How to become a better photographer through 'visual exercise'
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- čas přidán 13. 08. 2016
- Website: www.seantucker.photography/
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As photographers it's very easy to fall down the deep, dark hole of gear lust; or to get lost in reams of techy info, thinking these things will make us better photographers. They may help you learn how to use the tools, but in the same way as owning a paint brush doesn't make you an artist, becoming a great photographer is about so much more.
The following video gives some of my thoughts on how to 'exercise visually', how to open your eyes to the world around, and how to become photo-aware.
I hope it inspires you to shoot more often, with more abandon, and to develop your photography as art, not science.
Enjoy, and share it on if you found it helpful.
www.seantucker.photography
#photography #streetphotography #visualexercise
It seems a lot of you misunderstood my comment about shallow depth of field, which might be my bad communication, so let me clarify. I said that "I can't hide behind a shallow depth of field" and by shooting deep DOF "I'm not being lazy", precisely because I know I've been guilty of this in the past. If you look at my portrait work you'll see I consider shallow DOF to be a legitimate technique, but I also know that I went through a stage of trying to make boring shots look interesting by just shooting very shallow, instead of moving on to find a genuinely interesting shot. In my mind this is lazy, and bad photography. Shoot deep DOF when I'm out and about forces me to be more disciplined in my composition. It's an exercise, not a rule. If that comment got your back up, perhaps you are in the same boat and need to adjust some things. Ween yourself off shallow DOF and only use it when it's appropriate. Ask yourself honestly, have you been using it as a crutch, like I was?
Sean Tucker your communication is perfect sir.., I got what's you have to share.. thanks for your thoughts..
So articulate. As a new photographer, I'm feeling very inspired after watching. Thank you! Subscribed
This advice is awesome. I've recently been thinking about how common it is to see people shoot wide open all the time, even in scenarios when stopping down to create layers would tell a better story. This is one advantage of crop sensors that most people overlook: using wider lenses to achieve a given 35mm equivalent focal length (eg. ~23mm on APSC to get 35mm FF-equivalent) gives you way more DoF, and like you said, the DoF on phone cameras is huge.
It's also one reason I prefer rangefinder shooting over SLRs; SLRs lie about the DoF unless using DoF preview, whereas the rangefinder window keeps everything in focus.
you are right on this, dont worry. Shallow DOF can easily kill photography if one just stick to it.
It's not a point I've seen made before and it was well made.
Finally I see a smart video about photography that inspires me instead of overwhelming me with all the technical stuff
Gahanika I mean, you still need to know the technical stuff unless you want to shoot in auto mode. Yes you can be a master of the tech and a mediocre photographer, but you can't be inept with your camera and be a good photographer.
takes probably a couple of days to understand your gear with the proper tutorials ,a bit of practice and you're done .Then is just getting faster and make everything in a kind of instinctive and automatic way.
learning how to master photography is like composing music , takes much longer ,you actually never stop .
This is my case after 3 years in this world, I still feel that I have so much more to learn and instead I'm loosing my time watching videos about Nikon having a bit more dinamyc range then canon and fall in the trap that makes me think that I need better gears.
You need to learn how to walk before you learn how to fly, and you need to learn the 'technical stuff' to break the rules. Can't break em if you don't know em.
Couldn't agree more my friend
Agreed
a true life poet...not just a great photographer...you sir inspire me.
I think every photographer should do a drawing course. It’s a great way to train your eyes. Sit down and look at the subject you want to draw. It helps to see the world visually. More in abstract underlaying patterns then in function.
I did just that without connecting the dots to photography. Then one day it clicked. I now find it helpful to return to drawing when I feel my photography is getting stale. The mind is an amazing thing.
I agree started sketching around few years ago and it did improve my photography skills
I wish i had the talent because i love photography
'Photography in the end of the day is still an art'. Thanks for that.
Probably the best-spoken CZcamsr amongst photography circles👍🏼.
"Art is going to come out of experimentation!"
Thank you Sean you are my favourite youtube channel.
Wonderfully said. Even with professional photographers, you can see their personality and feelings reflected in the pictures.
Needed this! In this polluted ocean full of talk about tech specs and gear, this was truely refreshing and much needed. Thank you!
You speak everything I think. Bookmarking this video forever!
Another lovely vid, my friend. Legendary LIFE magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstadt purportedly walked to and from work every day from his home in Jackson Heights, Queens to his office in Manhattan - about six miles each way. And I STILL think if Cartier-Bresson were a 20-something today, he’d be shooting with a smartphone. But that’s just me.
Within the first 2 minutes of this video after hearing you talk and reference Herzog I hit subscribe. You understand exactly what photography and what it is for, and I feel many camera crazed consumers (myself included) need to be reminded that what we photograph is more important than what we photograph with. Thank you for this video and I can't wait to see more!
More than 2 yrs have passed since you posted this, your captured moment still gives ppl a good lesson. Thank you.
The two things that always make me hyper aware of my surroundings - riding my motorcycle and walking the city with my camera in hand. Great video as always my man!
I really enjoy your videos! I just can't find my words to describe how much you help us. CZcams needs more photographers like you.
Thank you Sean! This video is everything. This is the essence of photography. And now I understand better why I have always loved to photograph. It helps me to be present in the moment. The small details, the light and shadow contrasts, the movement around me....everything matters. These moments of observation bring me peace and I feel connected with the place where I am, with life. And that is the essence of this beautiful ART.
Being influenced by so-called "theme" in instagram made me had barriers that I mostly only take photos that will benefit my IG feed, however, you made me feel like I should explore more, and experience more on the photography. Thank you.
You are spot on! Photography is about seeing others and how to see and capture others true unhidden self, and sometimes this takes life experience, patience and just being able to wait for great light and real true emotion. You are a true artist! Love your work.
My great grandfather was a photographer during WW2 and looking through his printed work it's crazy to see how everything is composed in the frame where it should be and it makes it all so much more interesting to look at
I have never ever commented on any CZcams video but this video made me do so. I love shooting with my iphone, for me it's all about capturing that moment. I try not to use any filters, or edit my photos because I want my photos to look the way my eyes see it. Went through a couple of CZcams accounts which were mostly about dslr technical know-how .. but I don't even own a proper camera! Was even tempted to send some pictures to those accounts for a critique but felt sort of shamed that my photos weren't professional enough or even taken with a dslr. BUT Your video, your message, is an encouragement. Thanks!
Your voice, the poetic manner of speaking, the video composition, background music. Nothing less than perfect. Inspiring. Amazing.
I clicked subscribe 35 seconds into the video.
Thanks mate:)
Wassim Murr Same here
Sean Tucker the most beautifully shot instructional video on CZcams. The Crazy Bavarian Bullfrog would be proud. The information was great too; all the best to you sir
Not quite that early, but way before the end. Thanks Sean Tucker.
I waited 36 seconds.
I never thought of shallow depth of field as cheating. Interesting perspective. I'll have to start trying a broader depth
+Cole. Brown shallow DOF is a legitimate technique, I just know I use it to cheat when I can't get a background to work. It's a good exercise to shoot deep:)
I'll definitely try it! I'm watching at least one photography video a day for 2017. Your channel has been a goldmine so far. Thank you!
+Cole. Brown you're welcome:)
I was recently challenged to begin shooting at only f/8 and higher. It was one of the best changes I've ever made and I think that it has truly made me improve artistically as a photographer
lilblingking1491 I do all my "real" photography shooting on instax mini film. It has really reinspired me years after all my camera gear was stolen.
Now after 10 shots a roll, I've learned to be more selective in my lighting, subject, and framing, even inspiring me to be more bold in my shots by asking strangers to pose to make the most of my film.
I'm moving back to 35mm film now as I realize digital photography just doesn't capture light the way film does.
Refreshing video. I searched CZcams for “how to push yourself to become a better photographer”. So glad to find a video that doesn’t give 5 tips to improve your photos and tells me that I need to use rule of thirds and shallower DOF. We have to go deeper than that and unlock something within us so we can see differently. This was inspirational. Thanks.
Of all the photography-vids I’ve spent time looking at, this is the most important and I watch this one from time to time just to remember what it’s all really about. Thank you Sean 👍
Wow! As an artist (drawing, painting digital) and growing videographer this was perhaps the MOST inspiring and honest teaching about how to shoot great photos and videos ....by experimenting, learning and being observant of your surroundings!!! I felt like I was back in art school with one of my favorite professors!!! Great job Sean! Thank you!
This might just be your best video yet. It puts it all out there. The technique... The philosophy... The heart and soul of photography regardless of what fancy gear you have.
I am really loving your vids as I go through them for the first time today. I've been a photographer all my life, and I learn more each passing year about seeing the world around me. This video really hit home for me. Thanks.
Great , inspiring post, Sean. You're so right. My artist statement includes this line: "My camera's just a tool. It's how I use it that counts. It's not the camera that takes great pictures; It's the photographer behind the lens who makes great photographs." I'm always looking for and seeing patterns, visually interesting scenes & compositions, and light interactions in the world around me. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder in 2008, and living with it has made me a better photographer. My brain looks at the world around me differently, and I see light, shapes, patterns and compositions in a way that I never did before. I was a good photographer before. Now people who see my work tell me that my images are outstanding. Photography truly is a therapeutic and creative art.
"Give me permission to be careless" I love that!
yesss
Excellent comment
One of the best online videos I've seen about developing the "photographer's vision" - life as lived and the importance of light...tchau.
Excellent, excellent. I know the importance of having a "good eye" and I'm glad to see this addressed by someone. Thank you so much for sharing and kicking the cobwebs out of my brain. I'm not a pro photographer, but I like to take memorable images.
I really appreciate that you create videos that touch beginner photographers like me to the core in a way that I stay inspired to keep pushing through to get better. Thank you Sean!
Ditto.
Sean, my friend! This has been some of the most valuable 6 minutes I have watched on CZcams IN A LONG TIME! Thank you for pushing me to get into my environment and stop worrying about all the technical issues of photography! God bless!
+Christopher Soule you're welcome mate:)
Great advice! I also find it important to leave the camera at home during some walks. Try to isolate the pure intention of observing surroundings for more creative discovery.
I been watching yr channel for a couple days what I love about your channel is you, the way you talk, yr ideas, yr vision, how you see things and yr suggestions not too technical, more reality, simple and easy to understand but still keep a bit of technical part that we should be aware. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for your videos. I find them extremely inspiring and almost spiritual. As you said very rightly, there are millions of tutorials for the technical parts, but very very few which teach us how to SEE. For me, photography is not always about getting the perfect settings or composition. It's more about catching a moment, telling a story, sharing an emotion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Peace
Ok,
Hit the nail on the head mate, nice thinking. Currently on holiday with a full frame and an apsc but using smartphone 99% of the time. It's the moment, the composition that really matters.
Loved the quotes at the start. Photography taught me to open my eyes to the world around me and for that I will be eternally grateful.
I've watched a few of your videos recently and they've really made me stop and think about myself. In my mind there's nothing more important in film or photo than making people stop and think. I've subscribed to you now and I can't wait to dive into more of your videos. Thank you Sean.
No question about it a good photographer can find virtually anything to make an interesting composition. Getting that photographer's eye takes time just like everything else you learn. Great video!
So many other photographers say go out and shoot. Its like if you don't feel creative that's hard. But with what you are suggesting is very different. Go out and observe and yes capture things in photo, but just that act of thinking and considering the "whole" world around you. Is a step in the right directions. Thanks you for the change in thinking
You're welcome:)
I keep coming back to this video of yours Sean. It makes sense, thanks mate.
This video has driven almost 10% of your subscriber base and I can see why. Thank you for the inspiration and encouraging words!
Never have I ever NOT fallen in love, with awe and wonder, at what and how this man conveys simply, clearly and straight-forward.
All that with depth.
Next level genius, Sean.
Always an admirer.
Telling stories is what photography is all about. Seeing the world through our own eyes. And in hopes we inspire others to do the same.
Why haven't I listened to you before? You speak from the heart. I am truly enjoying your content. ♥️
So happy to find you... These are the aspects of creativity that 90% of the content is missing on the internet. This pollution of imagery, video, sound and graphics is misguiding and disconnects us from great art - that great moment - which leaves an inspiration for a thousand lives. So glad.
Sean - I am so glad I found you. I am loving this new passion of photography. Being in the moment and chasing the light. I learn something new every day. Thank you for sharing your talent. I look forward to following you on Instagram and being inspired.
Sean, I just found your channel and have been enjoying the content thus far, especially videos like this that discuss the process of making art. I appreciate the thought and time you put into these. Most channels are overly gear centric. I know you do some of those as well, but balance those with videos like this. It helps your channel to stand out because it demonstrates you're interested in saying something about the art itself, not just the tools. I look forward to your future videos. Cheers.
So refreshing to watch a video like this one. In terms of knowledge the technical side of photography is just there so the artistic side doesn't suffer. You master the technical side in about a month or two and yet a lot of people only talk about specs or camera settings. The only thing that maters is the art and the emotion in your work.
Really well said. I remember when I started photography in a more serious manner, two years ago, that I slowed down the pace, that I started to be more aware of people and everything around me, started to look for and find patterns, shapes and interesting angles to what initially seem a boring scene. There's still a lot to be improved but, I'm happy with what I gained so far. A great video and you got yourself a new subscriber :)
This has got to be the most underrated channel on photography. You create great content, Sean. Keep it up!
I‘m so happy, that I have found your channel and your Instagram page. You are so authentic. It‘s a pleasure to see your videos talking about
photographie. Like the style and way you do your videos. There is so much important to learn. Thanks so much for sharing!
I happened to come across your videos few days back. I found your videos different than many videos on photography I watched before. Your videos are inspiring. They give a different outlook towards photography.
Thanks Sean for such videos ! 👍👍👍
Great reminder of what photography is (or should be) about: images that speak to people. Thank you, Sean. This and the others I've seen are a refreshing take on what amateurs like me need to learn.
Thank you Sean. I appreciate all you do.
Composition. Capturing light. Everything in place. Don't 'cheat' with dof. Video. Your video. A breath of fresh air. Thanks.
So glad I found your channel. You are a wonderful teacher of art and life. Thank you for the ongoing inspiration.
Tremendous! Absolute gold! I will revisit this every time I lose my way in my photography. I appreciate the work you put in your videos and the knowledge that you impart. Thank you.
I absolutely needed to hear this today! It resonates with me, and I'm glad to it does with so many others as well.
I loved this. I've been so in my head about technical stuff but this really brought to my attention the reason I started in the first place: ART + LIGHT. Thank you x1000.
Love your philosophy, and how you break down photography into its essence... I currently just take photos with my phone, but your channel has definitely inspired me to try more!
Beautiful Sean. Love the way you put things across, we need more people like you. I'm definitely going to follow your journey.
OMG.. .
You are such a great teacher..creating interest in the subject.Its pleasure to hear u,not only about photo..graphy..but also about real life.Thank u sir.
Sean, you are so pleasing to watch, inspiring and helpful. Also you have an awesome tone of voice, which adds up to the experience. And you don't talk about stuff everyone else does) Thank you!
I love how you are making your videos. You are teaching and showing your style, your taste. I love it
Absolutely agree with this...loving your videos Sean.
I moved home (NZ) from London last year. So nostalgia to see your shots of places I've been or even same frame of photo I've taken walking past!
Fantastic post. Thank you for this. You're spot on about the distractions from actual photography that we indulge in, myself included, in gear fetishisisation. You're also right about the laziness of using shallow depth of field and bokeh (delivered by equipment rather than skill) as a substitute for composition and actually having a subject worth photographing. Your advice to walk and see and experiment is both inspiring and practical. And anyone can do this with the phone in their pocket.
Hey Sean, your channel is amazing! I'm loving it. Congratulations for the great work you do!
This was amazing not just to be a better photographer but to be more in the moment. Love your work man!
Dude, you see the world how it really is. You know what art is and you are inspiring me. Keep up the good work mate.
5 years later and this is still awesome. Great perspectives and shots.
Wow! Truly inspiring! I'm now saving to buy my first dslr. But most times I feel so handicapped because I feel I need a better camera than my smart phone to capture great images. But you have really inspire me to just keep shooting and improve my artistic eye, which is of more importance. Thank you so much!
This is honestly the best photography video on CZcams. Extremely valuable lessons to be learned here.
Very clearly put Sean. Some good points about light and framing etc. You have some strong images shown here-well done.
I just discovered the channel and I finally found the answers to the questions that have been haunting me for a while. Excellent work, please continue :)
This and Adam Marelli's talk for B&H are the best photography lessons I've seen in a while.
I agree it takes practice. I lost some of my skill when I stepped away from photography for several years and just now getting more serious about it again. Still need work on seeing, but with practice it will return. Great video!
The best advice i have ever got for photography. Thanks Sean
I couldn't agree more regarding your comment about shallow depth of field. I totally agree with you.
Excellent video. A few years ago I walked about with only my cell phone camera only for nearly a year. What I discovered first was that I could make good photographs by using the phone within the camera's limitations. The second thing I learned was that looking at the small screen at arm's length allowed me to improve my sense of composition because with my less than perfect eyesight I focused primarily on the geometry in the frame - the shapes, lines, color, and tonality. I would position the phone so what was in the frame looked "right." It was a valuable lesson in seeing.
Just watched another video of yours and very happy to see someone talk about the creative part of photography. I find it fascinating that most of the "photography" channels are only/mostly about gear instead of how to actually become a better photographer. Keep up the great work!
Love your videos Sean! Thanks so much for your work
so inspiring... not only in photography but just existing and appreciating what we are surrounded by
I'm sure there's nothing to be said that hasn't been said; but you make some incredibly good points. Thank you for sharing your words, and your work.
I feel just the same about photography as you do. I am not as an accomplished photographer yet but we share the mindset and seeing how good you are I feel Im on the right track.
Watched one vidéo last night and watched two more in a row right now. Last time I'll do that. Not because I don't like your videos or what you talk to us about, no, no. I drink it all and I am truly inspired by what you explain about your photography, about how your life has affected you being a photograph. It's like reading a good book, sometimes you have to turn it over to the page your on and just think about what you read. So now one at a time, maybe I'll go out and try some of your techniques or otherwise just think a while about what you said. Glad to see you tomorrow Sean.
Thanks Anthony.
Great stuff, Sean! I’ve been guilty of only picking up my camera when I think I’m going somewhere photo-worthy. It’s probably more important to do this kind of visual exercise on a daily basis. Then your ready for when it all falls into place 👍
Great light and life's emotion are the heart and soul of your videos, thanks so very much for all the inspiration. Going out for a walk!
I definitely agree that it can be a crutch to soley rely on the shallow depth of field. I find it's only been recently where I have been playing around with my own aperture and it makes me realize how many shots were slightly out of focus because of that. Cheers to constantly learning and improving!
Not sure how I didn't find your channel earlier but I'm loving it now that I have. I'm feeling very inspired. Thanks.
probably the best content I ever found on youtube! thank you!
This video shed a new light into my mind. Thank you for showing me the way of photography should be.
I started reading The Peregrine because of this video. It is indeed a great book full of breathtaking descriptions and the author demonstrates an incredible level of visual awareness.
I need to watch this again and again. great advice.thank you
Thanks for this. I may never consider myself an artist and I actually love the technical side of photography but it's good to see another point of view put so clearly and honestly.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. This video is inspiring. You, Sir, are so generous to share your insight on photography but I also feel you're talking to my spirit as well. Everything you said makes sense.
Thanks Sean! I really appreciate all your great ideas and hard work sharing them. I am a big fan.