Getting Started in Documentary and Conflict Photography (feat. Ondrej Vachek)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ค. 2024
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Ondrej Vachek:
Website: www.ondrejvachek.com/
Instagram: / ondroidv
The Forgotten War (Ukraine Photoessay 1): www.ondrejvachek.com/the-forg...
The Frozen War (Ukraine Photoessay 2): www.ondrejvachek.com/the-froz...
My links:
Instagram: / seantuck
Purchase book or prints: www.seantucker.photography/store/
Website: www.seantucker.photography/
This week I went to the Don McCullin exhibit at the Tate Museum. His images of war over the past decades make for difficult viewing and I was struck once again with the question: why do people put themselves in harms way to shoot in such difficult situations? Fortunately I have a friend named Ondrej Vachek who is just beginning his career in documentary and conflict photography so I sat down to ask him about his recent trips to the front lines in the Ukraine, and what motivates him to go.
Share this video on if you enjoyed it.
#documentaryphotography #conflictphotography #blackandwhite
I just wanna say "Thank You Ondrej" and also "Thank you, Sean"... why? Because i was a conflict photographer, for more than 16 years, i start working to AP with 25 years old, my first assignment was to Kosovo... my last was South Sudan, now i have 53 years old, i no longer do conflict for almost 8 years...
I feel so full of hope when i see photographers like Ondrej go after the story they want to scream, people like you Sean give them an audience need my vow and my gratitude
All the best for both...!
Thanks so much Eduardo.
I know this is a stupid question, how you became one? I mean is there any graduation needed? Please leave a reply if you see this!!
Thank you for paving the way. 🙌🌟
How did you become one?
@@smithsmith4898 Me?
I start very young taking pictures, at same time i'm in college, create a portfolio, then i present to the AP and... they hire me... Now i dont know how the process works, i work alone, no Agencie
"It robs me of all my excuses"...
To hear that statement is why I woke up today...
Thank you.
Sean, the cinematic quality of your videos and the value of the message always makes you stand out in a sea of background noise on TH-cam. Your work is greatly appreciated!
“When you photograph people in colour you photograph their clothes. When you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.” (Ted Grant)
Thank you Sean for another great video!
Thx for putting together such a nice video man - your stuff deserves it's own netflix series
That would be nice:)
100% AGREE
If they watched this video I’m sure they’d make it happen.
We are really proud of you little brother.
As an aspiring documentary photographer, I have to say this is the most beautiful video I've seen on youtube in a very long time. Incredibly well done and very very powerful.
Never thought about all the implications of war photography, amazing content Sean and Ondrej!
True to his passion, Ondrej was back in Ukraine. There's a great set of moving photos from Leviv at the outbreak of the current Ukrainian Russian war on his website.
Wow....just wow! An incredible feature film on this amazing photojournalist! Thank you for sharing his story.
For me as for Ukrainian this theme is soul breaking. Thank you Sean for such a great quality content, and thanks to Ondrej for your tear-jerking images and dedication
Thanks my friend.
Dear Mr. Tucker, you are telling a very special story in this video. Not only about the people in Ukraine, which is very respectful told, but also the hard work of an average man pursuing his passion. Your last words (after the interview) are spot on, self-reflective, very motivating and respectful. And of course, I also want to thank very much Ondrej Vachek for sharing his experience with us. I hope you can find the funding soon to get out there again and bring back more stories.
"The amount we really want something, can only be measured by the real world sacrifices we are willing to make to make it happen." Truly an inspiring video!
At this moment I have a motivation problem with my photography. I am a nightlife photographer but my passion is no longer there. This video really makes me think about my photography/life goals. It is time to make dreams come true, one step at a time.
I love how you let the story unfold with minimal interjections aimed at teasing something out.
Sean you are changing the way we all watch TH-cam and give videos and our lives more creative purpose.
Wonderful. Ondrej you are a credit to your generation. Your images tell a story of human failings and successes without words needed. I watched this from a relatively safe and secure NZ and wish I had your courage and passion, when I was your age, to do similar. I think you have a successful and rewarding future in which ever path you eventually follow. But do take heed of your lovely wife. Behind every... well you probably know the rest. Enjoy your photography, your adventures, but take care.
Great video Sean. I have lived in Ukraine for 3 years and Ondrej really told the story well. Thank you for interviewing him.
For a few years now I want to become a documentary/conflict photographer, I had a really bad fight with my parents because of that since they of course dont want their youngest daugther to go into war zone. But all the time I wanted to do this because of the kick, I wanted to seak out the thrill.. i never realized that there are so many heart tearing stories behind all of that... thank you so much, you two, for putting together this video and showing me, showing us all of that. I still wanna become a conflict photographer but this time because I want to tell stories!
Have no words!👏Straight to the heart.
When the story reached out to grandma in abandon village gave passengers self-made food generously, I started tearing, all in sudden. I don't know why but it just happened. Maybe that's the power of true story telling. Thanks Sean and Ondrej !
Don McCullin is an incredible person as well as photographer. I have followed his work since his 90s publication of Sleeping with Ghosts. The recent TV show about him on the BBC (which might be just about still available?). What has struck me about him besides the demons that he carries from this work, is also some of the lovely boyish and open humour that he can show. For me, he is probably the most inspiring photographer that I can think of - not just in terms of the work - but also in terms of his sheer passion and energy for photography. Watching an 80 year-old man running around India like someone many years younger is quite a sight! Fair play to Ondrej for wanting to pursue this type of work, I can understand why. It's not for me, my professional work is dealing with the consequences of trauma (in another context), which is enough for me. However, I am really glad that there are people in this work who want to show us the things that we don't want always to see, or other's don't want us to see.
The recent BBC 4 documentary about Don McCullin is fantastic. I just realised he also travelled to Syria last year to record a documentary about Palmyra with Dan Cruicshank for the BBC.
This is why photography is so important. Thank you for bringing the value of life to more people
Glad to see someone covering the world that we all too often now don't deem important.
Sean thank you. I've been following you almost 2 years now and every time I watch one of your videos, I'm so inspired that I feel like I go out and take some of my best/moodiest shots! Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you Sean for an inspiring interview with Ondrej Vachek. I very much appreciated Ondrei’s take on storytelling conflict and was moved by the images of a soldiers life playing board games and having pets. I look forward to any updates in the months to come on Ondrei progressing his passion / career.
I first caught sight of your video’s a year hence and warmed quickly to the different approach and putting out quality over quantity. Great work, thanks. Clive
Considering he's in positions where you have to have your wits about you at all times, his timing and compositions are amazing.
"If you convert that to black and white, it's not going to make it any better." This is something I've noticed in the infrared groups I belong to. There seems to be such a fascination with the look of digital infrared, that the thought of composition and subject matter gets lost...especially with photographers new to the genre. I'm so glad it's not just me that has this philosophy.
I had an opportunity to look over the two galleries of Ondrej's trip to the Ukraine. Beautiful and important photos. Thank you Ondrej, for your time and insights.
Whow, great way to start the morning. I feel inspired by Ondrej's passion and drive to make it possible to tell the stories he wants to. Robbed me of all excuses also. Thanks for this interview
Thanks Sean and of course Ondre. Stay safe matey.
Finally someone that appreciates XP2
The reason I subscribed to your channel is that you are a very thoughtful human being and a great photographer and documentary maker in an otherwise very crowded and confusing vlogging world. Not only do I learn a lot from your posts but it makes me reflect on so many things. As for this video, I loved it all but especially the beautiful opening intro, the closing message and the generosity on your part to give a young deserving photographer a great leg up. Congratulations to you and Andre. You are a star, man!
Extraordinaria entrevista. Gracias por compartirla.
Holy hell. I’m literally about to start my first documentary in 10 minutes. Perfect timing for this! Thank you!
Were you late to start?
@@StraightHeffin 22 minutes late to be exact
Thank you Sean for such a marvellous interview with a very brave Ondrej. I wish him well in his pursuit of a new career. His photos wonderfully show what war is, stripped bare of any gloss and bull that politicians make. Please do continue to provide such quality material for us photographers.
I love it the passion of the Ondrej and fearlessness! , neutral point of view, but at the same time is so important to all of us be to show it this WAR! thank you @Shean to bring this subject and put it together! Great job
It was great to see someone from my country on your channel! Thanks also to you, mister Vachek. It was inspirational to listen to your journey and evolution as a photographer.
Thought provoking, inspirational and another brilliant interview. Thanks for sharing
Ondrej deserves respect because he is making it happen rather than the all too common 'I'm owed' mentality. Beyond that it is simply inspirational stuff. I wish him all the success in the world and look forward to following his journey. Beautifully filmed also Sean.
Thank you for this video Sean as it speaks to me particularly with the type of photo work I do and I am passionate about. We go in and out of different state and nothing is set in life, this is what I have learned from this type of work. We can only choose to try our best with what's available in front of us at the time and to have that inner trust that things will work out... just like capturing a moment with a camera. Also, not to beat ourselves up if we try hard and nothing works out. I have been doing this type of work full on with great motivation and passion for over a period of three years. After traveling around the world and using up all my savings, I had to go back to commercial work last year and I was very lucky to have work showing up to my doorstep and did not have to take another kind of job unrelated to photography. I went from retouching e-commerce to photographing food, anything to get money again and go back out there to document the injustice of the world. Although after this past year of just doing commercial work, I started to get down and feel like it wasn't possible to do this type of work again and it was too hard to achieve. I started slowly climbing out that mental whole recently, your video and your conversation with Ondrej is another push to get myself motivated again. Thank you again for your channel and all your videos, It's of great support.
That's great news mate. Best of luck. Keep going.
Sean, just thank you. And Ondej, good luck.
Thank you Sean. I was a soldier in two armies, and was not allowed to carry a camera. It is people like Ondrej that take truth to the world! Ondrej--- Neexistuje nic jako štěstí, pouze dobrá kontrola nad tím, co se vám stane.
Excellent interview. Amazing person Ondrej and I wish him all the best.
As usual, your thoughs at the end are so true and touching. Thank you for this video
Truly inspiring. Magnum should sign Ondrej on the strength of his Ukraine work.
Everything we are scared of stems from experiencing it, then having time to think about more, which in turn makes it even scarier. If doing something you love ends in death, there isn’t any fear to distract you, unless you survive, then it becomes PTSD.
Always wanted to do some sort of conflict photography since getting out of the military.
As a former photojournalist, never do a foreign assignment unless you can do a story in your own backyard. (This is my fourth rule of photography based on my first assignment that I did way too early).
As an example, I'm sure locally you can find drug addiction, homelessness, probably PTSD at the VA, food waste, dumpster diving. If you cannot get a story where you live, no matter what your military training, expecting to go to foreign fields and have a story drop in your lap is not realistic. I wouldn't want you to get hurt.
Do you miss the military?
@@philipclarke5206 What are the other rules mate?
Another great and inspiring episode.
Simply superb!
Ondrej's passion for his work is an absolute inspiration.
What a tremendous film Sean. We must have been literally walking round McCullin (judging by the timing) at the same time. Thank you for making this and bringing such thought-provoking part of the photographic art into TH-cam. Each time you release a new film I just relish the chance to turn off all distractions, make a coffee and take around half an hour to feel inspired and learn from your superb and inciteful analysis and critique.....Respect and keep up the good work.
It's very inspiring Sean. I am really moved by Ondrej's story. Thank you so much for interviewing such amazing personalities like Ondrej...
I feel like i should be paying for this. I've already bought your book, so I hope that counts!
That definitely counts:) Thank you
Great respect for Ondrey and for what he is doing. And thanx for sharing his story and what drives him, Sean. Probably not my cup of tea, though I went through basic training in the German army, but I'm sure I would shit my pants or would hit a mine or become easy prey for a Russian sniper, glued as usual to my OVF, if I attempted what he has done and seems poised to move on with. Respect to his wife, too, for letting him pursue what he needs to pursue. May God or whatever guardian angel out there protect him and enable him to tell the stories that need to be told and make him return safely. Thanx also, Sean, for this constant theme of yours, that, for all its shortcoming, vanities, and sheer inflation of images, what we do as photographers can actually matter and make a difference.
After listening to the choices that Ondrej Vaychek has made. It left me asking serious questions of myself!
One of the most interesting interviews on photography ever. Such a good insight into an emerging photographer's experience.
I have the utmost respect for this type of photography. Thanks for making this video. Very inspirational.
Brilliant!
Thank you so much for sharing, Ondrej! I really appreciate it.
I can't believe this hasn't had more views! I sat down to it discouraged about photography in general. What's the use? Billions of photos taken every day. I've taken thousands that I don't care if I ever see again. After listening to Ondrej the Existentialist, I have hope that it's worth the effort. Well done and thank you.
You are TH-cam's GEM. I discovered you less than a week ago and already cannot have enough of your knowledge. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent and spirituality with us..... Your channel is a COLLEGE. more videos please!!!!!
Thanks Reem:)
Most excellent video, thank you for it! 👍👍
such a brilliant video, love the subtle background music
When I watch any of your videos. You make me look back into myself. You have made me do. Don’t wait. Stop the excuses. Thanks
Great Video! Thank You very much! 😊
You don’t post a lot of videos but when you do, you kill it. What a great report / interview.
These images are outstanding... He's really a guy who breathes his passion... Kudos. .
Great choice of topic, it's interesting how photogs are still drawn to conflict photography. I hope this becomes a series of features on photographers choosing to cover a genre that is not just for insta but for actually photographing subjects that matters.
Great video, thanks to both of you for your great work.
Been to the conflict zone (ATO) in eastern Ukraine five times. Still puts me on edge some times. Great video. Thanks for posting.
I'm from Ukraine. Thank you for the video and for the story that Andrey told about our people
BEST INTERVIEW YET!!! keep up the fantastic work Sean! Thank You!
Thank you Sean and Ondrej. I was familiar with Ondrej's work since you mentioned his name in a podcast some time ago, but listening to his story and the stories of his subjects adds a whole new dimension the images.
True video. It gave me the shivers. Keep on this good work!
A lot of respect for both of you. Ondrej - what a great story, great photos. Keep on going. Sean - you put a lot of effort and thought into these videos and we all know that youtube promotes a little different approach, but please please please, don't stop! If we would also measure your videos by "composition, light and story" criteria, oh man, you got it all :)
Sean, this was incredible and Ondrej is amazing. To put himself at risk every day is hard to grasp. Conditions there were unreal and the fact that Ondrej has gone twice to the Ukraine to do this tells you exactly how committed he is. An excellent piece of work and huge respect for Ondrej. Thanks I'll remember this one for a long time.
Incredible what he is doing and just as important what you are doing to make his sacrifices worth something. I spent time in war and to be there with a camera instead of a weapon is mind blowing. Thank ou for sharing. So glad you are doing these collaborations.
Thank you again Sean. One more time you are inspiring us and bringing up those amazing stories...
Thank you for sharing Ondrejs story with us Sean.
I already find Ondrej’s work really compelling, thanks so much to both of you!
Wondrous in so many ways-sensitive, catalytic interviewer; magnificent subject + magnificent work! Gratitude to all!
Thank you Jacques
Sean, a great video and excellent interview with Ondrej, this is inspiring to see what motivates others at significant personal cost to tell the stories we need to hear and see images that are too confronting for mainstream media. I especially liked Ondrej’s reflection on people caught in war zones just getting on with their lives as best they can. Thanks for posting this and keep up the great work.
I have a new founded "RESPECT" for your friend Ondrej!!! He has taken chasing your passion & dream to a whole another "LEVEL"!!! It take so much "COURAGE" and bravery to pursue Conflict Photography!!! His images really speaks to you just looking at it and realising how we really take things for granted!!!... #wow #conflict #photography #speechless #touched
what a fantastic interview and insight into how Ondrej progressed into this area of photography. Brilliant images, I found myself most interested in the people who are affected by the war and how kind they were to offer what little food they had. Such a tough subject to approach and what a brave person to do so.
This is so much more than "content"! Thank you so much for this production, so well executed with a great story of self belief. Let's all hope Ondrej stays safe & becomes as revered as Sir Don.
This is fascinating Sean. Great content. Thank you Ondrej for sharing.
Underrated.
You did it again, Mr. Tucker. You out performed your ownself. 😊
This last part of the video really opened my eyes and gave me an epiphany! Thank you many times for this inspiring and enlightening video! God Bless Sean!
LOVE.
I haven't finished the video yet but this really comes at the right time for me because I'm interested in photojournalism at the moment for the same reasons as him. Coming from street photography I want to change things and instead of creating or assuming a story based on my perception of a street situation I want to already have the story (political war, migrants, etc) and then try to document it the best way I can based on the story. Very interesting stuff Sean!
Edit: His photography is impressive, very impressive, I wish him the best of luck
Your videos have so intense words that I have to pause the video and understand what did you say
Thank you for posting the content, for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Inspirational, as always a great vid. Recently quit my ‘easy going’ job to work remotely and save to travel and document stories. Hearing Onderj talk about his adventures and the hard path to getting there was good. Sean, you channel is one of the best and prominent TH-camrs with photo/video channels should take some notes.
This opening scene just... wow dude nice work. Way to set a tone
Thank you both of you.
Thanks for making this, Sean. I always enjoy your videos, but I especially enjoyed this one.
Hey Sean, you are such an inspiration!
Beautiful story right there…
Absolutely brilliant. Incredibly inspiring. Thank you Sean and Ondrej!
just watched this on a Sunday morning. thank you Sean for all the inspiration. finally someone that's on my level
I think that was the best YT wideo that i saw on this platform ever! I smiled, I cryed and felt inspired. Thank You Sean for sharing this amazing story and amazing photographer with us.
PS. Sorry for my bad english.