Taking Portraits of Strangers (feat. Gabrielle Motola)

Music:
'Lighthouse' by Shawn Williams
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Gabrielle's links:
www.gabriellemo...
@gmotophotos on instagram
/ gmotophotos to support Gabrielle
www.anequaldiff... to find out more about her recent book
My links:
Instagram: / seantuck
Website: www.seantucker....
In this video I sit down with Gabrielle Motola to hear how she goes about approaching strangers to take their portraits. This was all captured during her summer 2019 roadtrip around Scotland to create images with local people and collect their stories.
Share this video on if you found it helpful.
#portraitphotography #photographingstrangers #travelphotography

[@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.

[@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.

[@ShaneNagle]

Another fantastic video, thanks Sean. I found this one really touching. And the scene with the boys jumping off the pier was golden. .

[@Mr59Geezer]

Sean. I always come away from watching your videos enriched, excited and feeling like I can take the ingredients you teach and mold them to my own recipe. This video had ALL that, but added tears of joy to the mix. That final scene was simply wonderful - such joy - you were so cool with those lads too. And Gabrielle is so so right about the feeling of freedom and focus on a motorcycle. Thank you for this and all your superb work.

[@thecandidframe]

Another lovely video. I especially appreciate the good sound and video for the interview. I know it's a lot of work but greatly appreciated.

[@seantuck]

I will always gratefully take audio compliments from you mate:)

[@cj_harris]

Absolutely awesome video...so inspiring. Thank you for producing such original & honest content.

[@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.

[@Twiz_tedthistle]

I’m late to the party and your channel, but loving it. Being Scottish I loved how Gabrielle almost introduced me to parts of Scotland I believed I knew through recording the images and stories of people. I found this utterly compelling - thank you for making it.

[@seanbirtwistle649]

cameras, bikes, and travel, what a kindred spirit. great interview 👍

[@klausgoerke2861]

Phantastic video with Gabrielle. So deeply personal and stirring emotions! Being an introvert, this is all about opening new avenues. Many thanks for sharing.

[@SethPay]

So good man! Certainly brings joy in a different and unique way compared to landscapes...the sequence with the boys at the end was just so impactful! 👏🏻

[@miloradstrbacki4248]

This is the exact video i needed. I saw a painter on the street today that i would have loved to take a picture of, but the anxiety and overthinking stuff kicked in and i didn't do it. I honestly have no idea why it's so scary to me, but i'll force myself to do it the next time i am in a similar situation, even if it means me literally crapping myself.

[@sheister]

What a beautifully made video. I don’t think you’d even need to be into photography to get something out of this. Great stuff, and definitely going to follow Gabrielle’s work.

[@ZenoWatson]

One of your finest vids to date.

[@doweger]

so beautiful and emotional 🙏

[@glendak.7982]

I just love your videos Sean! I often 'feel' so many different emotions when I watch them. Your videos are a different breed my friend. The tail end of this video was the icing on the cake. Loved it so much!!

[@orshanti]

briliant video sean! you are such an inspireation! thank you and keep up this amazing work!

[@dannyburns1185]

Wow. Just, wow. Thank you for this.

[@minisla]

Refreshing view of driving a motorcycle... Ah the memories...

[@ikonographics]

Thanks for another awesome video! Just what I needed!

[@AutoDetailerStudio]

Wonderful sharing. Big fan of your videos and photography

[@JohnWilmot1179]

Very inspiring.

[@andrewasher2201]

And a Kawa Versys rider as well! :-)

[@solvm1652]

much respect

[@McKibbin120]

Sean, what can I say that hasn’t been said already. A real inspiration and a true gent. Love your work, love your videos and your deep thinking. So wish you were coming to #povbelfast some year maybe. Thank you for being such an inspiration.

[@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.

[@akinniyiakinyemi2737]

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

[@AnanyaGupta]

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

[@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!

[@rootytuners]

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

[@jon-uncommoncreator1621]

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

[@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.

[@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 🥺

[@TheAndroidNerd]

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

[@zkw100]

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

[@Claudio89DK]

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

[@pjsawyer9183]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@jonkers2007]

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

[@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:)

[@AlexanderPetrovskymntrbt]

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

[@markhadfield6346]

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

[@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

[@60secondmediauk]

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

[@JonathanHeresOficial]

Another inspiring piece Sean. Really appreciate your hard work!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@ChrisSheridan295]

Pushed myself to do this after seeing some videos from Jamie Windsor and Pablo Strong to improve my confidence and portraits and now I'm a professional portrait photographer, it's not easy to do but those days wandering around Dublin with my 5d and 50mm were some of the happiest memories I've ever had taking photos. From all the work I've done, the only award I've ever won was from one of those portraits and that proved to me that this was such an important thing to do.

[@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.

[@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.

[@october001]

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

[@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

[@kurtailed]

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

[@NomadicAmbience]

I'm so happy that I found your channel. I've always wanted to get more into taking stranger's portraits, but it makes me so nervous. Thank you for this inspirational video :)

[@kimpagel1778]

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

[@Jmdeleeuw-]

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

[@NiChaThoKenn]

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

[@ehhjoe75]

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

[@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.

[@randymonster4105]

Dude these videos are like Netflix quality s#it! Almost spiritual.

[@BokehBard]

LOVE this video. It's the most powerful one yet in my opinion. I did want to touch upon Edward Curtis that's a bit controversial. Edward Curtis was an amazing photographer. His life is really interesting. I love his work, but wow, his work wasn't ethically ethnographic. I think he's more of a portrait photographer than a street, ethnographic, or lifestyle photographer because of it. His body of work was completely subjective. He did edits to remove any modern elements. He refused to take images of Americans in their normal clothes and asked them to don traditional garbs that sometimes weren't used anymore. Sometimes the clothing were props Curtis brought himself and weren't even part of that tribe. Some of his work was filmed or printed with explicit instructions of non-consent. There's this great video we watched in the university about it I could find if you're interested in learning more about it. I think it's fascinating. Here's a small article that touches upon it with three Native American artists as critics www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-challenging-america-s-most-iconic-and-controversial-photographer-of-native-americans

[@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.

[@AshAswaDigitalPortraits]

Really good video. Taking portraits of random people myself, it can feel weird doing this but this video kind of gave me some reassurance about doing this. I like the way gmophotos approaches people for a pick.

[@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.

[@charlesstacyharrisiii2593]

Brilliant video! You are both so very inspiring. Come to Detroit or Chicago and walk with me. It's a very different world.

[@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

[@evaldinhoneto]

Well that was an amazing video. Thanks for that.

[@WillYazdani]

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

[@ArminHirmer]

wow, awesome and inspiring... as I just had kind of the same idea, to simply shoot strangers

[@ryanphotostudio]

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

[@howardahhon7600]

Interaction with STRANGERS?!?! I can never be able to do that?!?! Gotta admire her ability to CONNECT with people for her portaits!!! Love her bike, I can relate to that feeling of being FREE when I'm driving on the ROADS at night?!?!...

[@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.

[@gilbertwalker6769]

Sean, again you have inspired me with a splendid video. Your and Gabrielle’s acknowledgement of fear and willingness to face it and work with it is a challenge and a support to me as well. Thank you for all you do!

[@squirls8814]

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

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Hi Sean, I just stumbled on this video again....having loved it when you originally released it - STUNNING - thanks and Happy Christmas :- ) - Peter.

[@eyerdid]

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

[@lyubo]

Thanks for sharing this!! Very insightful

[@paulkearney900]

Great video. I will strive to be more brave with my camera

[@anuragbartarey9698]

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

[@MichaelWellman1955]

Great video that really struck a chord with me. I love taking portraits but I'm afraid of approaching people to ask them to photograph them. One reason why I shoot landscape & cityscape. This was helpful. I"m curious from a legal perspective if she decides to publish these photos in a book or prints for sell do you need to have a written consent?

[@seantuck]

Get her on IG and ask her. She is very open with her process. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

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

[@danieleubank5645]

I love this Sean!! Please expand this to a lovely gentleman named Philippe Echaroux....this man single handed, was my inspiration to take my photography to a serious level. His video " Philippe Echaroux Street Studio Photography " was the one that really connected with me .... It's brilliant. I think you would truly enjoy meeting him, I wish I was across the pond so I could... But alas, I'm in Dallas, TX USA not France

[@Mortenfogphotography]

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

[@Yorwp397]

Brilliant video. Just brilliant! Gabrielle Motola seems like an amazing person and definitely very inspiring. I am grabbing my camera and heading out, right now

[@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

[@dawoodbotai]

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

[@jdvideography41]

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

[@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...

[@aymaankhuraishi]

Don't know how, but your videos are always inspiring and calming (it's more than just the good music). Keep up the good work!

[@zobzob2010]

Thanks, Sean. Informative, insightful and just fun to watch. So... do *you* feel you can photograph strangers more easily?

[@davidhollenback3345]

What a great video! Thank you so much for the time and effort that goes into making them. Again, I learned a lot. The sequence at the end, with the boys, was precious! "What's your channel." Great stuff!

[@manjinderdhaliwal9829]

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

[@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!

[@zachapz]

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

[@seantuck]

Thanks mate.