the sad truth about photography...

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This is my presentation at the first B&H Bild conference. They had no idea what I was going to talk about before I stepped on that stage. I decided I wanted to go a different direction than what people would expect. That's why I shared this personal photo story. "the sad truth about photography"
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It's NOT About the Gear, it's about THIS!!! The TRUTH About Photography
#FroKnowsPhoto #JaredPolin

[@froknowsphoto]

"It's not about the gear....it's about the images you capture. No one will ever ask you about the gear while they're looking at the winning shot you got. With that said, the right gear in the right hands still can help a pro....vs the best gear in the world, will not help someone who doesn't have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of photography." Jared Polin Yea, I just made up that quote and put it here. I also want to be clear, the majority of the people in the world will never ask about the camera or lens or settings you used to get that winning image. All that matters is you got the winning image. It doesn't matter if it's an iPhone or Pentax or anything else. The winning shot, is the winning shot.

[@edreeves3342]

Thank you for sharing YOUR story. The emotions come through your photos.

[@Drewqes]

Me personally I ask settings and gear on sick photos (I’m a geek) 🤷‍♀️ but I get your point and I appreciate the message

[@cryhavoc38]

True but in reality, if you have an award winning shot that receives accolades, everyone will immediately wonder what gear was used to capture that shot or shots. This is the way. Thanks for sharing your story. I have been there for both parents and my Father In Law. I understand

[@RichNoons]

That must have been very hard to talk about. Thank you for sharing your story with everyone. It was very moving and powerful

[@mayakowisk1]

Your quote is nothing new. Sebastiao Salgado, one of the best photographers in Brazil and in the world, once said in a lecture: "I don't know, why they link a good photograph to a good camera" that says it all, for those who know how to take photographs and not simply press a button. But i like your job!!!

[@johnnyutah7299]

In a world where everyone wants to stand out with the most extreme content, we get this from Jared. Jared, you’ve just given us something that truly stands out from the crowd. Something so powerful, it makes us want to hold our loved ones a lot closer.

[@herbertmasing]

This is very encouraging, inspiring and deserves respect - to show something like this instead of generic instagram photos. Kudos to Jared for this!!

[@TCRBrad]

On "Quality vs Crap"... I was HYPER critical of posting my work and displaying images that I *thought* people would be hyper inspired by or really impressed with. But during a high school volleyball game, a parent came up to me and asked if I could take a photo of her daughter on the bench, "number 4 over there". She was in a walking boot and was cheering on her team, but never saw time on the floor during the game. I later found out she had to have surgery for several broken bones in her foot, and was not able to play volleyball her senior year. She wasn't playing in college...this was her final year in competitive volleyball. My images were the documentation of her time with the team. My point is this...not every photo needs to be "ground breaking" or the best thing you've ever shot, and heck it could also be a little over exposed and slightly out of focus...but that photo and that moment in time is priceless to SOMEONE, and you should publish it. We're in the business of capturing memories and creating lifetimes of stories and nostalgia, not getting clicks or likes on social media. Sometimes your worst work is good enough :)

[@Tainted-Soul]

that is well said I have an image of my daughter standing in front of Buckingham Palace and due to the sun coming out as I took the picture it over exposed the Palace and foreground but it made her POP in a way I thought was great

[@flameout12345]

moment over aesthetic

[@julius43461]

I am super critical of my photos. The crazy thing is I have become so used to capturing great photos, that I am not even aware of how good they are. Only when I compare my photos with someone else's, or when I see what someone else captured with a phone do I realize just how kickass my DSLR photos are.

[@TCRBrad]

@@flameout12345 Every damn time. 👍👏

[@dickbong7499]

Now I really wish I took more pictures of my father before he passed..

[@OhItsTeddy]

Most value almost nothing aside from what others will be jealous of

[@12Burton24]

Forsure not its called inflation.

[@StoicJason]

Same.

[@jaymichaud1447]

I’m glad I took a bunch of photos of my dog on our adventures we did before she passed

[@DrRussell]

Same. He hated photos so it was difficult. He did so much with so little and I wish I captured all of those memories. Respect to your late Father, may he rest in peace.

[@joshliquet]

I can't even begin to express how grateful I was to be able to see Jared speaking in person it was truly a great experience!

[@AndreasButhmann]

I’m crying. I lost my dad 2019 and 10 month later my mum died. It’s so hard. Thank you for sharing these special and very private story with us.

[@kuyaChrischan]

As a registered nurse who does photography as a main passion, this hits home. I remember you telling this same photo story back in the early days of this channel and it still impacts me. The staff did what they can to make your mom & family comfortable, and you were there to capture those moments...at everyone's most vulnerable time. Reminds me that every patient that I take care of has a story of their own. Sometimes it's something outside of my comprehension. Thank you for sharing.

[@debbiewnukoski4651]

Another nurse who loves to capture the beauty… I needed this after so many photoclub judges tearing folks work a part.

[@joachimengelhart1891]

Thank you so much for your testimony

[@lianvandenheever6387]

Heartwarming story. Photography is not all about the happy moments, but also the the sad moments.

[@user-sn2vz9cd2x]

I'm not a 'photographer' but I'm the one who takes all the pictures. There was a shot of my husband who was found deceased and it was like he went to sleep. It was a peaceful, beautiful shot. I didn't believe people would understand my taking a photo at that moment. It has haunted me that i couldn't share what i saw with the family. I'm trying to forgive myself. Thanks for getting it and sharing for your journey.

[@ppww6076]

You have the last possible photo that you could. Be happy.

[@hookadooka98]

saw you walking on the street and had to do a double take because I couldn't believe my eyes. totally surreal experience seeing you in person and watching you give that speech. the fact you poured out your emotions that day considering you tend to keep them behind the camera (your quote) was seriously respectable dude and that's why you're the goat imo. long live photo jesus!!!!!

[@froknowsphoto]

that's Photo Moses

[@anthonycatania5613]

Jesus this... And Moses that... Abraham hit me with a whiffle ball bat 😂

[@1x1cam44]

Jared You have my respect, I remember when you said “I don’t make fun of people” in one of hosting videos, and today you proved that you are a great human being with wisdom. I pray for your mother to be happy in a better place and I’m sure she must be proud of you.

[@Left_Hand_Path]

Not having many photos of my brother and mother before they both passed unexpectedly is the entire reason I picked up a camera . To document life and the people in it so I wouldn’t have to experience not having those moments to remember them by, besides memory. Thanks for sharing this story man. Beautiful.

[@teez1234]

I’m a hobbyist photographer and I was under the apprehension that photos taken with people needed to be choreographed to showcase poses or smiles and that all my other photos taken are not useable because that didn’t satisfy that condition. After seeing this video I have realised that there are so many photo stories I can create with photos I’ve already taken. This changes my whole perspective on photography. Thanks Jared

[@limitless_93]

i am a hobbyist too. i always like to say "capture the moment". sometimes things will just....line up! no need to set up. cameras can also capture the moment. the THEN, the NOW, and the WOW!

[@richardhenson3028]

Even though he wasn’t my biological father, my father, Thomas McNeil, bought me my first camera; a Kodak 110 TeleInstamatic. He was my first photo subject. Ten years later I became a photojournalist in the Navy and my father Tom encouraged me to become the best photographer in the Fleet. My father passed away in 1999, but he not only loved the photos I took of carrier operations; amphibious operations; the ports I visited and people I met during my tour of duty, he loved me because I did something I loved. He’s the reason I take a Nikon wherever I go, and I follow guys like you. Thank you for sharing this Fro…

[@MadMax-bh3mn]

My father died of cancer in 2009, I also took similar last photos of him in the hospital and at home. Jared, my condolences.

[@CoffeeTalkandTechJohnRyan]

I'm the bald guy in the audience behind the guy with the love hat. I was definitely surprised about the topic and even though it seems kinda weird at the time I really feel like you needed to express this and you did it well. I was lucky enough to be the last guy you spoke to at the meet and great table. JARED thanks for being you.

[@ericmah8137]

I was in tears listening to your story about the loss of your mother. I lost my mom too early as well, and your story made me feel your pain and re-live mine. I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom would've been so proud of you for what you've built and that you're sharing her story.

[@tomsviewphotographyadventu2514]

I honestly didn't think I was going to watch the entire video. I really didn't. But I did. The raw emotion of your photo story was compelling. And I learned alot! Thank you for sharing this.

[@jimsimpson7306]

I was totally blindsided by this. I clicked on this video expecting one of Jared's informative, funny discourses on anything / everything photographic, and I ended up sobbing uncontrollably for 45 minutes. Jared: Thank you for all the great content that you have on YT. I hope that you get what you want from being a YT content creator and photographer because we all certainly get a lot from you.

[@brianrendon7947]

This brings back to when my dad passed away with leukemia. I wasn’t a photographer back then. But I wish I did so I could do something like this. I was close to my dad when I was younger then as I got older I wasn’t. Due to us living in different states. But I did get to see him before he passed. He was a mummy when I saw him. And the very next day after I left to go back home. He passed. He held on to the very end so I can see him one more time. Thank you Jared for this… ❤

[@yhereynowyme]

That was a powerful presentation. I think that anyone who saw it, will never again look at you or your work in the same way.

[@rayz9790]

I've followed you since I started shooting (2014) and you've helped me learn basic photography while also making it entertaining. This however, is a side of you that I think most people will be surprised by. The raw emotion and the telling of such a tragic moment in your life really teaches in a way not seen on your channel before. Thank you for sharing. I think sometimes the emotional side of taking photos is omitted or not talked about. All art is driven by it....I think we forget that.

[@djrohan_presents]

Its amazing that you can share this photographic narrated history of a difficult time in your life with us. My heart goes out to you. my mum died a year ago from breast cancer and the photos i have of her life are precious to me on so many levels. The ones i took towards her final weeks and days are both painful to look at now but also an important part of her existence and i dont regret taking them.

[@vipergts831]

Hey Jared. I was the guy with the yellow “I shoot raw” shirt that I’m glad we bumped into each other a couple of times that day. Seeing your speech in person resonated so much. When I first met who would become my wife she didn’t like that I took so many pictures. Then I told her you won’t care in the future that I did but rather they actually now exist. I wish I had done the same with my father before he passed. Thank you for letting us in.

[@dasharka1266]

Really appreciated your story Jared. My father passed away from NHL as well and your story really brought back a lot of memories of my own journey with my family. Thank you for challenging all of us to pull back and look for the context of what might be our own stories. Life is too short and photography lets us hang on to moment just a little longer, esp. our loved ones. Thank you.

[@JamesonWTF]

This just took me through losing my Nana to cancer as well as my youngest brother’s funeral. Definitely emotional. Thank you for being open and showing us this personal story of yours.

[@myownalias]

Wow, that was powerful, Jared, I lost my mother to illness in my mid-20s, watching her deteriorate throughout the illness. This was at a time before I found photography, or at least rediscovered it after a decade away, so I couldn't hide behind the camera. Thanks for posting this, Jared.

[@fernandoguerrero5333]

Thanks for sharing your photo story about your mom. I felt it was powerful and appreciate the strength you took in reliving those emotions with your viewers. God bless you Jared!

[@PizzlesTechTime]

I watched this when it was first posted on the live stream. That being said it resonated with me very greatly. I often feel the need to document things for my family but I don't have the guts that you do to ask people for photos when tragedy or sadness happens. It took a lot of courage for you to document and share this. It makes me feel more powerful behind my camera. Thank you for sharing your story Jared.

[@joshashdown4431]

Thank you for sharing your story and the story of your mom's last phase of life with us. You captured the emotion in her journey delicately and with respect. These are legacy images; those type of frames that truly speak a thousand words or more. In world flooded with imagery, very few are legacy level images. The message of your talk was clear. Shoot what is important to you, forget the gear, tell the story. My condolences for the lose of your mom. I have no doubt she was an amazing soul.

[@PaulDharmaratne]

Thank you Jared. Your story is beautiful and the emotion you created was palpable.

[@Hangiinjohnny]

We rarely think about photos like these but they are so important to help us as we grieve. These are very emotional images and I’ve hid behind my camera to avoid dealing before so I can relate in a way. Hell of a job. I don’t wanna say it was hard to watch because that sounds like it was bad, that’s not the case. It was hard because it was very relatable and emotional. It doesn’t always have to be smiles and sunshine and sometimes it’s the hardest photos to look at that need to be seen the most.

[@susanmeyer8885]

Thank you for a great presentation. Your photo story is so very personal, but many of us can relate. You are authentic, and I appreciate your generosity in sharing your knowledge and, in general, photography with so many. I learned so much in doing my family portrait project since we are spread all across the country. I learned a lot, and those images are precious as some have already passed. I hope to attend next year's conference in person.

[@jasonenglisch2547]

Much respect, Jared. I have been watching your videos for some time, yes, started with the gear specific ones. Seeing you open, vulnerable and human like this, as well as talking about photo stories, etc. was by far the most engaging. My condolences on your loss, and thank you for sharing this.

[@rebootnut]

I've watched & read the story several times over the years and am always taken aback by the sensitivity you're willing to share. I did a similar thing over the course of 2 years with my dog. He had an incurable autoimmune disease. He wasn't just an ordinary dog. He was one that helped get me through some of the most challenging times in my life. He was there when friends, family, and religion couldn't comfort me. I photographed our "Bucket list" items, various treatment sessions, therapy times, and just random shots. I look back on that now and I'm forever thankful that I did, and it's what drives me with my pet photography today. Thank you, Jared.

[@danbeckwith392]

Thanks for sharing your talk from the conference. It was wonderful to hear your family’s journey with cancer. Thanks for being vulnerable and posting this. Sorry for the loss of your mom. May her memory be a blessing.

[@dcurleyifa]

I have taken photos for over 55 years and you have given the best advice I have ever heard, story telling with the different shots. Thank you for sharing your mums story, I cried, but if you hadn’t taken your photos it would have been just another story, you brought your passion for photography with purpose to life and provided a loving record of your mums last years 👏👏👏👏👏

[@justinuriahphoto]

My mother passed from non Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013. Many rounds of chemo and radiation too. Same as your mother. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@djcandle3863]

This hits home. I used to get caught up in the gear rhetoric myself and having the latest and greatest but I learned that the story is what counts. It’s the key nucleus of being a photographer. Thank you for sharing Jared. Stay strong

[@johnplanck3036]

Jared! Your candor and courage in this "sad truth" are worth more than any gear. Thank you for all you have given to the community of photographers and to the world through your photography. Be well and know that you made a difference in so many lives between now and the Matzevah !

[@sonja21]

Powerful. I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. I'm sure she is super proud of you. Thank you for sharing and being RAW in your story telling. Your videos are always super fun and helpful to my business. Thank you SO much.

[@ahargusphoto]

Thank you so much for sharing something that is so personal for you. As a action photographer, I feel lately that I am missing the story, that I’m not capturing a story but just going through the motions. Listening to you this morning reminds me to slow down and look around. The purpose isn’t simply about freezing the shot of the moment but conveying the story or emotion (or lack of) and I want to get back to that.

[@steph3438]

i’ve been learning from you since i was 16. i just turned 28. i quite literally grew up watching you. ❤

[@JoeLoffredo]

I thought it'd be photography as usual, but wow, quite unexpected! That was a BIG share on your part, and I hope it helps a lot of people. I hope it helps you too, brings some healing for you. It was really nice how you told the story via photography. I think you made the right choice on not-taking the last photo. You might look at it as you left that moment to her, as it was her moment, and the story was already powerful without it. In any event, I wish you well.

[@abrampousada4599]

I love the depth of your thought, care, transparency in everything you do. As someone that has seen photography (in ye film-only days of old) capture a great grandmother in her final days of dementia, this is deeply relatable. The point of photography (in my view) is to capture experiences that matter. Maybe it's something others can relate to and enjoy (in their own ways) as much or more than you, and maybe they cannot. But what matters is the love behind it - like a warm meal carefully prepared for those you deeply care for. Well done, mate. Well done.

[@DarthDragos]

What an amazing story! Thank you so much for sharing her life and your journey. It really puts a different perspective on things. Amazing story Jared! Beautiful!

[@Auhana50]

This was a tough video to watch. Your story brought back memories of my Dad fighting cancer. I didn’t have to relive this in photographs but the memories in my mind is so vivid. Thank you for sharing your memories of your mother. Much Aloha

[@gregroberts875]

Wow Jared…what a powerful story. Thanks so much for sharing your heart to all of us. What a great lesson you have taught us all. Blessings to you and your family..

[@ArthurKite]

Jared, I’ve been watching your videos for over 10 years. I started learning English as second language listen to you and Steve on the podcast and I’m here to say thank you for This videos. I’ll for sure change the way I photograph weddings and my family for now on. This was really strong and resonate so strong on me. Thank you! Best wishes from Fortaleza, Brasil. 🇧🇷

[@ericsmcdonald]

Thank you so much for sharing. I didn’t expect your presentation to go in that direction. I’m sorry for what you and your family went through. I appreciate you sharing this because often times I want to capture the sad moments but feel bad or invasive. However, like you, it helps me deal with my emotions because, like you, I’m not always good at expressing emotions during difficult situations. And just like happy, exciting, and fun times make us who we are, so do the difficult and sad. Often times I get thank you’s from people for capturing their life’s moments. Your story has given me permission to capture the difficult, too, and has made me feel less alone in finding my creative side (photography) as an outlet for my emotions.

[@darrinlalla9008]

Brilliant and effective lecture on story telling. I was in tears. I felt like I was there! Oddly beautiful (and brave).

[@davidkipperman5218]

I had the same thing happen to me with my mom in 2006, the photographer in me made a very emotional story. I'm amazed you could tell the story in front of an audience. When I talk about it to even a couple people today I start to cry. Cancer sucks!

[@DMProductions]

What a tragic yet incredible story and you presented it so beautifully

[@fajar13k]

We don't value moments, until they become memories.

[@CompositeNation]

This is a great talk brother!! I just feel connect at 100% with this. I'm right now at a plane just getting back from a 3 month trip I took to the other side of the world (NZ, AUS and Bali, I'm from Mexico), the most magical trip I've ever done in my life, and within this trip I started making more photography for fun, for me, without thinking about social media or other people think about my work, just enjoying the heck of pressing the shutter everytime I see something that I love and storing that light as pixel data into the SD. A reconnection with the essence of why I started photography happened, I've been feeling for years that I've been creativily blocked and stopped doing photography for fun and just thinking about how to please people in social media to make me feell I was good enough, right now I can tell to anyone that if you feel the same, grab your camera and go outthere, inside, bring your camera anywhere and take photos. I'm excited af to ger into my studio and edit all the photos I made and keep editing the film I stsrted doing while I was on this journey! We are photographers let's don't let our passion die or sleep because seeking external validation. Hope this story can connect with someonne and help in any way🤙 Thanks again for this amazing video brother!

[@rakutzimbel4539]

I always like your way of making youtube videos, but this time you touched me deeply. I am so glad to have seen the person that you really are. Your story reminded me of the end of my dad. Cancer, treatment, all seemed working... but then thing went so bad that we had to let him go. Thank you so much for sharing your most personal story.

[@adrianvilchis8113]

It takes alot to talk about this especially in front of a group of people. Thank you Jared

[@JustAGuyRichie]

Jared, I‘ve seen your video on your story which you showed some time ago and I was really touched by it. Even though I knew what was coming here, I watched this video completely and it again took me. I think this is something that makes you stand out of all the Northrups, McKinnons & Co. This is deeper. Even though it certainly is some kind of self-therapy, it shows so much of you and intentions and what photography can do. I‘m shooting commercial and fashion, nobody will ever be touched by that deep. Thank you for sharing. Greetz from Germany.

[@cliffordluckvisuals]

I started watching you this year to learn, as Im an amateur you broke things down for me (canon) and it has helped tons, and I respected your opinion on photography. I continued to watch when I saw your a local to philly like myself, more respect, but after watching this I will say Ive gained 10x the respect for you in the last hour then probably the last 10 people i’ve met in the last year. Unfortunately for me at 48 yo, besides my sister my own kids my immediate family is gone. Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles etc. I wish I had the good and the bad as you captured here in this story. I respect that you knew, and were strong enough to take the shots knowing 15-20 years later you could vividly recall such moments. You have a lifelong subscriber after this video. And surprisingly, I still took away what you were trying to teach as well. Damn man, Im not sleeping tonight 🧠

[@chrisw443]

I only have two photos of my dad from the year before he passed, i wish i had more. your family is lucky to have these memories captured. your photos show your love for her. You can always tell when the camera guy loves his subject. Weather its a pet, a parent, or a spouse.

[@acemanfrog]

Wow, very powerful message and I went through something similar with my mother. I cried watching this and have a deeper respect and love for you. Much respect. Thank you for telling this painful story.

[@johncolling7141]

I’m not much for word’s especially when it come to writing then down. I think that’s why I love photography. It saves me a thousand words. I’m so sorry your family had to go through this! The passing of a love one is never easy. I really appreciate you putting this together, it could not have been easy for you.

[@k-willberg550]

I think this is about the best video regarding photography I’ve ever seen.. So inspirational and down to earth. I’ve always tried to get the best picture and never ever have I really thought about the story.. I’m so sorry for your loss, but this really opened by eyes. Thank you for this and for sharing this story.

[@SailingInFaith]

What an amazing story. My Dad passed away earlier this year. He was a photographer and loved film as well as digital. He loved seeing the images I made , since he passed photography has been very hard for me. It’s kind of like what’s the point , he’s not here to see them. It was inspiring to see how your still grieving and it’s still very raw and encouraging to see that your still dealing with it. Probably the best video you have made.

[@TheVitalishe]

Thank you, Jared, for sharing your story. I appreciate your storytelling power and readiness to be vulnerable. This was emotional and inspiring.

[@CarlosParedesPopoca]

Thank you for this Jared. Everyone copes with death and loss in different ways and your mom truly understood that. Having seen the original video, for me this was a completely different experience, and it was beautiful. Thanks for sharing a raw approach to life.

[@Spartan80HD]

Dude, just like it was said on your podcast, this shows a different side of you. This is such a powerful talk and it really does humanize you. People can disagree with you and think you’re a jerk, but EVERYONE can relate to losing a loved one. I think it’s great that photography helped you cope. And even though they are photos that stir up a sad memory, they are important memories to Jared and Fro Knows Photo. Thanks for being vulnerable in front of the camera for a little bit.

[@PaperScrapHoarder]

Yes! Yes! Yes! This video spoke to me more than any other video. I have always taken photos of everything. When asked, my reason why is they are snapshots in time. Moments that would become forgotten without being documented. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer I documented everything. I have a photo story of her journey. Right up to the final moments. I cherish documenting the setting, the scene, the mood, all of it. It is my passion ❤

[@Rhoadspc]

What a lecture, this was incredible. Moving and emotional while teaching a mountain about storytelling and photography. Thank you Jared

[@johnroussel6709]

I’ve been currently going through Non Hodgkins Lymphoma treatments just like your mom. Thank you for encouraging me to keep creating and telling a story. You have given me encouragement to keep taking photos of me with my family, my kids, my friends. Keep telling the story. I get it…

[@briantrentham9436]

Jared. I have watched your videos for years, and this is one of the greatest videos you have ever posted. It told your story and it had me engaged as though I was living the story with you! My heart goes out to you and your family. Thank you for sharing something so personal.

[@jr-uu8eg]

Jared, I’m currently home sick with a throat infection but this video really brighten my day. Thank you for making me into a better photographer.

[@billmckim532]

I’ve always thought like this, that you really are recording moments in your families history that do need to be preserved. Thanks for talking about it.

[@GabrielCusmir]

You had the chance to photograph your mother during this moment, I lost my brother from Cancer also and as a Photographer didn't think about making a story about it and have only 2 Images of him at my house when I took him home... He had 6 month of life and I could enjoy him for 10 days. It's part of your history and it's part of what our job is "ZL" to her and my brother. It's a very nice photo story and thanks for sharing it with the world.

[@durango1487]

My photography journey got serious in 2003 when my Dad got sick. I knew at some point that all I would have left were photographs and memories (as Jim Croce said) and I'm so glad I did. I do not have a full story like you did, but I have a picture of him that his brother said was "the best picture of Joe I've ever seen". No photograph I ever take will win higher praise. Thank you for sharing your story. Bravo to you for your courage in this talk.

[@Jen-ur4ut]

Thank you for choosing to show not only a personal story but also images that are from quite a while back. I'm going to a workshop next week and we have to present some images at the start of the week. I've been feeling hesitant about showing older work - I already feel like I might be in over my head for this particular workshop - so it helped me to see you do it when you have so much great work to choose from. Kudos.

[@Moshavnik7272]

Hi Jared, I was very moved by your presentation at Bild Expo. I followed your previous videos when your mother got sick and it was very dramatic and emotional then. I was drawn to the videos you made that had included your grandmother Lil as well. The subject of documenting and telling a story through photography was very succinct and essential. We have less excuses these days of saying that we wished we had taken our cameras since we almost always have them in the form of a cellphone. The issues that can arise are decorum, laws or ethical matters can hinder or prevent us from using our camera. When my father died four years ago (3 days short of his 100th birthday) I flew to Israel to his funeral and didn’t take my camera as I knew I wouldn’t have a opportunity use it as I typically did on visits. The funeral took place at the village cemetery with my father’s plain wooden casket on a type of gurney, in the center of a covered pavilion with all the mourners sitting or standing around the edge on three sides. Being the eldest I joined my brother in law, two nieces, step sister and rabbi on the fourth side. Being on a sort of stage while people came over to say their eulogies did not feel right to take any photos as I felt I was center stage and perhaps in the eyes of most attendees, inappropriate. I did however take out my phone and snap one wide angle shot of the scene of the casket and attendees. I justified it to myself as having had to take at least one photo for my wife who had stayed home. The funeral proceeded by the casket carried to the burial site with the attendees joining. Wreaths were placed on the freshly covered plot. They had banners stating from whom they were presented. The headstone wasn’t going to be placed for another month. Afterwards, I thought about my missed shots and went back the following day to take photos of the wreaths that were still there. One other shot I took later on when my nephew commented about my father’s daily routine of sitting in his easy chair and sipping his whisky and soda. I posed the whisky bottle on the small table next to the chair with a glass full, and a framed photo of my father that I actually took two years prior. It had been cropped to show just his face. I placed a LumeCube LED panel light behind the bottle and glass to give the setting a warm light. This captured the end of the short story. I think the points you emphasized in you presentation will help me make better story photo shoots in the future. I typically do take wide angle shots and ones from various angles, highlighting and diffusing different areas in the shots. I will be more conscious of making sure to be more inclusive of the “players” in the story. Instead of having to explain later who was there and what it looked like, the photos should do that. Thanks so much for your work and story telling. You emphasize the human aspect of photography, and that is the most important one. Bari

[@rudselschoobaar2931]

Thank you very much for sharing the 2 things combined: a personal story and a technical story. For me, the story is always a personal one, captured technically, be it a birthday or a baseball game or whatever. And I totally understand the process of "shielding" because other people count on you. I lost my father suddenly when I was 20 and while I was studying in far-away Europe. Ans because I was the only person studying anything medical, I was the person answering the many "how" and "why" questions from siblings, family and friends. I assumed that role and dealt with the situation at hand. I had to be there for everyone else, except for myself. And I paid for that later. Ten years later, my older brother died at age of 37. Also suddenly. Same process. Same result. I am a subscriber to your YT channel. I like your style and I have learned a lot from you. Please keep up the good work. Greetings from an old Caribbean photogeek living in the Netherlands.

[@susiescue]

@froknowsphoto Jared, Thank you so much for sharing your photo story of your Mom. I heard you share it I believe the following year after her passing at the Photo Expo in Seattle. So many years ago. The emotion was heartfelt and can be felt in your photos. It was the first time I heard a photographer not talk about gear which was very eye opening. Even though your story is sad, your presentation was and continues to be inspiring. I love documenting lifes moments good and bad in my photography. Thank you again for sharing your story. With much love and gratitude always. 🙏

[@NovusTerminus]

Jared, I got into photography again due to discovering yours and Peter McKinnon's channels. Got a T7i, now an EOS R. Every day I'm thankful to you for teaching me everything I needed to know and giving me what became a massive part of my life. This was an amazing video to watch, and I agree that capturing the bad and the good is part of photography and an important story to keep the memories alive! Keep up the amazing work!

[@deepotterphotography6228]

I was in the audience with you there and was honoured to witness your heart on your sleeve. It meant so much more to me than your usual sensationalized education (which I also enjoy), but I lost my Mother not long before your presentation and it all resonated with me more so as both a son and a story-telling photographer.

[@inframe-brooklyn993]

I love your honesty. The reality is, you are always honest, at your most hyper or most serious. That is why I watch and listen. There are a ton of voices out there screaming about gear and this thing and that thing. I can always count on you for truth and honesty and at the end of the day, that's all any of us who create can do.

[@davidjones8070]

My Heart was in my throat Jared. In my twenties i went through pancreatic cancer with my father. He was only 46...im now 61 and still recall the moments i spent with him through his illness. I know those feelings..i recognized the value of life because of it. I also enjoy giving photos to people. Its a joyful feeling that cant be duplicated. Thanks for sharing your personal journey.

[@DanielDiaz-ym6bf]

Thanks for sharing your story. I think the absence of an image of your mother when she passed is the perfect way to show what it meant to you as you describe it on stage. If this presentation was a book, I imagine this as an empty page with a caption with your words. Thanks again for sharing. I feel inspired even more to continue documenting my 5 month baby boy journey in this world with a better idea of the composition for the images to tell our story.

[@mattylamb658]

I have watched your gear videos a number of years. I find your presentation here extremely powerful and touching, thank you for sharing what was clearly a deeply personal experience with us all.

[@lrhotsma251]

I took pictures from my dad when he passed away. Never showed them. But they are the most powerful foto's I have. Your story brings back memories. That's what it is all about. Thank you for sharing. M

[@JasonYadlovski]

Great talk Jared very powerful and moving. I was there in the front row for it. You mentioned hiding behind the camera and it struck home with me because I do that too. It’s like you’re there but you’re not there. I appreciate you and all you do. Thanks man!

[@stank5857]

Jared, my heart goes out to you, been there, but never photographed, just wasnt thinking. My Mother passed from kidney disease, on the machine 3 times a week, each time the machine took a little bit of life left out of her. I must say when I got the phone call at 1.10 am May 15, 1981 was hurt and relieved. This happened 43 years ago - as I read your story, I put myself beside you and understood all that was happening, thank you

[@ljcbvideo]

Thank you for sharing. Certainly the best video of you as a photographer and a person.

[@roseannewillis6029]

I watched this on B&H when it first ran. You spoke about photographing your mother while she was sick and when she passed and how people reacted. My mother just passed and on September 5, we had a small graveside service for just siblings. I thought about not doing it but, I asked if anyone minded if I took a photo of her urn at gravesite. (I worried about a couple sibs being upset) Got the okay and took only one photo and I am so glad I did. Afterwords all of my siblings (5 of ‘em) asked for a copy of shot. Photos are powerful and can take you to a time and place. I really enjoyed your presentation. Thanks

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

Wow! I remember your lost in one of other podcast. What a touching story, and you touch my heart. Thanks!

[@karlrichards]

Big hugs to you, I couldn't have stood on stage and told everyone that. I lost my father about the same time and it's still quite raw for me to think about, never mind tell everyone else. You've made me think about getting a older DSLR full frame to document my own family. Thank you.

[@richardreinitz3045]

Really powerful. I don't know how you were able to do this but now you have these images forever which is a great tribute to your mother. On a technical note, thank you for saying it's ok to have other stuff in the photo. So many times I try to remove all the distractions but now my view is that maybe these aren't distractions but actually add to the photo in ways I didn't think of.

[@muresmo]

Amazingly powerful storey telling, and one of your best videos- well done. Thank you for sharing and sorry for your loss.

[@photo-markus]

Love this video! I have seen a few times the hospital story of your mom…I’m a doctor and I feel similar emotions every day with my patients. But this is the real Jared, a very sensitive and special guy. I also hide after my camera, that is why I bring my camera everywhere. Hugs my friend!

[@realjackcompton]

This shows me pictures aren’t supposed to only be the good. It’s hard to think that in the moment sometimes but I think that’s a really powerful message. I too find myself hiding my emotions behind something (no I’ve never been through something like losing my mom). But finding that emotion you may be hiding behind your camera is in my mind a great way to SHOW your emotions in your own way.

[@lewiswood2657]

Now i dont usually cry but this was powerful, this is why i love photography, the story behind it all. In the moment it seems uh um why. You can tell anyone a story but not always can someone show you a story. Much love jared

[@stanmorinaka4551]

Thank you Jarad for this speech. It taught me many things about life and photography. This must have been very hard for you to talk about this in front of all of those people. I have a different feeling about you now. You put human feelings first and reinforce it with your photographic story telling. Awesome.

[@Seattle_Slew]

Jared, I just discovered your channel when watching your Insta 360 “This Cameras ALWAY With Me” video. I was impressed. Then I watched this video and I was in tears. What a great guy you are, and an obvious “influencer” in more ways than one. Thank you for sharing this story with us. God bless you and yours, from an admirer in Las Vegas.

[@capturedbycody]

Thank you for sharing your story. As photographers, a lot of us hide behind the camera to conceal a lot of our emotion, most of us don't need to tell our story, we have a need to tell the stories of others. Little do we know sometimes our story is the most important.