Getting Started in Documentary and Conflict Photography (feat. Ondrej Vachek)

Music:
'Through and through' by Future of Forestry
'Break' by Roary
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Ondrej Vachek:
Website: www.ondrejvachek.com/
Instagram: / ondroidv
The Forgotten War (Ukraine Photoessay 1): www.ondrejvachek.com/the-forg...
The Frozen War (Ukraine Photoessay 2): www.ondrejvachek.com/the-froz...
My links:
Instagram: / seantuck
Purchase book or prints: www.seantucker.photography/store/
Website: www.seantucker.photography/
This week I went to the Don McCullin exhibit at the Tate Museum. His images of war over the past decades make for difficult viewing and I was struck once again with the question: why do people put themselves in harms way to shoot in such difficult situations? Fortunately I have a friend named Ondrej Vachek who is just beginning his career in documentary and conflict photography so I sat down to ask him about his recent trips to the front lines in the Ukraine, and what motivates him to go.
Share this video on if you enjoyed it.
#documentaryphotography #conflictphotography #blackandwhite

[@eduardorosas9424]

I just wanna say "Thank You Ondrej" and also "Thank you, Sean"... why? Because i was a conflict photographer, for more than 16 years, i start working to AP with 25 years old, my first assignment was to Kosovo... my last was South Sudan, now i have 53 years old, i no longer do conflict for almost 8 years... I feel so full of hope when i see photographers like Ondrej go after the story they want to scream, people like you Sean give them an audience need my vow and my gratitude All the best for both...!

[@seantuck]

Thanks so much Eduardo.

[@ajjiajayan1419]

I know this is a stupid question, how you became one? I mean is there any graduation needed? Please leave a reply if you see this!!

[@Onelight_space]

Thank you for paving the way. 🙌🌟

[@smithsmith4898]

How did you become one?

[@eduardorosas9424]

@@smithsmith4898 Me? I start very young taking pictures, at same time i'm in college, create a portfolio, then i present to the AP and... they hire me... Now i dont know how the process works, i work alone, no Agencie

[@peteherb5170]

“When you photograph people in colour you photograph their clothes. When you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.” (Ted Grant) Thank you Sean for another great video!

[@gr8northernpike]

"It robs me of all my excuses"... To hear that statement is why I woke up today... Thank you.

[@PeteBullmore]

Sean, the cinematic quality of your videos and the value of the message always makes you stand out in a sea of background noise on KZbin. Your work is greatly appreciated!

[@Noealz]

Thx for putting together such a nice video man - your stuff deserves it's own netflix series

[@seantuck]

That would be nice:)

[@markyp2532]

100% AGREE

[@gingersnaps7186]

If they watched this video I’m sure they’d make it happen.

[@josephkreissphotography]

Wow....just wow! An incredible feature film on this amazing photojournalist! Thank you for sharing his story.

[@joaoldmedeiros]

Never thought about all the implications of war photography, amazing content Sean and Ondrej!

[@amador994]

As an aspiring documentary photographer, I have to say this is the most beautiful video I've seen on youtube in a very long time. Incredibly well done and very very powerful.

[@StaniCZeq]

We are really proud of you little brother.

[@steven1000000000]

True to his passion, Ondrej was back in Ukraine. There's a great set of moving photos from Leviv at the outbreak of the current Ukrainian Russian war on his website.

[@luisalmeida7925]

Have no words!👏Straight to the heart.

[@alexpimanov971]

For me as for Ukrainian this theme is soul breaking. Thank you Sean for such a great quality content, and thanks to Ondrej for your tear-jerking images and dedication

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend.

[@jeffreyimminga1991]

"The amount we really want something, can only be measured by the real world sacrifices we are willing to make to make it happen." Truly an inspiring video! At this moment I have a motivation problem with my photography. I am a nightlife photographer but my passion is no longer there. This video really makes me think about my photography/life goals. It is time to make dreams come true, one step at a time.

[@svenoyntzen6162]

Dear Mr. Tucker, you are telling a very special story in this video. Not only about the people in Ukraine, which is very respectful told, but also the hard work of an average man pursuing his passion. Your last words (after the interview) are spot on, self-reflective, very motivating and respectful. And of course, I also want to thank very much Ondrej Vachek for sharing his experience with us. I hope you can find the funding soon to get out there again and bring back more stories.

[@tonyp1340]

Wonderful. Ondrej you are a credit to your generation. Your images tell a story of human failings and successes without words needed. I watched this from a relatively safe and secure NZ and wish I had your courage and passion, when I was your age, to do similar. I think you have a successful and rewarding future in which ever path you eventually follow. But do take heed of your lovely wife. Behind every... well you probably know the rest. Enjoy your photography, your adventures, but take care.

[@thehugoalexander]

Great video Sean. I have lived in Ukraine for 3 years and Ondrej really told the story well. Thank you for interviewing him.

[@lisaschropfer8866]

For a few years now I want to become a documentary/conflict photographer, I had a really bad fight with my parents because of that since they of course dont want their youngest daugther to go into war zone. But all the time I wanted to do this because of the kick, I wanted to seak out the thrill.. i never realized that there are so many heart tearing stories behind all of that... thank you so much, you two, for putting together this video and showing me, showing us all of that. I still wanna become a conflict photographer but this time because I want to tell stories!

[@wylie_photo]

Don McCullin is an incredible person as well as photographer. I have followed his work since his 90s publication of Sleeping with Ghosts. The recent TV show about him on the BBC (which might be just about still available?). What has struck me about him besides the demons that he carries from this work, is also some of the lovely boyish and open humour that he can show. For me, he is probably the most inspiring photographer that I can think of - not just in terms of the work - but also in terms of his sheer passion and energy for photography. Watching an 80 year-old man running around India like someone many years younger is quite a sight! Fair play to Ondrej for wanting to pursue this type of work, I can understand why. It's not for me, my professional work is dealing with the consequences of trauma (in another context), which is enough for me. However, I am really glad that there are people in this work who want to show us the things that we don't want always to see, or other's don't want us to see.

[@WS-bk7uu]

The recent BBC 4 documentary about Don McCullin is fantastic. I just realised he also travelled to Syria last year to record a documentary about Palmyra with Dan Cruicshank for the BBC.

[@roncraig6486]

Sean you are changing the way we all watch KZbin and give videos and our lives more creative purpose.

[@kwesi_isles_snaps]

I love how you let the story unfold with minimal interjections aimed at teasing something out.

[@christoombes7875]

Thought provoking, inspirational and another brilliant interview. Thanks for sharing

[@keliu5821]

When the story reached out to grandma in abandon village gave passengers self-made food generously, I started tearing, all in sudden. I don't know why but it just happened. Maybe that's the power of true story telling. Thanks Sean and Ondrej !

[@mariafdrews]

Thank you so much for sharing, Ondrej! I really appreciate it.

[@robertcarmona1982]

Sean thank you. I've been following you almost 2 years now and every time I watch one of your videos, I'm so inspired that I feel like I go out and take some of my best/moodiest shots! Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@valhallafallen]

Excellent interview. Amazing person Ondrej and I wish him all the best. As usual, your thoughs at the end are so true and touching. Thank you for this video

[@josephhuerta]

Holy hell. I’m literally about to start my first documentary in 10 minutes. Perfect timing for this! Thank you!

[@StraightHeffin]

Were you late to start?

[@someonewithsomename]

@@StraightHeffin 22 minutes late to be exact

[@clementmartz]

Thank you for this video Sean as it speaks to me particularly with the type of photo work I do and I am passionate about. We go in and out of different state and nothing is set in life, this is what I have learned from this type of work. We can only choose to try our best with what's available in front of us at the time and to have that inner trust that things will work out... just like capturing a moment with a camera. Also, not to beat ourselves up if we try hard and nothing works out. I have been doing this type of work full on with great motivation and passion for over a period of three years. After traveling around the world and using up all my savings, I had to go back to commercial work last year and I was very lucky to have work showing up to my doorstep and did not have to take another kind of job unrelated to photography. I went from retouching e-commerce to photographing food, anything to get money again and go back out there to document the injustice of the world. Although after this past year of just doing commercial work, I started to get down and feel like it wasn't possible to do this type of work again and it was too hard to achieve. I started slowly climbing out that mental whole recently, your video and your conversation with Ondrej is another push to get myself motivated again. Thank you again for your channel and all your videos, It's of great support.

[@seantuck]

That's great news mate. Best of luck. Keep going.

[@stickyviews368]

Thank you Sean for an inspiring interview with Ondrej Vachek. I very much appreciated Ondrei’s take on storytelling conflict and was moved by the images of a soldiers life playing board games and having pets. I look forward to any updates in the months to come on Ondrei progressing his passion / career. I first caught sight of your video’s a year hence and warmed quickly to the different approach and putting out quality over quantity. Great work, thanks. Clive

[@MakersTeleMark]

Glad to see someone covering the world that we all too often now don't deem important.

[@terryawan2310]

The reason I subscribed to your channel is that you are a very thoughtful human being and a great photographer and documentary maker in an otherwise very crowded and confusing vlogging world. Not only do I learn a lot from your posts but it makes me reflect on so many things. As for this video, I loved it all but especially the beautiful opening intro, the closing message and the generosity on your part to give a young deserving photographer a great leg up. Congratulations to you and Andre. You are a star, man!

[@pablocine]

Extraordinaria entrevista. Gracias por compartirla.

[@juliangreaves7314]

Sean, just thank you. And Ondej, good luck.

[@alexandrevale9486]

Whow, great way to start the morning. I feel inspired by Ondrej's passion and drive to make it possible to tell the stories he wants to. Robbed me of all excuses also. Thanks for this interview

[@nostaljeck]

Hey Sean, you are such an inspiration!

[@EduardoMendozaPhoto]

I already find Ondrej’s work really compelling, thanks so much to both of you!

[@chrisscarffe7416]

Another great and inspiring episode.

[@wayanbarre]

True video. It gave me the shivers. Keep on this good work!

[@douglasladowski6342]

This is why photography is so important. Thank you for bringing the value of life to more people

[@tonys1587]

Thanks for making this, Sean. I always enjoy your videos, but I especially enjoyed this one.

[@rockywaters9592]

Considering he's in positions where you have to have your wits about you at all times, his timing and compositions are amazing.

[@MTimWeaver]

"If you convert that to black and white, it's not going to make it any better." This is something I've noticed in the infrared groups I belong to. There seems to be such a fascination with the look of digital infrared, that the thought of composition and subject matter gets lost...especially with photographers new to the genre. I'm so glad it's not just me that has this philosophy. I had an opportunity to look over the two galleries of Ondrej's trip to the Ukraine. Beautiful and important photos. Thank you Ondrej, for your time and insights.

[@jake_runs_the_world]

such a brilliant video, love the subtle background music

[@stuartackerman4594]

Thank you Sean. I was a soldier in two armies, and was not allowed to carry a camera. It is people like Ondrej that take truth to the world! Ondrej--- Neexistuje nic jako štěstí, pouze dobrá kontrola nad tím, co se vám stane.

[@EamonAdams]

Great interview and content! Inspiring stuff indeed. Thanks to yourself and to Ondrej.

[@sark255]

I love it the passion of the Ondrej and fearlessness! , neutral point of view, but at the same time is so important to all of us be to show it this WAR! thank you @Shean to bring this subject and put it together! Great job

[@briansavage932]

Absolutely brilliant. Incredibly inspiring. Thank you Sean and Ondrej!

[@etienneboulanger9644]

Thanks a lot for this video Sean and Ondrej, been searching for a deep dive into this subject for a long time.

[@LuxusPixel]

Thank you Sean and Ondrej. It is such amazing video with incredible content. Absolutely inspiring.

[@Maikacir]

Thank you for sharing Ondrejs story with us Sean.

[@ricardofranzen]

Thank you again Sean. One more time you are inspiring us and bringing up those amazing stories...

[@arildedvardbasmo490]

One of the most interesting interviews on photography ever. Such a good insight into an emerging photographer's experience.

[@InTheFilth]

Always wanted to do some sort of conflict photography since getting out of the military.

[@philipclarke5206]

As a former photojournalist, never do a foreign assignment unless you can do a story in your own backyard. (This is my fourth rule of photography based on my first assignment that I did way too early). As an example, I'm sure locally you can find drug addiction, homelessness, probably PTSD at the VA, food waste, dumpster diving. If you cannot get a story where you live, no matter what your military training, expecting to go to foreign fields and have a story drop in your lap is not realistic. I wouldn't want you to get hurt.

[@Jay-jb2vr]

Do you miss the military?

[@heinrichbestbier5458]

@@philipclarke5206 What are the other rules mate?

[@scotthansenmtbt4110]

Most excellent video, thank you for it! 👍👍

[@jimmoody6564]

Simply superb!

[@MBLonYT]

This is an excellent video - fascinating and yet arresting; bringing insights from the front of which I was unaware. Thank you both.

[@fgc1981]

Great video, thanks to both of you for your great work.

[@owenwilliams9582]

Thanks Sean and of course Ondre. Stay safe matey.

[@TL-xw6fh]

Thank you Sean for such a marvellous interview with a very brave Ondrej. I wish him well in his pursuit of a new career. His photos wonderfully show what war is, stripped bare of any gloss and bull that politicians make. Please do continue to provide such quality material for us photographers.

[@ondrejkolacek268]

It was great to see someone from my country on your channel! Thanks also to you, mister Vachek. It was inspirational to listen to your journey and evolution as a photographer.

[@eastvanphotography7394]

Everything we are scared of stems from experiencing it, then having time to think about more, which in turn makes it even scarier. If doing something you love ends in death, there isn’t any fear to distract you, unless you survive, then it becomes PTSD.

[@reemrawi1502]

You are KZbin's GEM. I discovered you less than a week ago and already cannot have enough of your knowledge. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent and spirituality with us..... Your channel is a COLLEGE. more videos please!!!!!

[@seantuck]

Thanks Reem:)

[@vanzylrichard1]

This is fascinating Sean. Great content. Thank you Ondrej for sharing.

[@stevebennettphotography]

Ondrej deserves respect because he is making it happen rather than the all too common 'I'm owed' mentality. Beyond that it is simply inspirational stuff. I wish him all the success in the world and look forward to following his journey. Beautifully filmed also Sean.

[@stevenorris575]

This is so much more than "content"! Thank you so much for this production, so well executed with a great story of self belief. Let's all hope Ondrej stays safe & becomes as revered as Sir Don.

[@kazimustakim1648]

It's very inspiring Sean. I am really moved by Ondrej's story. Thank you so much for interviewing such amazing personalities like Ondrej...

[@mikelescarbeau7692]

Ondrej's passion for his work is an absolute inspiration.

[@unknown9274]

absolute fantastic interview. thanks for sharing and the best of luck for Ondrej!

[@DonnieGQX]

Woah! Perfect timing as always. Great content and insight. Just right before i get my GRiii

[@murusons]

This is really really good. Thank you for taking out the time and making these videos. Totally worth the 30 mins of my day

[@SxTyRnS]

Thank you both of you.

[@richardhalferty3530]

Wow, great documentary Sean and Kudos to Ondrej, courage & passion like his are truly unique.

[@nojarhead]

Thank you Sean and Ondrej. I was familiar with Ondrej's work since you mentioned his name in a podcast some time ago, but listening to his story and the stories of his subjects adds a whole new dimension the images.

[@Fresno1199]

You don’t post a lot of videos but when you do, you kill it. What a great report / interview.

[@suzannabienkowski2033]

Thank you for posting the content, for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@Needacreate]

Great respect for Ondrey and for what he is doing. And thanx for sharing his story and what drives him, Sean. Probably not my cup of tea, though I went through basic training in the German army, but I'm sure I would shit my pants or would hit a mine or become easy prey for a Russian sniper, glued as usual to my OVF, if I attempted what he has done and seems poised to move on with. Respect to his wife, too, for letting him pursue what he needs to pursue. May God or whatever guardian angel out there protect him and enable him to tell the stories that need to be told and make him return safely. Thanx also, Sean, for this constant theme of yours, that, for all its shortcoming, vanities, and sheer inflation of images, what we do as photographers can actually matter and make a difference.

[@melissaharper5469]

BEST INTERVIEW YET!!! keep up the fantastic work Sean! Thank You!

[@fsancho2009]

Awesome video Sean, I do congrat you for the interview and I do love Ondrej's work and courage. It is truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing his story I will colaborate with the funding of his next project.

[@XiuShi]

Thanks for this episode Sean, Ondrej's story us really touching and inspiring!

[@peterbaylis8631]

Sean, a great video and excellent interview with Ondrej, this is inspiring to see what motivates others at significant personal cost to tell the stories we need to hear and see images that are too confronting for mainstream media. I especially liked Ondrej’s reflection on people caught in war zones just getting on with their lives as best they can. Thanks for posting this and keep up the great work.

[@TheMPhotography]

I have the utmost respect for this type of photography. Thanks for making this video. Very inspirational.

[@fergar0206]

Finally someone that appreciates XP2

[@ashriggs]

Wow! What a brave young man. Thank you Sean, excellent as always.

[@eyedeally5981]

My favorite series! All the episodes are so inspiring

[@mannymota3442]

Simply, fascinating. Thank you.

[@LuciaHewitt]

Sean, your content is thought-provoking and insightful. Good luck with your new venture Ondrej!

[@dannyburns5087]

Brilliant!

[@alexforsyth5895]

Sean, this was incredible and Ondrej is amazing. To put himself at risk every day is hard to grasp. Conditions there were unreal and the fact that Ondrej has gone twice to the Ukraine to do this tells you exactly how committed he is. An excellent piece of work and huge respect for Ondrej. Thanks I'll remember this one for a long time.

[@RyeGuyOutside]

This is the first of your interview vids that I've seen and it's one of my favorites so far. Your empathy and ability to connect comes through vividly. It feels to me like a direct connection from the intimacy and emotion that shows through in your photos and videos, which could maybe be seen as a direct expression of you, to the way you interact with your subject. The interview shows all the same elements of your photos and videos, but in relation to another person so it sort of comes through maybe even more strongly. Please keep up your great work and thank you.

[@Wuuser]

Sean, thanks for your effort sharing Ondrej's work with your viewers :)

[@DI-cm5xc]

Excellent! A most interesting piece. Also, it seemed your closing remarks were directed straight at me. .....and rightly so! Thanks Sean

[@davidroman2251]

Incredible what he is doing and just as important what you are doing to make his sacrifices worth something. I spent time in war and to be there with a camera instead of a weapon is mind blowing. Thank ou for sharing. So glad you are doing these collaborations.

[@THINKULATE]

Great interview! Thank you both!

[@livemoksha]

When we think we have seen most of your facets you come with another great one with this interview with Ondrej! Will keep an eye for his next project and will surely support it in some way! Just received my copy of your book and studying your composition with highlights and shadows!

[@ianrobichaud6698]

just watched this on a Sunday morning. thank you Sean for all the inspiration. finally someone that's on my level

[@alexandreamaral1576]

Brilliant piece of work! As a journalism student, this is a much needed reflection.

[@ianspicer1529]

This is a fascinating insight. I met Ondrej a couple of weeks ago - what an interesting and lovely fellow he is; thanks for putting this together Sean, thoroughly gripping stuff and a truly thought provoking comment by you at the close.

[@hamishsb]

What a tremendous film Sean. We must have been literally walking round McCullin (judging by the timing) at the same time. Thank you for making this and bringing such thought-provoking part of the photographic art into KZbin. Each time you release a new film I just relish the chance to turn off all distractions, make a coffee and take around half an hour to feel inspired and learn from your superb and inciteful analysis and critique.....Respect and keep up the good work.

[@Arzenteart]

Thank u for posting this treat of passion.

[@musicgandharvan]

These images are outstanding... He's really a guy who breathes his passion... Kudos. .

[@mohebanwari1832]

This last part of the video really opened my eyes and gave me an epiphany! Thank you many times for this inspiring and enlightening video! God Bless Sean!