Protect your Highlights: A lesson for Light and Life

Link to my video on the Squarespace KZbin Channel: • Empowering Individuals...
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Recently, a lesson I was learning about capturing light also held some timely truths for my own life as I was struggling with motivation as a freelancer. I hope sharing it here helps you in your own photography, filmmaking or life in general. Share it on if you found it useful.
MUSIC:
Perceptible Shades 1 - Johannes Bornlof
All music is sourced from Epidemic Sound. Check out their plans specifically for KZbinrs: share.epidemicsound.com/lRQ29
#protectyourhighlights #photography #exposure

[@pbziegler]

As a photographer and retired psychotherapist I wanted to take a moment tell you that you’re videos are always worth watching. And this one is over the top. Watching your videos is in itself protecting the highlights.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Phillip. I appreciate that

[@tsrevo1]

I've spent years on KZbin watching boring guys talk about lenses and compare lengths, and then this guy came along. A real gem. Thank you.

[@Photo_doctor]

Extremely agree with you!

[@soundsendreturn]

“Whether its your photography, your cinematography or your life in general, protect your highlights” … From a total stranger who is having a pretty rough time of it recently, those words have resonated and frankly moved me to emotion. Thank you.

[@christianfritschi9741]

Well said. For me as well !

[@odarrien]

Keep on pushing through!

[@marcosdorado9695]

@soundsendreturn: I hope you are well.

[@jamaln9056]

This is, by far, the best KZbin channel for photography

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I don't think there is a channel on KZbin that I find more real value than yours, thank you again for a very timely video. Jason

[@MichaelFrazierTube]

I totally second your comments here Primal

[@WattyJay]

I couldn’t find anybody that could give me clarity on why my 80D loses light when I adjust my exposure.. this video has helped me out a lot especially because I do tones of street photography. Any camera you’d recommend ?

[@Mich32tracy32]

Watty Jay I just moved from canon 80d to to Sony a7iii think it’s got 15 stops it makes huge difference with 80d I used to shoot brackets don’t need to now I can bring highlights and shadows back easily now with one shot

[@WattyJay]

Michael wilson I’ve bee looking at the A7riii 🙏🏽

[@Mich32tracy32]

Watty Jay it’s a huge jump in quality from 80d I have found most of the canon lenses work as well with adapter

[@mrdev9843]

I can actually feel my brain expanding when I listen to this guy ! cheers

[@skullaveraz]

I was once here for the photography. I've decided to stay for the insights and perspective.

[@J_Stronsky]

I'm freelance, was having a shit day, thought I'd watch some educational photography guides to distract myself from the hopeless feeling I was having - instead I got a positive talk that pulled me entirely out of the shitty day I'd been having. Cheers man. Keep up what you're doing, it made a real difference to me :)

[@BrandonSallinger]

This was really. Frickin. Good. An excellent lesson for Cinematography and an even better one for life. Thank you Sean!

[@cezaryloj6678]

I feal the same! I subscribed him for the Photography but I'm amazed how he combines it with daily life!

[@ac3arcadia]

Word. Couldn't have said it better. Awesome lesson and would love to see more of such kind.

[@loiccoquelle]

Amazing lesson indeed. One to remember!

[@markyp2532]

Mind. Blown.

[@travelrecordmusic8265]

Four years later… what Brandon Sallinger said.

[@whenurefree]

Sean could start a cult, his wisdom is insane. It's brilliance!

[@alexandrumititelu647]

he used to be a preacher

[@MrWatchcollector]

and that is what i was thinking. he is so sooooothing too!!!

[@bigblue6917]

Probably not. Britain is not a great place for sitting in a loincloth on the top of a mountain. Can get a bit chilly round your neither regions.

[@aroniariz2708]

He was a preacher. A Bachelor on Psychology. he is a "Phototherapist"

[@paradanglers]

He could, but he's also got the integrity to know it would be a cult - makes him even rarer in my book!

[@SanjibDas-tq6ek]

Thank you Sean......You taught me again how to get rid of negativity and start a new beginning...

[@andriykovach2736]

This channel has become like a tv show for me. I start my day with a cup of coffee and motivational speech from Sean Tucker. THanks for great content that really resonates with me!

[@Divineshot]

I will protect my highlights. Thanks for sharing man! 👊🏽

[@GjVj]

This isn't the first time I've watched this one. Thank you Sean, needed to hear (and see) this. Again.

[@mdahal4132]

Sean, You are not only a good photographer, bloody good motivator too. Thank God ! I found you today.

[@recardosands9948]

I've been a DoP/Director for many years now and I totally agree with you. Especially in/with dealing with life's issues. I know you help me and I'm sure that you helped a lot of people by posting this video. Very inspiring and thanks again for posting.

[@nitramwin]

Finally understood ETTR today. For the past half year, I have been working to improve my RAW shooting and editing skills. Today, I’ve realized that it’s not always about creating a technical image where everything can be adjusted for optimal lighting (shadow recovery etc). Instead, learning to appreciate the highlights is an exercise in image capture - the way we humans intuitively remember the a scene. Thank you!

[@danmurrell2580]

Sean, I’ve just “discovered” you. I’ve been a lazy photographer most of my life, in spite of my love for the craft. Your videos are inspiring me to ‘up my game’. Thank you.

[@dillank3240]

That is tough to admit. I have to say that I am the same.

[@MotoFotoe]

In regards to your intro, it seems I'm not the only one that needs to walk with the camera to decompress or level myself out. It is the greatest therapy.

[@rajnajat]

Absolute mint video. ........ I strongly believe that those 94 people who have disliked this video should see a Psychiatrist before it is too late ! - Dr Raj

[@MasatsuguFUJINAKA]

Since I have watched this video, I am not afraid of going out in a broad day light to shoot. I believed that there were no drama when Sun was over your head and there is no drama, but your can create it protecting highlights. A lot of pro photographers are telling us to use any light source available, but your explanation put everything falling into a piece making a sense. An amazing and inspirational video to watch. Thank you very much.

[@woodygreen6826]

The life advice in this video is even more important than the photographic tips. Thanks, Sean.

[@MajorAddiction]

Some real spit by Sean

[@Azidust]

i dont even own a camera or do photography but i enjoy watch you videos its inspiring ,relaxing ,you teach us to enjoy the simplest things in life and how to organize your thinking in any art aspect thank you

[@MrProctitus]

Just discovered this channel. So many photography channels and many that I enjoy but WOW this stands head and shoulders above.

[@NinjaMonkeyPrime]

I'm watching this again while reviewing some images I recently took of my 92 year father. He was on the covered back porch wrapped in blankets watching me roast coffee. I wanted to capture the moment with the wonderful bright blue sky with puffy clouds in the background. I focused on keeping the highlights so I could get that sky but at first glance I was worried I missed my subject who was in total darkness. I did lose a few images due to my inexperience but I think I have several that will keep that sky and still give me wonderful images of my dad. There's a bit of grain due to my error but I think it will still work out. Since I'm just an amateur it didn't occur to me to try protecting the highlights AND the trying the same shot without. It would have been interesting to see which was the better shot in that case. But I do think about this with most of my shots now.

[@_rhapsodist]

Written, structured and executed to the top levels, very well done!

[@NighthawkX02]

I don't know how this man manages to give us an editing lesson and such a deep life advice at the same time.

[@jimwilliams1174]

As a photographer I watch a lot of videos on technique. Having done this for several decades I am familiar with most of the techniques that I see. As a result I rarely watch a video from beginning to end. This video, "Protecting Your Highlights" had me captivated all of the way through. Unlike many photography videos that are pretty dry and without much food for thought, Sean's video is also a lesson in philosophy and how we view life. Kudos to you Sean for helping us think not only about photography, but also life and the world that we live in.

[@sunnykdddnkh]

I was looking to understand highlights, didn't think that I would walk away with a life lesson. This is so well timed. Thank You Sean.. You gave me a new perspective.

[@DigiDave6]

One of the most profound, thoughtful photography videos I've ever seen

[@vlancev1939]

This is one of the best photography videos I've watched. I myself picked up photography recently and the reason why I did was unable to be explained. People ask me why I picked up photography but I could hardly explain why because to me it is a hobby so unique I couldn't put in words. So most people do not see why photography is so interesting. But this video shows why, it helps clear the mind, it makes you more adventurous, you become someone who records the small details in everyday life in whatever mood it is, sad, scary or happy its all there, and to me it makes me more confident to get out there to snap some photos as I am usually the type of person afraid of showing myself to others, photography kinda changed me. Also music is another thing that brings more life to photography and cinematography.... and the movie which everyone of us are directors of: our own life. Thanks Mr Sean

[@onlycalmchannel]

Sean speaks of a martial artist discipline called "the broken rhythm method" which speaks to getting out of your own mind and routine by "doing something different on purpose" to stretch, mind, body, spirit and ultimately discover refreshment in simplicity. Amen Sean, Amen.

[@jazzysnaps]

At last someone who knows photography, pro or learner this is a must to view, as a pro the learning curve will never end and i found that everything Sean talks about here is so true in every aspect, hundreds of videos of blind leading the blind telling everyone to pull everything out of an image to the extent there is no mystery, every shadow is ripped apart to reveal its hidden secrets, and even leading myself to question am i doing it wrong but fortunately like Sean i stick to what i believe is right. A new Subscriber .

[@alikocphoto]

This episode is so deep ! Thank you for making this video and sharing your experience with us !

[@toddcanterino3376]

After watching this I was reminded of Minor White's work. Thanks for jogging memories from over 25 years ago.

[@jamestheredd]

I have always believed that photographers have much to learn from the meticulously crafted compositions of great films. And a very thoughtful cross over to our emotional well being. Well done Sean!

[@photocath]

Magnificent. Really touching. Thank you Sean. I will protect my highlights more, in life and in photography... You just made me choke up completely... Thank you.

[@scotty4418]

Very wise words Sean and for me you are one of the most realistic individuals out there not only sharing your knowledge and talent with us, but also your perspective on life

[@TaylorBluemel]

One of my favorite things about exposing to the right is that it leaves a sense of mystery to the image. HDR and scenes without that negative space let you see everything. But when the audience has to take the time to look around the image and search all of the dark spots it creates a whole new level of engagement. Amazing work as always man!

[@thetribaltirkey]

From now on I will definitely protect my highlight, be it video, photo or life. Thank you

[@autumnlilly2366]

Why was this so emotional for me? Left my in tears. Such a lovely video😭

[@padatk2956]

Always a pleasure to watch you: quality image, warm sound and text that speaks the truth and experience.

[@loadedvideo]

Thank you Sean for your words and talents.

[@elvinlawcc]

Best KZbin channel I have ever subscribe! I watch your channel every night. Learned a lot of knowledge about videography and photography. I am a freelance videographer, I never been to any film school and I started this journey of taking video for other people since 1998. Very happy to found your channel recently, love your channel very much. Every single words you said in your channel inspired me. Greatness takes a great deal of time,there is no substitute for time. Journey to mastery is a long one. Stay honest and humble along the way. Keep moving in the right direction one day at a time. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge,it helps me a lot. With love from Malaysia.

[@joeallam]

Beautiful perspective and very well visualised, Sean! I too have recently been focusing a lot on the highlights in my photography and letting the darkness fall confidently. It's been a refreshing change in the way I've been shooting and definitely for the better! I'm not sure how long you've been working freelance, but the worry of feast or famine does eventually get suppressed as time goes on. Good luck with it all!

[@seantuck]

Thanks Joe:) appreciate it

[@derkling]

This is certainly another reading for "a camera is a tool for learning how to see without a camera"... great video dude, a great lesson of life with style! Thanks for keep on providing such high quality contents.

[@whereisjohnnow]

From your examples, i finally understand what protecting highlights mean. thank you

[@malcolmlea4906]

If it makes you smile it's a highlight and a memory - whether an experience or an image. Your videos, and this one in particular, are ear splitting grins. Thanks Sean.

[@wes5219]

This was not only a great teaching about photography, but also about life ! Thanks for sharing Sean ! I will protect my highlights as well !

[@kylehislipstudio3280]

Just seeing this now, a little more than a year after you published it. I appreciate the spiritual message as well as the technical one. I hope you're having a great year Sean! I always enjoy these presentations.

[@dasp125]

Photography has started to become a frustration lately because of lack of inspiration and motivation. You have opened up so many new ideas in photography and editing that I am starting to look forward to going out with my camera again.

[@Blomhaus]

how you explained the approach with tv stills, then demonstrated these understandings in your own work was a joy to see. Clear and wonderful way of communicating your knowledge thankyou

[@MickeyGooner]

I’m so impressed by you and I’m so thankfull to have find you on KZbin. You’re an inspiration as a photographer and especially as a human. Your videos always go deeper than talking about photography and I really need that in my life. Thank you, Sean.

[@YannickReid]

Wow this is amazing; because while I have known this for years I've never fully understood the reasoning or philosophy behind it and I find when I don't fully understand why decisions are being made it's hard to improvise them or know what to do when situations aren't ideal. But this explains why we expose for the highlights and what the end result of that choice is and explains so much around how you apply this technique in various situations. Thank you Sean this is great

[@rodneyontube]

Your generosity sharing your knowledge and insights is remarkable. As an old teacher, I recognize the changing power of your giveaways. You are a most respectable human being. My sincere greetings.

[@CharlieGreenberg]

Your latest entries are very vivd, very alive. I admire your non-pose attitude, your opened mind and your ability to to share things that realy bothers you. You are not playing any role, you are not a reflection of what you (maybe) would like to be. You are who you are now, that's very inspiring. Please, continue, stay being you... thanks. And great lesson about highlights by the way, completely blew my mind, thanks :)

[@seantuck]

Thanks Charlie. That’s really kind:)

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Oh stop it already! This content you're putting out is insane! I LOVE this "protect you're highlights" analogy. Also, I've been suffering a bit from the nagging doubt of freelancing as a photog (still there after nearly 10 years!) so it was great to hear some of the strategies you put in place. Cheers for another quality video!

[@BillMcCarroll]

Great analogy to positive thinking Sean. Protect your highlights and your positive thoughts....that I will remember, thanks!

[@theW01F]

I watched 235.384 videos about video editing, color grading, log profiles, hlg, cinematic b-roll,... and your advice is just the best I came across

[@gr8northernpike]

Life is light...light is life. Thank you for your work

[@christianglock477]

Thanks very much for this great episode. I watched it numerous times already. Sometimes it is really hard to *protect your highlights* in life. Videos like this help to focus on the important bits and pieces of life. Great channel, Sean.......

[@milenmirchev3079]

I learnt more from this video than hours, maybe days of other advice. Wow.

[@kevinvu99]

I've learned so much photography from this one video alone. After many years of learning, this one and the embrace the shadow video are two of the best photography lessons available.

[@ANigerianPrince]

God, your channel is solid gold. I'm so happy to be subscribed I can cry.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Superb as always Sir!

[@seantuck]

Thanks buddy:)

[@SurajBoddu]

That last bit was NEEDED. Thank you, Sean, for all the great videos!!

[@sachinmajotra9665]

TechDevoted yeah he is one my fav KZbinr

[@AdamThomasBalancingtouch]

Thank you for making this a better world!

[@christianfritschi9741]

Not only is this about protecting your highlights, it is first and foremost about protecting your sanity. It is also about not being carried by the flow of what is fashionable. Here, I'm thinking antithesis to HDR. I'm also thinking about the rush to more pixels and pixel peeping, lens sharpness at all costs, bokeh and now ever wider apertures at ever wider costs. You have pointed to something I have been thinking about for a while. How so many years of photographic experience (I go back to the mid '60's) have shaped our brain when it comes to thinking about composition, lighting and the basic photographic concepts.We take it all for granted... You have a knack to put into words what many are merely suspecting. Brilliant work Sean. I hope your freelancing gets a big bright boost to the right !!!

[@niponski807]

This is such an inspiring content. Your message of positivity is like a good photo that I will keep for a long time. Cheers! now you gotta think of this for 10 sec.

[@piyushmishra7791]

Alright, it has been seven months since we saw this video. And i can bet my money on the fact that this one tip, this raised my level of photography up by a few notches. I practiced this advice for 7 months and i have seen substantial growth, being honest with myself. This is something no one is talking about. Mind you i still shoot with my cellphone and it makes the images look so better that i have forgotten the last few regrets i had of not having a dslr or mirrorless camera. Thank you for this gem. :)

[@seantuck]

You're welcome mate.

[@Barrrt]

Just a tip you probably don't want or need but secondhand dslrs like the canon 5d classic or the 100d are very affordable, in Europe at least. You can be done for 200 euro's or less. But I don't know the market conditions where you live. Have fun shooting man!

[@piyushmishra7791]

@@Barrrt I've checked some out. Good options, robust body, good sensor and cheap. I'll buy one as soon as i start earning. Thanks for your advice though. Cheers!

[@Barrrt]

@@piyushmishra7791 Hey man. Have fun, I wish you all the best. For me, I started to earn some money when I shot with the Canon 100D but for low light situations it wasn't good enough (but it depends on your assignments if you're ever in low light situations - of course it's best to avoid them altogether). But it's such a nice compact body. I use it paired with the 50mm 1.8 STM lens. To me, that's the cheapest and most compact and lightest lens, and therefor the best :-) It's great if you're into portraits/people. I now have a 6D with that 50mm and it's a great set too. Have fun and always try before you buy to see if it suits your style and needs. The 100D will always be in my heart because it's compact and fun. The 5D classic is still a preferred choice for some professionals. The most important thing though is you and the way you handle your subjects, in my opinion :-) That's where you can distinguish yourself from everyone else.

[@piyushmishra7791]

@@Barrrt much respect to your opinion man. I'm into Street photography. So I'll be looking for a compact setup too. Maybe something like a fuji xt20 itself. And if i go on to try other genres and my budget allows, I'll get a full frame too. My cousin has the 50mm 1.8. lovely lens. Cheap, light and sharp. Check my work on Instagram @ piyush_mishra_18 if you are interested. Good luck with your projects. :)

[@My0308]

As a freelancer when i find dead ends your videos motivate me and keeps me going on! Thank you so much sean for taking time for creating these valuable contents . you are my inspiration!!

[@odarrien]

Thank you for this Sean. As someone who battled depression for years, I can say you are very much on point! And the psychologist's reference to velcro and teflon! Wow, I felt that! My new journey in photography is part and parcel of my recovery from depression and I can safely say, going forward, I'll do my best to "Protect My Highlights" in both senses!! Thank you and God Bless.

[@nenaddabic7994]

Beautiful.Explanation, tutorial and at the end some deep words that got me thinking. Cheers

[@mahamza86]

Another informative and inspirational video. Bless you mate, your videos give new life to ones in the rutt.

[@stargazer5511]

Wow. I went out shooting today with one goal. Protect my highlights. My skies/clouds and building wall light/shadow came out beautiful. Made my post process a joy and saved a lot of time. Sean, your channel is one of the best . Thanks so much for sharing your journey and helping me to define my own.

[@jewelbarua5309]

I love listening you. You are too good as teacher and becoming my mentor day by day.

[@worshiptutorials]

Great video Sean. And an early congrats on 100k subs :)

[@Sh0rtStackFilms]

I love how unique this channel is Sean. Keep it up and well done.

[@mercuriallimit]

I stumble upon your channel by accident, but after 4 videos, I find myself relating to you in many ways, such as the way you look at the world, and how you learn them from photography itself. Thank you

[@schlabitzangela]

Beautiful! Thank you! I love your motivational words!! I am a freelancer and just yesterday I had those " what am I doing? This is all so complicated" thoughts just because something didn't quite work out as easy as I had hoped. I only discovered you today and I will indulge myself in all your videos and work today!

[@seantuck]

Nice:)

[@JarmalWilcox]

I love the bird's​ eye illustration! Great work

[@FollowingtheWhiteRabbit]

Wow, what a video!! 😱😃😍 This was freaking good, thank you. 👍 This really resonates with me, the way you put together photography, filmmaking and personal growth, because that’s exactly what I intend to do with my channel about Creativity. I am just starting with it by associating for example filmmaking, sketching and photography in a video (Antwerp Vlog) or including personal growth in some of my videos through thoughts about believing in ourselves, being confident or not aiming for perfection, in my sketching, watercolor painting or photography video. I hope to be able to pair it all even more soon. Thanks for adding a bit more inspiration to my project. ☺️ As a photographer, I always adopt an extreme approach : chiaroscuro and protected hightlights sometimes, high key atmospheres at other times, wide angle sharp playing with perspective shot at times, or shallow depth of fields sort of close ups... Btw, It would be nice to make a video the same way you did with this one, about contrast. 😉 “Embrace and enhance contrast! A lesson for light and life. Live fully and make great impact photography”. 😌 If you want to make a collab, I’m in. :)

[@YeaButCanUDoABackflp]

I always hear that "exposing to the right" meant to raise the exposure compensation as far as you can without losing important details in the highlights. Most of the time this means turn EV up -> brighter image (and shadows) -> so the cameras dynamic range would shift to the left. Still great points you are making. I really enjoy your videos and get a lot valuable tips from them. Thank you! :)

[@leond123]

Amongst all the good videos in KZbin land, this one was REALLY good.

[@BeorOng]

1.1k likes, 1 dislike... guess that guy just likes blowing his highlights

[@christianfritschi9741]

Maybe just a slip of the mouse....Or the exception that proves the rule....

[@tomistenqvist1311]

Great topic. Your videos always get my mind going. Did you notice though that when you used this technique you exposed for the subject to highlight it but in the cinema examples they expose for something else often irrelevant to the shot? Hope this gets your mind going :)

[@pept6267]

Also noticed this, didn't seem the main subject was of concern in their exposure choices.

[@martinpaul6146]

Well spotted. Is it to stop to much attention at this point visually, so more of it is on audible (dialogue) or I could be over thinking this...

[@tomistenqvist1311]

Martin Chant my opinion is that it's often done to create a more moody shot. And maybe focusing on the surrounding space also tells something from the characters that dialogue coudn't. This is one of the reasons i love cinematography, everyone has their own interpretation :)

[@martinpaul6146]

Tomi Stenqvist I think this allows the dialogue to control the direction. But still a wonderful image. At least it’s getting us thinking.

[@simonhaywardphoto]

Thank you so much for your videos Sean. This one in particular has really struck a chord with how I am feeling about my business lately. You have really inspired me to “protect my highlights”. Thanks again.

[@ozfuentes]

"Protect Your Highlights" words to live by. Thank you Sean!

[@hollijxn3782]

This is what happens when someone lives, breathes and eats their craft.

[@aengus1948]

I'm so happy I discovered you and your channel. Don't stop !!

[@Mariamuri4]

Thank you, Sean, for inspiring me! Your videos are so unique, your teachings are profound. I'm grateful for your generosity.

[@danfry909]

We are so lucky to have you. Thanks man!

[@ahmedalanany4406]

keep on that Sean! You are building your own legacy in this field!

[@lijingwgp]

simply the most powerful message Ive ever learned from photography and I have never imagined that I could use something from photography as a lesson in life. thank you for sharing. The most powerful photography channel on youtube, thank you.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Jing:)

[@jillmayes139]

I’ve watched this several times over the past 3 years and, suddenly, at 3am on a random Friday morning, it clicked on several levels. I’m laying in bed, in the dark, smiling to myself at the wisdom of this. Hope that thought makes you smile, too … protect, remember and celebrate your highlights 😌

[@Davidkiania]

Best lesson in Photography and Life I have seen to date. Love it to shreds ...

[@maheeshbikramshahi3201]

i have watched many photpgraphy lesson channels but you make yours very special with passion you add in it. i love it. it inspires

[@christopherbriscoe1521]

Sean. This is one of your BEST. 10 second rule!

[@tanyadory9787]

Concise, knowledgeable photography information, PLUS life advise based in science and psychology?!?!?! Sean Tucker, you are magnificent! Thank you!

[@Dreyno]

When I have too much time on my hands, I go for a drive or a walk with a camera and tell myself I’m doing something productive. Sometimes I come home without even taking a photo. I class it as scouting 😄 I learned gradually to always expose for the highlights. You can do something with shadows but nothing with white. As for cinematography, I always admired “Road to Perdition” photographed by the great Conrad Hall Sr. in his last movie. Posthumously won an Oscar for it.