Wet Plate Photography with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (feat. Jack Lowe)

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In this video I interview Jack Lowe about his mammoth 10 year project to capture all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations and their crews around the coast of the UK using the 170 year old process of wet plate collodion photography. I hope you are as inspired by his story as I am. Please share this video on if you enjoyed it.
#wetplatephotography #RNLI #jacklowe

[@mikegindling4236]

I was in the US Coast Guard for 22 years doing helicopter search and rescue. I regret I did not take more pictures of the units and crews I served with. I had tears in my eyes watching this film.

[@THSimagery]

Thank you for your service. I’m sure it was a dangerous, but rewarding one.

[@mikegindling4236]

@@THSimageryCopelin thanks. It was.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Mike. I'm glad it connected with you.

[@MikeLangfordGoogle]

I don't cry easily. Jack's dedication, skill and honesty along with your masterful filmmaking made it too easy Sean. This is beyond words in so many ways, the true soul of photography and life. I feel so privileged to have been a witness.

[@seantuck]

Love it.

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Thank you, Mike.

[@radovicluka8129]

This is beyond my understanding. In so many ways. Skills, determination, discipline etc.. absolutely insane and probably the best thing I’ve seen in a long time!

[@mikskinner6431]

A truly phenomenal and heartfelt piece of filmmaking that really deserves a part two, three, and four. You've must have enough material if you spent five hours with him. Maybe even go back in a years time to catch up on his progress, or be with him on the last one?

[@carls.2649]

This is wonderful viewing experience and deserves more eyes and recognition. To you, Mr. Lowe, his project and all its subjects.

[@TheMinasV]

Τhe moment he did the last stage, from negative to positive my eyes filled with tears and I still can't understand why. Truly amazing!

[@andrewmulder4730]

Absolutely fantastic!! I use to develop and print my own black and white photos in my dark room. Took my kids in with me and they always use to say " its like magic". Really is magic compared to how we shoot in this day and age. Those three words really can give any one a spark!! Thank you for this video!!

[@Batch2103]

A beautiful well crafted film about an amazing man. Encapsulating his passion into photographs that are truly an art form.

[@danielrossi6122]

Dear Sean, this movie is at a different level …. I can’t express my feelings yet but it seems to me that it’s showing LOVE I thank you and Jack for this testimony. Daniel

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Thank you, Daniel, and you're welcome.

[@simonmansfield6405]

Jack and his project are utterly mesmerising, and you have captured this beautifully. Jack truly understands the beating heart of the RNLI and as such has our eternal respect and affection as crew.

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Aha...Simon! Just having a glance through the comments on a Monday morning and great to see your name pop up! Thank you, as always for your support and kind words. For those who may be reading this, Simon is one of the brave, selfless lifeboat volunteers I've photographed on this epic journey - all the way back in 2016 at his station, Cardigan in Wales. He's stalwartly supported my journey ever since, which speaks volumes in itself. ✨⚓✨

[@webmaster4ZLCB]

This is a remarkable film. This needs to be entered in every possible competition out there. Simply brilliant.

[@araudan]

A true master talent. Jack Lowe I suspect will be recognized amoung the best as time goes on. Thank you for introducing me to his work.

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Thank you very much, Dan. Most kind of you to say so,

[@Nitidus]

Oh Lordy. Those pictures look absolutely stunning, and the background story makes it even more fascinating. I am blown away.

[@johnpollock6996]

Wow Sean. It is impossible to state all the kudos that you, Jack, and thousands of volunteers through 2 centuries deserve for this video and his monumental project. Even though I had 2 British grandparents, due largely to my having been American-born in the mid-1950's, my knowledge of this Institution was, until this video, zero. What a fantastic mission these volunteers have set for themselves. Their volunteerism have plenty of hints of "The Miracle of Dunkirk". Jack's efforts, the basic project, coupled with his methods, fall into that group too. Then along comes Sean to make it available for all the world to see. Thank you so much for this. How you will top this is a major mystery

[@nicktasker1615]

Found the right moment to watch it today , like many others I was also moved to tears . It is a really lovely movie about some of my favourite things, lifeboats, photography and the sea. I grew up with a coxswain in my younger childhood years and learned about the passion the crews have so a big thank you to Jack and Sean

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Glad to hear you've caught up with it, Nick, and very pleased you enjoyed it so much.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Nick:)

[@eltinjones4542]

This project is moving but your lifeboat service goes beyond 👏

[@denisesavage2382]

Wow. . . . .absolutely stunning imagery. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@danieleekfoto]

Thank you Sean for showing this. It really moved me. I have no words, just tears. And thank you Jack for just being you. ❤

[@phillipP8848]

This is a project that I have been following for the last few years. The house that my mother was born in was beside the RNLI station and so for me this project and all lifeboats have a special meaning. Following this project to the very end.

[@sheilagatehouse7589]

This was such a beautifully told story. You've captured Jack's story succinctly yet given us all we need to know to feel the emotional connection with his story and his wonderful photos.... they are so captivating and magical. Bravo!

[@tomp.7908]

Absolutely stunning story. My deep appreciation to Mr Lowe

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Thank you, Tom.

[@jonathanptaylor]

What an astonishing film about an astonishing man and an astonishing project. Moved me to tears. In fact I am still crying as I type! Bravo to both of you.

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Thank you, Jon...very glad you enjoyed it so much.

[@rofi3930]

Its really really spectacular, the photos that he takes was very heartwarming and very nostalgic. I cant imagine how their son or grandson of the people in the photos feels when they see it in the future, thx sean for this documentary video.

[@lilybogaards5089]

My goodness you had me crying even before Jack started explaining it. Beautiful! Both his work and yours, Sean. Thank you!

[@tungpham3773]

Thank you for this heartfelt video Sean. Jack's photographs are really wonderful, they aren't about techniques, equipment but people. The heroes who risk their life to save life. I was deeply moved by his words during the documentation, which is excellently made by you. Truly a great interview made by photographer, for photographers and the people.

[@bijofrancis1114]

I have never seen something like this. Fascinating story 💗

[@davesusko3517]

I found this moving in so many ways. Thank you Sean, and thank you Jack.

[@pascalvangerven5769]

Wonderful project and moving photography indeed. I'm not much into the "hassle" of analog photography, but this wetplate technique seems to be worth every bit of effort.

[@DavyEnglish]

Great to see Jack's photograph of Donaghadee, Northern Ireland

[@davidlowe778]

Wow, how moving. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@becphoto]

I found Jack’s story, his process and dedication to this project so moving and inspiring. I have had to watch it multiple times. Fantastic movie Sean, I look forward to more of these types of stories from you. Thank you.

[@robstorm8359]

Truly fascinating. The dedication, determination and skills are beyond words, right at the heart of what photography should be. This man deserves a full documentary!

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Such ambience in these photos brought me to tears , thank you Sean for bringing this to your chanel

[@juxtaposedmultiplicity7372]

Quiet literally putting life in those images. This will stick with me for a long long time. Thank you Sean and Jack for sharing this.

[@brandonsaulphoto]

This film was deeply moving and was an excellent way to show the depth, meaning, and life photography brings.

[@davidholdsworth1889]

Brilliant. Jack is a genius in front of the camera as well as behind it. Amazing,

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Thank you, David. Very kind. Was great to meet you in New Brighton.

[@Th3D4rkSh4d0w]

This is simply breathtaking on so many levels. In a day and age of wanting instant gratification and (for photography at least) the latest, sharpest, crispest lenses and technology, to see someone so passionate about the art of *actual* photography and subject in equal measure, and the acceptance and almost desire for the time that that takes, is a wonderful thing. The resultant images are captivating, there is no other word for it. I paused the video as each plate was shown to be able to try and take in each image, each character portrayed. Such honesty, such warmth. Such LOVE. I am in awe of Jack not only for these phenomenal images, but also for his bravery and conviction to follow his own path both in terms of image making and life choices. Inspirational on both counts and so SO worthwhile. Yet all of this doesn't even touch on the beautiful short film we all just witnessed and the conveyance of this incredible story. For that, all credit is due to you Sean. Yet more solid gold from your incredible channel. Thank you.

[@adithompson199]

Outstanding story and photography. I have so many memories of looking at original plates of this type of photography over the years. You cannot get anymore of the true grit of the moment, and the beauty of the subject in time, as it is. A long process and dedication to complete that immortalise's that moment. Thank you.

[@Dokithesaint]

This actually brought tears into my eyes. It's beautiful. Thank you, Sean! 🙏

[@slayer8121]

This touched me for sure my eyes filled with tears I was going to the leave the passion that I loved which is photography was in such a rut, but now feel inspired to continue and never stop. It's not about likes or gear as much as photographing what you love and seeing personal growth. Sean thank you so much for sharing as always.

[@ianjones6363]

Absolutely amazing feature. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@stevehunt4660]

A fantastic and worthy project..

[@Johny1]

This was absolutely fascinating and insanely beautiful. You are one of the best photography youtubers and you never stop inspiring me. Thank you for sharing this experience!

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend.

[@jasperdegrood]

Breath taking.. Thank you both.

[@rasmus_mattsson]

Wow and WOW. This was spectacular! Great interview and such superb timeless photos!

[@markprice470]

What a stunning video about a incredible project and hats off to Jack, you can feel the passion and emotion throughout - absolutely loved it!

[@gui4j]

very nicely done , this moved me !! wet plate for me is the most beautiful photography medium , the photographer was very impressive in the way he articulated his and the story of the lifeboatmen and women .. i grew up in lytham on the fylde coast in lancashire which was the scene of the largest ever loss of life of lifeboatmen, when nearly 30 died attempting to rescue a ship in distress in late 1900s. as such you are brought up with a deep connection and respect for the organisation and it was very much part of the local culture and community when i was growing up !!!

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your story, Dguyn. That's the exact stretch of coast I've just been to - the plate in the film at 14:30 is the Lytham St Annes crew portrait I made last month!

[@gui4j]

the way you are honouring these courageous and selfless men and women is simply beautiful, you deserve all the reconciliation you get ! and i will see what i can do to contribute to your project , all the best and here’s to a successful completion of the project ..

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

@@gui4j Thank you once again.

[@UweKempf]

Great video. What an extraordinary and wonderful project. Jack is a super likeable guy. I'm glad he found this great path for himself. Thanks for sharing.

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Thank you for the kind words, Uwe.

[@tobycunningham797]

Ok I rarely comment at 139 comments it probably won’t get read by Sean, but here goes. There are lots of photography you tubers who sit in their front rooms or studios telling me what I’m doing wrong with my photography (even tho they have never seen it) and sometimes they’re good and sometimes they can be patronising. And I would have put you Sean into this category and tbh your content wasn’t always my bag. And then you moved and make less of these style vlogs and are doing more ‘films’. Personally I think this takes your channel to the next level, this film was amazing (as was Ben Burfitt) using your channel to bring these photographers and their art to a wider audience, and the way you let their voice tell their storey, brings a real honesty and integrity to your work and actually tells us more about you than you telling me how to make my images better. Please, please please more these films. this will be the only you tube film that I have ever shared, and will share it with my sister who taught Ben! Anyway just my two penny’s worth.

[@tanyadeleeuw]

Wow! Jack certainly has a way with words that really draws one into the RNLI story ... but his images speak volumes! My eyes leaked ...

[@leeannenquist6289]

Mesmerized by every aspect of this film. Beauty, grit, dedication, love and honor. . . Thank you.

[@michaelstimola4822]

A remarkable project! It honors deeply committed, unselfish people. Jack is an articulate interpreter of the way the Wet Plate Collodion process honors the work of these honorable people.

[@ianclarke2633]

Such beautiful photos. Such emotion in each one.

[@arthurhughes42]

Thanks for this brilliant documentary showing the skills and humanity of the photographer. A few weeks ago, I visited the Longhope lifeboat museum and the Longhope lifeboat station on Hoy in the Orkney Islands and learned of the successes and tragedies these volunteers have to and had to face.

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

A very special place, Arthur. Had the privilege of visiting in 2016. In fact, the portrait Sean's used for the title screen of this film was made there. Very apt.

[@bfeltovi]

Great story and beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing this. The images are so classic and timeless; the form and style really fit the project perfectly to show how this volunteer system has such a deep history and these people belong to a long tradition of seafaring. Just stunning.

[@KenLongBurgheim]

A brilliant project, and an inspirational photographer. Sean, your storytelling gets better with each piece you put out, the music and b roll for this video were absolutely superb. So moving.

[@seantuck]

I really appreciate that Ken:)

[@JoachimSchlosser]

Such a beautiful portrait about such a beautiful project. Thank you, Sean, for sharing this. I don't know about what I am most amazed of: your ability and kindness to share, Jack's dedication going all around GB, the endless commitment of the lifeboat station volunteers, or that there are so many supporters to Jonny's work that he is financially able to do this.

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

I don't know who this Jonny fella is but thank you anyway, Joachim! 😄😉

[@JoachimSchlosser]

@@thelifeboatstationproject447 You're right, mixed up the names, sorry!

[@dennislee8253]

Sean, what an exceptional piece of work. I was looking forward to this since the Deep Natter discussions, but wow, this exceeds any expectations I had. Jack is phenomenal in his descriptions of the project and your filmmaking and editing put this into such an extraordinarily harmonious piece it actually brought tears to my eyes. The image selection showcasing Jack's work was perfect as well. Frankly, I got a better sense of the quality of Jack's photography from this short film than I have from the website. I am so impressed. Thank you.

[@rolandwilhelmre]

This film, this man and these photos are so touching in a way that’s difficult to describe. You are a treasure to our photography community - thank you for your commitment!

[@garethjones5068]

Absolutely stunning body of work & a heartfelt motivation behind the project

[@alanbuckley6679]

Beautiful film. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this🤩

[@jieliu7550]

Just can't believe KZbin still has outstanding content creators like you, Sean. Thanks for restoring my faith. For a while I was thinking about deleting KZbin cuz there were way too many meaningless noises...

[@liveinaweorg]

'The harder I looked the more opaque that seemed to be' - yeah, I can totally relate to that feeling Jack. What wonderful work you have made and thanks for bringing this to us Sean.

[@clairebrooksphotography]

What a stunning insight to Jacks’s work. I’ve heard him speak about the project but I learnt more this time. I absolutely love his courage and dedication.

[@nerdisthenew]

Just brilliant. Such moving and timeless work. Bravo.

[@thelifeboatstationproject447]

Thank you, Roman.

[@pewpewhamster47]

One of the most moving pieces I've seen. Thank you...

[@darrenleigh201]

Fantastic! Thank you for sharing.

[@raymorgan4337]

Remarkable man and a wonderful project to capture these incredibly brave men and women. Terrific film - thanks.

[@blondebird1000]

Truly magical

[@Palomacello]

Beautiful and inspiring film 🙏😍

[@gerardmorgan1634]

Beautiful piece of filmaking and very moving and poignant. Thanks for this Sean and thanks to Jack for giving us the insight into his work with such openness, honesty and passion. Really inspiring.

[@janbuddingfotografie455]

Wow,wow,wow

[@gerardopaez937]

Amazing project and beautiful video!

[@barneysaunders6278]

Extraordinary, deeply moving

[@paulgodley8800]

wonderful Sean. I think this is my second favorite film of yours, after your Fathers' war stories. Truly magnificient.

[@johnlehman2761]

Wonderful story and beautifully documented.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Excellent interview Sean. The photos Jack Lowe produces a with the glass plate really is beautiful- Reminded me of the Edward Curtis video you did. Also that last piece of music you choose was perfect.

[@markquiram9012]

Absolutely moving in such an incredible way!

[@youtubesux6361]

I think at some point we stop looking at ourselves and we tend to forget what we look like. A picture as beautiful as what your creating brings out the best of us all

[@gchristopherklug]

I’ve been a fan of your work for a long time, but this piece is something special. Thank you.

[@juanQuedo]

Sean, great video of a beautiful project. Jack does an excellent work telling and narrating what the project is about and how he came up with the idea. The pictures speak by themselves.

[@michaelheaton3396]

An amazing story from an amazing story teller. Not often I’m moved watching KZbin content but this was wonderful. Thank you Sean.

[@rquitech]

After listening to the chat between Jack and Jeffery countless of times, I have been looking forward to this Sean. May I say that you have done an exceptional job in telling Jack's story and his journey in such a short film. Jack's work is a reminder, at least to me, of the power of following your heart and cements in my mind that meaningful photography will always have a place in the age videos & social media. The images are very moving and I can only imagine the feeling of seeing them in the flesh. Thank you, Sean. This video made my day and a personal favourite.

[@seantuck]

Thanks James, I appreciate that

[@DobromirManchev]

Spent about 5 minutes stunned after this video. I don't know what to say.

[@audrajones]

Gosh, I never thought about lifeboats at all before! Jack Lowe seems a wonderful human! I appreciate this video very much. Thank you!

[@CapaCern]

I rarely comment on KZbin videos, my general interaction with content I'm subscribed with is leaving a Like. But wow, this was such a powerful documentary to watch. Thank you very much Sean to bringing us this story.

[@ToastandJam52]

Brilliant!!! This is by for the BEST interview you have ever done. Thanks. Loved it!!!

[@Intervain]

Fascinating and inspiring.

[@tonyhayes9827]

Hand on heart and speechless reaction from me.

[@seantuck]

That's great to hear:)

[@IanMcCausland]

Not only amazing dedication but a great story teller!!

[@elvisdepelvis4431]

What a stunning photos 😲

[@jmitchvision]

Wow I really enjoyed that!! I’m totally 💯 inspired!! GOD bless you guys!!

[@karlkrebs4386]

Extraordinary!

[@RobertoFregona]

This is something very special, thanks Sean.

[@BritishRacingGreen]

I really do admire and respect the way Sean gives other photographers a bit of exposure. Without which, we don't really get a chance to see what's out there that's worth exploring. Another great video. Thanks!

[@nicknichols4249]

Sean, thank you for sharing this wonderful project, I can't imagine the number of people this project has impacted in an emotional and positive way. Well done Sean, you never disappoint.

[@startech11]

Sean always brings the most interesting topics to his videos. I started watching these to learn about photography, but often end up learning more about myself when watching his videos.

[@christhomas5846]

Just simply.........Fantastic!

[@GrzegorzBorysPhoto]

Such a beautiful process, outstanding photos, a lot of work and tenacity to complete this work. It took a lot of courage to make a decision to start it at all. Stunning!

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Your best film yet Sean - outstanding!! Thanks

[@seantuck]

Thanks Peter:)