My Street Photography Process (with Contact Sheets)

[@seantuck]

NOTE: The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that there are actually a couple of breaks in the image sequence on my contact sheet. This is because if I hit the shutter by accident when I'm out shooting, then I delete the image in camera on the spot, but I have included every image I brought home in the sequence.

[@andyroye5622]

Sean Tucker I don’t care! You are a photographer in the truest sense 🙏🏾✌🏽

[@Whatisright]

Don't delete in camera. You run the risk of corrupting your card. Not worth it.

[@Nevpaurion7]

@@Whatisright That's actually a myth that has been dispelled. Modern cards have no such issue.

[@sjsphotog]

@@rosaclovis yeah I like that one as well. in my opinion, Id be lucky to get 1/10th of these. what amazes me is his metering /exposure is SPOT ON and awesome dynamic range and high contrast in each image.

[@Marshallchandra]

@@Nevpaurion7 the risk is still there

[@richardcoomber925]

You can’t imagine how much better that makes me feel about the times I come home and shots have not worked. Thank you

[@waynepoole6120]

imagine if you were shooting with film...

[@Gorganahfikark]

Totally agree

[@mattdayphoto]

Sean, you're great. Thoroughly enjoyed this episode.

[@seantuck]

Cheers mate. I appreciate that.

[@JeffWalshPhotography]

I just wanted to let you know that you've become a huge source of motivation, inspiration, and knowledge. Appreciate you, your work, and the fact that you put these videos out.

[@Needacreate]

Love the way you applied the Magnum Contact Sheets concept to a bit of your own work and brought out the importance of noticing light and locations with potential, then working scenes and, in doing so, giving luck a chance. Your results are beautiful, but there is also beauty in the creative process that gets you there. And you remain one of KZbin's most inspiring photography teachers, Sean.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Marc

[@christoombes7875]

I was watching your video in my office and my wife shouted from another room "that guy sounds just like you going through your images" it made me smile but it also reassured me that I was at least doing something right. Another great insight and thanks again for sharing.

[@seantuck]

Peas in a pod:)

[@BartonBartobartosuerte]

Please don't stop making these videos. They're just what I need to get me out of my motivational rut(s) in photography. Your honesty and candidness are so refreshing. Thanks for being so vulnerable for us all. I finally found a modern photographer that I can actually relate to... thank you!

[@miguelbmelo]

I think that videos like this are the most realistic way to show and teach how to go about and make photos on the street, hope to see more of this Sean, really liked it! thank you!

[@dlmp70]

Agree 100%

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeo]

Watching this made me decide to bring my Fuji X-T30 to the office tomorrow to take some street shots during lunch 🌁

[@sjsphotog]

great. the more you have your camera with you the better chance of a success and it puts you into the mindset of a photographer alwats LOOKING for the light/shadow even if you dont take 1 pix it puts you in photog mode :)

[@aarondigruccio4356]

I have the same camera, and my lunches are really my only time available to shoot on the street - but that's five hours of shooting per week I would otherwise squander. I'm glad you feel encouraged, too!

[@DanTejedaFit]

@@aarondigruccio4356 That's 20 hours a month. More than enough to get you some amazing shots. Don't stop.

[@silvestersalis5374]

I am not a photographer and still like your videos. I think its the honesty what makes me watch them. Thanks.

[@rquitech]

Haters will always hate but that's more of a reflection of who they are and their personal turmoils. There are some of us who genuinely love your work and what you represent. Great work as always Sean!

[@EyeRedDr]

I follow a few photographers but you are the only one I can sit and listen to without drifting off and/or getting distracted. You could make a great audio book.

[@zach.hanford]

Your remarks at the end remind me of Robert Frank's "The Americans" He took(and take this with a grain of salt, I don't remember the exact numbers off the top of my head) upwards of 20,000+ photos to end up with 80 something in his book. And that was in the age of film too.

[@veroniqueleduc1607]

I don't understand people criticizing others' work...because someone is making different images, it doesn't make them bad! This is an art form - I think you are a wonderful photographer!!

[@jimmason8502]

Only 3:50 into this video and already it's brilliant!

[@ericclark8710]

note i am really new to photography, still taking courses, I have taken 8 pictures,plus drone photos, a few cell phone. but you are my kind of photographer, you have the ideas i see, I'm not doing this for weddings,or portraits, i love buildings,landscapes,animals,big trucks,etc..you are the first i have heard about street photography, before you said anything I had in my head I don't care if everyone is better at it than me,take a lot of photos and choose the ones you like, you can hear it from your voice you really are a photographer enjoying walking around taking photos the planning,etc.. keep the videos coming, even if someone don't like your photos (which i do) its your story..i get down sometimes cause i have a 80 hr job,and i have a lot to learn,i'm still discovering more things..

[@ayie7113]

What i like about sean is he doesnt focus on the gears, he explain it tho. But the art in photography is what makes me watch him. Im new to photography and im glad I cross at his videos his vlogging/filmmaking style is so far from any other vlogging photographer. I just want to say thanks for your videos, Sean. Keep uploading to inspire more people. Stay Safe. Im from Philippines btw.

[@seantuck]

I appreciate that!

[@cfagil]

Thank you for showing us the underwater view of how the swans glide effortlessly along the pond. Many photographers may not like people to see the hidden hard work underneath so as to prop up their mystical anterior. I do enjoy your videos. Thank you for being insightful and truthful.

[@jordansnow8656]

I love how thorough and honest you are when it comes to your videos, you’re one of.. if not the best influencer when it comes to photography on KZbin to date!

[@yunusadem]

I really can't believe the usefulness and the quality of these videos. Showing the reality behind taking great photos.

[@JamesonsTravels]

Sean, I am not sure how I found your channel however I am very pleased. Awesome content I can relate to even as a novice. Finally a real photographer and not an over produced KZbin program. Bravo.

[@grabtharandhishammer8251]

Sean, you truly are the most insightful person I follow on youtube. In an age where people are exposed every day to content makers with hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of followers, its easy to forget the journey that they have all been on to get where they are. Unfortunately we've been conditioned to show only the exceptional, not what it takes to get us there. I find your work and your sheer honesty inspirational. Dont ever stop!

[@thereapersperch]

Thanks Sean. You're a very honest person. We look at the photographs of great photographers and wonder in awe at how all their shots are great and are disappointed when we go out and 90% of our shots are just not keepers. It's encouraging to know that even the best photographers go through the same trial and error process to get that one keeper.

[@sanbanrjee]

The way you put more courage to us is astonishing! I devour your videos not only to learn about photography but also to heal my failures and the succeeding frustration.

[@DunkelRuhrOutdoors]

You are one of the most honest people out there. Thank you for your guidance. You are wonderful!

[@xyzhou6207]

I just moved back from Paris to my home in China, so many photo books and one of the few I took back is the Magnum Contact sheets. The presentation and the content of the book are so unique and en point, it is absolutely brilliant and I cant see myself apart from it

[@david_keating]

I love your work Sean AND your approach. A fisherman will spend all day and catch nothing but he will still have had a great day. If it was that easy you'd not do it with so much passion. Keep up your work, I love it. 👍

[@debless9]

Photographers are highly opiniated, you do you. I'm quickly learning even among amateurs people develop strong opinions about all aspects of photography. While it's important to develop a personal style, some think it's their job to tell others they are wrong. Don't take candid photos, only take candid photos, never edit, only click when you are sure you have the perfect image in front of you (all horrible advice if you ask me).

[@sylvainlapierre3245]

Thank you Sean for, not only your expertise, but your honesty. I’m an amateur photographer and your videos are so helpful.

[@eigojiyouzu]

Really enjoy your visual and verbal storytelling Sean.. I've grown as a photographer by watching and learning from what you so generously share with your audience.

[@omnirhythm]

Seeing the photos that 'didn't work' is incredibly motivational. It shows, just as you said, that there's no point'n'shoot but rather a trial and error process.

[@BlomgrenEbbe]

One of your absolute best! Watching the contacts and listening to your comments was a Master Class experience. Please do more like this!

[@TL-xw6fh]

You'roe great at what you do, Sean. Don't let other photographers try to pigeon-hole you. The art of photography is very subjective and personal and for me, originality beats tightly structured and defined photographic genres.

[@shafferpatchias3028]

I like watching a lot of photography youtubers, but you... you are THE most inspirational. I see a lot of my work the same way you described all of yours. Thank you.

[@danmurrell2580]

Wow! This video does a great job of demonstrating how difficult street photography can be. A good lesson for those of us that want immediate results, with as little effort as possible. Thanks.

[@scottthrift290]

Thanks Sean, as an architect, film photographer and reluctant digital convert . . . have really enjoyed your outlook! Thanks!

[@joehall7869]

I am as amateur as they get. Thanks for getting me to thing differently about a scene. It’s ok for me to not take any pictures that I might not like that day. Lastly just to take more pictures every day. Wishing you all the best.

[@TriTran-dv2cv]

Thank you, Sean for generously sharing. You have given us much needed insight, thoughtful encouragement, and most importantly for me, reassuring that self doubt is part of our growth process. Keep up the great work!

[@marcusineson]

Another piece of inspiration for those of us who wonder at the images of the masters. I adopted a philosophy a while ago of 20 crap photos a day and this has helped me to learn to see potential even if at the end of it nothing is shared. It’s the process for me not necessarily the result

[@yananorthen534]

Sean, you are something , I like what you do.

[@KingJvpes]

Couldn’t agree with you more Sean. Being mostly a film shooter my measurements are in rolls of film -> 36 exposures. On a good day I’ll get through 1-2 rolls and out of those 72 exposures I’m happy to get at least 1 or two images. Also touching on working the scene, most of the time My roll of film is spent only photographing maybe 2-3 important scenes. A lot of the photos are made by working the scene like you were saying. This almost makes me want to just go digital because realistically speaking spending the money for film + developing each roll gets expensive. Your channel has sparked tons of thought and inspiration. Really digging everything you’re putting out man. If you’re ever in the San Francisco area, hit me up. Let’s shoot!!

[@MakersTeleMark]

Sean, just so you know, no one really judges your work. I looked through those contact sheets, and I knew exactly which ones you would pick. You have accomplished it actually. I know your eye. So cool to see the process, thanks. I would have loved to work on a couple that your eye didn't like. But, that is why we are human, and that is why I love your channel for a larger reason. Thank you.

[@windinkle1]

The slides that show the progress were a valuable extra. I tell my students to shoot a lot but in those subsequent shots, make sure they move from left to right or tilt the camera or come in closer or move away a bit. It's the process that reflects the crafting of a specific image along with the evolving narrative. Excellent session. Thanks. Llewellyn

[@paimei2339]

I can't believe how fluently he speaks. It seems to me that that's very rare these days, especially on KZbin. Jump-cuts have become unbearable to me and Sean's videos really stand out with their flow. I hope more people follow his example.

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

A quality, considered piece, as ever. Contact sheet and talk through is excellent. It helps not by copying your process and strategy, or tactic.. but by making one realise what OUR methods are.. Enjoyed your effortless, soothing and supportive words.

[@Indrakusuma_a]

That last quote really hits me. I'm more of a hunter rather than fisherman, moving around shooting anything I deem interesting. Sometimes I think I'm just too light on the shutter button, and creates nothing good. But then, as you said, it's just the process that will mold your shooting style the more you shoot on the field. Also interesting how you show us that you took shots as 'visual notes' for future references. That's something I've never thought about before at all.

[@PrateekKarandikar]

Amazing as always! I would love to see a video where you explain your approach to organizing your image collection. With what your goals are with organization, what matters to you, what's less important, what tradeoffs you came across, and so on. Along with some specifics like: * What folder structure do you choose? Folders kind of force organizing along a single "dimension" - eg, at the top-level one can organize by genre or location or year/month/etc, but not all of them simultaneously without a combinatorial explosion of folders. * What kind of tagging system do you use? Do you arrange the tags in a hierarchy? How do you choose your tags? * What's your workflow for adding new photos to your collection after a shoot and ensuring they're organized right? * What physical media do you use? (eg, how many hard disks, what capacity, etc) * What's your strategy for backups? On-site, in the cloud, etc. How many copies do you keep, and how do you ensure that new photos and any changes get propagated correctly? * How do you avoid vendor lock-in with any tools you use? Eg if one day you were to stop using Adobe and move to something else, would all the organizational aspects of your collection carry over? * Do you keep most of your images that you bring home (including the visual notes, photos you know you won't use, etc)? * Any other considerations for scaling to a huge collection? It would be great to hear about your approach to this!

[@matt46vale]

Can't help but get inspired from each video I watch of yours

[@kkfox7822]

This has been on my mind a lot lately! I work as a photographic archivist organising the stills photography collection for a tv production company. The collection covers the last 40 years and all the film stock contains everything the photographer shot (which is the property of the tv production company) and the one thing that really blows me away - and gives me enormous confidence as a photographer - is to see the full range of shots that were taken by the photographer on any given day. (My job is to make selections to get the items digitised so I do a lot of comparing and assessing to make my selections. It's a great job!)

[@tracey-leehibbins7952]

thanks for sharing Sean. Very generous of you to be so open, and greatly appreciated.

[@lennysatori]

I like all those photos, you can notice that you are a perfectionist

[@PeterArnold1969]

Yet another exceptional video with lots of useful information. I know I shouldn't need justification for taking more ordinary shots than good ones, but you made me realise that it takes time to get the good shots. It's nice to know that even someone like yourself doesn't accept every shot that they take as good.

[@SemPixels]

Every video you make is so timeless.

[@alexandreamaral1576]

Sean, this episode was remarkable! It's such a valuable insight to see how the process works, I never saw light the same way again after watching your videos. You're a mentor in many ways. Thanks!

[@howardahhon7600]

Nothing WRONG being a perfectionist!?!? Always FINDING that PERFECT shot!!! I think the CONCEPT of the Street Photography is DIFFERENT in everyones MINDS?!?! That's the BEAUTY of art?!?! What is CAPTURED in the light through the LENSE is what matters the MOST for every PHOTOGRAPHER?!?! Let the image tell you a STORY?!?!...

[@PaulWilks]

The thought of being a hunter terrifies me. Nah, I'm with you - fishing all the way. Thanks for this video, incredibly insightful.

[@henrikrosen]

I love DSC05693. The shadows from the persons walking is beautiful. Something that I like about street photography is that people interpret the pictures differently. I often think about what the people in the pictures think of and where they are going.

[@ericmeter8269]

Sean, you are a natural teacher. Thank you for this! Getting back into photography after a long absence, I'm still very much discovering my eye again. This look into your creative process is invaluable.

[@kevingoldsmith4325]

Such a comforting video. I've just got back from an early evening wander around a rainy Winchester. Took 33 shots, got one shot which I really like, the rest were rubbish! Which is perfectly normal for me. So I'm relieved to hear that the experts have the same kinda ratio. Keep up these wonderful, articulate videos. Great stuff.

[@itsmieke8739]

Thank you! Very encoureging to keep on taking pictures. Really thank you for the honest look inside your work.

[@Firefromthenorth]

Thank you, Sean. So good to realise that I'm doing something right when I was thinking I was just wasting shots. I'm a fisherman (a female one). 😀

[@anqi7987]

Have this book too. It's defiantly a great book that inspires and teaches photographers a lot by showing what those great photographers were thinking and under what conditions when they took those photos. This is a book that can be studied for good

[@pdjgallacher]

What a small world. I've been following this channel for a few months now and one of my other hobbies/interests is scootering. Not even days before you shot those photos of the scooter riders I had met that rider, his name is Matt McKeen, in Liverpool at a competition.

[@60shots]

Fantastic episode Sean. Absolutely glued to this one. You really are a guiding light for us vulnerable photographers .

[@Dethaun]

Love the message Sean, it's so easy to get discouraged when I take so many pictures or videos and only 1 or 2 meet my standards. It's all just part of the process

[@sjsphotog]

we as photogs are always harder on ourselves. Im a perfections at heart so I know the feeling but dont get discouraged. if you knew how many HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of shots the pros took to actually get the iconic shots over history you would be amazed. sure they had "the eye" but it still was work not always easy,

[@etienne_oosthuizen]

Hi Sean, your take on street photography and general philosophy is inspiring, thank you.

[@avikmajumdar1791]

Just loved this video of yours. Its given me a bit of a morale boost to now go out and shoot without any added pressure 😊

[@blakesauner3949]

This is easily one of the reasons I subscribe, this behind the lens/inside the head stuff. Thanks so much for sharing, the processes are always so interesting.

[@steveperkins3718]

A great book - I got it a few months ago and it does make you appreciate the process of creating a great composition and how my images evolve from seeing a potential scene in to a final image.

[@wpickle]

Sean, something so beautiful and honest and open about this video. You also touch upon something quite lovely, at least to me - sometimes it's fun just to take a photo of something, in the same way it is quite fun to just doodle with pen and paper sometimes.

[@1young-geezer]

Yet another great class Sean. Thanks for the personal conversation and in-depth sharing insight. Exposing the contact sheets of a day's outing and viewing each image and collection - brilliant. This covers the base we all experience, and your assurance of it's usual, and to be expected, common outcome across the photographer spectrum was so encouraging.

[@rolf_siggaard]

Thanks for sharing. Brutally honest. Really interesting to watch and learn from your reflections and observations. It’s all about being out there capturing those moments and enjoying it. Thanks.

[@NielsdeKemp]

Awesome video Sean!

[@ibbz3714]

I have to agree with the person that suggested considering the 5675, it creates a very interesting sequence, almost like a living independent shadow of the guy in the light, the repetition is dynamic and beautiful, something that would hardly happen again in the way it did in this pic. And I would add 5681, I know you don't like clusters but the rhythm it has creates a beautiful composition, the silhouette of the guy on the far left tells you he is present but at the same time has no detail so you are not distracted by him, then the two ladies about to clash but not overlapping and the way the heads of these three characters are placed is eye-catching and, last but not least, the mysterious guy in the shadow waiting for your attention to be drawn to the dark side of the picture (especially if you can highlight the white parts on his shirt), it's like a subtle wink to the viewer so they don't dismiss the shadow part too quickly, it's a reminder "don't take anything for granted", and when you see how both of the guys on the sides of the pic have a similar hight (in the pic) and are in a similar distance from the brown rectangled sign (or whatever that is) just gives more strength to the frame and to the image as a whole. (My English is a bit deficient so I hope you understand what I'm trying to say). Well, is not like I'm a well experienced photographer but that's what I see, at the end this is just an opinion you don't need to take it into consideration, you have a beautiful work and an eye you've been training for a while so you know what to do with your pics ;) Also, it was interesting to see your process, I work very different from you so to go through your contact sheet and see how you look for images to capture opened my photographic horizon a bit more. Always something interesting in your channel. Thank you!

[@dwaynehill5973]

Thanks Sean for reassuring me to always work for your shots. The first is not necessary the best shot. Be a hunter or a fisherman

[@pablotenkara3057]

Thanks! It makes a lot of sense. You are probably aware that your statements make you an impatient fisherman hunting for new pools. However paradoxical that may sound, the results are great and, most importantly, the process seems like great fun. Cheers.

[@DavidslvPT]

So many nights I have come back home without a single good photo, just last week I took over 12k photos and in true honesty 8 came out the way I was hoping. Trial and Error is definitely part of the process. I just have to remind myself to accept that this is my process and I try to learn to become better next time.

[@piers3318]

Sean, Thanks for that. I like to take photos of what I find interesting. And often I get demoralised by my lack of creativity. So a bit of an inspirational piece this, for me. I like a lot of your photos so I am inspired by your “failures”. “……1% inspiration and 99% perspiration” as someone more creative than me once said 😊

[@etiennemass3091]

I love your work AND the WAY you work. Stay true to yourself, as always. If you love what you do, it means that you are doing the right thing. Embrace it and never stop experimenting because as you once said, art comes out of experimentation! Keep it up! And it's good for every single one of you reading this ;)

[@Bonsees]

Love the last shot with the guy on the scooter

[@jonathangenn2900]

Thank you for sharing your creative thought and process. As an amateur film photographer I have found so meaningful your choices of taking frames for mental notes, and how they serve a purpose in your creative process. It makes me think how I can employ a similar strategy, and whether I need to be a hunter or fisher to achieve my final vision.

[@robertcatellier1604]

Amazing. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to make this video.

[@julianheritage6436]

Thanks Sean, found this video really useful in your approach to working a scene. I've stopped watching most you tube photography channels as I don't think I learn much from them. Your videos are thought-provoking and educational, keep em coming, please!

[@ginatinyverge9661]

So, I guess you fall into the "Impatient Fisherman" category... 😉

[@sallycarilli7779]

I really appreciate your videos, so easy to connect with your guidance. So inspiring Sean, Thank you!

[@Isynko]

I love your attitude and encouraging words for all photographers out there including me personally, and I want to thank you for that. Keep it up so your words reach more people.

[@philn1957]

I like your analogy of "Hunter or Fisherman" I don't think I could be a "in your face" style street photographer but I do like to stalk a location then wait patiently like a fisherman. Your openness and explenation as you looked at the contact sheets will be inspiring to all of us. I have been to a lot of the locations you visited though yet to visit the Barbican, I did manage to get a plane between the buildings near the Lloyds building in April this year.

[@BobPluss]

Your videos are incredible. Such deep thought and thorough explanation of things. Thank you!

[@StuartBridge]

Awesome video Sean. Great to see your process and thoughts as you stalk for a good photo. Thanks for sharing!j

[@emgee44]

It’s always a joy watching one of your videos and this was no exception, really informative and inspirational , thank you.

[@lemonsandants]

great insight on how your shoot and how others. A lot of times, I question if what im doing is right or wrong. I know deep down, there is no right or wrong, but sometimes there is the nagging doubt of yourself hammering at you. and you start to question what your doing. Next thing you know, you start going down the rabbit hole. This is really helpful and encouraging. Thank you!

[@stevenwallacebell]

Thank you once again for your candid remarks about prospective, process, and the reality of street photography. Helps me to keep shooting with emphasis to capture the moment.

[@zacualpeno100]

My biggest struggle is criticizing my own work. The reality is that most pictures I take are trash, but they eventually grow you in the journey to improve and become memorable. Thanks for sharing.

[@johncampbell3628]

Thanks Sean for such an interesting insight into your work process. You actually make me feel much better about my own process which to now has left me feeling frustrated by the lack of keepers asa ratio of shots.

[@philipforsyth9070]

Sean this is a brilliant video. Thanks for sharing it. It was really insightful to see your process and reassuring that we don't always have to come back with that perfect shot!

[@adsymac]

Great video Sean! Not only was it reassuring for photographers to not be put off by seeing others post great photo as if they're "first tries", it was also interesting to see how you go about choosing your finals.

[@RyeGuyOutside]

Thanks Sean! It’s especially helpful to a new guy like me to hear about pro keeper rates. It makes me feel much more hopeful about the reps I’m putting in and the fact that I can take 100s of shots to get 5-10 that I want to work with.

[@craighattam2020]

Yes I am with you. I like the environmental aspect by being a fisherman!

[@raymorgan4337]

Really helpful and instructive. Appreciate your honesty and vulnerability in sharing these images.

[@PeterRitter]

Sean, took a lot from your episodes! Thanks! Amazing how you manage to combine tech and Inspiration where the latter always is more relevant.