Why no one cares about your Photography (feat.
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In this video I offer some thoughts about why people might not seem to care as much about your most recent work, and how the lack of attention may actually be a good sign. I'm also joined by my friend @SimonBaxterPhotography who offers some examples from the world of landscape photography.
#photography #streetphotography #woodlandphotography
This is spot on. I have a successful professional fine art photo gallery in the USA in a major city and sell prints for thousands of dollars. None of these beginners on social media platforms understand that great art is created in a whole other space than online and can be seen at shows/festivals (e.g., Paris Photo, Houston, New York. New Orleans, Tokyo, etc.). The greats simply don't bother with social media. I mean, they are there, but it has nothing to do with their gallery, museum, and publishing work. Now... here is the thing. These days the majority of people should only shoot for themselves. Being an amateur means loving what you do. So enjoy it and do great work. Start with one true thing. Get off Reddit and other forums and arguing about which camera is best or pixel counts. Most of these people take derivative crappy images and vent there because they don't have the goods. Shoot, print and build an archive for yourself first. Be aware of what other people are doing only so you don't end up being unoriginal. If I see one more Ansel Adams landscape, a Robert Frank "street photographer" derivative work of people crossing streets I will throw up. Be original to challenge yourself. This is very, very, very hard to do. If you must, go find a gallery, show or publisher. But only if you are totally unique and brilliant. But be happy in the simple process of taking pictures, printing them, making books (ala Blurb), and then curating them for yourself and the people who matter to you. Edward Steichen once said that if after a lifetime of making images, you can find only 40 which are great, then you have accomplished something huge. And he did photography a century ago, way before social media and image making devices ranging from cameras to phones and more.
Thank you, we really need this comment printed in frame 🙇♂
I have pursued a parallel life in the arts since forever, especially focusing on painting and later, photography. My professional success allows me to indulge in photography as a personal interest. I don't feel the need to sell prints or seek approval from others to find happiness in it. However, when it comes to my work, posting online holds little significance for me. I'm not interested in amassing a pile of random, anonymous "followers" on social media, which often results in unfulfilling attention. Your advice resonates with me, providing my work with a clear path to follow. While I rarely print my work (I know, I know), I am now open to compiling personal books. I have an incredible collection from the historical center of Milan dating back to 2001, along with numerous portraits. It has been a learning journey that I believe deserves to be shared. Thank you for your wise words. In recent years, I've gained more insights into the art and craft from conservationists, image production designers, and philosophers like Sean Tucker, as well as gallerists, than from photographers alone. Thank you for your wisdom.
Thanks will visit next time in TX
Yup. How many times have you been told by a total beginner to shoot a sunset. I will never shoot a sunset ever, because they happen every single day, and I refuse to follow that lazy route. If I want to see a sunset picture, I'll search google...
I find Sean Tucker my all-time favorite on KZhead. He is an amazing guy and his videos are perfect. @@DJVARAO
I've thought a lot about this. There are two questions every photographer needs to ask themselves: 1) Why do I **make** my photographs? 2) Why do I **share** my photographs. The answers will be different for different people, are often confused with each other, but are rarely the same. One connecting theme, at least for anyone who aspires to make art through their photography, is authentic self-expression. This should be the goal of art (not uniqueness, as some think). For me, at least, I make photographs with the goal of making images that I love; that I can then hang on my wall and smile and remember and feel again that moment of wonder. I want to capture the fleeting experience of my life as beautifully and faithfully as I can. This is self-expression with the emphasis on self. For that, no one's judgment matters but my own. But I share my images with the goal of **connecting** with others - **sharing** my self, my experience, and my feelings - and I do that, I think, to seek communion with others. Simon Baxter understands this distinction, and I think all of us would do well to embrace it.
That's how I felt in the beginning of my career for sure and it's awesome BUT then I wanted to serve others and boy that was hard to figure out but I did and do and WOWZA what a better feeling in my life that I have with what I create :)
Hanging a picture on a wall is the fun thing to do with a photograph. Sadly, most people wouldn't know a great work of art from a fast food hamburger. But for us, it is a hobby first, a way of documenting our life and many times, just for fun. Taking pictures of family and friends gets far more attention than a rotting tree in a forest. We like the tree, everyone else likes pictures of themselves and family. Quite simple. We have to know our target audience, the critics and family/friends. Most of the time, we do it for our personal satisfaction. And let's be real, there are trillions of photos out there that look the same, cover everything in existence and beyond so we should not get too excited about being THE greatest. We are but one in a million photographers.
Agree, yesterday I framed an photo I took with a 2004 6mp camera. I absolutely love this scene. I have taken thousands of photos over the years, nobody sees what I see in this one image, I don't care.
Sean, I appreciate this take on “popular” work vs “mature” work. I do post on FB and find that the Likes are for the typical (easy) pieces, while the images that are kinda beyond my “norm,” are not so popular. I’ve been shooting for over 20 yrs & believe that my images have improved. When I “step out” of the norm, I don’t receive as many likes. Initially, I thought that I was just not doing a good job. After listening to your video here, I’m thinking that perhaps I’m moving beyond my friends/acquaintances appreciations. Sigh. I really am not sure, but making art pieces that are different and a bit out of my own comfort zone bring me more pleasure than the same ol’, same ol.’
Reminded me of Vivian Meier, who took over 100,000 photos throughout her life that were only discovered after her death. She took photographs for her own pleasure and for her own sake and never received any reward - or “likes” so to speak. Unless you're a professional who makes a living at it, ask yourself why you're so upset about the lack of appreciation from others. Our deepest, most sincere values are visible in the things we do, even when no one else cares or sees.
Yes her story and discovery after her death is what got me into street photography If the motivbation is internally driven then there is no need for instagram and the like
she was a bit nuts though 😅
@@slothsarecool The line between being nuts and being a genius is often very thin.
@@slothsarecool I am following in her footsteps - I took 12,000 photos over the course of 2 days at US Open Tennis championship 😁
After I've read about Vivian I was wondering was there more similar "stories" , but the box with film or photos were just put into trash or something. I think her story is truly inspiring and quite motivating during our times, when photography is so mass because of smartphones and most probably there is only one person who really cares about your photography - it's you 🙃
Great thoughts that reflect my experiences. I live near Hamburg, where it's easy to take those high-contrast black and white photos that are hyped on social media. The first pictures make me proud, but it quickly became boring. I took the "Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View" with my iPhone this year, it didn't take a minute and I got likes. On the other hand, it's a real challenge for me to capture the simple beauty of the salt marshes on the North Sea with their muted colours and minimalist structures, and my best pictures will hardly get any likes on social media.
This was so timely for me Sean. I have been shooting for over 15 years. I was invited to participate in my first group photography show in an art gallery. The show comes down next week and I have sold nothing. One of the other photographers exhibiting work shoots and edits their work on their iPhone. They have sold multiple pieces, which leaves me scratching my head. I realize sales do not equate to quality or ability, but it is hard to ignore. I am proud of my work and feel my skill as a photographer has steadily grown. I shoot for myself, which is what I need to remind myself. Thanks again, Sean
What happened is that the people who came to the show weren't your ideal clients. THEY are out there, trust me!
Aww dang. I can totally understand that. It's still pretty awesome that you were featured in a show, though! I get jazzed when a friend uses one of my picture as a wallpaper for a while lol.
@@photobizmethodor they aren't and your work isn't as good as you think it is?
Out of curiousity what are your thoughts on the other photographers iphone photos? Were they simple and loud or complex and nuanced? Did you enjoy them? Were they of a different genre than your work?
Agreed with @bladerealm124 - I wouldn't discount a photographer purely because they used a phone. A lot of great photographers in history have used cameras with significantly lower quality sensors. The more common trap is the opposite - people assume that a great camera will make their pictures great. That, and the subject of this video, are both dangerous because some people will use it as an excuse to stop improving themselves.
Just in time for my breakfast. Love a Sunday sermon from Friar Tuck!
Friar Tuck:)
This is why I’ve started to move towards gallery walls and zine/books for my work now. Wonderful video, been having these feeling for a while.
As an economist (amateur photographer) I must say that the concept of “sales man” is precise. The elements and values that you describe are those that I learned in my university studies. Thank you so much for the video !
What I have found in my work is that I now need to work on projects, themed work that is considered and consistent in its style and theme!
Far and away one of the most thoughtful KZheadrs speaking to creatives today. Excellent stuff, Sean-increasingly glad I found your channel amongst all the gear reviews and hype videos.
This entire video is wonderful, but the comparison of character vs personality is absolute gold. Thanks again Sean (and Simon) for more worthwhile philosophy for me to mull on.
Sean Tucker, his work and colleagues have character. Thanks for making this world that bit better Sean and co.
Thanks my friend.
So well articulated. Unfortunately, many people still perfectly equate likes with inherent worth; it is a powerful drug. Many will be happy to stay on that Merry-go-round forever. How many genuine talents will be lost to this diversion we will never know.
Thanks for making this video and the message contained in it. The ending statements really brought home the feeling that I think a lot of us longer term photographers are starting to feel. Great to see Simon also embracing this idea of context in how he approaches taking and sharing his work.
Wonderful perspective. Thank you.
As always Sean your videos remind me how I was originally drawn to becoming a photographer. It was finding those rare gems of photos that became more interesting the longer I looked at them and wanting to create gems of my own. We are bombarded with so many images these days, particularly on social media, that it can be challenging to slow down and find those pictures that say more than just the obvious.
Food for thought, thank you for your fresh perspective! I look forward to following your channel.
Thank you! I needed to hear this!!!!
Such an important message.. thanks for sharing 🙏🏽
I really appreciate that you’re able to consider your own work in such a clear-sighted way. It can be tricky to be objective when thinking about the merits of your own work and your practice. Always so much so think about in your videos, thank you.
Great video. This reminds me of Fred Herzog, considered a pioneer of colour photography in the 1950’s and 60’s. It was very difficult to print colour photos back then, so he kept taking pictures of life in East Vancouver, and working as a medical photographer. His work was not really recognized until he was 77 years old, but it did not matter. He did not do it money of fame. He just kept up taking photos, pushing that rock up the hill.
Thanks for this! Good insights.
This is all quite encouraging. Thank you, Sean.
Love how you reframed thinking about social media attention there. As deep as always. Thank you from the heart for what you're doing Sean.
Very true and I can't agree more. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Sean and Simon in one video on a dull Monday morning talking about something I find myself in the middle of... This is going to be a good week😃
Thank you so much for this, you and Simon have put in words some feelings and thoughts I am having since a few months about my work and social media and greatly helped to put some order in this madness! 😁
This is a great conversation because it has been happening in my own work and I hadn’t noticed. You’re absolutely right that simple images attract (for lack of a better term) simple minds. I look forward to slowly shifting my work to reflect my true interests.
Thanks for this video! I've been watching your channel for years and it's been super helpful and inspiring. One of my favourite things about your videos is the mature, simple and slower-paced approach. Thanks and hope you're doing well. :)
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!! I've been thinking about this but was never able to verbalize it so eloquently even to myself. Shortened attention span and never ending stream of new "in-your-face" images to scroll through don't lend themselves to photos that require time and/or effort to appreciate.
Thank you Sean! They information you share and the way you share it is simply amazing. Thank you for the inspiration and your honest wisdom. You make us all better by what you do.
This was a great thought. Thanks for sharing it so articulately for us!
Beautifuly said !
One of your best videos! I’m going through that transition now and trying to figure out how to get out of my high intensity (dawns, sunsets) comfort space and into more subtle and challenging work.
Thank you for this conversation.
Great video, Sean. It's funny, because this is the 2nd video I've seen recently about the whole comparison between Character and Personality. Makes me want to look into that book some more.
Hi Sean. This one really hits home. I've been in a photographic rut lately. I love "street" photography but have found that when I go out and shoot, I'm all too often confronted with the same old shots that you see all over social media (and that I've taken plenty of times myself). Stealing a page (or thought) from your book, I feel as if I'm in that liminal space between shooting the same old shots and not yet finding a new direction. I know I'll eventually find my vision so I'm not worried. Just need some time to work through it. Interesting that you mentioned Susan Cain's Quiet. Just finished it and couldn't help but having felt similar thoughts to your observations.
Brilliant. Very insightful.
Man you hit the point here up to today I was thinking of this Don't please the machine and socials please yourself and grow as an artist Kudos sir I love these videos and interviews very inspiring and informative
Thank you Sean Needed this 😊
I really need to hear this today. Thank you for your wise perspective on things, as always 💕
Thank you for sharing this.
As usual a lot to think about. Keep up the great work!
Loved the video and the message. It reminded me of your conversation with Saddoris, where you mentioned the first drawing your mom put on the fridge, praising it, and how good it felt. The need for approval seems to stick with many of us for a while; shaking it off is the challenge.
This makes so much sense! And I needed to hear this today! Thank you! Also, extremely interesting to hear the reflection about character vs personality and the switch from responsible mature adult to salesmen in crowded cities. Will certainly keep this video in mind. The growth is so important and is quite unstoppable, no matter the feedback from social media. And that's the way it should be.
As always, loving your insights into things. Not much else to say, really, spot-on 👍🏻
This resonates with me so much, right now! Beautiful said by you and Simon. I’ve recently started to understand why it is I take photos and the types of images I want to take. Sadly, this was previously dictated (more influenced) by the social media platforms based on the likes for particular images or styles. I now know my path, the likes are minimal or ‘slow burns’ but for me that now sits more comfortably as it feels vindicating because the work is for me and is representative of my maturing style. Thank you, Sean (and Simon).
Thank you for this video. I am definitely on a growing path as a photographer. I love the idea of building character and deeper connection to my work. 🙌😍
Thanks Sean, your videos have always been so inspiring... You are able to pick up the thoughts of a photographer and talk about it .. Comforting..Thanks for your effort in making these videos ..May you grown leaps and bounds...🙏
Spot on!
Sincere gratitude for just being you. I know you have helped me many times to “keep it real”.
Eye-opening reflexions, well thought thru and well presented! Thank you!!!
As always, a super interesting thought that leaves you thinking about our journey. Merci beaucoup!
Sean - you were one of the first photographers I watched on KZhead a couple of years ago when I was starting to be more serious about my photography - it was a video on how to edit to make striking portraits. I've developed in a different direction now, more towards seascapes, landscapes and nature, but videos like this one cut across genres and can inform and inspire anyone. I really think you are the most thoughtful and thought provoking photographer on KZhead today. Thank you!
Such a great presentation of a very important topic. Made me rethink some of my own misgivings about posting online. Thanks for this.
Bravo. So true.
Such an insightful video as ever. Cheers Sean
Thanks for this video, spot on !
Excellent commentary and insight in life and in art and how they intersect. Well done Sean. I see why you have over half a million subscribers. Well done indeed. Character over flash. Build depth in your life and in your art. I'm a subscriber now and really look forward to more of your intersection moments.
very true words, delivered in a peaceful and nuanced way. thank you and congratulations.
Thank you so much for this inspiring video ! 🙏😊
Absolutely hit the nail on the head with this Sean. Top job.
Fascinating
Always sharp and smart, I love to hear your thoughts. Thanks.
Fascinating insights. Thank you.
This is so true, thank you for sharing this video. It really makes sense and reminded me to stay true to myself and my growth going forward.
Art needs no confirmation from others, it's the own soul that's tells us if it's meaningful or not.
Unless you want to eat and have a roof over your head.
@@cliveadams7629Not every artists want or need to sell their art. Indeed, most artists never do. Of those who do, frighteningly few are successful enough that they can pursue their art without compromising it to make it more likely to sell. It’s okay to sell out, just don’t pretend your art is meaningful anymore. As a practical example, the wedding photographer who takes the same bland portraits every couple wants and expects. Are we supposed to believe that all wedding photographers are in some sort of hive mind and share the exact same taste? Of course not. They compromise their integrity to make a product the client wants. That’s not a criticism, I admire the skill it takes. But it’s no more art than the plumbing in my house, the wiring loom in my car or the detection of the Higgs boson.
@@PippetWhippet So you wouldn't count Dali as an artist? Fair enough.
Very good video Sean totally makes sense thank you for sharing it. I follow both Simon and you and is always a pleasure to see the work you both create
Maxing video and interview, thank you!!
Thank you so much, as always, Sean 🙏 Even if i'm not and never will be a professional photographer, i will always keep on watching your super inspirational videos, like this one 🙏 THANKS 🙏
Sean, I really appreciate your insight, its so refreshing and well thought. Please keep doing this, at your own pace, but keep doing. Thank you
That’s totally true thanks for sharing I’m experiencing this and I’m totally aware.
You never disappoint, I saw this video’s thumbnail days ago but was in a busy time. Preferred to save it to when I could actually immerse in it, and it made my weekend!
Excellent. Thanks
I love Simon. His videos are so peaceful and packed with knowledge. He's a true artist.
Very interesting observations! Thank you.
Thank you!
Spot on and well put. It's easy to get side tracked when previous success is suddenly fading. You wonder what you are doing wrong while all you did is getting better. Many thanks for the encouraging pep talk.
So excellent!
Quiet - great book! Enjoy. Hopefully you will get a lot out of it Sean. Thanks, as ever, for your video.
I never really thought about it this way before but it does make a lot of sense. I ended up deleting most of my social media because I felt like nobody liked my work anymore and it was tough to swallow the amount of effort I put into a photograph to get little attention but perhaps like you say it might be because I reached a new level in photography where my work no longer appeals to beginner photographers on social media. Hmmm, this is pretty interesting. Looking back at my work and I can tell that my work is has changed from more louder images to more nuance and "boring" photos but I enjoy them so much more. Great video Sean. Hope you're doing well.
Hi Sean, thank you for this insightful video. I am a fan of both your and Simon's work.
This is a conversation I've been trying to have with other photographers for years. This was so well done, and reaffirming. Thank you for making this.
Great advice! Thank you for sharing
Wow. Thank you for this video Sean.
absolutely love this video...just love it...thank you
Your ideas are always thoughtprovoking. Thank you so much talking about the soul part of photography and not so much the techniques.
Really apreciate what you`ve said to be honest, as someone who's trying to find a certain style of photography to identify with, everytime I upload some photo I think it's at least interesting, I find out it gains very little atraction and as a consequence I ask myself "What am I doing wrong?" instead of just liking the very photo as is, it seems tho I am giving the power to the public in some way and adapting my style to what gains more likes and its a dangerous road to go through, thank you for making us aware of this perspective!
Excellent wisdom right here! Definitely makes me stop and look at what my motivations are for creating and posting my photography.
Well said, as always. ❤
Great video. Thanks for making it.
thank you for this food for thought!
Thank-you for this video Sean. You made a lot of sense. I feel a lot better about my work now. After 2 years i'm still enjoying it but not getting the recognition online i thought i would. Now i know why.
Brilliant Sean, really valued that as I feel exactly like this right now
Great video, always a joy when you upload Sean.
That “character vs personality” breakdown was really insightful. Thanks Sean
Thanks for sharing this, I have been trying to understand what was disturbing me, this gives me a lot of clarity
Fantastic video. Lots to think about.
Your insight and validation is real. The thoughtfulness of videos you make like this clear the funks for me. Thank you for taking the time to create these videos. I had decided “they don’t get it”, but your explanation greatly expands on that. And a personal favorite comment from you was “my work speaks for itself” - I have always noticed images posted with lengthy dialog usually receives more likes and comments; ridiculous IMO.
I love your videos Sean. Your channel has been always my source of inspiration, along with Simon's and the other photographers I have found in this space. I am glad that I started watching your videos when I was just starting to do photography in my spare time. At first, it kind of hurt me when no one's liking my photos. Social media is a trap for us photographers. Yes, we would like to share our images but the system of likes and taps, not to mention the feed algorithms hurt our growth and appreciation in our own craft. Eventually, I grew out of sharing my photos online. I only share a couple once every few months. I now realize that I should take my photographs with my heart and gut, as much as I would like. Photography is my private space to get lost in, recover and nourish my sense of self and creativity. I am doing photography for myself, not for others (makes sense for a hobbyist photographer like me).