The Healing Power of Self Portraits

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In this video I talk about using the camera to overcome our insecurities and our perceived flaws by engaging in vulnerable self portraiture.
#selfportraits #portraits #photography

[@SCrowley91]

I'm a below knee amputee, and have been for almost 3 years now, and only recently had a photo taken of myself (full body, showing the leg) that I really liked. It was taken by someone I was comfortable around (and I'd just gotten a new running blade a few days before), but I think it was the first photo where I was comfortable when it was being taken. The location was great (out filming in the Mohave), it was golden hour, and I was doing what I've always wanted to do, with people I enjoyed working with. I often get told the leg looks cool, but it was really nice to be able to see it from outside my own view.

[@JoseAngelFlores]

Thank you for sharing your story Sean. It inspired me. I guess life is always so full of possibilities. Greetings from Monterrey, Mexico.

[@Bobby_sprinkles]

This is so lovely and beautiful

[@darrinlalla9008]

Awesome release... hope you see the beauty that keep your friends near.

[@seantuck]

That's great my friend. Thanks for sharing that.

[@benmaclean3800]

Great to hear Sean, are you familiar with the work of Giles Duley? He is a triple amputee, and has some amazing self-portraiture work! I thought you might enjoy :)

[@keithshenkin3674]

When I think of my beloved wife, it's the portrait photo I took of her a year before she passed. I wonder what picture my children will remember me by. Thanks for the thoughts, Sean.

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

Sorry to hear about your loss. Indeed, I also think how I would be remembered as. Right now, I feel I shld take more pics of my parents who are in their 70s. The clock is ticking and soon they will be called back to the Lord. I wanna cherish the happy moments spent with them

[@edredBryan]

@@ezekielkokspeaks I encourage you to take those pics. My parents transitioned 11-yrs ago within 9-months of each other. My father was a high ranking official in his career and mother a professional also. So we have many pics of them at special events, etc...but I cherish the few raw, at home, and interacting w/ family photos we have-not nearly enough of those photos. People see them as officials...I see and remember them as Father & Mother/Mom & Dad. So, occasionally I see one of those pics & a couple tears drop because I remember them as Mom & Dad. Hope this helps, peace.

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

Thanks sir! I will especially when they are with my kids. The smiles on their faces are indeed priceless

[@ronakvalobobhai7819]

:'( I would love to see the picture if its okay? (Odd request) I know. I believe the only way someone can become immortal is when they live in someone else's memory!

[@keithshenkin3674]

@@ezekielkokspeaks Thanks, Ezekiel. Definitely take more pictures now! You'll never regret it.

[@robertlken2963]

This was moving. Both in a sense of soul and a call to action. My turn.

[@Marshallchandra]

I'm ugly and I'm proud!!

[@sobiacsay2208]

*"The story of their life is written on their body."* Sean Tucker

[@cliffdariff74]

I have to say.. not quite... people will surprise you.. the book cover is not always revealing.

[@stephencolor2010]

Geeze man. How do you make a hotel room look so cinematic?? Thanks for your work Sean.

[@rst6590]

Light is all you need and I mean most of the hotels have windows and if you have a GR it's quite easy :)

[@tomasgomez1906]

@@rst6590 what's a GR?

[@definitelynotagoodperson5456]

@@tomasgomez1906 Ricoh GR III (The camera sean's been using)

[@lucrequesada6215]

I thought the same 😅

[@triplewinlin5576]

Gives shooting in RAW a whole new meaning.

[@CalmedCChaos]

I’ve got several physical conditions and I just today started taking self-portraits that highlight that part of my life that I’m so used to hiding. It doesn’t feel like me, but at the same time.. it’s the most ‘me’ I’ve ever seen.

[@derrenleepoole]

Damn Sean, you are without doubt an unbelievable asset to the photographic community. Thank you for all your amazing work.

[@johnmarimarcelo]

There was a period in my life when I'd take self portraits whenever I'm having intense depressive episode. It's really therapeutic and made the outcome, even the process, made me embrace myself even more. Seeing the photos when I'm in tears or afraid or in agony was reaffirming. It reaffirmed that despite my mental illness, I'm still alive. Gives me hope, really. Thank you for this video.

[@womanandthesoul]

Sean... This is raw and beautiful.. I cry watching this because I feel every words you say... I will try to take my own pic.. Thank you!

[@chuck2703]

Do it up.

[@mrasmodeus4216]

Sean, I am a firm believer that there are no ugly faces or bodies. Hands, face, body: they are all a record of a life lived, unique to that person. Like many of your videos, this one which contains photographic wisdom, is also a lesson about life.

[@robertlingley5300]

Authentic. Courageous. Brilliant.

[@TubeThings]

This made me cry. Thanks for being vulnerable and honest. It really isn’t easy on the internet.

[@LunaMiaCatz]

Really agree with the point to look at myself in 3rd person's point of view. I applied it to one situation, when I was supposed to get an operation next day. When I tried to think, there's a person, who will get operation tomorrow, it sounded much less dramatic, and I could comfort myself a bit.

[@seantuck]

I like that:)

[@huangkate8714]

Thanks Sean. Through self-portraits, I forgive myself the very first time for obsession with my flaws.

[@simonbakhshnia]

The only channel I watch in fullscreen

[@WildEmpress]

Self portraits are basically all I do. Everything from simple minimal images, to conceptual or composites. It has helped me accept myself, express myself and more recently heal and cope from c-ptsd. I was in a abusive relationship that left a lot of mental emotional issues. Confusion, anxiety, all around heaviness I felt weighing on me. I started a series and Instagram account to explore, express and heal from all of it and its been amazing for me.

[@alanhowe6588]

"We conspire with mirrors to keep ourselves blind from who we really are." This was a remarkably & admirably open, honest, and thoughtful lesson. Someone once told me to try to take pictures 'about something' rather than 'of something'. This has given me a lot to think about. Thanks, as always, and hope you're doing well.

[@barmst]

You are an amazing human being. You speak to the soul of humanity. I appreciate you sharing your thought’s insecurities and encouraging words! Thank you!

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend.

[@therealnotanerd_account2]

Wonderful video. I started taking self portraits to deal with depression. Honestly I did not give too much thought about it, I just started to take pictures of myself. Pictures that I like. It has been a very strong tool.

[@SY-sp8uo]

Self love must be a priority!

[@Belchdragon]

I ended up writing my feelings on paper when I went through that. Also burned it all, as a cleanse to say goodbye to those feelings and make a clean slate.

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

A great way to say goodbye and come back afresh

[@char94]

It is no accident that I came across this video tonight. I recently decided it was time to be my own muse. To put myself in front of my own lens, to begin creating some of the things I’ve imagined for so long. I am learning about light, setting up, and will begin soon. This, is part of my healing, my recovery, from CPTSD. To see, and believe in myself differently. This was beautiful. It brought tears. It’s a soul journey. At 46, it is time. Thank you. Thank you. 🙏🏼🤍

[@78rshinzato]

This video was on my recommended videos and the first I have watched on your channel. This is what I needed! I’m 46 years old and I still hate looking at myself in the mirror, let alone being on the other side of the camera. Your words are absolutely moving and really triggered something inside me. To be vulnerable in front of the camera is a pretty scary thought for me. This is something I will try with a more creative approach, if I can get the nerve up to actually do it. Thank you so much for making this video! 👏🏻

[@seantuck]

You're welcome. Good luck

[@vunguyentr5561]

This video has healing energy that I stop feeling anxious for 5 minutes straight,

[@HansBaier]

That black and white portrait is really something... really gets through to you....

[@dhairyasharma6627]

I really hope you're okay now, remember Sean, you are and would be in my morning prayers, always

[@seantuck]

I appreciate that

[@frederickarcala4749]

I admire your bravery and honesty. Sometimes I can't even look at myself in a mirror.

[@mahsabadakhsh]

beautiful, just beautiful

[@Bossti]

2 mins in an I can relate so hard it almost hurts. I'm 2.04m at 75-80kg. Struggling with my shape a lot of times especially every time I was photographed. Making a video about this is brave, courageous and will help a lot of people very much! Thank you.

[@habazley]

I saw this video years ago and really didn't get the message. I have a better appreciation for it today being a little older and wiser than yesterday. Thank you for that.

[@monlegaspi]

Soul in transparency 🖤❤️

[@BalletPink]

As I mentioned in my 'What held me back' video, I was not sure, if I'm pretty enough to start a beauty channel. Once I overcome my fear, and got started, I realised, that I don't look that bad actually. I somehow even like, how I look, when I'm talking (normally you never talk to mirror). By the way, I really love those portraits of you... 😊

[@clemorent9070]

I first took my self potraits yesterday and watching this makes me even more encouraged to take more...Thank you!

[@peterdclark]

369 comments (at the time writing this) from 369 people who truly derived value from your sentiments expressed here...bloody lovely stuff Sean.

[@journosketch]

man, just wanna say : thank you, you are very talented portrait photographer.

[@silkevonsistart5083]

I love your voice. I am not a native speaker. It is so easy to understand. And I share your point of view to photography.

[@amandamountainsong6080]

I still come back to this video and watch it over again. It really opens my eyes. 🦋

[@neilpiper9889]

The English poet Philip Larkin took self portraits using his self timer with his Rolleicord on a tripod. I did the same thing from the 1960s until now. I wish I had taken more. The latest one was taken on a Olympus Af1 propped on a wall. I am 75 now and it's a really good sharp picture of me. I will keep doing it for always.

[@MD-tc2eo]

god, that self-portrait is beautiful, as is you.

[@samelogio7441]

Thanks for being vulnerable and honest. You are a class act.

[@AntonRiley]

Thank you! Stay strong.

[@1young-geezer]

You constantly surprise me. Yes, the view of oneself, literally constant and changing, all one’s life. I don’t take pictures of people, but when I do - it’s me, I’m always around, but I can’t say I see one version, ever. I like the “ugly” ones, weird ones, they test me because there’s enough truth in them even so. It parallels my self knowledge of never knowing who I am. Since I can’t hold on to any one image of my ideal “me”, it leaves me w/ my inner me, and that powers my projection into this world, my ever mutable presence through energy of desire.

[@fujimanxt-3420]

Sean, man, I love your videos. Straightforward and brutally honest. You express what so many others feel but keep tucked deep inside. But they aren't videos without hope. Just the opposite. Life has it moments where we feel crushed. But, we are uniquely made and when we grasp that there is a great release. Your self-portraits are a testament to who you are. They are vulnerable and that makes them so real and special. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth."

[@fernandosocorro3651]

The way I think of self-portraits is that I treat myself the way I treat the folks whose portraits I take: I respect them, want to make them look good, but not necessarily pretty or beautiful. I photograph people because I find something in them I want to capture, and when the moment of taking their picture and the photo itself work, when I joyfully enjoy the process and the result, I fall in love with the part of them I captured, the part of them they shared with me. I started taking self-portraits soon after I became "serious" about photography, but until I started treating myself the same respect and kindness I treat the people I photograph, I did not enjoy taking my own picture and hatin how the self-portraits turned out. Then, 6 tears ago, I snapped a photo of myself in front of a poster of the Muppets in a friend's bathroom (I just held my D50 at arms length), and seeing my grumpy old face with my slightly double-chin blend in so well with the other comical characters, I fell in love with what I captured of myself. Now, in my self-portraits, I show my age, the wrinkles and such, and sometimes bring in some humor, but I love the way those photos, and the part of me they captured, look. Now I can make art I love with my bald head, wrinkled face, and bad attitude. Who knew? Thank you for inspiring me to think this through.

[@martonffyandras731]

The cleverest and most meaningful speech I've heard recently.

[@scoobysnaks94]

I've been in the same boat when it comes to my thin frame/pale skin concerns. Coming from a macho Hispanic culture also added to the self doubt and low self-esteem. It wasn't until I allowed myself to be okay with not lifting weights when I didn't enjoy it. I allowed myself to by as ease with my irregular tones. I allowed myself to shutout everyone else's voice on the matter that concerned my body. Old habits die hard but its all a work in progress. I feel motivated to take some creative self-portraits! Thank you Sean for inspiring my little reflection and thanks commenters for sharing yourz

[@seantuck]

Thanks for sharing that my friend

[@creativitytoolkit6719]

Sean talks for 12 minutes and it feels like I've been listening him for an hour. So much information, and such deep thoughts on such a short video. Absolutely amazing.

[@DanceParis]

vulnerable truthful & Beautiful

[@piotrr4204]

Just Great. Just learning yourself.

[@andymiles5156]

You know Sean when I’ve watched your videos I’ve not seen what you describe you see, instead I hear an amazing voice and an awesome talent.

[@artistsmeetfilm6491]

Im always fascinated by how many of us judge ourself in ways that others are not. Sadly it takes so many of us too long to realize we all have our special gifts uniquely our own and we are so afraid to fly. Videos like this give us the courage to try.

[@dariensantacruz9986]

This topic deserves a whole serie on its own! Excellent content, a true gem. Thanks!

[@harnoordhaliwal6955]

I have strayed away from photography for a last little while. But you are the only person who actually motivates me. And this video is the best example. Truly from the bottom of my heart, Thank you Sean

[@MaurySmith]

You struck a nerve. Over the course of the past year, I've lost a substantial amount of weight. I was talking to my mother the other night and somehow me telling her, 'I'm trying to figure out who the person staring at me in the mirror is', worked into the conversation. Your monologue reminded me of how strange I look to myself now. I seriously don't recognize myself. I'm not really the type of person who looks at themselves in the mirror for some sort of self discovery, or assessment. In my current situation I think it would really do me some good to acquaint myself with the new me. I need to take some headshots as part of a branding exercise for my business. The whole process will now have an alterior function . Good stuff Sean. 📸🌞

[@Joanafandrade]

Self Portraits are like channeling your inner being your true self. Selfies are just for fun. Thank you Sean. New sub here.

[@seantuck]

Welcome:)

[@Joanafandrade]

@@seantuck You really inspired me. I thank you.

[@doncristobal33]

I thought this was going to be a midly boring video with pretentious title but still end up fascinated by your thoughts, you're amazing

[@jztouch]

Challenge accepted. In these difficult times I need a new way of connecting with myself. Thank you.

[@jeevalschempakassery5247]

You put feelings of so many into beautiful words.

[@romiemiller7876]

Kidding aside, I had a moment like that when I was in my midtwenties. It shook me up enough that I decided to change my direction in life. So, I know where you're coming from. A very good video.

[@jhonyshow]

Every time i watch a new video from you its a new lesson that i didn’t expect. Thanks so much Sean, thanks for being brave to share your message !

[@josiahpitman]

I clicked the first that I thought would help me make a photo of myself to look as good as possible…now I’m considering just accepting the things I can’t change about myself. Wow I wasn’t expecting that; thank you for the awesome message.

[@alvaronietto207]

Entring in Sean Tucker video, automatically punching Like button ❤️

[@shafferpatchias3028]

Same here, he really opens my eyes towards my photography and how I do things even in my personal life.

[@keithshenkin3674]

@@shafferpatchias3028 Every video is a work of art... incredible talent!

[@aedwards5166]

This sounds incredible. I cannot stand to look at myself in the mirror. I was annorexic for years so I think I probably have quite a distorted self view. So I've decided to try this everyday. just for me. I'll see what happens. Thank you!

[@thewalkingdad4537]

That speech and exercise would be an amazing thing to take into schools,teach children and young adults to love themselves,and see their different features as what makes them special.

[@chipsfalling8625]

Scars, struggle, toil are the things that contribute to many of the things, some of us, really gravitate towards, an old worn saddle, weathered trees, man or woman even an old dog. These events lead to strength for those that live to tell about it. One of yours, the trials, of a young person that had bad skin and the scars physically and otherwise to prove it, is the evidence the some of us to understand and appreciate your character. It is not an accident that those with the capacity are the ones that are preyed on. Best wishes, thanks for sharing.

[@iComplainer]

Best TED talk i’ve watched this year.

[@dabbyfps]

I hope you know you are one of my heroes man. Please dont stay away for to long.

[@alanmoulsdale6172]

Well done Sean, thanks for your honesty. That which doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. That mantra got me through my divorce. You have my utmost respect. All the very best to you.

[@manishmishra6945]

Sean, there is something in YOU that really connects with audience so well..may be your honesty and simplicity..

[@reneebetteridge1289]

Thank you for this, I've only recently started taking self portraits after years of avoiding the camera. I always feel so confronted of pictures of myself particuly the weight even when I look I the mirror I don't feel like a fat person until I see it in a photo. I'm very self conscious about my weight especially when others feel so free to talk about it or comment on the food I eat. But I just decided the other day to do a 52week project with self-portraits to 1. Try feel better about myself 2. Improve my posing so I don't look so bad 3. Improve posing so they photos I take of others look better 4. Have something for my son to look back on in years from (most important) 5. Starting a weightless journey so will be good to compare over time

[@fms6306]

Wow. I wanted to get better at photography as an amateur and found your channel. Your content i must say holds my attention because of your honesty and the deep and profound insights on life you have. Please don't stop putting out such great content.

[@BarryBurgard]

You are always open, honest, reflective, introspective, cerebral and a great giver of yourself. I have found no-one else like you on KZbin.

[@seantuck]

That's very kind my friend. Thank you.

[@teugene5850]

Sean always re-motivates me to cut away the bs in my mind and just go for it....

[@lucrequesada6215]

Love the part that says “your turn” 👏🏻 thank you Sean for this

[@rogerwyatt3246]

Once again you have expanded the territory of what it means to be a photographer. The power of vulnerability in exploring self makes every photographer stop and consider what they’re doing with their camera. Again so well done.

[@tonn5673]

So inspired, My Turn...thanks Sean!

[@jeetgan4671]

Your self-portrait at 11:20 - it’s as if you are talking to the light.. made me think of your story as an artist whose medium is light; a photographer. Inspired video - thank you.

[@kevanhayes4777]

You are such more than a great image capturing person but great insight to love and life

[@leal6932]

Wow. Few months ago I told my friend that I realized getting photographed helps me accept myself even though I don't like the photos at first. She hasn't thought I made sense. Seeing this video now, hearing your thoughts on the topic, makes my heart warm. Thank you. Perfectly said. Beautiful portraits. 🖤

[@anthonyphotoman]

Thank you Sean always here for you mate, onward and upwards.

[@kidglove55]

Sean, I have to tell you this video has opened my eyes in so many ways. I am a preacher and the way you expressed about not seeing yourself for who you are came to me as a perfect sermon. Mainly about me feeling inadequate growing up. I also learned a lot about portraits and self portraits. I really appreciate you for this.

[@janebaker5504]

Emotions always tell a story.

[@MarkPMus]

I discovered Sean Tucker a couple of hours ago when I watched a Digital Rev photo challenge he did. I loved his work. I thought I’d look at his channel cos I do photography. In fact I found a life coach. I thought I only cried during Call The Midwife. I watched this video and bawled. He’s so beautiful.

[@AaronGayah]

For me, this was the best you’ve posted on your channel that I’ve come across thus far. Thank you.

[@karthepanda7672]

This is so inspiring. I recently started with taking self portraits and I was just wondering if there are KZbin videos about self portraits and I find this. Thank you for this. This helps me to continue my own healing journey.

[@primal_aperture_photo]

I suffer from lack of self esteem and I never thought about using my photography in this manner as a way of self-healing. Thanks for sharing this part of your jouney.

[@wendyforsey7451]

Thought-provoking and challenging. Thank you Sean.

[@IvethIvy]

Just Beautiful.

[@deirdremcquade9690]

Beautiful, @Sean Tucker. May you find comfort and deep healing and peace beyond understanding in the days ahead.

[@rheahalona]

I have listened to this video. Multiple times. I have been struggling with my physical appearance as I grow older. I constantly scrutinize every inch of my body and face. I even took some self portraits recently and didn’t like most of them because I criticized every aspect of myself. They are almost too honest and raw. Despite that, I’m going to keep taking self portraits. I’d like to do a long term project in an effort to find self-love and self acceptance. So thank you for this video and for your vulnerability.

[@keithnisbet]

Hahaha. Welcome to the Club Sean. I spent all my younger years with the same insecurity. And Now, hooray. I'm still not overweight. Not what one would call "Skinny" (I hate that word) but certainly able to manage a normal weight range without many of the other issues that many of those early bullies are probably now battling with. Remember the saying, "He who laughs first, laughs last". On a more serious note, I appreciate the real depth of your analyses and sensitivity. You are a true artist (and not a bad Philosopher either). All the best in this phase of you life.

[@SquidDesign]

Amazing Sean... and thank you for sharing. I had almost the exact same revelation. Just a few weeks ago, I was setting up lights to shoot portraits of a friend the next day. To make the setup easier I used an app on my phone to connect to the camera so that I could see what the camera was seeing, and sat in the space set up for my sitter. I was taken by an odd mixture of discomfort and fascination at suddenly viewing myself as the subject, and without really thinking about it, I started clicking the shutter, showing and looking for those things that I habitually hide. In the end, like in your case, it was a feeling of vulnerability, but also empowermen. And giving myself that small but important distance allowed me to empathize with myself... which sounds strange, but truly it is easier to empathize somehow, when you are out of your body, and looking at yourself, as someone else might. For me, sharing those pictures was yet another level of vulnerability and the odd empowerment that comes with that sharing. More than simply healing, it has in some way, permanently changed who I am, and how I occupy my life,, for the better. I feel some sense of freedom, or relief. The permission to be more myself, perhaps. It was an odd and welcome surprise.

[@Unfancy_]

This video is pure healing!

[@atharvshrivastava]

Absolutely amazing and self realising. Came from Sankho Kun's video

[@tonibriensify]

You've inspired me to get up in the loft & retrieve my negatives from a Project I did for my A Level Photography course about 15 yrs ago.. Self portraits for me at the time was a very cathartic process as I went through an Empty Nest phase. Thanks for having the conversation.

[@mortons67]

Hi Sean , I Done This Fighting Depression As I Have MS, But What An Eye Opener It Was To See Me So Vulnerable, This Helped Me So Much To Get To Where I Am Now . Only My Wife Has Seen Them And She Was Shocked How I Photograph My Self Keep Up The Fantastic Work My Friend

[@Ha4r4eset]

The three shots of your hand/forearm were pretty powerful.

[@pedrobartolomei7707]

We take the photos as we see the world, just as we are. Very often we forget to see how we will see ourselves the same. Very inspiring, it has pased some time since I like a self portrait, time to face that honestly. Thank you!

[@Spidey1933]

came across this video and i’m so glad i did. so powerful, because just took some self portraits in my underwear now, i know you’re probably like what the hell? it’s empowering for me, and these self portraits are so helpful with my insecurities within myself.