Agreed!! I used to be in a group where there's this admin that keeps telling people: "your photos don't show a story". I was struggling so much to understand what the admin meant until I broke out of this mindset of "a story" and started taking photos I just thought were interesting. I gradually improved way more than when I was in that group
Jamie, you and Sean (who I somehow only just recently discovered) are two of my greatest photographic inspirations. I appreciate your endless generosity in sharing your knowledge and skills. I happened across this video on a day when I was struggling with my sense of legitimacy and it was exactly what I needed. I am a photographer. Full stop.
“You can know the name of a bird in all the languages of the world, but when you're finished, you'll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird... So let's look at the bird and see what it's doing - that's what counts. I learned very early the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something.” ― Richard P. Feynman, "What Do You Care What Other People Think?": Further Adventures of a Curious Character
Oh, how dead-on you are! In the Spanish language, there are two words for the verb "to know". Saber, meaning to have factual or technical knowledge, and Conocer, meaning to have intimate knowledge--or to know with one's soul. Interesting, the difference in the depth of knowledge between the two.
I am a new photographer, still studying and learning (which is one of the reasons why I watch you), but I really, really appreciate your comments on this video. I like it not just as it relates to photography, but as it relates to life in general. You have a great philosophy Sean! Thanks.
"Middle management photographers" LOL!!! Exactly. The ones that will criticize your equipment, knowledge, skills, work flow, style, etc. in order to feel better about their insecurities... I wonder, if they know so much about photography, and they're so experienced, what are they doing wasting their time on my work. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I don't know how good of a priest you were, but as a photography mentor, you're among the best people I've met in my life. God bless.
@@blackjohnny0 Yeah, I get you. I guess it happens in every profession, but those art related (like photography), are usually the ones full of guys that cannot out into work how talented they are, therefore they talk so much about others... Cheers!
You answered you own questions.Think about what kind of dirtbag worries about what cameras and gear I use,as if it's his damn business.That's some fascist,insecure,suspect person.
Middle management photographers. Like those that are quick to “offer their opinion” uninvited and seem surprised if challenged on their negativity. Like an ex-friend who bristled with indignation when challenged: “I’m just giving you my opinion”, he said. In response: “I know but I didn’t ask for it and I’m not interested”
"If you drop me anywhere in the world with a camera in hand I will just start taking photographs because it's what I love to do". That's it. That. Is. It. That's THE sentence, right there. Wonderful video. Wonderful message.
Now in my 70th decade of life, I’ve realized that as soon as a person is labeled, the danger is that no one will ever really “see” the person again. They may only see the label. As usual, I enjoy your wisdom. Thank you for sharing it.
Philip Shucet you making it to 700 years old is really something....lol I'm just kidding you...I agree with what you said, as soon as you label something you limit what you perceive what it can be...
Sean, you are more than a photographer. You are an amazingly inspiring human being who also happens to know how to take great photos of pretty much anything. You are a motivational speaker, a philosopher and a storyteller. Keep inspiring us. Subscribed.
I love this, there is a huge amount of gatekeeping in photography. Shoot what you want to shoot, postprocess however you want to postprocess. Who cares? It's your art do whatever you want.
That`s the pure essence of photography - don`t let anyone tell you how to enjoy your photography journey. Enjoy it yourself. And make the most of this joy without anyone`s approval or praise.
Sean you are a breath of fresh air!! I cannot express how much I love this video. I recently had someone go through my IG feed labeling any street image that violated his rules with the comment **NOT STREET PHOTOGRAPHY ** rules like .. if subject sees you, it’s not street photography or if the subject takes more than 1/3 the frame it’s not street photography. It made me so angry I considered deleting my whole IG feed. I have another local pro who is constantly on me because I should only post 1 genre. I’m not a pro, I’m a hobbiest and my only client is ME. I really needed to hear this Sean!!!! Thank you!
I’ve experienced this too Jim. I don’t understand why any self titled creative would ironically insist on one genre delivered in one style. Of course they are free to do that if they choose but not insist I somehow should comply with their own preferences to be validated in some way. Unique and individual is good, not same and generic. Don’t get dispirited, paddle your own canoe as they say 😊
Hahaha, oh wow. Imagine being that arrogant and full of yourself that you think being the sherrif is okay. Imagine how good his photos could be if he spent more time working on his craft then chastising people
I have tried for the last two years to get myself "out there" by setting up a couple of websites and joining Instagram in. I have made one sale in all that time. I have though had a lot of people telling me that I'm wasting my time. During the lockdown, I have got more and more depressed and was on the verge of chucking it all in. This video has made me re-think and reset. Onwards for me, from now on. Haters gota hate! Thank you for giving me the strength to carry on. Keep it real mate, you don't know how much you have helped me.
This is exactly what I needed to hear! Comparing and limiting myself has kept me away from photography for quite a while. This just gave me the confidence to go out there and enjoy pressing the shutter how I initially used to❤
I have been a professional photographer for over thirty years (by the definition of making a living as a profession). I was taught all the technical methods for natural modified natural and artificial light. As I grew I began to see the knowledge as a box. I believe you should learn but learn it then forget it. When you were young, you had to concentrate on every movement your fingers made while learning to tie your shoes. After a while, tying your shoe didn’t require thinking about each movement. So too is the information about light, composition, and all the other things. So many people confuse what they like with technical. I like a lot of things that violate other photographer’s technical definitions of what is right. As much as learning the rules is an acquired skill, so too is learning to let go and seeing the possibilities and beauty of not following those rules or living outside the box.
yes, before breaking the rules, I must know what are these rules, or if I wanna thinking "outside the box", I must know what is that box. But the problem of a lot of people nowadays they even dont have the basic skills or basic knowledge, and they try to break something they really dont know what is that. So at least they should know what happened in photography history, what the genres or types or movements.... and then they can break everything. Too much time and effort, people would not do that, instead, they just make some random craps and say big words about that. I am not a photographer. I am an architect. Today people can not easily make a building as using smartphone and taking crap photos. But who knows? Maybe in next 10 years with the power of technologies, 3D printing or something like that, anyone can create his/her own buildings just by some clicks. And then the future people argue about "why I must learn architecture to make houses? why I must know about style and "labelling" and history and etc... I make my own house, I have my style...." Same story is happening with photography today when everyone can easily buy cameras!
I never understood why people are always looking for faults in other people's work. I guess they're just jealous. Your work is awesome, and it doesn't matter much to me what labels are put on it. People can call your portraits for architectural photography for all I care, in my mind it's simply great art. Thank you for everything you share!
It is a great comment, but I feel obliged to mention don't put Light Architect on a business card. The US has incredibly restrictive laws on labeling yourself with certain profession names that are licensed. Architect is one of those. Friendly PSA to alright who sees this that it is illegal to market yourself as any flavor of Architect (even if you aren't doing architecture) without being a licensed Architect
Your title alone gave me a permission I am thankful for. I spend too much time worrying about WHAT to photograph. Such a simple answer ; photograph what you want to. Forget about outside considerations. I love it!
TH-cam's got a bug. I'm looking for a heart, but all I find is a thumbs up ❤ This video goes way beyond photography. Substitute photographer with painter, writer, actor, artist, person wearing any type of clothes or none at all. Or simply substitute photographer with human being, and this video still holds every bit of depth to it.
Love this channel as it is so real and down to earth. Zero non sense of promoting fancy gear, just RAW photography and pursuit of art! There are way too many insecure photographers out there trying to make people purchase their "bundles" and preset packs which basically produce more insecure photographers in an endless cycle! You my friend are an inspiration to all of beginners much like my self! Please continue to do what you do! Thank you Sean!
I take you (video, words = iPhone and earbuds) along into my pandemic garden daily as I walk, dig and plant. You have brought thoughtfulness into my isolation... You have helped me to be more kind to myself, to not compare but to celebrate what drives my photography... Thank you.
Aloha, As a retired Marine Combat Correspondent (Photography, journalist) I’ve fallen into a category that secures the artist within me. As a Marine, I had to shoot all sorts of assignments. Today, this talent blends well into our society. Your video exemplifies the artist within me. Thank you for speaking to the thousands of photographers that fall into “Shoot what we love to shoot.” Mahalo’s, Jesse Lora
This is far more than photography. You can apply this to other parts of your life. Dress how you like and don't worry about what label you belong to. Become confident and love who you are and don't let judgement define who you are. Incredible message Sean.
This is why I continue to watch Sean's videos, I don't want to be categorized by middle management, I just wanna go out and enjoy my walks with camera in hand and shoot what makes me happy! Keep up the fantastic work Mr. Tucker. You're are an inspiration to many of us "photographers".
I only started with photography less than a year ago and as a beginner I couldn't agree more with this. I still have so much to learn about the technical aspects, but more important is that photography teaches me to pay more attention to the world around me. That makes photography such an enjoyable experience to me.
OUTSTANDING video. AMEN! "I'm just a photographer" that's me. I photograph what I'm feeling at the moment. I need no labels. Society try's to label EVERYTHING now days... I LOVE your channel. Your the most down to earth photographer on TH-cam.
Sean, you are one of the most inspiring photographers out there who creates an art not to please other people, but for yourself. Really admire your work and thank you for sharing.
Well said again. As I am very partially sighted I have been told by so many so called pro togs that I should never be taking photos at all, once I calm down a bit and half hit them I then say that I can do what the hell I want to. Also been told that as I don't sell my photos I can't be a photographer, again after hitting them and showing them the references I have on purpleport from some of the top UK models they go away and leave me alone. Photography has saved me mentally as I deal with my sight loss and I have learned from the great models I hve been so fortunate to work with in the past 3 years.
I’m grateful for you! As a new photographer, I don’t know yet what type of photography I want to do. And the reason is I’m not sure if I want to fit into one type only. Imma do my thing and let the people label it 🙂
Really feel refreshing that all those video you make talking about not to afraid of being labelled or people trying to tell you you know nothing, maybe that’s truth but at least you’re expressing yourself honestly.
I truly and absolutely Love what I will call your 'Psychology and Philosophy of Photography.' Your insightful and uplifting words to new or seasoned Photographers are just brilliant. Thank you for being you... keep sending these messages. Please. You Da' Man.
When I first got into photography, I expected to find a community of people more people like Sean. I was disappointed to find many more people like what Sean describes - if you're not doing it their way you're doing it wrong. As much as I'd like to engage and share with the community, I can't help but feel them suck the life and soul out of me. Thank you Sean for the uplifting commentary, the photography community needs more of this.
This is so refreshing. I've been in the presence of photographers who know how to politely dismiss the work of others by labelling it in a passive-aggressive show of disdain. "His work looks good. I find it very pictorial." Or "He seems to shoot what he knows will make a fine print but I don't get the story." Every time a small part of myself wants to ask them to take an unsatisfying fuck at their labels and allow the rest of us to express ourselves and have been silent so far. I think my reply in the future will be simply, "Well, they shoot what they love and that's what counts." Thank you sir for turning an angry sentiment into such a beautiful way of looking at photography and expression in general.
I'm a member of a food photography group on FB and they have a rule that you MUST post exif data on every photo else your post will be removed. It comes across as needlessly hostile and gatekeeper-y and I avoid going on there now. They justify it as helping people learn but really, once you get past the basics of how your aperture affects depth of field, the rest of the information is completely useless. The iso was as low as possible, the shutter speed was high enough that the image is sharp - who really cares about the exact details? Instead of learning from what's posted, I just watch people grow frustrated at times saying "I don't know what the shutter speed was, why does it matter?" and having their creation removed. Their group, their rules I suppose - but the chief proponents of these rules not only post some rather mediocre images themselves, but justify it as basically saying "these are the rules". Not for good, genuine well thought out reasons, but because they're the rules. And you will follow them. Thank you Sean, as always.
Sean, Thank you for using your platform to address this issue. It DEFINITELY needed to be said, I think this exact same thing every time I hear someone try to tell anyone to put themselves "In a box" in any aspect of life. Keep giving the world your light, you are inspiring our next generation. As an artist, I’m grateful for the work your doing. 🙏🏾✊🏾
I watched your video second time Sean , you make me smile and moved...reflecting my own non photography related experience. I m 58, love ballet since my teen, but never had chance to train, went on to be a neurologist. I started ballet training 5 years ago in chicago. I was laughed and ridiculed by friends and others. I never cared and kept learning from all the best teachers in the city, I went to New York and Boston took many classes I could while visiting. Today, I m comfortably saying, there is no professional level classes I am not confident to take, including from some of the most famous ballet companies, such as Royal Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet, bolshoi Ballet. And I am still keep pushing and learning. I don’t know of any man at my age who never danced ballet till age 53 can dance ballet better than me. Looking back, the only reason I m at where I m, is because I did what I love and nothing else would bother me or stop me from doing that. It s not I m trying to be someone, or proved to someone I can do it, or get to somewhere as goal, it s the joy of being in ballet class, being free, being able to see part of me that I never knew, being in zone of happiness. thanks Sean. Sorry for being off the topic :))
This also applies to anything in life. You don't have to live by labels or check marks. It's great to see minds alike making these videos. I'm just a hobbyist photographer learning all the curves and I don't think in categories when I'm shooting, I just shoot
Small rant: I've been comfortable with my style of shooting for about 2 years now ( mostly abandoned photography). I was about to sell my Fujifilm x100t and the buyer didn't come through on the purchase so I started using it again. I had become accustomed to shooting with the 10-24mm 90% of the time. Something clicked in me when I picked up the x100t again and now I can't get it out of my mind. I am selling my most comfortable lens and my 56mm to buy the x100v. I shoot completely different with that style of camera and focal length. I want to force myself into a corner and shoot my way out....with a camera of course lol. Thanks for listening because my girlfriend is tired of hearing it.
Wow, Mr. Light Architect. What an amazing film! So much knowledge, so much genuine motivation to carry on what you've taught your audience to do: take photographs out of love. From now on, whenever I get shamed by people twice or thrice my age telling me that I'm an outcast, this is what I'll share with them. Beautiful set of images at the end. Neel
Thanks a bunch for getting it off my chest in the most powerful and yet meaningful way: “I’m just a photographer,” and “I’ll shoot what makes me happy.”
It’s amazing. I’ve seen the kind of behaviour you describe in almost everything I’ve studied. I wasn’t a graphic designer because I didn’t know the name of every Bauhaus teacher in the 1930’s, know every design style out there or didn’t set the type kerning in (their) correct ways. I wasn’t a martial artist because the style I practiced wasn’t popular enough, or wasn’t orthodox enough or modern enough. I’m a road cyclist because I wear Lycra, but I’m not a road cyclist because I don’t climb their accepted amount of meters. In every aspect of our life we will find these “self-appointed gatekeepers” that we must overcome to continue our paths. In a way, they are essential to our growth because they show us what the bad example looks like. Once again, Sean, you’ve put the correct words on things many of us struggle with. Thank you!
You are not a portrait photographer.... You are not a photographer..... You are not even an artist..... You are "just" a beautiful soul sharing how IT sees this world. Thank you for being what you are, thank you for sharing your vision and your philosophy :)
'I'm just a photographer and I shoot what I want.' Brilliant video. This is the best 'cocking a snook' at the gatekeepers and control freaks I've ever seen. Thanks Sean.
Thank you, Sir. For me, you have become a singular landmark in the hinterlands of the YT. I am not a photographer. I continue to return to your work because it invariably reinforces the idea that focusing on craft and maintaining our internal compass all while leaning against the current (no small feat) is critical to developing our own voice. Truly creative work represents the best of who we are, regardless of discipline. Your work helps me to keep this in focus.
I truly enjoyed the video, thank you. There is a time to be careless and enjoy anything you photograph. Then there are times to specialize and maintain consistency, mostly for business reasons.
Best advice I have seen. Why do people like photography? Being able to share what they like. People, events, landscape, streets, whatever - sometimes it's the "artistic" merit, but usually it's the fact that it was fun, interesting or informative.
This video means so much to me because people ask me that question too and I always thought I need too pick a lane, so I am learning to stop putting that pressure on myself and just do what I love and that is photography.
Your words are so true! I separate out my different types of photography on social media, but do so just for business reasons (wedding photography on one, event photography on another and so on). I am photographer. I enjoy all types, I shoot whatever I feel like capturing that day and what makes me happy. I am a 'photographer' and I'm very happy with just that one, single label ;-)
The exact same problem exists in archery (which i also practice), and probably mostly anything else. People always try to bring you down because whatever you are doing is not what they imagine it should be called and thus you are a fake, a traitor, a cheat or whatever else comes to mind... I have always been a "jack of all trades, master of none", it's something that somewhat bothers me but at 35 years old i've kinda come to terms with it and accepted i'll never be a "master" and that's that. Concerning photography, i do it entirely for fun, i've never won a single cent out of it and it's not at all in my "field of work". Thus, i just do as you said it - I go out and take pictures of things that capture my attention. Most of them are trash. Some are nice. I enjoy it, my wife enjoys it, it's one of the things i do for fun and am kinda proud of it too. | also come from a scientific education and work in IT, i understand that labeling and categorizing things can be beneficial, but honestly i don't think it should apply to art. And even less should it be forced unto people, used as a "weapon" and gatekeeping bullshit.
I find your style very suitable for me. I tried watching every popular photographer, learn their style, technique. But then i still find myself lost because even though i watch a bunch of videos about photography, it doesnt speak to what i really want. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, you're the only photographer I watch that speak to the soul of starters like me
Glad you liked the term "Light architecture" when we met up in Lisbon but my point was and has always been pretty much in line with yours - be a photographer not an X-Y-Z-photographer - nor did I expect you to identify or distance from the label.
Shooting concerts and people is what makes me happy. Been a struggle to keep any kind of motivation during lockdown, but this video and others on your channel certainly help. Cheers!
Excellent! I've got to share this, it's such an important message. I love photography and I love editing too and just do what makes me happy, the photography and art community would be a happier and more creative place if more people learned this philosophy from the start of their journey. Thank you, Sean!
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The most liberating piece on photography I've seen on TH-cam so far! I told a friend of mine that she has such a keen eye for making photographs and that she should really try to develop it. Of course she asked me -How? I told her I'll be back after this weekend trying to give her some input because I need to think about the answer. Thanks for helping me formulating an answer that she might find reasonable and worth thinking about!
Sadly, as a species we seem to crave a label. Whether it's being a supporter of a sports team, wearing branded clothing or owning a well known "professional" camera, us humans feel more comfortable being labelled as something. The word sheeple springs to mind. I am a 'Jack -of-all-trades'. I love being able to go out and shoot whatever catches my eye. I personally don't think stressing over what type of photographer I am is going to make me a better one. I'm more creative if I have no boundaries or labels. Thank you for the video.
Actually I'm a musician and for years the first question 9 in 10 interviews where - what type of genre do you play, and my answer was always, I'm a musician - guitarist , I try to play all and nothing, I love play music and I don't care the type that I play, always hated labels and now for some years I started to be a Photographer and guess what, I'm like you I love portrait but I love landscape or food photography, flat photography, etc, so I love Photography and my answer is the same that was when I was a musician for 25 years, but now instead I'm a musician is I'm a photographer. So, I LOVED THIS VIDEO AND WHAT YOU SAID, but if someone like to say they are a Landscape photographer or other thing and they like saying it I don't mind but like you said in the end "SHOOT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY" no labels or genres...
As a Chair of a Camera Club its so refreshing to hear your message Sean. We get labelled as "Landscape photographers" of "Street" or "macro" but at the end of the day, we should yes, just shoot what makes us happy-if a judge or a critic doesn't like my images but I do, then me liking it is all that matters. Thank you.
Being a "Portrait Photographer" I take that label so I can do a portrait of a landscape, still life, street, piece of trash. I don't need a human to be a portrait photographer anything is a portrait...J
I don’t know why i got emotional when you mentioned “middle management”. Maybe I experienced that or maybe I am one bit it made me feel something and I felt like sharing this to you
This is the most polite and savage burn to gatekeeping photographers ever
couldn't agree more, enjoying every second of this video 👍📸
that's right. some people just can't get over the fact that talent suits so many styles, genres, and approaches.
That is not real commentary. It lacks punctuation.
Baruch Cohen Got em 😂
gatekeepers never go into the party.
"I'm just a photographer. I'll shoot what I want." The most liberating phrase for all who create.
That doesn't mean you could get into a private place and start shooting but public places are fair game.
Agreed!
Totally wholeheartedly agree
Am I the only one who gets inspired and energized after watching one of his videos?
It’s the music
@@MrPhotographerDude It's more the words 😉
Have u looked at the sub count?
Phil Roussin it’s the invisible energy
Absolutely every time!
"What type of photographer are you?"
"The type that takes photos."
WORD!!
The pioneers and innovators are the ones that just do it. Those who can’t innovate spend their time telling everyone else what they’re doing wrong.
Agreed:) I hope you're doing well mate.
It's so excelently said! (sorry for my english :) )
Agreed!! I used to be in a group where there's this admin that keeps telling people: "your photos don't show a story". I was struggling so much to understand what the admin meant until I broke out of this mindset of "a story" and started taking photos I just thought were interesting. I gradually improved way more than when I was in that group
Jamie, you and Sean (who I somehow only just recently discovered) are two of my greatest photographic inspirations. I appreciate your endless generosity in sharing your knowledge and skills. I happened across this video on a day when I was struggling with my sense of legitimacy and it was exactly what I needed. I am a photographer. Full stop.
I think that's so important. Don't ever let them stop you enjoying taking photos
This reflects life, not just photography. Oscar Wilde said, ”Be yourself, everyone else is taken”.
nice one.
@@rokpodlogar6062 A real nice one!!!
Truer words were never spoken. Thank you, Sean!
“You can know the name of a bird in all the languages of the world, but when you're finished, you'll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird... So let's look at the bird and see what it's doing - that's what counts. I learned very early the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something.”
― Richard P. Feynman, "What Do You Care What Other People Think?": Further Adventures of a Curious Character
Damn! That was beautiful...
Because. . . Feynman. :)
Oh, how dead-on you are! In the Spanish language, there are two words for the verb "to know". Saber, meaning to have factual or technical knowledge, and Conocer, meaning to have intimate knowledge--or to know with one's soul. Interesting, the difference in the depth of knowledge between the two.
Stillwaters Farm Thanks! The same difference in German: wissen = saber = factual knowledge; kennen = conocer, more like 'to be acquainted with'.
It feels like a part of me would be missing if it was not for me knowing about Richard Feynman. What an inspiring mind.
I am a new photographer, still studying and learning (which is one of the reasons why I watch you), but I really, really appreciate your comments on this video. I like it not just as it relates to photography, but as it relates to life in general. You have a great philosophy Sean! Thanks.
You're such an inspiration, Sean. That's what you are. That's a label I'm comfortable putting on you. And I don't care if you accept it or not. :)
I totally agree. I wanted to say the same but you were first 😉 take care 😉
real
"Middle management photographers" LOL!!! Exactly. The ones that will criticize your equipment, knowledge, skills, work flow, style, etc. in order to feel better about their insecurities... I wonder, if they know so much about photography, and they're so experienced, what are they doing wasting their time on my work. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I don't know how good of a priest you were, but as a photography mentor, you're among the best people I've met in my life. God bless.
Love that term! Hahaha
@@blackjohnny0 Yeah, I get you. I guess it happens in every profession, but those art related (like photography), are usually the ones full of guys that cannot out into work how talented they are, therefore they talk so much about others... Cheers!
You answered you own questions.Think about what kind of dirtbag worries about what cameras and gear I use,as if it's his damn business.That's some fascist,insecure,suspect person.
Middle management photographers. Like those that are quick to “offer their opinion” uninvited and seem surprised if challenged on their negativity. Like an ex-friend who bristled with indignation when challenged: “I’m just giving you my opinion”, he said. In response: “I know but I didn’t ask for it and I’m not interested”
Why do I feel positive and energized when this man finishes talking? We need all out leaders to be like this. Bless this man
“Just a Photographer”...yes - frees up the body and soul to be creative....Thank you
"If you drop me anywhere in the world with a camera in hand I will just start taking photographs because it's what I love to do". That's it. That. Is. It. That's THE sentence, right there.
Wonderful video. Wonderful message.
Now in my 70th decade of life, I’ve realized that as soon as a person is labeled, the danger is that no one will ever really “see” the person again. They may only see the label. As usual, I enjoy your wisdom. Thank you for sharing it.
Philip Shucet you making it to 700 years old is really something....lol
I'm just kidding you...I agree with what you said, as soon as you label something you limit what you perceive what it can be...
Very wise words indeed
I just turned 64 and the older I get the clearer it becomes that I know NOTHING.
Great video Mr. Tucker. Thank You.
Sean, you are more than a photographer. You are an amazingly inspiring human being who also happens to know how to take great photos of pretty much anything. You are a motivational speaker, a philosopher and a storyteller. Keep inspiring us. Subscribed.
I love this, there is a huge amount of gatekeeping in photography. Shoot what you want to shoot, postprocess however you want to postprocess. Who cares? It's your art do whatever you want.
That`s the pure essence of photography - don`t let anyone tell you how to enjoy your photography journey. Enjoy it yourself. And make the most of this joy without anyone`s approval or praise.
Sean you are a breath of fresh air!! I cannot express how much I love this video. I recently had someone go through my IG feed labeling any street image that violated his rules with the comment **NOT STREET PHOTOGRAPHY ** rules like .. if subject sees you, it’s not street photography or if the subject takes more than 1/3 the frame it’s not street photography. It made me so angry I considered deleting my whole IG feed. I have another local pro who is constantly on me because I should only post 1 genre. I’m not a pro, I’m a hobbiest and my only client is ME. I really needed to hear this Sean!!!! Thank you!
I'm sorry to hear that my friend. Best just to block them and keep shooting what you enjoy.
Amazing that someone would deputise themselves as the photography police, and run through your whole IG. I agree, block them and move on.
Go on and do what you love. I think that this should be applied even if you would've been a pro!
I’ve experienced this too Jim. I don’t understand why any self titled creative would ironically insist on one genre delivered in one style. Of course they are free to do that if they choose but not insist I somehow should comply with their own preferences to be validated in some way. Unique and individual is good, not same and generic. Don’t get dispirited, paddle your own canoe as they say 😊
Hahaha, oh wow. Imagine being that arrogant and full of yourself that you think being the sherrif is okay. Imagine how good his photos could be if he spent more time working on his craft then chastising people
"Photograph what makes you Happy" - In a way, it's kind of sad you need to tell people this.
Great video Sean. Well done.
It’s 2020 a lot of people have underlying medical conditions
I have tried for the last two years to get myself "out there" by setting up a couple of websites and joining Instagram in. I have made one sale in all that time. I have though had a lot of people telling me that I'm wasting my time. During the lockdown, I have got more and more depressed and was on the verge of chucking it all in. This video has made me re-think and reset. Onwards for me, from now on. Haters gota hate! Thank you for giving me the strength to carry on. Keep it real mate, you don't know how much you have helped me.
This is exactly what I needed to hear! Comparing and limiting myself has kept me away from photography for quite a while. This just gave me the confidence to go out there and enjoy pressing the shutter how I initially used to❤
This is exactly my case.
I have been a professional photographer for over thirty years (by the definition of making a living as a profession). I was taught all the technical methods for natural modified natural and artificial light. As I grew I began to see the knowledge as a box. I believe you should learn but learn it then forget it. When you were young, you had to concentrate on every movement your fingers made while learning to tie your shoes. After a while, tying your shoe didn’t require thinking about each movement. So too is the information about light, composition, and all the other things. So many people confuse what they like with technical. I like a lot of things that violate other photographer’s technical definitions of what is right. As much as learning the rules is an acquired skill, so too is learning to let go and seeing the possibilities and beauty of not following those rules or living outside the box.
yes, before breaking the rules, I must know what are these rules, or if I wanna thinking "outside the box", I must know what is that box. But the problem of a lot of people nowadays they even dont have the basic skills or basic knowledge, and they try to break something they really dont know what is that. So at least they should know what happened in photography history, what the genres or types or movements.... and then they can break everything. Too much time and effort, people would not do that, instead, they just make some random craps and say big words about that.
I am not a photographer. I am an architect. Today people can not easily make a building as using smartphone and taking crap photos. But who knows? Maybe in next 10 years with the power of technologies, 3D printing or something like that, anyone can create his/her own buildings just by some clicks. And then the future people argue about "why I must learn architecture to make houses? why I must know about style and "labelling" and history and etc... I make my own house, I have my style...." Same story is happening with photography today when everyone can easily buy cameras!
I never understood why people are always looking for faults in other people's work. I guess they're just jealous. Your work is awesome, and it doesn't matter much to me what labels are put on it. People can call your portraits for architectural photography for all I care, in my mind it's simply great art. Thank you for everything you share!
“Are you kidding me? That’s going on my business card!” Haha, great comment. That made me hit the like button!
Made me subscribe.
It is a great comment, but I feel obliged to mention don't put Light Architect on a business card. The US has incredibly restrictive laws on labeling yourself with certain profession names that are licensed. Architect is one of those. Friendly PSA to alright who sees this that it is illegal to market yourself as any flavor of Architect (even if you aren't doing architecture) without being a licensed Architect
Photography, for the joy of it!
I love this so refreshing, you cannot label creativity
Your title alone gave me a permission I am thankful for. I spend too much time worrying about WHAT to photograph. Such a simple answer ; photograph what you want to. Forget about outside considerations. I love it!
TH-cam's got a bug. I'm looking for a heart, but all I find is a thumbs up ❤
This video goes way beyond photography. Substitute photographer with painter, writer, actor, artist, person wearing any type of clothes or none at all. Or simply substitute photographer with human being, and this video still holds every bit of depth to it.
Love this channel as it is so real and down to earth. Zero non sense of promoting fancy gear, just RAW photography and pursuit of art! There are way too many insecure photographers out there trying to make people purchase their "bundles" and preset packs which basically produce more insecure photographers in an endless cycle! You my friend are an inspiration to all of beginners much like my self! Please continue to do what you do! Thank you Sean!
"...if you have a camera, and you love taking pictures, you *are* a photographer."
...thank you 🥲
in that case, i love light architecture
Gabriel GarciaNa me too
I take you (video, words = iPhone and earbuds) along into my pandemic garden daily as I walk, dig and plant. You have brought thoughtfulness into my isolation... You have helped me to be more kind to myself, to not compare but to celebrate what drives my photography... Thank you.
Aloha, As a retired Marine Combat Correspondent (Photography, journalist) I’ve fallen into a category that secures the artist within me. As a Marine, I had to shoot all sorts of assignments. Today, this talent blends well into our society. Your video exemplifies the artist within me. Thank you for speaking to the thousands of photographers that fall into “Shoot what we love to shoot.” Mahalo’s, Jesse Lora
🙌🏼 😊 say no more. You have captured in words "Motivation to hunt a image " because you love photography
This is far more than photography. You can apply this to other parts of your life. Dress how you like and don't worry about what label you belong to. Become confident and love who you are and don't let judgement define who you are. Incredible message Sean.
Sean you are just so inspiring. Since i found your Videos here on YT you are one of my biggest Idols in photography. Keep up your awesome work.
This is why I continue to watch Sean's videos, I don't want to be categorized by middle management, I just wanna go out and enjoy my walks with camera in hand and shoot what makes me happy!
Keep up the fantastic work Mr. Tucker. You're are an inspiration to many of us "photographers".
I only started with photography less than a year ago and as a beginner I couldn't agree more with this. I still have so much to learn about the technical aspects, but more important is that photography teaches me to pay more attention to the world around me. That makes photography such an enjoyable experience to me.
This is liberating. So many photographers are unhappy because they don't get the recognition they expect. Thank you!!
Found you through photography, stayed for your wisdom. Thank you @Sean Tucker for making the world of TH-cam photographers meaningful.
OUTSTANDING video. AMEN! "I'm just a photographer" that's me. I photograph what I'm feeling at the moment. I need no labels. Society try's to label EVERYTHING now days... I LOVE your channel. Your the most down to earth photographer on TH-cam.
Sean, you are one of the most inspiring photographers out there who creates an art not to please other people, but for yourself. Really admire your work and thank you for sharing.
Well said again. As I am very partially sighted I have been told by so many so called pro togs that I should never be taking photos at all, once I calm down a bit and half hit them I then say that I can do what the hell I want to. Also been told that as I don't sell my photos I can't be a photographer, again after hitting them and showing them the references I have on purpleport from some of the top UK models they go away and leave me alone.
Photography has saved me mentally as I deal with my sight loss and I have learned from the great models I hve been so fortunate to work with in the past 3 years.
Keep smashing it Champ!
Beethoven was deaf, by their logic he had no business making music. Screw those assholes!
Same...
Some people in life are just wankers plain and simple. Maybe the feel threatened. Good to see you sticking it to them.
What you said is very powerful. Not just for photography but for everything one does in life. Let my kids watch this and hopefully they listen.
I’m grateful for you! As a new photographer, I don’t know yet what type of photography I want to do. And the reason is I’m not sure if I want to fit into one type only. Imma do my thing and let the people label it 🙂
Really feel refreshing that all those video you make talking about not to afraid of being labelled or people trying to tell you you know nothing, maybe that’s truth but at least you’re expressing yourself honestly.
Feels like your talking to me. I don’t consider myself talented, or creative, I just love taking photographs.
I truly and absolutely Love what I will call your 'Psychology and Philosophy of Photography.' Your insightful and uplifting words to new or seasoned Photographers are just brilliant. Thank you for being you... keep sending these messages. Please. You Da' Man.
When I first got into photography, I expected to find a community of people more people like Sean. I was disappointed to find many more people like what Sean describes - if you're not doing it their way you're doing it wrong. As much as I'd like to engage and share with the community, I can't help but feel them suck the life and soul out of me. Thank you Sean for the uplifting commentary, the photography community needs more of this.
A real breath of fresh air for beginners like me.Just photograph what you want.How simple,How cool.Thank you very much...
We need more Sean Tuckers in our world.
This might be the best video ever made. Hands down. Photography, art, sports, media, tech, work, life. Anything. THIS RELATES TO EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE
This is so refreshing. I've been in the presence of photographers who know how to politely dismiss the work of others by labelling it in a passive-aggressive show of disdain. "His work looks good. I find it very pictorial." Or "He seems to shoot what he knows will make a fine print but I don't get the story." Every time a small part of myself wants to ask them to take an unsatisfying fuck at their labels and allow the rest of us to express ourselves and have been silent so far. I think my reply in the future will be simply, "Well, they shoot what they love and that's what counts." Thank you sir for turning an angry sentiment into such a beautiful way of looking at photography and expression in general.
Shoot what makes you happy - so easily forgotten on the photographers journey! An inspirational message eloquently put, thank you.
"middle management photographers" tend to be moderators in Facebook groups!
Yeah! Gate keepers need a gate.
So true, and more true in German FB groups :)
I'm a member of a food photography group on FB and they have a rule that you MUST post exif data on every photo else your post will be removed. It comes across as needlessly hostile and gatekeeper-y and I avoid going on there now. They justify it as helping people learn but really, once you get past the basics of how your aperture affects depth of field, the rest of the information is completely useless. The iso was as low as possible, the shutter speed was high enough that the image is sharp - who really cares about the exact details?
Instead of learning from what's posted, I just watch people grow frustrated at times saying "I don't know what the shutter speed was, why does it matter?" and having their creation removed. Their group, their rules I suppose - but the chief proponents of these rules not only post some rather mediocre images themselves, but justify it as basically saying "these are the rules". Not for good, genuine well thought out reasons, but because they're the rules. And you will follow them.
Thank you Sean, as always.
Mark Edridge legit was about to post this same comment 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 YES
Totally agree with you Sean , your work is your own art form no matter the medium and with art there is no limitations
Sean, Thank you for using your platform to address this issue. It DEFINITELY needed to be said, I think this exact same thing every time I hear someone try to tell anyone to put themselves "In a box" in any aspect of life. Keep giving the world your light, you are inspiring our next generation. As an artist, I’m grateful for the work your doing. 🙏🏾✊🏾
I love that you opened the gate and left it open for photographers to be free to shoot what and how they damn well like.
"shoot what makes you happy'
This will motivate me to continue on taking photos. Thank you for your inspiring words!
I watched your video second time Sean , you make me smile and moved...reflecting my own non photography related experience. I m 58, love ballet since my teen, but never had chance to train, went on to be a neurologist. I started ballet training 5 years ago in chicago. I was laughed and ridiculed by friends and others. I never cared and kept learning from all the best teachers in the city, I went to New York and Boston took many classes I could while visiting. Today, I m comfortably saying, there is no professional level classes I am not confident to take, including from some of the most famous ballet companies, such as Royal Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet, bolshoi Ballet. And I am still keep pushing and learning. I don’t know of any man at my age who never danced ballet till age 53 can dance ballet better than me. Looking back, the only reason I m at where I m, is because I did what I love and nothing else would bother me or stop me from doing that. It s not I m trying to be someone, or proved to someone I can do it, or get to somewhere as goal, it s the joy of being in ballet class, being free, being able to see part of me that I never knew, being in zone of happiness. thanks Sean. Sorry for being off the topic :))
This also applies to anything in life. You don't have to live by labels or check marks. It's great to see minds alike making these videos. I'm just a hobbyist photographer learning all the curves and I don't think in categories when I'm shooting, I just shoot
Small rant: I've been comfortable with my style of shooting for about 2 years now ( mostly abandoned photography). I was about to sell my Fujifilm x100t and the buyer didn't come through on the purchase so I started using it again. I had become accustomed to shooting with the 10-24mm 90% of the time. Something clicked in me when I picked up the x100t again and now I can't get it out of my mind. I am selling my most comfortable lens and my 56mm to buy the x100v. I shoot completely different with that style of camera and focal length. I want to force myself into a corner and shoot my way out....with a camera of course lol. Thanks for listening because my girlfriend is tired of hearing it.
Totally correct! Putting people in boxes is limitting or inhibiting their creativity
Wow, Mr. Light Architect. What an amazing film! So much knowledge, so much genuine motivation to carry on what you've taught your audience to do: take photographs out of love. From now on, whenever I get shamed by people twice or thrice my age telling me that I'm an outcast, this is what I'll share with them. Beautiful set of images at the end.
Neel
Thanks a bunch for getting it off my chest in the most powerful and yet meaningful way: “I’m just a photographer,” and “I’ll shoot what makes me happy.”
It’s amazing. I’ve seen the kind of behaviour you describe in almost everything I’ve studied. I wasn’t a graphic designer because I didn’t know the name of every Bauhaus teacher in the 1930’s, know every design style out there or didn’t set the type kerning in (their) correct ways. I wasn’t a martial artist because the style I practiced wasn’t popular enough, or wasn’t orthodox enough or modern enough. I’m a road cyclist because I wear Lycra, but I’m not a road cyclist because I don’t climb their accepted amount of meters. In every aspect of our life we will find these “self-appointed gatekeepers” that we must overcome to continue our paths. In a way, they are essential to our growth because they show us what the bad example looks like. Once again, Sean, you’ve put the correct words on things many of us struggle with. Thank you!
“ ‘Light Architect’ is the coolest name. I’m putting that on my business.” FACTS!
Beautiful as always! Thank you so much. Your videos have inspired me to learn so much!
You are not a portrait photographer....
You are not a photographer.....
You are not even an artist.....
You are "just" a beautiful soul sharing how IT sees this world.
Thank you for being what you are, thank you for sharing your vision and your philosophy :)
Gives clarity and coherence - even to an ageing amateur who shoots purely for personal enjoyment
Likewise Ivan 🙂
real talk.. creative freedom is key to have fun and feel good about the photos we make..
I Love your videos.. You are absolutely amazing and inspiring.
'I'm just a photographer and I shoot what I want.' Brilliant video. This is the best 'cocking a snook' at the gatekeepers and control freaks I've ever seen. Thanks Sean.
Thank you, Sir. For me, you have become a singular landmark in the hinterlands of the YT. I am not a photographer. I continue to return to your work because it invariably reinforces the idea that focusing on craft and maintaining our internal compass all while leaning against the current (no small feat) is critical to developing our own voice. Truly creative work represents the best of who we are, regardless of discipline. Your work helps me to keep this in focus.
Spot on. Thank you for putting words to how I feel after watching this video.
"All I want is to take a beautiful image, you can call it whatever you like" 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I truly enjoyed the video, thank you. There is a time to be careless and enjoy anything you photograph. Then there are times to specialize and maintain consistency, mostly for business reasons.
Exactly:)
"Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined." THANK YOU! I just realized i've been waiting my whole life for this quotation.
Let's not forget those photographers who criticize other sensor sizes. haha btw great video Sean, the photography world needs more people like you.
Having spent over a decade feeling inadequate because I don't fit a style, this comes as quite a relief. Thanks Sean.
And do what makes you happy !!!
Best advice I have seen. Why do people like photography? Being able to share what they like. People, events, landscape, streets, whatever - sometimes it's the "artistic" merit, but usually it's the fact that it was fun, interesting or informative.
Your content is so amazing Sean! 🙏
This video means so much to me because people ask me that question too and I always thought I need too pick a lane, so I am learning to stop putting that pressure on myself and just do what I love and that is photography.
Your words are so true! I separate out my different types of photography on social media, but do so just for business reasons (wedding photography on one, event photography on another and so on). I am photographer. I enjoy all types, I shoot whatever I feel like capturing that day and what makes me happy. I am a 'photographer' and I'm very happy with just that one, single label ;-)
This is why you are one of the best photographers out there ! So true and inspiring!
The exact same problem exists in archery (which i also practice), and probably mostly anything else. People always try to bring you down because whatever you are doing is not what they imagine it should be called and thus you are a fake, a traitor, a cheat or whatever else comes to mind...
I have always been a "jack of all trades, master of none", it's something that somewhat bothers me but at 35 years old i've kinda come to terms with it and accepted i'll never be a "master" and that's that.
Concerning photography, i do it entirely for fun, i've never won a single cent out of it and it's not at all in my "field of work". Thus, i just do as you said it - I go out and take pictures of things that capture my attention. Most of them are trash. Some are nice. I enjoy it, my wife enjoys it, it's one of the things i do for fun and am kinda proud of it too.
| also come from a scientific education and work in IT, i understand that labeling and categorizing things can be beneficial, but honestly i don't think it should apply to art. And even less should it be forced unto people, used as a "weapon" and gatekeeping bullshit.
and sailing :)
I find your style very suitable for me. I tried watching every popular photographer, learn their style, technique. But then i still find myself lost because even though i watch a bunch of videos about photography, it doesnt speak to what i really want. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, you're the only photographer I watch that speak to the soul of starters like me
Glad you liked the term "Light architecture" when we met up in Lisbon but my point was and has always been pretty much in line with yours - be a photographer not an X-Y-Z-photographer - nor did I expect you to identify or distance from the label.
Hey mate. No offence taken, as I said in the video. It's the need to give it a label which I find interesting, which I think I told you on the day.
Shooting concerts and people is what makes me happy. Been a struggle to keep any kind of motivation during lockdown, but this video and others on your channel certainly help. Cheers!
Excellent! I've got to share this, it's such an important message. I love photography and I love editing too and just do what makes me happy, the photography and art community would be a happier and more creative place if more people learned this philosophy from the start of their journey. Thank you, Sean!
The most liberating piece on photography I've seen on TH-cam so far! I told a friend of mine that she has such a keen eye for making photographs and that she should really try to develop it. Of course she asked me -How? I told her I'll be back after this weekend trying to give her some input because I need to think about the answer. Thanks for helping me formulating an answer that she might find reasonable and worth thinking about!
Sadly, as a species we seem to crave a label. Whether it's being a supporter of a sports team, wearing branded clothing or owning a well known "professional" camera, us humans feel more comfortable being labelled as something. The word sheeple springs to mind. I am a 'Jack -of-all-trades'. I love being able to go out and shoot whatever catches my eye. I personally don't think stressing over what type of photographer I am is going to make me a better one. I'm more creative if I have no boundaries or labels.
Thank you for the video.
I'm glad we have such thoughtful, well-spoken humans in the world. Thank you 🙏
Actually I'm a musician and for years the first question 9 in 10 interviews where - what type of genre do you play, and my answer was always, I'm a musician - guitarist , I try to play all and nothing, I love play music and I don't care the type that I play, always hated labels and now for some years I started to be a Photographer and guess what, I'm like you I love portrait but I love landscape or food photography, flat photography, etc, so I love Photography and my answer is the same that was when I was a musician for 25 years, but now instead I'm a musician is I'm a photographer.
So, I LOVED THIS VIDEO AND WHAT YOU SAID, but if someone like to say they are a Landscape photographer or other thing and they like saying it I don't mind but like you said in the end "SHOOT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY" no labels or genres...
As a Chair of a Camera Club its so refreshing to hear your message Sean. We get labelled as "Landscape photographers" of "Street" or "macro" but at the end of the day, we should yes, just shoot what makes us happy-if a judge or a critic doesn't like my images but I do, then me liking it is all that matters. Thank you.
Being a "Portrait Photographer" I take that label so I can do a portrait of a landscape, still life, street, piece of trash. I don't need a human to be a portrait photographer anything is a portrait...J
That's a smart way to look at it!
Interesting
Well said, Sean! Labels are such a waste of time unless they're telling you what power cord goes to a certain piece of equipment!
I don’t know why i got emotional when you mentioned “middle management”. Maybe I experienced that or maybe I am one bit it made me feel something and I felt like sharing this to you
I felt the same!