. I just happened to buy a Fujifilm X100-F for candid/street photos and subsequently ran into your videos while searching for tips and tricks of this camera - and just can’t stop watching your videos. Keep it up.
Thank you for making this video! How someone can think that technicality trumps emotion boggles my mind. Your clients should be stunned at the beautiful moments you've captured.
Honestly, you are an inspiration to me as a photographer and one of the reasons why I want to start shooting weddings. Fujifilm is lucky to have you as an ambassador.
Thanks, Lou.
I 'm a big fan of candid and black and white photography. Thank you for this video! You will be one of my inspiration in pursuing my passion for taking candid and
black and white photos.
A brilliant video from the centre of a master artist's experience and conviction. Some of the images of my own wedding, a long time ago, was taken by an amateur friend in a similar style, and we are always pleased to happen on those again. There was a professional wedding photographer too, who made us stand in rows, and those are OK, but only to remind us of everyone who was there. No particular emotion there beyond the canned smiles and stiff postures. Thank you very much for that.
I've lost track of how many times I've watched this video. Absolutely love your photography. I haven't seen anything from you lately, and needed a dose of your photography, so I watched this video again...lol. Hope you are doing well.
Who cares what purists says?... to me, the image at 8:10" is 'one perfect shot' indeed!, the comunication, gesture and sense of moment, are strongly perfect... to me, the better picture is one I want to print to hang in my wall, not one with controled light in studio, with make-up, with the same boring faces of millions of studio images. When you (or everyone) are criticized about is work, often is because the critics are no capable of translate emotion into one image. Excellent work Kevin!
Thank you for your lovely comment.
As always Kevin, fantastic. Love your work and I’m learning something new everyday. I think during a wedding emotion of the day trumps all else if you can capture it in a photograph. I’m not a lover of staged group shots. Saying that, our daughter got married a few weeks ago and our photographer was Christopher Daw and his group shots were different and fun not keep still and look into the lens. As a few have said you can’t please everyone.
Luv luv luv this. This is exactly the type photographer I’ve imagined myself to be since I was a kid. In my 50’s and finally pursuing my dream. Thank you for being you.
Thank you. Glad you liked it.
Kevin, your pictures are certainly not dull but very inspirational! Shooting a wedding candidly and managing to get photos that you do is quite an achievement. Anyone who´s tried it will testify it´s not easy at all. Great work and thanks for sharing.
I love your candid emotional style of wedding photography. People would love recalling their emotions during the wedding including those of the guests at the occasion
Thanks, Russell and yes, I think you are right.
Thanks goodness for photography and photographers like you - the moment is everything! You make it and have made it your master. Beautiful!
Thank you!
I find it very interesting. I was trying to understand the meaning of photography. I was first thought good composition, perfect framing, good lighting, etc were pillars of photography. But when I watch few of your videos, I think I agree with you that 'Moment' is the utmost goal a photographer should think first. I wish you all the best.
Really beginning to love your way of capturing moments for your clients. So many photographers get so bogged down with gear and lighting systems.
I do a lot of family shoots and starting to shoot a few weddings. I’m learning that what I’ve think is good is not what the client thinks is good. They don’t care if it’s technically good, they just want an image that makes them smile or touches there heart in some way.
Keep up the great videos!!
Thanks, Jason!
Thank you for doing what you have been doing. Some people may not understand your style, but us who do we really appreciate your work.
10:00, 11:20,14:40 my fave shots. So so beautiful! And yr points are exactly what I need a photographer to say!
Thanks, Alice.
Excellent excellent excellent work Kevin thank you for sharing
Mickey 😊
thank u for sharing these with us, it's absolutely my favorite video about photography. There are so many boring things when shooter is just playing with shadow or pattern. But its the emotion that actually matters
Thank you.
Kevin, I found this very thought-provoking and wanted to thank you for it. I am only a beginner photographer and do not really photograph people. I now realise that my reluctance has been about how to differentiate a 'snap' from a picture.
That is, how to make a memorable documentary record of a moment that deserves to be kept, and not just a throwaway.
Your pictures have nailed it for me. As a viewer it feels like I am part of the scene, involved in the moment. But, combined with the thoughtfulness of your mental process .... and a ton of experience.
Great stuff!
That's a gr8 video, I like the fact that you show many pics and not just vlog. Many of your photos are very strong and nice, good work.
Important photos, man. Especially of your family and children. Great stuff, Kevin.
Thanks, Ted.
Brilliant, as usual. The pressure on even amateur photographers to achieve 'technically correct' images has always bothered me, it's so refreshing hearing a brilliant photographer describe other reasons for images being great, even for just a small group of people. Thanks for the great content Kevin, keep it up!
Damn.. I really love this... Great points, great thoughts, and great images.. BRILLIANT!
your photos are so touching and rich in emotions.
"In the country of the blind the one eyed man is king", excellent video Kevin looking forward to more of your images & videos, thank you so much
So true :-)
Great to see that you use the 18mm f2 a lot. A lovely little lens that is sadly underated. Great pics. Enjoyed the video and really like the style you are producing.
Absolutely lovely video. I was at a wedding as a guest this past weekend, and the (well-meaning) photographer kept walking right down the center aisle throughout the ceremony firing off bursts of 40-60 shots. My friend (who is not a photographer) turned and said "He's really getting in the way of the ceremony." I feel like the bride would rather have had your quieter more personal style, any day!
I very much appreciate all your videos and advice. When a photo is imbued with enough meaning and a cherished memory has been captured, the technical characteristics can become nearly irrelevant. I remember Robert Capa's photos of Omaha beach from D-Day in WWII - grainy, blurry from handshake, out of focus, with chemical damage to the film as well. Those photos were a technical "disaster" - and the magazines stopped their presses for them. They are part of Time Magazines's 100 most influential Images of All Time, and he was awarded the Medal of Freedom. In the end, its about whats IN the photograph, not how you took it!
I have been loving your videos and absolutely love your work! The picture of the baby grabbing the hand was priceless.... love this style of wedding photography
Thank you.
I loved these photos, very beautiful moments they could be in a magazine.
Thank you very much.
This was a great video. I’ve love videos like this. This is why TH-cam was originally created. Well done sir. Great moments
This is pure emotion, inspiration, love. Every single photo made me smile, thank you for sharing.
14.30 is superb, wonderful shot and fantastic explanation of why you captured it. Great stuff Kevin.
Thanks, Lee - and yes, that's a simple shot but one of my favourites too.
Wow, just wow, your captured moments are amazing. I used to shoot like this, I'd see a moment, and take it and show them the image, and no one cared - people's comments, of there's someone in the image foreground, or it's not centered, or other comments have taken me down.. And now it's the thing to capture moments and I've trained myself to focus on technical again. Your work is inspiring to me ♥
Thank you.
Amazing photos, that’s what a weeding photographer should do all time.
Beautiful. Thank you. Many times I've seen families treasure candids as much or more than the formats at weddings. Keep it up brother!
Thanks, David. I'll do my best.
Well said Kev! A film that needed making.
Thank you, Neale. The videos on your channel are very inspiring too.
Agreed. This is about the stuff that *really* matters, not "eye control", 20 FPS or 692 AF points.
Yes yes and yes to all those Stephen
Neale, I rented the GFX50S for shooting paddock and pit lane at my last pro motor race of the year last September, and one of my photo buddies, asked when I told him was renting it, "What's the frame rate?" WTF??? Why does it matter?. I came away with this:
photos.imageevent.com/puma_cat/indycarsonoma2017/Reflections-of-Joseph-Newgarden.jpg
Okay, now I have to go check out your videos. Cheers!
Thanks a lot for this great video with honest and beautiful photographs. I love it...👏🏻👍🏻
It's amazing how much hate photographers get when it comes to style. Maybe its because in different cultures people prefer different styles. For me your style of candid wedding photography is by far the best and most emotional way and it's something I also try to do. Great photos, really moving.
Thanks, Pierre.
Thank you so much for this vídeo! Your work is amazing! That's what I try to do with my photos, but I wasn't sure if I could make my living of this kind of work. Thank you for giving me a light! ❤
Your images are amazing! Please keep up the very helpful videos.
Just found your channel via FStoppers. So glad I did. This is a great video, in fact it's a "must watch". I think the emotial connection between a photographer and their subject is a stunningly important thing. Your message resonates very deeply - "Humanity" and 'The Moment' - that's everything. Kudos sir, I loved this.
Thank you, Stephen.
Interesting that almost all of what you say applies to street photography as well. Obvs your pictures are good but you show an excellent understanding of human behaviour as well. Really good content. Very generous of you. Thanks
Yes, you are totally correct. I do approach Street Photography with the same mantra though it's very different and often more difficult.
Kevin Mullins hmm you don't seem to find it very difficult 😉
Kevin, i realy enjoy watching your video’s. Great pictures imo. Keep it up 👍and all the best ✌️
I really like your style of work. I love the authenticity the pictures radiate. Lovely pictures - a joy to watch.
Thank you :-)
Hello, Kelvin, I identify with you so much! these moments are the true energy of photography! only then can you transmit something so unique! most photographers photograph for other photographers and never for the bride and groom! unfortunately I always have to do a little bit of everything to be able to book weddings! but in 10, 20 years no groom remembers artificial photography and will surely remember all of these that are living memories! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you, Bruno, for the kind comment.
Man, you really get it. Thank you so much for sharing!!!!! Absolutely brilliantly illustrated.
Thank you, Sergei.
Always love seeing your work and am always on board with your philosophy with photography, loving all these videos you’re putting out!
Thanks & I hope to keep the videos coming.
Love your work - I was brought up in a household where you had photographs above the mantlepiece of the main actor surrounded by various people - I have always hated these types of photographs - and had a laugh with friends who have them in their homes - I always shoot to capture the emotion - thanks for the tips - keep up the great work.
Yes, I've got my own fair share of those images from the old family archives.
Kevin that was Great! I absolutely love your style of photography. You stay true to you. It shines like a beacon!
Thank you :-)
Dude.... you nailed it.... please keep up the outstanding work!
The Tips are wonderful, many thanks Kelvin.
I always appreciate what you share Kevin, always something new to think about, while there are golden rules in photography, once you know them they are there to be broken, you do this beautifully, the haters are going to keep hating and I think they are extremely jealous too, keep doing it the way you do, it is awesome....!!
I love your approach to weddings - I recently shot a wedding for some friends (out of my depth as I'm a landscape photographer!) and I was watching loads of youtube vids of wedding photographers getting so involved in scenes, as though it were a photoshoot first and a wedding second. I really struggled with this as it seemed like the tail wagging the dog. Anyway, I shot the wedding by looking for moments between individuals that tell the story of the day and am really happy with (some of!) the results.
Hi Kevin.. I'd like to make two comments regarding this video.. an excuse me if I get 'emotional'!
1. what an absolutely 'effing brilliant video!.. the images and stories behind them I find so thoughtful and inspiring
2. where you talk about there not being any photos of you as a kid struggling with your homework, struck a chord with me.. not necessarily because I have none of me in that time but because I wish I had more of my kids at that time, they're all grown up now with kids of there own so I'm doing my best to redress the balance by making as many photos as possible of my grandchildren.. while on that point I'm reminded of what John Lennon said.. "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".. I was so caught up in work, keeping a roof over our heads, providing for my family etc: that before you know it they've left home and you're about to collect your bus pass!
can't stress enough how much I enjoyed the vid (I'm gonna watch it again now) and apologies if I've gone OTT and bored you
Thanks
Thanks Robin - hope we can catch up again soon mate.
Hell Kevin, I'm really happy because I discovered your work and channel only yesterday and wahou I love it ! I almost saw all your videos ! I'm really found of your amazing work. I photograph weddings for 3 years now in France, I'm still young (haven't finished college yet) and I came to a point that I needed to find a way to reconnect with the pleasure of doing this job. So this came with a change of my gear, to heavy, I was looking for infos about fuji and that's how I found you. Thank you very much for sharing content with so much quality
Thanks, Eddy - and glad you like the content :-)
Along with Jeff Ascough, your work inspire the way I shoot. Every time i meet new clients for a wedding, i encourage them to watch your work. I love your philosophy of the photography, and i don't feel guilty anymore if a picture i take is technicaly bad if there is emotion in it. I'm from France and believe me, you're known from the people around me ! Thanks for sharing such amount of knowledge and inspiring us. If you're near Paris one day i'd be very happy to meet you. Bye !
Thanks, Pascal. Jeff is still one of my primary inspirations. A great great photographer.
Another terrific video with very helpful advice. It made me feel better about some of my work, which is not "perfect", but captures "moments" that are meaningful. Keep the videos coming !!!!
Thanks Kevin, as u promised, u have made this video to tell us what would happen if nothing is happening. One of the greatest video i have ever seen in the wedding photography.
Thanks, Rakan - that's lovely to hear. Appreciate it.
Awesome story and pictures.
Excellent video Kevin! Thanks for sharing it.
Beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing them ❤️
Great as always, one of my favourite wedding photographers.. I don't think I've seen anyone capture the emotion as you do. Have the greatest respect for your work :)
Thanks, Ruth - hope you are well.
I was very stressed for the past couple of days. Stressed to the verge of having a migraine. I thought I was taking photos nicely (at the moment) all along. But when I start processing them, it's the same thing over and over again, that is I feel that my composition is a "wanna be" kind of feel to it. It feels stuck, tight, no room to breathe, if I back out, it feels weak.
I don't know what this is and why it's happening. Furthermore it's very difficult to find someone to critique.
But I found your video, it reminded me to be accepting of who I am, be honest of what I like, Black & White candid documentary style. The value of a photo is feeling free to capture the moment, I'm not editorial photographer no matter what I tried. I'm trying to find out now how to make the photo be valuable to someone else.
Loved this video. There is so much info on YT about technical stuff and gear (I like all of that, too), but this was a very valuable perspective. Your work is beautiful, but your mind and soul are too. Thank you for your generosity.
Kevin after watching this video and reading all the comments, there is not much left to say more than I agree with you and everyone to 100%. You nailed it again. You are my role model. Per
Thanks, Per.
Fantastic! Did you notice that the bride helping her grandma back into her wheelchair appears to have goosebumps? Emotion or the cold? Who knows but they’re there.
#kevinmullins - having worked in some way as a photojournalist and documentary photographer since 1987, this topic is near and dear to both my personal and creative heart and what I see is wrong with the profession with most of today's photographers. Keep doing what you're doing mate - Tyler Wirken and I were talking about you and your work during a video chat. All I have to say is there needs more of this kind of authentic work out in the world. Even after all my years shooting, your work is what has reinspired me in my work. Deeply grateful you're keeping the craft I love alive!
Great video. I've always loved your style of storytelling and always find it inspiring.
Kevin I love these images, and they make me feel emotional just looking at them.
simplemente asombroso tu forma de captar el momento muchas felicidades haces un magnifico trabajo para la historia de tus clientes! me inspiras y me motivas a seguir trabajando en mejorarme
Probably one of your best video on this channel. Really inspiring!
Thanks, Karem - appreciate it.
Love your work! Very inspiring.
You hit the nail on the head Kevin it's all about the emotion captured not the technicalities of the shot. Great work and words keep the videos coming very inspiring 👍📸
Thanks, Andy. I appreciate the comment.
I loved this clip. What you had to say, how you showed your passion to express and capture their moment. I have been for a couple years been trying to find how I can differentiate myself from others... I believe you have helped me understand more of how I can and will be able to do that. Thank you!
Thank you and glad you found it interesting.