My Street Photography Philosophy (in Rome with the Fujifilm X-T20)

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I was always nervous about street photography because I had this idea that true street photography was shooting people up close, and it would inevitably lead you to get yourself into conflict situations. However, I think over the past couple of years I've found a style of street photography which suits my personality better. On this recent trip to Rome I took the time to make this video sharing my philosophy when shooting on the street, in the hope that it helps you to broaden your own definition, and give you the courage to head out and shoot your take on the streets where you live.
#streetphotography #photography #rome

[@jasonzheng9923]

A real photographer in KZbin. Not about gear, but reallly focus on how to take good images. My favourite channel so far!

[@tomallen6073]

Zheng Jason Have to agree you. Good stuff.

[@frankwu1713]

Then you should probably check out Jamie Windsor, he is like that too, but more upfront

[@wellmaccdy]

Totally agree with you

[@TEAKUKAMBASSADOR]

@@frankwu1713 Yeah, Jamie is great too. All these guys have different personalities and approaches and we can learn from all of them, and each other.

[@nonope4319]

omg this poor man has been searching for a 'real' photographer all this time. Pity this man

[@TerenceKearns]

Sean Tucker, I don't believe in heros, but if I had to have a photographer hero, it would be you. Not only because of the photography you produce, but because of the literal conversation that you have amassed here on social media (youtube specifically). It matters. Your videos matter. Sharing your thoughts matters. You carry yourself with a great deal of integrity and conviction, you inspire me to realise that this thing that we do revolving around capturing and creating imagery, is a truly worthwhile expendature of the finite amount of hours that we have in this arc of life between birth and death because photography matters. You have a heroic body of work in lifting that up.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Terence that’s very kind

[@toomworld]

It’s so good to hear a person speaking with heart here.

[@michaels8597]

accurate and true about what shooting REALLY is

[@Siftedheart]

Well said Terance, what a blessing you are 🙌🏽

[@aliindrawan]

Agree with you. Sean Tucker is my new hero in the subject of photography.

[@myoung48281]

Street photography, you don't ask permission unless you want to do street portraiture, which is something different from street photography. Street photography is people in a context, not just people close up, it's a relationship between elements in the scene.

[@terryjp3050]

there is no definition, just your own

[@MrPhotographerDude]

@@terryjp3050 There's a definition for every other type of photography, why not this? I agree with him. It's not that there isn't a definition for street photography, because there is the traditional definition which is based in photojournalism and documentary photography.

[@robertbutts9835]

I asked a person he didn't answer so I thought it was ok ? He later reported me to the Dominican Republic national police in Santiago .They asked me for id for what I was doing I showed my passport . The quickly looked through it then handed me back my passport and left

[@myoung48281]

@@robertbutts9835 I've had worse

[@OldCameras]

I don't know how you've made one of the busiest cities in the world seem so tranquil. You're some kind of genius at this man. Much respect.

[@tutubeas10]

He's just an early bird that catches the worms.

[@TXLorenzo]

Get up at the crack of dawn on Sunday in Italy and I guarantee it will be tranquil.

[@mwu365]

terry breedlove ?

[@terrywbreedlove]

Matthew Wu Answering the OP asking about making the scenes so tranquil. In the video he talks about how he achieves the effect he likes. Exposing for the brighter areas and letting the blacks go under a bit.

[@NighthawkX02]

This guy is the best photography teacher. I've always been into photography just for the sake of aesthetics, but Tucker gives it a whole new meaning. He makes me think of what reason do I have to take photos, what do I want to capture, what stories I want to tell, and what emotions I want to share with the world?. He really makes me wonder how can I get something more meaningful out of those shots I'm taking with my phone and my camera. Thank you :)

[@mv33f19]

I appreciate you leaving the older posts on instagram that you're not particularly proud of. It's great to see the journey of a photographer. Thanks for all you do. Keep shooting.

[@poojavarshney8201]

I usually dont comment on youtube videos as I watch n numbers of them daily cause I want to get better at my photography. But this video is what I needed the most. As being on street I just CANT aim at people, want to stay away from conflict and then still want to do street photography. And everyone else I talked to as how to improve response is always "just ask them". Its better said than done. But first time someone said "its ok to not to go upto people as there are tons of other things out there to be clicked". Second... one statement by Sean "street photography for me is to capture the feel of being present at that place" thats exactly what I want to click but people around me always underestimate this ideology. Thank you so so so much Sean for this video and finally I found the hero I can look upto in order to learn the craft I love.

[@MrPhotographerDude]

In order to take candid photographs of strangers on the street, you have to be confident and somewhat fearless. This kind of street photography is not for the timid. Being timid means you're limited to the types of street photography that don't make you feel uncomfortable and that's fine if that's what you really want to photograph. If deep down you resent the fact that you're not getting the pictures you really want, because you're timid than keep doing it until you become more confident.

[@CrazySquadReactions]

I am watching your video after 2 years. I enjoyed every second of it. I live in Rome and seeing it through someone else eye, makes me love the city more. I hope you pay Rome another visit and I will get a chance to meet you.

[@bethpollock1350]

You are putting the light back into my photography. I have been on hiatus for far too long, thanks for helping me find my way back... Don't stop what you are doing!

[@thecharleswong_]

As a Hongkonger, the part on Fan Ho makes me feel right at home. His style really influences many of us who love taking photos on the street. Your work have really helped me to think about photography from a different perspective. Thanks!

[@joeallam]

Really enjoyed your thoughts on this, Sean! Also, those photos from Fan Ho were SO good!

[@arrykitting7682]

This is what inspiration really mean

[@ogonzilla]

Every time I need a little inspiration and push to get out there and out from behind my desk....there's Sean. Thanks brother.

[@TheChicUniq]

Loving the headphone hack! For a shy and introverted photographer, it's just perfect!!! BRILLIANT

[@alaincazavant4022]

From Montréal, Canada. Thank you Sean, this video allowed me to target my photography style. As an urban civil engineer, i like to visit urban cities and to take pictures of urban spaces, and architectural buildings in the public spaces. I was used to avoid having peoples in my frames. I am not comfortable to take street portraits, and do not like this type of photography at all. In my work days, i like to take pictures and incorporate peoples to demonstrate the use of the public spaces (Functionality wise). Your style is guiding me toward "street photography for urban spaces using light contrast and peoples", in a more artistic and human way. Keep posting vidéo with such clear explanations.

[@IanBarnard]

Really enjoy your honesty about your photography. So refreshing to hear.

[@danmurrell2580]

You talk in this video about identifying a “hero” to help inspire you. You are quickly becoming my “hero”. Practical advice which blends well with my style. Thank you.

[@marcocastellano2851]

One of my favorite things about Sean is his ability to tell a story. Another is not only his willingness to break a "rule", but to flaunt his breaking it. :)

[@gerardalain4259]

Fan Ho was definitely something else when talking about photography. His corpus of work is so amazing !

[@miriamolmo4261]

Thank you Mr Tucker for being so honest, humble, and open with all of us. You're a great guy and a great photographer!

[@wojtekw6040]

I know that saying "amazing" at this point might sound naive, but seriously: the photos, the cut, the music, advices, the zen of this video...wow! Had tears of joy and enlightenment at the end! Wow! Definitely one of my favourite videos on KZbin. McKinnon is not even close. I'll just say Wow again and Thank You!

[@dinnae]

I enjoy how, when you discuss a topic, I never feel like I leave empty handed.

[@INSTAFLIXMEDIA]

Not just Fan Ho, there are hundreds of photographers who has mastered the art of silhouette and shadow. I would certainly called them the masters of street photography without any doubt.

[@bigcee6114]

Mr. Tucker, the photographer with a soul!!! Besides learning so much about the craft, your videos are like food for the mind and heart. Sometime i just like listening to your philosophy on life. Thank you for sharing!

[@texasyoutuber217]

I love your heart and vulnerability as a photographer. Keep being you ❤️

[@billythom1]

Sean I really like your take on privacy and respect, a two edged sword that does not need to hurt anyone! Thanks man

[@Anfni]

Visuals.Message.Inspiration - Every time I watch one of your videos

[@alexfrederickson1540]

I love shooting street and I love people right in there but here in Austria it’s forbidden to shoot recognizable people without their permission so I’ve really been struggling with alternatives. You’ve just provided me with the answer, again. Seriously, your advice on just about every issue I’ve tussled with has been spot on. This is my ‚winter‘ but thanks to you I have the feeling ‚spring‘ will come around a whole lot sooner than if I had gone it alone. You have my heartfelt thanks 🙏🏼

[@vial35]

i love how i can jump into your old videos and always pick up on something i missed the first time around. thank you for doing what you do on youtube and your perspective on photography.

[@LP_789]

I just watched this video again, and remembered that it encouraged me to get my streetphotography better (witch i mostly do with my phone jaja), so the only thing that i want to say is thank you Sean, you've become one of my heroes in this art.

[@fireguyfrank58]

You know Sean. I’ve watched tons of your videos. And even this one a year later inspires me to keep trying. To keep on the journey. And your photos give me the target to shoot for. As always, thank you 💯

[@crislombao]

The first quote in your video, from Elliot Erwitt, is impacting and true. And not only for photography, but for life. Your videos are excellent. Your messages and advices great. Thank you.

[@cavethief6761]

Being an introvert with social anxiety, my street work is still centered around people. Never would I ever approach them and as to take a picture, so I don't take 'street portraits'. It's always about the relationship between the people, the environment, and the situation - that's the purpose of my street photography. This can take many forms - sometimes it's an architecture scene with someone walking through and just making up a tiny portion of the image, sometimes they fill half the frame. Out of the necessity to stay unnoticed, most of my shots are taken from behind or from quite far away. Both variants, in a way, get rid of the individual person and just paint a character. I like to see that as a way to portray the partial anonymity of the big city. It's not THIS person standing at the corner smoking, it's A person. Their whole character is made up of clothing, items, and behavior. Therefore, these three aspects have to be special, because I don't want people without any character. Honestly, I have never had anyone come up to me and ask me to delete a picture because I definitely have my methods of blending in with the crowd or pretending to photograph something else, even though I'm using a terribly inconspicuous full frame DSLR. That kind of behavior also has a different motivation - I live in Germany, and we have some of the most strict laws concerning pictures of strangers. Even just pressing the shutter of my camera is a violation of personal rights when the person is (one of the) main subject(s) of the image. Since for me, staged isn't street anymore, my photos will be illegal as soon as there's any way of identifying the person. I guess everyone can decide for themselves of that will hold them back.

[@TEAKUKAMBASSADOR]

Sean, thank you for making this video. So reassuring and inspiring. Your content on KZbin is vastly superior to most, due to your unwavering honesty and integrity, and intelligent and clear approach to many aspects of photography that people often grapple with. I intend to thoroughly explore your channel here and I follow your Instagram too. So much to learn, so much to do. You're a guide and a treasure. Please don't stop, ever! All the best from an ambitious, struggling, learning photographer in London.

[@seantuck]

Thanks, that’s very kind.

[@avi2059]

A very humble request, Please post more frequently. Your videos are so motivating and directional. I have personally improved a lot after watching your channel. Please post more frequently. Thank you.

[@Rocstoneau]

Eloquently explained, some people gabble on too much waving their hands about etc... but you were a pleasure to watch and listen to.

[@peterkay9050]

Your philosophy on street photography is right on the money. So many times you see videos of street photography where the perpetrator is unapologetically getting in peoples faces. Other than that, the video itself is superb, beautifully narrated and deeply informative. Thank you.

[@daniels1924]

Thank you soooo much for your videos! You influented me so much with your philosophy and ideas. Now I love to street shot and even publish them sometimes. Walking around, finding cool places and cool lighting is so calming and fun. I cannot thank you enough.

[@jaymathews356]

The natural light in the intro of this video is simply beautiful!

[@andybob09]

The B roll here is utterly amazing. Thank you so much for this video. It's a beautiful video with a nice feel.

[@dresban3660]

Sean, one of the most thoughtful, insightful people on KZbin.

[@mhlihel]

Hi Sean, i was lucky to find your channel to get to know you from your conversations. I'm very excited by the way your talking and trying to convey the Idea of making photographs. I'll be very happy if i can meet you one day in London. Looking forward to hear and see more from you. cheer from Germany

[@DeerajNagothu]

I have watched many videos on YT. But I feel like your channel is very unique. Every video I watch makes me feel like I am watching something new, learning something new. Thank you very much for your excellent work and time.

[@JoshSummerhays]

Sean, I just recently discovered your channel and have been soaking it all in. I want to thank you for all of the work that you've put in to your craft and for how generously you share your knowledge and perspective. You've given the community a unique and wonderful gift. Keep up the great work.

[@vegasrenie]

I am not and I don’t ever claim or expect to be a professional photographer, but I live in Las Vegas. The street photography opportunities scream at me every time I am either on the strip or in the downtown area. Street photography is fabulous, and I love your take on it. As a fellow introvert, I understand how difficult it is to have to interact with people - if you really don’t have to - which is why taking photos in some places is easier than others. Another fabulous video as always. I finally clicked on the bell!

[@anandaswardana3898]

"... and take that journey one click at the time" loved it..

[@musashi_kun]

I love how your pictures are about the streets and not about the people on the streets, you make a way that people became part of the all composition and not the 'key feature' of the photos. :)

[@rolandbrooks467]

Absolutely brilliant,,, For someone who has been interested in doing more 'street' photography, this vid has told / shown me so much,, a HUGE thank you Sean,,

[@czeppini]

I have been watching a lot of photography videos, about gear, about philosophy of it, styles and so. I have been learning a lot, but every time I watch one of your videos, I feel ENLIGHTENED :D It's like you are not distributing knowledge only, but a FEELING, a honest burst of experience that is so easy and enjoyable to absorb. Thank you, mate. It's really inspiring.

[@ahmedtohami-7787]

Hi sean, i really love the way you talk about different photography topics. I understand that the gear is not as important as the person behind it. I have made billboard shots with my 18 pixel canon 600D and nobody believes that my work comes out from this 2010 model :) . I started not to complain about grains and noise coz by time i learnt to play around with the bad quality images in post. Actually sometimes the noise gives a very nice vintage / analogue / grunge effect. And i have been chosen by a gallery to sell my prints there. I believe that doing great work with a very low budget gear makes you a beast behind the high-end ones and you need to understand the gear you hold in your hand very well before thinking about the next upgrade. Again i love your talks about the concept coz millions of videos being posted everyday about technical stuff i got bored of. Thank you and sorry for my bad english :D

[@shaunharrison4457]

You are such a breath of fresh air Sean. There's no ego and bullshit with your attitude and personality. In the past when i first started to do street photography i hated it. I struggled to find meaning as to why i was shooting random people. Only lately after seeing your Instagram account that chasing the light is a purpose and the people are secondary to the composition. I now enjoy street shooting alot more and love capturing the light. Cool video as always

[@woollythewombat995]

I'm just getting into street photography as an art form, and I think I definitely sway towards a style that gives the subjects anonymity. In an age where privacy, especially online, is such a hot topic, it feels too intrusive for me to take someone's photography and then share it without their consent. I've watched other videos on this topic and people are doing things like blatantly taking pictures of other people's kids in full frame, and it doesn't sit well with me. I love the excellent examples of Fan Ho's work, where for the most part the subjects are silhouetted, or have very dark shadows on the face. If anything, I think this adds more intrigue and curiosity to the image, whilst also respecting the privacy of the individual.

[@The3Natural]

Good shout with Fan Ho. His photography books are amazing. Definitely my favorite photographer.

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

I really like this; finding ones fingerprint in street photography… It's a hard road to travel, and a rough rough way to go… [Jimmy Cliff]

[@tradesmenleathercompany9178]

I appreciate your willingness to be vulnerable about your craft. It's quite refreshing.

[@shekharsonthalia6104]

Whenever I watch your video I always learn something , be it related to photography or how good a person you are ... And your photos on Instagram are my true inspiration , to make me get up and start clicking photos even with my phone camera cause as you have always said that having the best gear doesn’t make someone a good photographer . Will look forward to meeting you on one of yours photo meet in future ,if possible . Thank you.

[@seantuck]

+Shekhar Sonthalia thanks mate:)

[@mattnow13]

These kinds of videos are what I love about KZbin - and this is a particularly good one.

[@robspedding9520]

Brilliant as always. Glad I’m not the only one who’s taking/ taken a long time to find their style!

[@fiaa.6539]

ARGH THE TONESS, I WANT TO CRY IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL

[@kalludaket]

Every video you upload it literally feels like a movie.

[@asdsadsadsadasdads]

I am 200% sure that you are by far my favourite content producer on KZbin. Please keep up the great work! and thank you!

[@hammychannel9306]

Sean love this vid bringing people back to basics where others are too technical. Out with my X100 this week n loving it

[@ShinDongJi]

I recently started doing my street photography (as well as an Instagram) and you have been a big inspiration. I was deeply humbled and at the same time inspired by your work as I scroll down image per image on your Instagram. While I primarily do portraits (In which I still suck at even doing it for quite a while now), street photography is where I found my peace of mind and gives me the freedom to voice out myself in the form of images. Thank you as always, for being that spark that drives me and the rest of the world to strive to be a better photographer. All the best to you and your career good Sir.

[@FaceFabLLC]

Thank You for being so generous with your vulnerability-FANTASTIC & encouraging video...

[@plasmadlite8661]

I was so waiting for this video... and the wait was worth it! Insightful and full of substance as always.

[@arneshsengupta4636]

Love the background music, the visuals, the oratory, the advice. Everything is pretty A. You're gonna blow up if you keep working on your channel :)

[@davemarshall]

Sean, I've watched quite a few KZbin channel's about photography and I have to say, your's is most defiantly one of the best ......excellent work.

[@scotty4418]

Couldnt agree more with Thomas Heaton's comments tonight on his channel when he mentioned your channel. Love the images and philosophy that goes into your production

[@Spet666]

That trick with the phonecamera and the headset... I didnt know that one, it's brilliant!!

[@NigelDanson]

Stunning work Sean - loved the videography. Keep them coming

[@kyle19421]

I really like your philosophy on street photography. I'm just starting out and trying to find my own style, and it's great to hear different perspectives on what people think "street photography" means

[@hi-ho7636]

I really love those in between scenery film of Rome. It makes me go 'wow' all the time. I haven't got the opportunity to go out of my country or like just to ride in a airplane so seeing video of the street of another country other than my country makes me go wow. Especially your cinematography is really superb. The content really really good

[@franjackson8260]

Hi Sam, I love your honesty, honest shots of what we see as photographers is what attracts us, it's different for everybody. We have to be different otherwise it would be boring, but sometimes we need permission to post the images which are us.

[@MiguelACoronaDM]

Fabulous thoughts Sean. Enjoyed your perspectives on street photography. I own a few film rangefinder cameras that I use for my street photography. Patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to capturing the right image. Thank you for sharing.

[@kroadster3249]

Before your videos I really thought I am alone with my thoughts. But so many facts, ideas and opinions that you express have crossed my mind as well. Every video I am stunned about the depth, the technical and philosphical facettes that you present. You create by far the most valuable youtube content with photographic background and bonus ideas. Thank you Sean keep up the good work.

[@tobysolesbury3405]

Great video I think your attitude towards street photography is spot on. Your images are exactly what I like to see in street photography I like the open minded aspect of street photography it's what makes it so interesting.

[@willdolive]

I could listen to you for hours, really impressed by how natural you are and talk

[@stevebennettphotography]

love your images but also very much appreciate the honesty in your video work 👍

[@Im_Ezic]

This video was absolutely beautiful. The way you speak, what you were saying and the atmosphere. I can confirm that a modern phone is enough for you to start doing photography. Cheers

[@marc6652]

I appreciate your reflexion upon the necessity to have a mentor. That's a interesting point of view. Maybe one in each area you enjoy to photography though... Thank's for sharing so sincerely.

[@tostentwo]

Enjoyed your talking about the process. You have a comfortable tone to the conversation and it provokes my need to get out there. I have been watching technical videos out of necessity and this is refreshing. I think the Brits are unreasonably paranoid about seeing a photographer take a picture in their direction. There are a lot of places where people are a lot more realistic about how anonymous they really are in a photo. I've been to a lot of countries taking street photos and other than one old lady in China, I have never been hassled. Part of it is getting far enough away so they don't feel like you stole part of their face. Someone is almost always looking right at the lens but feel ok about it if you have a longer lens and give some distance.

[@netwolfstar]

Sean you have hit one something very importan here, i avoid street unless with family simply because its akward. But if we think about it, its the gear and the act of pointing it that makes it akward or makes us self concious. If we could just take the photograph in our mind , their would be no issue. So in a way the art is hindered by the gear, beacuse the real art is in the photographer and not the gear. In a world were gear and tech looms so large , we never stop to consider its the same gear that makes us more self concious.

[@awaneeshbaibhav]

Rightly said, having a hero is important. And you're that hero! Thank you for all these videos. You really inspire me to go out there and shoot! All the best for this channel and more!

[@eduardodonascimentojunior8247]

Hey, I am a portrait photographer living in Brazil and I enjoy taking pictures of people on the streets. I approach people, in a couple seconds I explain what's I'm doing with a camera in my hands, give them my contact card (so that they see some level of professionalism) and then I ask them to take pictures. People generally get positively surprised with that and accept my invitation. I never got problems doing that.

[@seantuck]

Great. London can be a tough city, but i think i need to push myself to give it a go again.

[@FellipeRodrigues89]

dude you are so inspirational to me. I tend to see others photography and feel bad about my own, but I hope i'll find my own style in time.

[@gibsonstradivarium]

Your content is so absorbing that it carries me into a state of dream completely forgetting about Like button.

[@jonathancampbell5382]

Absolutely fantastic. Love hearing you speak about this, so well put and very inspiring. Thank you for your simple but profound guidance!

[@youngliu2120]

Some words,I feel silent and beautiful in this video,thank you

[@josephvalentinephoto]

Some of the best advice I've heard on including people in your street photography. Bravo, Sean!

[@loretagema9085]

Thank you very much for the very insightful ethics of the street photography! Very helpful. Ant the colours of the vlog itself are beautiful, as usual :)

[@jasonandrews7355]

Fan Ho is one of my favourite photographers of all time. Great that you could get to know her work!

[@LijuKA]

As always, was eagerly waiting for your video.. huge respect and love.. for being a wonderful person.. for your humbleness and thoughts.. really appreciate the different subjects you address every time and the way you make it real..

[@domste]

I agree a lot with your philosophy about street photography, and your pictures are genuinely stunning!

[@Divineshot]

Awesome advice as always Man! Also, very crisp video footage 😍 And lovely images.

[@GeneralLack]

Street is easy take the shot, smile and if needed play stupid. It hurts me more not to capture the moment than to have a conflict about it. I really like your work especially the colors in this video.

[@northernbloke]

Wow the Fan Ho shots were incredible

[@seantuck]

+MR / NSS his work is amazing.

[@terrywbreedlove]

I have a Fan Ho book Amazing work.

[@antonijapek]

I want to start taking my camera outside more... But when I have a chance, which is rarely, I don't do it because I don't want to go through "all the hassle". Just listening to you helps so much, I instantaneously feel inspired and want to go outside (sadly I can't). Thanks for great content!

[@Ardjekwartje]

Great video again, Sean. With wonderful images at the end.

[@hectorlopez4407]

Hands down one of the best street photography videos and I’m not even done with it!!

[@lfmoliveira1]

Your videos are very unique, really stand out. Thanks, Sean.

[@colinforber8504]

I'm really looking forward to your next video. I tend to approach my street photography the same way, and haven't heard it articulated the way you managed to here.