Does Every Photograph have to Tell a Story? (feat. Maarten Rots)

Maarten's Links:
Subscribe to the 'March & Rock' Magazine: www.maartenrot...
Instagram: / maartenrots
Website: www.maartenrot...
Interviews with Maarten: jefferysaddori... and jefferysaddori...
My Links
Instagram: / seantuck
Website: www.seantucker....
Purchase a copy of Collection III:
www.seantucker...
Sign up to my Monthly Emails:
www.seantucker...
Music:
'Eyes Wide Open' by Tony Anderson
'Amber Light' by Shawn Williams
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: fm.pxf.io/c/35...
Get a 30-day free trial of the best music for your videos.
This is a playlist of favourite tracks of mine which I have used in previous videos: share.mscbd.fm/...
For this film I travelled to Setubal in Portugal to catch up with Maarten Rots and talk to him about his beautiful abstract photography, his pop up exhibitions, his magazine 'March & Rock', and what it's like doing all this while living the van life and travelling around Europe with his partner Anne and their little dog Laika. I hope hearing about his story and process inspires you to think more about your own photography, and perhaps abandon the notion that every image has to tell a clear story. Sometimes we can just use the camera like a painter or a designer to capture beautiful light and shape. If nothing else, Maarten teaches me to keep an eye out for the art in the everyday ordinary.
Share this video on if you found it helpful.
#abstractphotography #maartenrots #vanlife

[@dakkster]

Thank you. I can't stand the bandwagon KZbin photographers who, in the last year or so, have started talking about "telling a story", as if every single image tells a story. It's pretentious and insufferable. A photo can be, just as you say, only about aesthetics and that's just fine. Story isn't needed for good photography.

[@robertbutts9835]

But know matter what you create it speaks of something ... So it not to speak is totally insane .. you if you create it speaks about you ... So just total nonsense . Go back rubbing sticks Thomas ...

[@dakkster]

@@robertbutts9835 Yeah, I'm not going to take someone clearly illiterate seriously.

[@GentHoChan]

@@dakkster @ozgoodphotos when that comment was (edited) and still sounds like it's gibberish LOLLLLL

[@grrrrrgh]

Photography is more poetry than story, at least good photography

[@othomsen1]

You shall not take the word "story" so literally. I think every good photo got to have two "stories". And Maarten's photos have two "stories". The first "story" is ex. two walls, a green and a red, and a shadow. The second "story " emerge when these walls and the shadow are interacting with each other in a special way, so the viewer is't only looking at one "story" two walls and a shadow.

[@filmismorefun]

"Visually arresting but not necessarily narratively compelling". Word magic right there, Sean.

[@linusloth4145]

Ironically now Maarten's images tell a story, his story

[@pastorofmuppets3628]

„Enough is enough and enough is not much. Keep it simple so you can focus more.“ Striking.

[@ricardocostafaroleira7818]

Just to remind me that street photography it´s not only in the big cities like New York or Tokyo. A street photographer in my homeland. Thank you.

[@kjellandersson3949]

I'm so happy that your channel is growing so well, showing that you don't need to go the gear-review route to do so. I really love your videos, especially these portraits.

[@Kiss1022]

I’m so glad you uploaded a new video! I’m following social distancing protocol and staying home, and having a new Sean Tucker video to watch has 100% made my day. Thanks for everything you do Sean! 💖

[@videogamesare1]

same!!!!

[@KimManleyOrt]

I’m a big Maarten Rots fan and was so glad to discover this video. I really like the way you filmed it, like a documentary of his life and philosophy.

[@onemaninaboat]

Photography is an art form and the only purpose of art is to evoke emotion of some sort. Pure and simple. Great video Sean.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Marcin:)

[@sergioquirosv]

Great video. As an artist whose medium is photography, I've thought a lot about how the nature of the medium (which is highly representational in comparison with painting, sculpture, etc) can become an obstacle for those of us trying to produce artwork that transcends any representational constrains it might feature. I used to see this highly representational nature as a limitation in photography, but now I see it more as a challenge, an opportunity not to become complacent with just taking photographs of the obvious, and push myself to do work that requires not only good visuals, but also compelling concepts behind it. Should every photograph tell a story, or be beautiful, or feature humans in it, or this or that? I try to stay away from blanket statements involving "should"s. Photography is yet another activity in which human beings do what we tend to do so easily: we join a tribe, and then judge others from the comfort of the self-righteousness of the tribe. This is how we're quick to compartmentalize and divide an art into strict categories into which one "must" fit in, and heaven forbid one should deviate from it: street photography, fashion photography, fine art photography, etc. To me, ultimately what matters the most is that whatever artwork one should put out into the world, hopefully the process will have served you as a process of further self-discovery and self-awakening about your relation to the world; and then, hopefully, your art will serve as a mirror in which yourself and others can look into and see the world and themselves with new eyes, maybe walk away with new questions about the established and the taken for granted. This is what, personally, I aspire to with my work.

[@seantuck]

Lovely comment. Thanks Sergio.

[@JaraKada]

"I love my wife", this is explain everything, the whole story in this video. Great content as always Mr. Sean Sir, thank you.

[@LukeVesty]

I liked this bit too. Relationships are so important to becoming our best selves.

[@fernandosocorro3651]

I thought it was great how he acknowledged her contribution to his work.

[@jakmga]

The smile in his face when he talks about his wife made me speechless

[@ruveng]

Sean, there is so much that is so good about this video, but I'll just mention two (related) things. You as the interviewer disappear through the whole video. You are the engine of the interview but you make yourself unseen and unheard to allow the subject to take all the focus. The ONLY place that you uncloak is to ask the question that he answers "I love my wife" which supplies the emotional heart of this story. So well done!

[@stevenchivers5787]

Hi Sean this was one of the most compelling vlogs you have made. Maarten’s approach to life, photography and his ability to conceptualise, visualize and then talk about it in such a lucid and interesting way is captivating. The way you put these stories together is marvelous and has put you head and shoulders above other you tube photography driven providers. Thoroughly absorbing and thought provoking. Thank you and regards from the desert. Steve. Dubai.

[@AlexZafer]

Another brilliant contribution to the world of photography. Thanks to Sean Tuck for his awesome work helping all of us to 'keep an eye out for the art in the everyday ordinary.'

[@autofocusrossswansea9362]

I was quite shocked when the video started, especially the 'b roll' when buildings, walls, shapes were being highlighted. That is so much like what I do when visiting new areas. The way the architecture is so different between one country and the next, or even one village and the next town. Not a pro photographer but I do immerse myself as a vacationing / travelling photographer. I feel the same, it is socially awkward to capture images of people sometimes, but the shapes, the way the light works on textures, roof tiles, cables, pipes, windows, walls etc. Even grafitti. My wife thinks I am nuts but I do see the value of making these images, very much. So glad you included this lovely guys video on your blog, it was fascinating to see a younger me! Just entered retirement so with the extra time that brings, its lovely to be free to focus on this kind of subject. Loved this, thanks so much, and of course 100% right about not needing narrative - Leading lines and shapes and textures are interesting.

[@Photo_doctor]

Man I already love your photographer friend. ❤ Such a humble and down to earth guy. Expressing his passion like a kid

[@SilverDragonCloud64]

Thank you for another beautiful video. I love the people you interview, they seem to have one thing in common that I cannot quite describe with words, it is about their energy, the way they work, the freedom they have found in the choices they make....I perceive them as deep, reflective artists who are searching and exploring beyond the creative act itself. These interviews always contains something that helps me understand a little more of myself. 🙏🏼

[@fgc1981]

A welcome distraction from the corona virus concerns.. Looking forward to watching it!

[@interiorsindetail3754]

This is such an inspiring video! Thank Sean Tucker for promoting other amazing photographers and sharing inspiration all around.

[@barryconway]

Charming. Thought-provoking. Thank you.

[@OrganDanai]

@Maarten: Tja, wie bepaalt dat? 😆 Echt tof dat je je hebt laten interviewen door Sean. Groetjes uit Singapore. @Sean: thank you for this beautiful interview! I love it that you stick to what makes you tick, i.e. photography, and don't read out boring press releases about futile gear. Keep it going!

[@fado605]

Probably one of the most enjoyable and informative videos/films I have seen about photography. Superbly done. An additional bonus for me was the footage of my country. I live in the US, but was born and grew up in Portugal.

[@JeffWalshPhotography]

This was so awesome. I could listen to him talk about his process and thoughts on his art, how he thinks, and just how he approaches photography. Also I am in love with his van.

[@MakersTeleMark]

You are really good at this, Sean. Thanks for sharing their story.

[@bradzaruba9686]

Thank you for the last 31 minutes! It is a joy to learn of Maarten's story and I loved his response to (paraphrasing) "Anything you would like to add? I love my wife!"

[@Juesterduester]

Dear Sean, that is - as always - outstanding content. The interesting subject mater and Maarten's extremely friendly presentation as well as the filming itself (that perfect street photography moment at 8:43!) were for a lack of a better word eye opening. Thank you and keep doing what you do!

[@BretBihler]

Thanks for this very interesting video. Love the work you do and the way you like to express your thoughts during each video. I've been following you for about 2 years now. Enjoy each vid you do.

[@Firstsqd1]

Wow another Sean Tucker amazing short film. This photographer is actually living out many photographers dream. Being immersed in what he loves to photograph. That creates the art and you can see and feel his passion in the images. Besides a life on the road with your soul mate and a dog named Leica life is complete. 😉

[@sharonhaasbroek7464]

I love his enthusiasm!

[@DarkDrake5481]

As a minimalist I love the minimalist values he represents. Living a life with intention and passion. Try to make the thing you love the thing you get to do everyday.

[@jakmga]

I'm not a minimalist and I loved this video, maybe trying to fill my void with other aspects of life. In the end, is all about love, whatever kind of love it is

[@wafa1253]

Its always refreshing to see what other people do. This idea that there doesn't have to be a story is quite refreshing for me. With photography I was try to tell a story. Honestly there's a lot more feedback when there is a subject (person) in there. But I love this, taking pictures of something because YOU love it. Thank you Sean for sharing this, looking forward to the next videos as always.

[@linezero3]

Inspired me to start experimenting with abstract colours and shadows...THANK YOU!

[@SuzetteBarnett]

What a breath of fresh air... Maarten has a point of view that I really appreciate and his art is definitely striking. I wish him all the success. I most relate to his words about each destination being different in many ways, and each one changes him. I feel that way too ;) Thank you Sean!

[@chrislonardo]

Maarten has really great energy. Fun video, thanks for sharing!

[@arianadiego3709]

I seek those little compositions out in my everyday photography. It's my favorite style...

[@eigojiyouzu]

mate, those b-roll composition startin around 2 mins are golden. Damn that van is awesome.

[@GeorgeChildress]

This is an inspirational story of an artistic nomadic in search of coincidence using the technique of just "being there" while measuring his success by hanging his artistic vision in galleries. Hey that's my journey as well but he articulates the process so well.

[@andreasphotiou1886]

Cool guy - lovely philosophy and approach to life. “Who says?” Indeed

[@nigelivy]

Another great video dude! Love these vids that you're shining a light on creators that I've never heard of, who's work is outstanding. Thanks! :)

[@InsideTheHiveTV]

I never saw such a thing before. Can't stop looking at the pictures. Thanks for bringing this intriguing kind of photography and way of life.

[@joao.s.cardoso]

Setúbal... thats my wife city. I go there all the time. Maarten does some great photographs. I was not aware that he was in Portugal. Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing.

[@jeremoe1]

Great video! It's good to see someone following their passion and keeping life in general really simple. He's fortunate to have a wife who feels the way he does, which is a big plus. Life is short and so many don't pursue that which brings true happiness. Thanks for sharing.

[@cosmogang]

I have followed this guy for a while. His Instagram account is one of my favorites. It's always such a refreshing respite in contrast to my usual steady stream of dental photography 🤓

[@niilaheikki]

This gave me a reassurance that I’m not the only one, that I’m not crazy or stupid for just photographing roofs and walls. Made me a little emotional

[@rolfbecker3812]

Another great video! Thank you so much Sean!

[@lyubo]

Another great insight!!!! Thank you!

[@TwangThang57]

Aside from the , yes spectacular, photos, he is a genuinely interesting and very likable human. Thanks for the video, Sean. Hope things in your world stay well.

[@darrelltheriault5793]

A truly inspiring presentation, thank you so much for sharing.

[@lucky8057]

amazing TED talk !

[@robertepping8788]

Maartens work is wonderful. In my eyes. Like your video about him, like all your videos about other photographers. Thank you, Sean.

[@seantuck]

Thanks so much Robert. These little docs are actually my favourite to make at the moment.

I've been doing just this in Madrid since my girlfriend gave me a tele lens for my birthday. Partly it frustrates me because I was saving it as something to take out later on, but partly I love to see someone doing a kind of street photography that caught my attention almost by accident a few months ago. Thank you Sean for bringing me closer to the work of this photographer and for making such interesting content that motivates us and makes us believe more in what we do as photographers. Greetings from Spain. Leo

[@edmeldrum3342]

Imagine a Love from unique degins of light , casted on structures , a uniquely shared perspective. He finds connection in a meaningful life he captured simplicity .

[@mndoci]

I am a bird photographer who has always had this secret love of street/documentary photography but never got comfortable taking pictures of people. Your videos on shape and shadow make me want to go give it another shot, since it looks like you can do "street" photography without feeling uncomfortable all the time.

[@tomcruz3774]

I love that his work is fueled by fascination. Knowing that makes his abstracts photos feel so human. From now on, no matter where I go, I'll try to be just as fascinated and explore. Even the smelly the parts of the city

[@glorphindale]

Thank you for this video! Maarten inspired me to make a similar series, which I enjoy doing very much.

[@iainscott1289]

Fantastic video. Quite inspirational, given me room for thought.

[@raymondtan2415]

The street videos are so beautifully shot it's hard to tell where the videos end and the photographs start

[@bbayek5573]

Another fantastic video I am just about to watch - thanks Sean! :)

[@dan_s_higginson]

I love Maarten’s philosophy and work. This was a great interview and brilliant cinematography. But Leica was the star of the film!

[@aleksandarjovanovic7398]

Beautiful story and great artist...

[@zayton332]

I really like Sean's channel is the perfect combination of videos and the guest's images. I really enjoy this. :)

[@howardahhon7600]

What "AMAZING" images, abstract photography is always art that I really admire cause not everyone as the eye for it. What a humble man, and his last comment!!! Aww.... =)

[@collectionofsensations]

I love how humans unselfishly help others. If you ask someone a question, you usually get an answer. It’s hard coded in our DNA. And helping like you do Sean and Maarten, create ripples on the water. Making others happy, and willing to help others just like you do. This video gave me a lot. I can relate to what Maarten talks about. In times of world struggle, it’s important to keep the kind human help ripples going. Do our part in spreading kindness so others want to do the same. Kindness might be the antidote we need against the fear these unconscious and dangerous little microbes evoke in us.

[@seantuck]

What a lovely comment. Thanks Johan.

[@mihugong3153]

Inspiring! Thank you

[@Bobby_sprinkles]

What a beautiful human being. Love his work. Hoping I can get a magazine or two.

[@mariaquintana1436]

This is probably the most interesting and inspiring video I've seen in a long time! I wish I could give it 20 likes! Very generous of you to introduce your friends to us, thanks!

[@cindyrosen8170]

Another brilliant interview! I love the uninterrupted stream of consciousness style of your interviews. They’re so authentic and genuine.

[@christophergrove4876]

In my own evaluation of what I enjoy photographing AND others' abstract art/photography, I think you can categorize what "value" abstract images have by what part of the brain they excite and what part of the brain that we GIVE to the image. SOME art... the images that we MOST commonly describe/label as art... are very cerebral and do tell a narrative, as you say. But the value in OTHER art MAY be because they excite another, possibly more primitive part of our brains. Just as we react to a tiger jumping out at us microseconds before we even recognize it as a tiger... THAT part of the brain (thalamus? 🤔) reacts to different stimulus QUICKER and on a visceral level. We FEEL that! It has a different but just as valid value to us. It is like eating ice cream when you're actually already quite full of Foie gras. This is exciting, Sean! Thanks!

[@ElReySupr3me]

Maarten is obviously fixated on being abstract, but in a beautiful way. Beautiful since he tries to look for beauty beyond people's perceptions.

[@GM8D79]

There are so many types of photography. Landscape, portrait, sports, Journalism, etc. Most of us have a tendency to follow the same style and even follow guidelines, but forget to remind us that photography is all about creativity, being yourself, no rules.

[@baconpalacio]

I follow him on IG and like his shots!

[@alexandermilinski3523]

Very interesting video and very interesting photographer! Thank you so much! Last year in Greece I made some pictures, and re-using your words from another video (about style, I think), Maarten's pictures "justify" and explain what I did there and what I was looking for.

[@peterbaylis8631]

Really engaging story about Maarten and his life work. Thank you for posting this and thank you for letting Maarten tell his story.

[@MichaelZieschang]

I couldn´t agree more and I think he and his wife do live my dream of life ;) A N D artistically I try to add this layer of subjects to my street photography to inspire my mind for the next approach towards people. Like B-Roll in the current results A N D month of march is the perfect month for beautiful light here in Central (Northern) Europe.

[@alanjones8579]

So wonderful to see someone getting off their backside, shaping their world in pursuit of their passion. Also the support of his wife is evident and helps his confidence to continue.

[@philsmith7724]

This guy is just high on life, bravo...

[@onidalgo]

28:47 my favorite part

[@JoeMustang99]

This was not a traditional interview, this was much better. Thanks, Sean.

[@Leptospirosi]

I've been following Maarten for a while an I like his art. Thak you for showing me the real person behind the images!

[@harshm2u]

Beautiful video, Sean.

[@jakobhovman]

Pictures talk Picture Language, 2D dynamics.They always tell, about the Photographerand sometimes, about a subject.Love your postings Sean...!

[@jevgenijbalezin]

Oh, finally the video you've mentioned to me about! As always lots to learn, thank you Sean :)

[@antonydavid2953]

One of the most beautifully filmed videos ever. The lighting, soft background, sound quality, simple camera work all added up to a stunning video. With a story that has immense impact on how I will move forward in my photography.

[@yosuamartin3025]

Exquisite video man. Wow..

[@bikecommuter24]

does a photo have to tell a story? in my opinion no, sometimes a photo is just nice to look at, I do believe there is a story behind every photo. I really like his van, I've been looking at doing something like that only with a motorcycle and small trailer want to take a year and travel around before my body gives out.

[@valhallafallen]

What a wonderful story, it touched me very deep, because , perhaps, in the inside I would do that. I'm really happy for Marteen, his wife and they wonderful fur kid! Wish them the best and enjoy always your freedom!!!!! Thank you Sean!

[@nickfanzo]

Minimal abstract photography is great. There are so many street photographers out there, you drown in a sea of street shooters. Maarten is a very nice person. I also love Franco Fontana for his color abstractions as well as Pete Turner.

[@paulashcroft556]

Class chap. 'We think this van is big because the other was smaller.'

[@michaelschmitt5413]

I can so relate to Maarten and the images he enjoys capturing/making. Although I love shooting people candidly in the street, my eye often is drawn to capture similar images that he does. Thanks so much for making video.

[@jeffcampbell4288]

Beautiful, inspiring video! Love Maarten's attitude toward photography and life. My thanks to both of you for creating it and sharing it with us. Happy shooting, everyone.

[@gabrielhaggebrink6700]

Sean, thais is a beautiful portrait of an amazing photographer. Great job.

[@josephkreissphotography]

Vanlifer and photographer!!! Awesome! My dream!

[@Bobcat-1967]

That's some dedication to your craft right there!

[@vijendraparashar]

The way you show the images at the end with the background music, it gives goosebumps. Always.

[@kelsi6273]

Very much enjoyed this.

[@adyoung153]

Just blown away with maartens work it made me think not to over complicate things and enjoy your photography

[@aniruddhdevaiya5057]

I want to make such van 😇 It is just so good!!!!

[@rogerwyatt3246]

What a beautiful multileveled documentary. Sean, your documentation of interesting photographers is so important and so well done. From exploring combat photography to Maarten’s search for mystery and wonder in the everyday, each one of your series expands the possibilities of living a image creating life for every viewer of your important work. I’m also struck by how good you are at handheld Cinema Vérité coverage. I’m particularly thinking of your coverage of Maarten taking us on a tour of his van. You are in a dance with your subject, constantly but subtly adjusting your framing and your position. It’s really good. You don’t usually work that way. I hope you do more of it in the future. If done well, as you are, Handheld adds energy to a sequence. I was also knocked out by your flipping the shot of the shadows of Maarten and his wife so they were upright and the road wasn’t. Trancendent love was present in that shot. You illustrate well how truth can emerge from abstraction as well as from realist coverage. Would you consider a future documentary on your documentary technique? I would love to hear the questions and prompts you asked Maarten but cut out in the edit. Congratulations on a big step in your work. @seantucker @seantuck

[@seantuck]

Thanks so much Roger. That's really encouraging.

[@catmonkey6826]

Inspiration.

[@TheTuscaloosa]

A dog named Leica says it all. Great video again

[@duncandavies1966]

Great interview. Very inspiring, and what a nice chap Maarten seems.

[@seantuck]

He's genuinely lovely in person too:)