Taking Portraits of Strangers (feat. Gabrielle Motola)

[@flochfitness]

There has been nothing more profound in my improvement in mental health than taking candid photos of people I see. I talk with them and take their portrait and am proving to myself this world is amazing and I am a part of that 🥺

[@akinniyiakinyemi2737]

Kid: Can I be in your video Ummm, you're already in it😄😄 That last scene with the kids was precious ❤️

[@onemorelevelup]

Absolutely! I was drawn into the photo with the kids coming back up the stairs and to see the shot with them lined up - so natural - almost feel their emotions.

[@DobromirManchev]

The ending gave me such a big smile, it's silly :D

[@Azn_Bran]

agreed, fantastic.

[@swar5141]

Yes the ending was so beautiful. The music the videography. Watching this kind of human interaction keeps me excited about street photography.

[@Nitidus]

If they got to watch this film, they surely learned one thing or another which you normally don't come in contact with until years later. Very valuable.

[@ruveng]

The difference between people who "want to do" and those who "do do" is not confidence or lack of fear, it's simply the willingness to acknowledge your fear and do it anyway. Such a great insight for us who "want to do". As others have said, your videos are so beautifully produced in ways that enhance the underlying story.

[@LatestBuzzvideos]

When I was afraid of driving in traffic, this is what my instructor told me. I never heard of that before and it instantly made impact on me. Now I can effortlessly drive in our Indian city roads where it can get bit hectic most of the times

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Yep, you said you were looking forward to putting this one together and I can see why. A lot of Gabrielle's words resonated with me and other parts were thought-provoking as someone who spends a lot of time disconnected from people but connected with the world in a different way. I loved the bit at the end - the pure innocence and joy of youth :-) Great work, matey.

[@seantuck]

Thanks mate:)

[@mrtnmlchr]

I also felt that way. Photographing strangers or the moment of asking people to take a photo of them, is really something which forms you as a photographer. And in most cases, it's something that both sides can enjoy by sharing stories, which are beyond the picture. And this last seen with the boys is just plain beautiful, "breaking" the wall of Sean's invisibility troughout the video :D

[@usernro1]

For me the most essential thing is connecting with the ”subject”, one way or the other... and people are very different. Its all about how you approach.

[@danimvsprime]

Sean this may be the video that has touched me the deepest. Wonderful story. Wonderful portraits. Beautifully filmed. The end with the kids... teared up.

[@MasatsuguFUJINAKA]

I think so too.

[@seanfshannon]

Ya, I teared up too!

[@pers4855]

I feel the exact same way

[@thejoyfultripod]

Me too - an unexpected, emotional scene. What a superb video

[@swissheartydogs]

indeed & soaked in positive energy.

[@irabrucelevine]

I'm speechless. Tears rolling down my cheek. Gabrielle is the real deal. Thank you, Sean, for getting out of her way, letting her be, so we could be the beneficiaries of her insight and wisdom. Priceless.

[@martinconrad9260]

I just read something online the other day, in which we Americans were criticized for being "too friendly" and "too pushy"; talking to strangers too readily when we travel, especially in the UK and Europe. Ms. Motola single-handedly gives the lie to that with her authenticity, openness, honesty, and most of all her humility in the act of connecting to other people and participating, however briefly, in their lives. Thank you, Sean, for sharing this, and thank you Gabrielle Motola, for who you are, and for what you do.

[@zkw100]

“Each frame is a brushstroke bringing me closer to the final picture.” Wow.

[@rootytuners]

Sean, the ‘like’ button is so very inadequate.

[@jon-uncommoncreator1621]

That's why they added the 'Join' button.

[@oncleschultz]

Such a fantastic human being

[@pquirke]

This is one of the best videos I have ever watched about photography, totally inspirational. Gabrielle talks about the same social anxieties I have and how she overcomes them. Makes me want to go out and photograph humans and break that anxiety I have about approaching people. I am an introvert and I find this type of photography really challenging yet it is my favourite type of photography. Thank you Sean for creating this, sharing it with the world and I hope you keep doing more of these.

[@raduszilagyi6055]

Agreed that is very challenging. Many times I see an interesting person and a nice frame, but i don't have the courage to ask for a shot.

[@michaelphilp6870]

I met Gabrielle about 2 hours ago whilst out with my dog Stella, what an amazing thought provoking lady, I really hope I meet her again, my mind is now buzzing with emotion, Thank you so much for asking to take our portraits Gabrielle

[@fiona_lark]

Beautifully made video Sean, Gabrielle is so interesting and an amazing photographer, loved how you put the subtitles for the Scottish accent 😆and the lads at the end were so great.

[@bioliv1]

The Scottish accent is a little more like how people speak in Western Norway.

[@seantuck]

It was more because they weren’t mic-ed:)

[@fiona_lark]

Sean Tucker ahhh yes I see, although my granda was from Scotland and I wish he came with subtitles, same with my other granda who was Cumbrian, like listening to another language sometimes. Love strong accents.

[@kellyw7777]

Could listen (to learn) from Gabrielle all day!

[@DaviSiqueiraSilva]

Sean, please do me a favor: imagine a 35 years old guy standing up from his living room couch and giving you a big, heartwarming round of applause. Yes, I'm doing it! Thank you for sharing this things with us. You deserve all the best!

[@seantuck]

That's lovely. Thanks mate:)

[@Claudio89DK]

That was incredbile. Those 25 minutes flew by in no time

[@pjsawyer9183]

25 minutes ... ? wait .... it was what ...

[@wandless5671]

The boys jumping into the water was SO BEAUTIFUL! My favourite part.

[@markhadfield6346]

This is a brilliant, useful, meaningful and very moving video. Thank you.

[@KingDarius266]

I cried at the end. ❤️

[@MasatsuguFUJINAKA]

Talking to strangers? I was taken aback. 23:00 the highlight of the video making everyone smile. Sean, your videos always come with great tunes matching with the contents. ...and realised I watch this segment again and again. Gabrielle's photos are great, but the segment of the kids you took is also great... I keep updating my comment... the last segment is so touching... with the music. The kids and Sean... Sean mumbling... (I can't believe there are people put thumbs down on this one).

[@seantuck]

Thanks so much my friend:) Glad you enjoyed it

[@bingo4519]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin. Reminds me that even when I'm depressed, mentally ill and emotionally numb, I still have empathy, love and most importantly, the ability to create pictures that connect with people.

[@gillianpeckham3500]

I adore this. I did not to expect to wind up in tears at the end. Beautiful. Thank you.

[@havyn2229]

This Soundtrack just pushed it! :D awesome fitting after the deep and quite introduction of the scene...

[@brandonsaunders7515]

same

[@LalitaBanana]

I am speechless! This is probably the best video about photography I've ever watched. I had a big smile and tears in my eyes by the end of it. Those boys and the poetry in all of it.. Gabrielle's words struck a chord. Thank you so much for talking about anxiety and depression and sharing such insightful thoughts and invaluable experience. How Gabrielle talks about how being outside and taking photos, connecting with people and moving are cures to depression and anxiety is so powerful and true. I am only at the start of my career but the truth of her words really moved me deeply. It makes me feel less alone, knowing she struggles with similar fears and I feel braver, ready to go outside and try harder. Thank you!

[@TheAndroidNerd]

Your videos are sheer masterpieces! And the ending was beautiful!

[@qbnscholar]

So, I am resting up with a bum leg and bowling concussion, and I decided to watch your video. DId not expect to get all teary eyed and feel so emotionally impacted, though I should have known, since your videos truly move me, and they do so so very often. As Ms. Motola said, the great thing about doing street portraits is connecting with folks, even if just momentarily. Those exchanges with strangers are an "antidote" for the emotional turmoil and trauma that can often trap many of us. Can (and does) trap me. And the "antidote" of those portrait moments is (for me) extended during the post process, "that experience of reliving a moment in time." Yep. When I look through my photos and see the "good" photos and the ones that suck shit through a brick.The good and bad all bring back moments of human connection that lift me up. Yep. And I can still recall most of my street portrait moments, and those recollections warm my heart. Kinda like this video did. Finally, I loved Ms. Motola mentioning how she is "putting the camera down more." I think I will try that. Oh, yeah. So, one of the things I learned and am learning is to share my joy of the moment with the folks I am photographing. I want let them, or us, really, create shared magic, even if that magic is just a smile at the camera and/or me. (Who knows, really?) Thank you so much for introducing Ms. Motola to us. Like you, she is someone who opens up and lets us in. Shit, even when she was talking about her equipment history, it felt personal, and certainly not the usual testosteroney posturing. Thank you. Thank you.

[@DharmaOcean108]

Amazing watching Gabrielle work and talk to us. She is so present and radiates the joy of being in the world making photos. ... And then, the people who are the "subjects" break through the wall around Sean and draw us in to their world [23:10 or so]. This is what it is to be human. ... Thank you.

[@letitiabruintjies]

Wow, this video just moved me to tears - so inspiring, motivating, relatable, powerful. Thank you.

[@slimjim340]

The most inspiring, charming portrait of this most fascinating woman. I started to follow her on Instagram as a result of hearing her describe her personal life's journey. Thank you, Sean, for introducing her.

[@shakyasengupta6753]

I could never have imagined that a "photography tutorial" video could make me feel so much and move me the way this video did. This might be my present bias speaking, but I think this is one of the finest videos I have watched on KZbin ever.

[@squirls8814]

"I think for the most part the world is a much kinder place than we're told it is" - I love that.

[@jdvideography41]

These collaborations you do featuring these other artists are always so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you.

[@TL-xw6fh]

Wonderfully produced and great story telling. A real anti-dote to all the GAS on KZbin. Well done Sean, and I continue to admire your work. Do keep it up.

[@xophotoable]

What a warm, informative and inspiring story, she's got a great outlook on life. When I think about it, I was always more successful when I was daring. I've gotta get back out there and go after what makes me smile, thanks for the story Sean

[@october001]

Your videos are always a joy to watch! Extremely well produced and with no silly filler.

[@saurabhnarang4060]

Such a brilliant photographer she is! Thanks, Sean for introducing her to us :) Recently, I tried to make street portraits in a small village of Germany against the advice of my German friends but the outcome was pretty awesome with 3/4 people saying yes for a portrait session! Over the years, street portraits have made me hundreds of friends all over the world! Love it!

[@AlexanderPetrovskymntrbt]

Photography is one of the most fascinating ways to meditate/be in the "now".

[@evaldinhoneto]

Well that was an amazing video. Thanks for that.

[@jonkers2007]

Sean/Gabrielle that was such a brilliant, warm and inspiring documentary; thank you.

[@SpecialBrewCan]

I’ve only recently discovered your channel, but I have made up for that lost time by catching up with many of your absolutely beautifully filmed and edited videos. To my chagrin, this is the first time I think I’ve actually commented. I often find your words thought provoking, more than occasionally inspirational, and there are frequent moments when something you say or a visual moment in one of your videos will inexplicably bring a tear to my eye. I particularly loved this whole video, and Gabrielle Motola‘s story, but there was just something about that last section when you filmed the boys jumping in the sea that literally had tears streaming down my face. You’d think that being a 61 year old man I’d have learned to have more emotional control, but as I get older I seem to get even more emotional! Awesome beautiful work, as always, in every possible respect.

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend. That means a lot.

[@kurtailed]

Not sure why I am tearing up but I am. You are a genius Sean. Thank you for this.

[@grizzlychronicles]

Gosh... I discovered your channel close to a year ago. I have always liked to think that in all your school years you will always remember those teachers that have made magic in you, that have touched a special interest you had and made it bigger and more important. They made you feel a click onto those. They have inspired you to be better, to enjoy your passions in a different level. In my whole life I can count those with one hand, I wish they were more, but it is, what it is. Now you have joined that precious list! You work is not only evocative, precise, beautifully filmed and inspiring, it touched my soul and I am pretty sure it has touched a lot of souls as well. I cannot thank you more for sharing this kind of content and media, it's just plain marvelous... Thank you, thank you! You make me want to be better and live more!

[@seantuck]

That means a lot. Thanks my friend.

[@shannoncrescent4422]

You don't understand how much I need this right now. This is exactly the struggle I'm grappling with at the moment. Thanks as always

[@swissheartydogs]

She speaks confidently. Thanks to Sean’s goodwill & discretion. What an encounter!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

A subject of increasing interest to me, so this couldn't have come at a better time. Excellent Sean 🙂

[@christophermurratt231]

Thank you. KZbin at it's best. Brave to step back and allow Gabrielle to speak without hearing your questions. A pleasure to watch.

[@seantuck]

Thanks mate. It's a pretty standard documentary trope to allow the subject to speak and leave the questions out of the edit... but thanks:)

[@60secondmediauk]

great video as usual. my kind of interview, nothing rushed just her thoughts, and the way she interacts with people is brilliant.

[@johnnyboy114]

Have watched your vids for a fair while now and have always found them engaging and informative. Your eloquent use of description and reason, the calming tone of voice and the in depth feel and look of your work, the high level production values....some of the best YT photography stuff out there. But this......this was truly a work of real art. Your mastery of how to edit, to see what is there and use it fully, to integrate your own thoughts and then bring in someone who you yourself admire and then potentially learn from and bring us along on the journey with you......possibly your most engaging video yet. And not just because it was less of you and more Gabriella but the change of direction and the thought process behind it. Yes we still want to see more of you but to see you actually act on a thought process of your own and doing it in such an immersive and engaging way and using someone else who is equally as talented and as engaging as a tool to do this.....an absolute work of genius. This is the kind of thing I would happily see late night on BBC2 or BBC4 and have no qualms with it being there. Well done Sean and well done Gabriella. I bloody loved this!

[@jaredmotopnw]

Love the way she talks about her experience on a motorcycle. Really well put. Felt the same way when I had my bike. You experience things so differently. You're not cut off. Miss it.

[@GirishJoshi]

Another brilliant video! I think it's not right to call these .. just videos but more of insights or thoughts or something more. It gives a person something to think about. I started photographing people on the streets in my area when I began photographing. But over the period I gave that up and got busy shooting food & weddings. Portraits have always been therapeutic! This video is nails what it's like to go out there and take photos of random strangers. Gabrielle is a gem of a person. Such a simple, nice way to talking to people and getting photographs. The last part where the kids surround you and start jumping and just being happy made me smile. It felt genuine. Thanks for sharing this and the photos in the end. Cheers mate. I'm go through my old hdd's to search and take out portraits I did and soon get back on the road photographing people.

[@pKATastrofa6]

In times of the internet which is fastest place on the world, your chanell force people to sit, calm down for 10-20min and listen.

[@LaynoProd]

This is the perfect video. I recently got into film photography shooting my friends and strangers outside and it's such a great experience starting conversations with others and being human for once by capturing the emotions in that moment instead of worrying about technicalities of the shot.

[@NiChaThoKenn]

What a brilliant portrait of a wonderful person and photographer. I wanted to say „yes, yes‘ all the time. Very empowering Sean.

[@herenowatthemoment]

Pure gold. The cinematography, her shots, her attitude towards portrait photography and the choice to leave the kids for last was a sweet, sweet touch. Great as always, Sean!

[@ondroidv]

Absolutely loved this! Gabrielle's view on photography is something I need to take closer to heart and that ending scene with the boys has made me laugh. Really nicely done! 😊👌🏻

[@seantuck]

Cheers buddy:)

[@ohmwai]

Every few months i come rewatch this video. The images are so beautiful, so is the photographer and her pure soul. One of the best interviews Sean has ever done and among the best interviews/mini documentaries i have watched about photography/photographers.

[@Mortenfogphotography]

One of my Favorite videos On KZbin of the year. Thank you for that. 🙏🏼😊

[@karuneshmaan]

I could not control myself liking and commenting after watching this video. A different viewpoint and working style you are presenting is really helping me to rethink about myself. I love how honestly you accept things you can’t do or the fears you have. And then you completely leave the video on another artist and their perspective. Gabrielle’s work is very engaging. She’s astonishingly good at connecting with people. I wish I could be as good as her. Wow, I loved the video.

[@jacquesbotha24]

One of the most beautiful and inspiring videos I have ever watched here on youtube. Thank you so much for this Sean, this has inspired me to move out of my comfort zone and start taking portraits again.

[@MindYaBizz_Whiz]

Wow her comment on anxiety and depression, how being behind the screen amplifies that….but being outside makes that melt away. So spot on. I took the day off, with the intention of shooting, but when I woke up, my mind was telling me to stay in. Waste the day in bed, or playing videogames. I’m happy I forced myself outside, because I had an amazing day of walking around, shooting and having small conversations with people.

[@JonathanHeresOficial]

Another inspiring piece Sean. Really appreciate your hard work!

[@AlSo-Fotografie]

Gabrielle is so inspiring. talks to the people easily like to friends or family and take images without be distracted from camera, technique, settings etc... love it

[@Jmdeleeuw-]

What a masterfull short documentary. I loved this. Gabrielle is so wise and insightfull. Very well done!

[@MasatsuguFUJINAKA]

Sean, Your stories don't fade. This one still shine 2 years later. They all shine. I always come back to some of your great stories. I don't know what you are going through in your life, but your stories reach us across the ocean to inspire us, our lives, and our imaginations. I just want you to know that. Cheers.

[@kimpagel1778]

Words are inadequate to describe my emotional response to this video. This is truly beautiful on every level. Thank you!

[@GDFotografia]

I absolutely loved this. I started watching it because I have a 'project' to photograph a stranger next week. By the end of the video I was smiling with a warm feeling inside. Just amazing.

[@eyerdid]

Sean and Gabrielle, you saved my day with your video, especially with the last 2 minutes ! Thank's a lot and keep on!

[@karlthefirst8690]

This was great, Sean. And she described riding a motorcycle SO perfectly. It has a calming and centering effect for all those reasons. That was beautiful.

[@MrChristopherwren]

I really enjoy watching this video. It's genuine and honest. The ending parts with the boys jumping to the lake is really breaking-free. By the way, love the color platte! Thank you for producing such a great content!

[@arthurhughes42]

A View to the World the kids were jumping into the North Sea. Very hardy these boys.

[@MrChristopherwren]

Arthur Hughes Ah, I see. Thank you.

[@christoombes7875]

What a totally inspirational video and interview. Having recently moved to Calgary, Alberta I was determined to capture the new people I met on the streets, over 500 stranger portraits later I still get a buzz from it. It never ceases to amaze and surprise me the things total strangers will tell me. Thanks to you both for sharing your stories.

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend

[@sofide10]

such an amazing video! she's lovely and i feel like i learned lots from her. your channel might just be the best photography one out there sean! thanks for sharing

[@pepitoperez7849]

I just cried my eyes out. I had a similar experience with kids on the street and I'm bedridden with chronic and mental illness. That last jump in the end was symbolic of jumping into the unknown when you have depression or just living life. Thank you Sean, your videos are beautiful. Love the music.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Thanks Sean for this brilliant interview. Gabrielle Motola is an inspiring and wonderful human person. Your work should be on television.

[@scentopink]

Why is that almost all of your video make me cry?! Joy, excitement, revelation, perspective and more, just a scramble of emotions. Thank you for that.

[@lc5580]

Wow, beautiful video, incredible talent you guys have... made me cry at the end... in a good way.

[@jjmphotography]

As a patriotic Scot I am proud of my country and her people. You captured the essence of what makes us who we are. I loved it. Thank you Gabrielle and Sean for bringing our stories to the world. You have inspired me to go out and discover my country. Those wee boys at the end jumping into freezing water, just crazy wee Scottish ba*&?s. Wha's like us? Damn few and they're aw deid. Thank you

[@ryanphotostudio]

Awesome Sean and Gabrielle, I really enjoyed this... gave me goose bumps. Thank you 🙏

[@KenDay]

What a warm and connected person Gabrielle is. The exuberance of those lads at the end was deeply touching. Thanks Sean.X

[@anuragbartarey9698]

I felt every word she said! Thank you Sean for making this video. :)

[@RetroHoo]

This REALLY connected with me. More than 10 years ago I did a project in Poland ("My Poland", I'm Dutch myself) where I approached people on the street and asked them if it was okay to take their portrait. I did this in Polish which I was struggling to learn in those days. The reactions I got were absolutely amazing. Struggling with depression and social anxiety myself, that project worked better than most medication I've been on. Thank you for making this beautiful and sensitive documentary. I absolutely love it and has me thinking of picking it all up again.

[@markchen4381]

Amazing documentary. You had me glued to my seat and entertained immensely. Picking up my camera today to go shoot. Thanks for this inspiration.

[@derrickmilimo]

that ending with the boys taking a dive was sensational, the music just brings out the emotions

[@augustodufloth1578]

It's nice that the gear stuff only showed in the end, because portrait of strangers is not about the gear, but all the contact she talked about. Great video man...

[@sonicracer1]

What an incredible movie!! Gabrielle gets close to people, but you got close to her. She is so open and real. Just starting to explore her work. And you: there are vloggers that just BS to get hits; there are those that are interesting and talk about themselves most of the time; and there is you who showcases other people! You are at your own level Sean, thanks so much for making/sharing!!!

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend.

[@christalbot9873]

Great video, great subject , and the last minute or so with the lads diving was superb, what great images came from that. 10/10

[@travelwithalens]

My gosh this maybe my favourite video on KZbin, and I have many favourites. I’m personally struggling between my travel videos in China, which are ok.... I guess and my street photography which is better on Instagram. But what Gabrielle and what you have done this video are somewhere in the middle, albeit on such a high level. Truly an inspirational video, and not just food for thought in terms of how we approach our work, but food for the rest of our journey.

[@imAnsar]

i don't know man. in tears. really touching photos at the end and that music. too good

[@Gwe122]

Sean, another example of your ability to connect with very talented people and then to connect them to all of us. Thank you

[@dawoodbotai]

That's what Photography is all about, well made video, i didn't want it to end!

[@jeremywarshaw9502]

Yet again you've given us another portrait full of empathy and love. The work you do behind the camera is every bit as insightful as the work your subject captures. In fact, I think this is your unique strength. You are fascinated by, and respect, the creative process and you have the skills and intuition to reveal them to a wider audience. Your humanity leaks through. Bravo.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Jeremy:)

[@WillYazdani]

This is amazing Sean. Thank you for providing this incredible inspiration

[@nsliddle]

This just might be the best thing I've ever seen on youtube. Thanks, Sean and Gabrielle.

[@ehhjoe75]

Superbe video Sean. I think you've just inspired me to shoot portraits of strangers. Keep up the great work.

[@caewhitman]

The end of this video made me cry. I love your channel. Thank you for your awesome videos and inspiration.

[@stevesvids]

Great vid as always buddy. Best image was the group shot of the kids.. a great shot and a treasure for each of them to have.... time will change everything but that image will always be.

[@e_known]

This is the real Christmas in July. Gabrielle, one of my favorite portrait photographers - whose work is clearly considered, and is accompanied by meaningful thoughts and excerpts every time - on the channel of the kindest youtube photography teacher. Beautifully produced, and very inspiring. Thanks Gabrielle for helping me get some courage, and reframe how I feel about approaching people on the street.

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend. I appreciate that:)

[@morayseaton2501]

Really enjoyed meeting you down at the sea front in North Berwick!👍

[@seantuck]

Great to meet you guys too! Thanks for giving us such an awesome ending!

[@andyaldworth7807]

Sean. This video really touched me. Gabrielle and yourself articulated so well what it means to me to capture a portrait. The resonance and connection with someone, that you can capture and document in an image. Thank you. This video is so powerful and special. Your effort is appreciated!!

[@zachapz]

Sean, fantastic video! Excellent production, videography and content.

[@seantuck]

Thanks mate.

[@ferrydrums99]

A very inspiring video. Gabrielle is very natural approaching people and her photos are simply amazing, they capture the emotions of that moment very accurately!

[@manjinderdhaliwal9829]

Really good video. Great subject matter, really well shot and put together.

[@EverysteinSingleberg]

She is incredible, and YOU are just as incredible for bringing out so much deep thought from this lady. This video is how interviews should always be done. Fantastic, I learned so much!