Your channel feels more like therapy than tutorials. Thanks for what you do.

"we are forged in the shadows" this video hits hard. thank you from the bottom of my heart Sean.

This is your calling my friend.... You’re a motivational artist. More than just a photographer. A decent human being. 🙌🏽

I'm blown away by how much this guy reveals about himself. He "Wears his heart on his sleeve" as the saying goes, with an almost brutal honesty. cheers 👌

In years to come photographers will come to see this video as a classic.

"The only time we're changing as human beings is in the shadows, the dark times" Important lesson, on so many levels. You have such an incredible gift for photography, and for teaching important lessons. Thanks for this.

You have to be one of only a handful of people who can create such emotionally inspiring videos on KZfaq whilst remaining entirely honest and true to yourself. Thank you Sean!

I stand up for Sean. When I put on a Sean Tucker video, I get up. I walk around, listening intently. I pace, I think, I nod. The whole time I am witness to a certain sensation as if a length of string is slowly being pulled out of my chest which I can look at, study and observe, before wadding back up and reinserting it where it properly belongs inside me. Thanks. Brilliant.

While the photography part of your videos is absolutely stunning, the true beauty is in the philosophy. Keep up the amazing work! 🍻

This was so inspirational! Your frequency of releasing might be lower than youtube standards, but the quality of your videos is unmatched. Don't change :)

You are not only helping to become a good photographer but also helping me to become a good person. Thank you, for everything. You are a gentleman.

Man. Sean, I think that 10 minutes of advice from you would change me for a lifetime. You're so eloquent and powerful in your delivery and message. Thank you for being there for us.

Well timed, as I just lost my father a few days ago, and was thinking about the last major trauma in my life, and how that fueled some amazing photography. I've always said that you can't create without darkness, and indeed much of this world's most beautiful art came about as a result of a deep sadness. Photographers tend to go on and on about light, but shadow is what gives light meaning.

You're one of the very few KZfaqrs who make drop everything I'm doing, find a quiet place, and sit and absorb your videos. You're inspirational in photography and your in words. Thank you for another superb video.

I was baffled at first when I knew there are people called Directors of Photography in movie sets. But I soon learned that it took so much composition and planning for shots in movies, which is where these talents come in.

I don't think I have seen a Sean Tucker video yet where I would ever come close to considering a "dislike". Embrace your shadows people. Luv Luv Luv :)

The one thing that i love about this channel is like theres straight up indepth information with 0 BS. Lots of love mate, i always look up to you!

twenty minutes well spent.

I am grateful for what you have gone through to become who you are now. You, what you teach and how you do so is truly a breath of fresh air. Your viewership is your congregation. In merging your passions you have created a unique and lovely way to serve your community. Your use of photography as MacGuffin brilliant. Your use of photography involves the capture of Beauty’s visitations. The late former priest, philosopher and poet John O’Donohue said the heart cannot live without beauty. Your body of work is an exposition of beauty - image and philosophy. I applaud you and your creative expression.

you don't know how much i grew artistically and otherwise watching your videos.. i even watched your videos when i was on hiatus from photography. and when i started back i didn't see it at the beginning but after i started editing my photos i almost saw your videos playing back in my mind... that never happened to me and i watched a ton of tutorials. you made me want to shoot again. you get personal, you leave a mark. with all the love and respect in the world i tell you thank you.

I literally check once in 2-3 days whether any of your videos has arrived or not. They are like 20mins clips from a beautiful movie about life.

This is so meaningful Sean. I love that you are not "only" an incredible photographer but also a wonderful filmmaker, and how you utilize both to tell your story. At the same time you show us how we might apply these ideas to our own story as a means of growth. You help us THINK and FEEL into our work as creators, which is to say, as humans. We don't know any better at first; we try to avoid feeling some things. But you express so beautifully that we create ourselves by allowing it, by giving ourselves permission to fail and to feel. And then we can create something that represents the human that we are becoming and the way we perceive our world. And then we can SHARE it, and authentically so. By creating. And in doing so we discover our own language that just maybe can bring the world a little closer. It's so inspiring, healing even. You are doing good here on many levels Sean. Thank you very, very much for sharing, and thank you for bringing the world a little closer with each of your videos.

Sean remember something your shadow is family .. without your shadow your life is nothing...your shadow is part you remembering life will go on ...its a reminder..life does not stop...love your work..

Thanks for being yourself. God bless you through darkness and brightness.

Great video, Sean. Both from a photographic and philosophical perspective. I really think that working to limitations is the key to great creative thinking. And it's those dark times in our lives that focuses us on what's important and what's not.

Empty Canvas...To Draw is to Include. All Is There...To Photograph Is To Exclude. Thank You Sean for making and posting.

“Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.” Epictetus

My favorite photographer, talking about my favorite cinematographer 😭

we are forged in the shadows.. I’ll never forget that.

In a previous vídeo you said "try to be a mentor for someone", and that's how I feel your content. A mentor sharing tips and tricks about photography and life. We're so lucky. Thanks for sharing!

Such a beautiful video and message. A much needed reminder from time to time. I find myself re-watching a few of your videos just for that. Thank you for all you do. My condolences to you and your family on the recent losses. Wishing you all well.

Trust me this is a classic video. As I always say put that little extra bit of humanity in whatever you do because in the end your work is going to impact a human life which you did 🤜🏻🤛🏻👍🏻

Among all the photographers/KZfaqrs around here, the first video I've seen from you had a different feeling. I knew there were something different : in your voice, in the way you presented your tutorials. After watching many other videos from you, I know what it is : emotion and sincerity. The simple speech you had about having shadows in your life and the reference to Carl Jung made me understand that you make your videos with sincerity and emotions, while so many others give their videos a happy, fun and click-bait style just for the views. Don't get me wrong, I understand where they go from this but the type of videos you provide are way more my style. So thank you and keep going. Your content is amazing.

I haven't realized over the last few months how much I have been drawn into your videos. And looking at the comments I just realized that there are several who feel the same. While the quality of your photography is stunning to say the least, it's the way you communicate, and that it comes straight from the heart that makes a real strong connection. Thank you for all the content you are putting out, with all the honesty and vulnerabilities - it's inspiring, makes me want to be a better photographer, please keep them coming...

I just discovered Sean's youtube channel and so glad that I have. No endless dribble about lens sharpness in the corners...its all about great perspectives and thoughts of how to make photos that come closer to your goals.

embrace your shadows and protect your highlights are the most strong title that i ever read here in youtube. it really makes me think and see how photography is in everything. thank u

"afraid of losing details in shadows", the exact mistake i did in the beginning. That's why i tended to use the HDR tool so badly. Exposing for highlights is the one too that has really changed the things for me, i started doing that some time ago, but i did not know it's importance, i realised it truly until i saw that video. Thank you for this tip. I owe you a good part of my development in photography.

One of the best inspirational and instructive tutorials that I have viewed in the 5 years I have been working at this craft. Honestly I am getting tired of editing videos. Especially if you don't have an understanding of what it is you are trying to accomplish. Your work provides more clarity and focus. Thank you.

I just feel so in love the way your poetry, I can’t believe world has so beautiful people like you, thank you)

Watching Mr. Tucker brings to mind the best teachers I've known. Always on a path that wanders from point to point but never fails to land right on the spot. Thank you.

Holy crap, I teared up when you started going on about how "we are forged in shadows". Totally what I needed to hear right now, thank you so much. Only ever seen two videos of yours, and you've blown me away. Thanks so much for what you do.

The word photography derives from the Greek photos ("light") and graphe ("drawing"). We, understand it as "Painting with Light." Here, you've painted with Words and Light to create a wonderful heartfelt video and lesson that will stay with me. Thank you. 🙏👍

you're a true craftsman... I came here for photography tips and left with a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of life. Thank you.

Re photography: interesting ideas to try out. Rd life: exactly!

Hey Sean I've been following your work for a while now and it's high time I wrote you a comment, just in case you read it. This video and it's sibling about highlights are truly exceptional. I kept notes both times. Apart from sharing the technical aspects and artistic choices you make while creating your art, It's great that you mention cinematographers and photographers to research and draw inspiration from. Truly inspirational mate, both on an educational and an emotional level. KZfaq can become a "sterile" and "cold" place to learn, except in cases like this channel here. Best of luck with your art.

As a musician, most of the tech talk is over my head, but as an artist, your worldview and observations are spot on. Regarding the value of our "shadow" episodes, a friend had some good advice: "When you are going through hell, keep going." Really enjoying your videos.

Those last five minutes... incredibly moving

And once again I get hit by the fact how wonderful bunch of subscribers you've managed to gather. So lovely to be part of it and read all the comments here.

Couldn't agree more. I was actually expecting Carl Jung (the Shadow and the Persona) to be mentioned at some point

I think you mentioned in one of your videos about your public speaking/ preaching experience. I must admit your channel has the “art” element on photography which most of other channels are missing out. Photograph is nothing but life experiences and you do a brilliant job at resonating both together so well. Keep these coming!

A number of artists have taught me techniques on how to photograph. Sean taught me how to create images with soul. Thank you Mr. Tucker

Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Shadows have most definitely had a say in who I am today, and who I continue to become. Your words draw out so many emotions from within... Be well.

Hard to say what part I enjoyed more the images or the discussion as each part was conveyed learning. Your discussion resonated so much with me Sean as looking back in life, I would say the darker periods have probably defined how I approach life to get the most out of it when the shadows recede. I wish you every success in your forthcoming and future workshops

Most inspiring on many levels, thank you Sean.

Thanks Sean. I look forward to your videos. Sorry to hear about your grandma. May her memory be a blessing.

I never thought I'd be getting goosebumps from anything else but the cold or a really freakishly good song, but man you did it. Your work is so good!

I needed to hear this today. This was for me... Thanks a million.

Awesome. Fascinating. Brilliant. Thanks for sharing!

My wife & my best friend took me to one side & said to me that i am not me. I didn’t understand until a councillor diagnosed me with depression. I had to be totally honest with myself, I was slowly sinking into darkness and loosing sight of the light. But once again you’ve given us not only a precise and relevant photography lesson you’ve given us(me) guidance on how to embrace life, the good times and the bad times. Mr. Tucker once again....thank you 🙏🏾

You have a wonderful poetic way of speaking which matches your creative voice. Embrace the shadow.

Thanks for sharing this video ! You are very inspiring Sean.

This was the most inspiring photography lesson that i have ever had. Thank you!

Sean, There is a reason for all of your subscribers, and that’s content. Content that matters. A lot. I’m in no way a head master of judgement, or a professor, but I’m old enough to know the difference between claiming your space or make a difference. It takes time and effort to build up something like this video. Heart and soul. There really is no question to if you’re making resonance. It’s more of a question really - Which part is most valuable; Heart, or the matter... Your entrance in the KZfaq arena is so incredible soothing. Thank you for keeping up and staying true. niclas, Sweden

Beautifully done. The problem is that we are taught not to clip the darks and not to clip the whites for the perfect Photographs. We are told to chase the light so the way you exposure for your Photos is on the right path. When I see artistic nudes they don't care about pure black in the shadows. So I agree with you. Honestly, I don't think many photographers know how to create like this because the way we are told how an image suppose to be. Yes, it works in movies and it can work in photography to create mystery or a mood. Thank you for inspiring me.

While not newly released, this video is surely timeless and very valuable. A nice addition to a channel that I respect and highly appreciate. Thank you for giving us this high quality content in a sea of technical reviews

Thank you. That was the missing part. I tried to expose for the hightlights but I did not know how much to embrace the shadows. Now I know. Cool. Go on like this. One of the very best photography channels on youtube. I like your philosophical and very human explanations too. Greetings from Luxembourg.

“You have to have shadows”-this nugget crystallizes why so many get solace and inspiration from your work. Sterling work, mate. May the coming year tax your dynamic range a little less.

When you said at the end the only times in our life we are really growing and changing are in dark times. I'm not afraid to admit I had a good cry. My mental health has been a struggle lately, so it hit hard, in a good way. Thank you, from a fellow photographer. Your videos are outstanding.

Sean, you made some wonderful points here, both about life and photography. Like you, I have been through a long journey in my photography and been "chasing the perfect shot and lighting". I learned now that that is futile and it is better to develop a style that befits me. You are a wonderful person and photographer. I enjoyed every single one of your blogs, and long may they continue.

Your comment about "forged in the shadows" gave me chills 😱😍😉😅 Keep it up! This was my favourite vid from you 💪🏾

Brilliant, just brilliant. "We grow and change in dark times, in shadows". I needed that. Thank You!

Your shadow and light videos are the most changing influencing videos for me. You are my most favorite thinker in this aera ... beside all technics i like how you see the world! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Great job!! as always Sean, my screen saver is" Light illuminates, shadows define" not sure who first said that, this video came just at the right time for me as I am also feeling sorry for myself, please come to Canada would love to see you here!! Keep up the great inspiring content!!.......Cheers mate, Chris

Beautifully said. Great video brother

I always learn more about photography when I watch your videos. Thank you for not just being a You Tuber that tells us everything about the latest gear, but what it takes to be a photographer.

I love the spiritual aspect that you talk about in your videos. I think that's what makes anything worth doing. Thank you.

We don't see with our eyes, we see with our brains. It's the brain that gives meaning to an image. Actually human eyes are very limited, but versatile. We don't see the whole picture with detailed highlights and shadows. Just like you would do with your camera, you have to focus on one spot and make adjustments to really see the detail in those areas. In fact, we don't see the whole picture at all. Instead, we see a focused point in the middle of a blurry image, and we just do unconscious panning in a given scene and automatically form a mental panorama. In the end, photography is an iterpretation of reality. Just like everyone of us see the world in a slightly different way depending on our nature, our mood, we can also use the camera as a tool to see the world in a particular way to convey very different moods and feelings, because it's not a matter of just understanding it, it's a matter of feeling it We all have to live with our shadows, it's up to us to decide what we want to do with them. You clearly decided to do something very productive and valuable with yours, and because of that you have my respect, admiration and appreciation (and my best regards)

Conrad Hall - another cinematographer who uses light and shadow very effectively. His best example is “Road to Perdition”

One series shown on UK television that really embraces shadows is Endeavour - the life of Inspector Morse in his early years. The lighting is kept extremely dim. On the philosophical side of your video, I totally agree and embrace your philosophy. Thank you for sharing this.

Incredible video Sean. Another good (if not better) example when turning to cinema would be Gordon Willis' work. He essentially pioneered this idea of darkness within film with his work on the original Godfather. Once the producers and studio heads saw the dailies you could only imagine their shock, no film ever before threw the actor's eyes into shadow, you had to see their eyes. Once the film premiered and everyone realised it was a masterstroke, he was later given the title "the prince of darkness" by legendary cinematographer Conrad Hall changing cinema forever.

This video Sean. if anybody could understand it would be you bro. Thank you. This one was good. thank you

Sorry to hear about your grandma :)

"Whether it's your life or photography, learn to embrace your shadows, make friends with them, and use them to tell better stories..." thank you 🤗🤗🤗

I’m 64 years old, but after being introduced to your videos I feel inspired to go out and shoot, thank you so much, you’re brilliant!

Workshop in Germany? Willkommen would love to meet and hear you.

James 1:2-4 "2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

It's like someone is teaching you photography, philosophy and humanity all at once. Thanks for this!

This is a philosophy that I’ve lived by even before I got into photography. Our shadows are the things that define each and every one of us in this thing called life. In my opinion, there’s more beauty to be found in the darkest shadows than in the brightest highlights. 🖤🤍

Thank you for opening up and showing that not everyday is the best but it is part of the path. Cheers my friend.

Sean, what a strong video...Some tears just showed up. You should write a book, you explain photography beyond the technical stuff, that honestly I believe is the most real and powerful thing about life and living as an artist, someone who express feelings and emotions in a most beatiful way.

I don't usually leave comments on YT but man this piece has touched me in so many ways. Thank you!

Great video - as a serious amateur photographer and a retired Ph.D. psychologist I can appreciate this on both levels. I don't know how I missed this video when you made it years ago, but I was so glad to discover it today. Thanks - it is really terrific!

This gentleman's teaching and explaining skills are truly remarkable. What a pleasant video to watch.

This Video indeed was a therapy for me in a Covid -19 lockdown in Melbourne Australia. Starting to learn photography and your tutorial thought me so much to think about and how to look at things around me, that surpassed what I have learnt in the past 6 months via Zoom. Thank you Sean.

amazed by the way you illustrate shadows and lights....reminds me of life and death. I learned how to compromise to achieve more.

WOW! I have learn a lot today. I am amzing how very beautiful the shadows can be. Not only the photo but also in mind. Shadow have two sides. Light and darkness. This two are always together . Not only the photo I make but also hope in our mind. Next time making photos in shadow and light I shall feel the goodness in it and shall making a great photo. Greetings from me Amsterdam Holland

I really feel like so many youtubers could learn so much from your content. There is so much depth in your videos. I love watching. Thank you!

Protect your highlights + Embrace your shadows !! I TOTALLY LOVE IT !

This video hits hard. I come back here all all the time.

This is the third time I've watched this presentation since it came out. I return to several of yours when my creativity hits a slump, as you have "good medicine". Today your soliloquy on the bench was especially meaningful. Thank you for your work.