Making the Art you really Believe in (a thought for makers) 

There are hundreds of channels with tips, tricks, and gear recs. There's only one that's Sean Tucker.

I’m not a photographer, I m a musician, and i love this channel because the main subject is Art and Artists and all our human feelings , way above the tools we use….

I absolutely love Jacob Collier. It's really nice to hear this view of creativity reinforced. I started RU-vid because the change in government funding for the arts meant I wasn't working for the interesting clients like the BBC and the Arts Council anymore, but I was making corporate videos for oil companies and stock brokers instead. It wasn't what I went to art college for. If my main goal was views and subs it would feel like I was back where I was before. Thanks for making this.

“Artist is a person who paints what you can sell. A good artist is a person who sells what he paints.” - Picasso

Part of the reason why I started following you was because of your philosophical approach to photography and life. Keep being you!

The quote you shared from Sylvia Plath really hit home. You can't please everyone, but if you can please yourself you will live a happier life. Thanks for sharing this one. It really hit the mark.

Just by the way... I am here for these exact videos. Thank you for the inspiration and meaningful authenticity. I still remember the first video I watched and then subscribed. Thank you, may you be well!

This isn't "just" a photography channel. That's why I keep tuning in. Thank you, Sean.

This world is full of salesmen. We don't need any more of them. We need more artists like you Sean. Making money is not difficult. Making art is. This is easily one of your best videos to date. Thank you so much for taking the courrage to share your thoughts and feelings with us. You are truly inspiring people and that is Sacred.

I have been a fan of your channel for a long time but realized I had not watched one of your videos for some time. So I went to your channel to see what you have been up to. As I scrolled through your feed, I look for these types of videos. I typically turn to your channel when I feel burned out. You always seem to have a video that hits home and is exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it. Jason

I don't think I've ever commented before, but I am a deep believer that you and your videos are truly something special in the world. Thank you for only making stuff you believe in. It genuinely means so much to see an artist living out this message. Thank you.

I’m a newspaper staff photographer (pretty straight forward stuff 5 days a week). I’m trying to add more fine art nuance to all my work (personal and daily work)… I find these conceptual videos very inspiring and they help me as a photographer bring more art into my work. For me, I thank you!!

Keep being Different - so proud of your authenticity. Thank you for your continued inspiration. It is so reassuring to know there are others on the same journey. Love from South Africa. .

This is all too true. There's definitely a resonance with instagram's recent algorithm change to favor reels. You can tell who's doing what they can to keep followers/views up and those who are still doing their own thing. Thank you for the reinforcement, Sean! Bravo!

Great video Sean. Like you I have a couple of different types of videos I make. Some are "short histories" little documentaries about gear that pull down the views, then there are more philosophical topics and when people ask me what the channel is about, I steer them there. This conversation always puts me in mind of the Kevin Kelly "1000 True Fans" article. I even named my Patreon group "friends of five watt world" for that reason. Be true to yours. Your fans will like you for the right reasons... and so will you.

Get Small and tell the truth foi um divisor de águas para mim. Ainda assisto às vezes quando me encontro perdido.

Rapidly becoming my favorite photography site! Love your work and your approach!

Your words feel like they're a message from my own soul to set me free. So much truth and honesty. Thank you Sean for sharing what really matters to you 🙏

Just want to let you know Sean, your work IS meaningful to me - as I go through my career as a 3d artist, designer and after hours photographer I find tutorials and reviews increasingly obsolete - you can learn all from just about anywhere and quite fast. What's most important is to be able to step back, take a look at your life and past work and to be able to direct your gaze in a direction that will give a deeper meaning to all that you do.

This video is so appreciated Sean. I began this journey about a year ago...and I must say, I'm totally fulfilled in living my truth. Thank you!

Sean: Please continue doing what you do so well in your videos. I am well past the point of learning the basics and getting more gear, and am, instead, looking at getting more out of my gear. Hence my interest in interesting photographers and thoughts on photographic inspiration. You, and also Alex Kilbee for that matter, have been a breath of fresh air in the photography video field on RU-vid. I look forward to each and every one your videos. Thank you and keep up the good work. All the best - JW

I am not a novice - I started working in the business over 40 years ago - although I am the first to admit I will never cease to learn in terms of both technical and artistic aspects of photography. I enjoy those practical 'how to' videos you make, but the ones I most appreciate are the ones that deal with our journeys as creatives, and your philosophical commentaries. To me, they have a special and almost unique value that is very special and precious. So know you have a constituency of people who understand your message and appreciate your special voice.

Sean. Don't ever alter your direction or the way you are doing things. I watch your channel because to me you are a leader and not a follower. You portray a kind of honesty and empathy I rarely find elsewhere. Stay true and take care.

I feel suffocated by current trends - anything for a click or a view. Your philosophical videos let me breathe again. I exhale and relax. I’m relieved to know there are creators like you in the world. ❤

proud of you Sean....& have enjoyed your journey... Tkanks for sharing from the heart & soul...

You're such a unique artist and human being. Love the way you express your art and your emotions. The beauty is that your vulnerability and sensitive side expressed beautifully in your art. Stay the way you are.

This video makes me wanna cry and appreciate my photography and other aspect of my art side. Thank you for speaking your mind. I am one of your small audience and I appreciate your style, Sean Tucker!

I am not a photographer, I’m a painter. I only follow your channel for your deeper videos on the creative process and encouragement to make the work that means the most to me. You might reach more people with your technique videos, but you impacted me on a deeper level with these videos.

I am a musician, your videos are inspiring ! Thank you

Your timing is impeccable. Recently, I have struggled with feeling torn between my passions for writing and photography. I have bombarded my wife with questions of what I am better at, what I envision as more important, etc. She relayed the same exact message to me: where are you in this equation? Your message here underscored that idea: the correct answer is to do what you believe in. I have stories to tell the world, and I can do one or both of the above to do that. There is no hierarchy. There is simply what I believe I can do to tell my story. Thanks for these videos.

As a professional artist I know exactly what you mean and have a similar experience. When I mainly only worked for art galleries and did not yet have my own customer base, I mainly made my paintings to the taste of the customers and galleries. Gradually I made more paintings in which I could put more soul into it. I could put more of my identity in my art. I was (even) happier to be able to make these works and the buyers were also enthusiastic which allowed me to drive up my prices. So everyone happy. The art collectors got something in return: authenticity. So, you see that you don't always have to follow customer demand, although this is a contradiction at first sight, to improve yourself and your art.

One of the things I've always admired about your channel is how your artistic perspective is not shaped by what's popular or trendy. I've tried to produce with my camera something that aligns with my definition of art. It's not perfect, sometimes it's technically lacking, but it's my vision. I recently met a young film maker just out of school and he paid me the biggest compliment I could ever receive. He said, "I really like your photography. Your photos really convey a story and an emotional feel." I thanked him and said that I was basically a beginner, in the geological sense, but that I was always willing to learn. I told him I look forward to seeing what he is able to create. Thank you for showing me that you don't have to choose between financial success or artistic fulfillment.

Couldn’t agree more. There’s enough content aimed at beginners. It’s already a struggle to find other content. I particularly like the work you do that highlights other photographers work that I may not other come across. My interest isn’t so much how to do something, rather I want to know why, or just sit back and enjoy the journey.

Beautifully said Sean. The Jacob Collier analogy is great too. There are many people here in the comments section who feel that way about your work.

These videos are exactly what I subscribed your channel for.

I watch this channel because it is different from all the rest... keep up the good work Sean.

Get small and tell the truth is one of my favorite assays you have ever made. So.... my answer to your fictional poll is... keep making YOUR art and sharing it with us. If someone likes it great If they don't.... that too is great The web-verse is beyond overflowing with pandering, bar lowering "content" and I for one am very glad you DON"T go there. Thanks Sean!

Love it mate. The idea of 'audience capture' is something I have been grappling with for a long time.

Just sit, relax... Burn my blunt and listen to my favorite Sofa Chair philosopher. Sean! Thank you so much for all your work! Whenever writer block kick in, your wisdom always soothing me.

I'm the opposite. I'm not a photographer, but I do enjoy some of your how to video stuff. I thought your color grading video was the best and most simple one's i've seen. I now use your process. But what I like most about your content is the soft stuff. Maybe it's because you we're a pastor and have that gift of communication. Whatever it is, those videos always speak to me. Looking forward to more of that content.

You are the only Photographer/Videographer who im subscribed to for years now, and its because you are not afraid to be You. You always choose quality over quantity and i respect that. Keep up Sean!

I confess I put on this video now because your voice is soothing and I needed to sleep😅. I also don't click on your tutorial videos, just those video essay type analysis ones. Although if I watched your portrait tutorials it may help me not shoot faces like prison convict photos. 🤣

You and jacob are friends? OMG two of my favourtie people are vibing!!!!! Best Alert of the day

Love your Italian shots Sean. They are beautiful. Thank you for your inspiration and wisdom. ❤️❤️❤️

I just want to express my appreciation of your voice, your channel, your way of telling things that matter. I connects to what Seth Godins speaks of, the idea of a thousand true fans (which he picked up from another author I cannot remember right now). You have my deepest respect for keeping your own voice in a noisy world.

I shoot sports and wildlife. I don't recall how I came upon your channel, but I've been watching your videos every night! You have a gift, keep being you!

Sound advice. Sheep aren't original 😉 . A big 👍🏻s up for making another great YT vid.

Please continue on that path you've described. I greatly value your videos. I'm tired of all the gear recommendations and tired of buying, buying, buying and "feeding the machine".

God. So hope you keep doing these videos as well as you tips and tricks 😊 these are my favourite videos of yours , like the others said there’s only one Sean Tucker, I’m really drawn to your work and to you when you wax lyrical about photography 😊 keep it coming please

I watch this channel for the niche... it speaks to my creativity. I've made $100/hour in software development. I was miserable and became depressed and anxious. I cannot afford that kind of existence.

Sean, thank you. You are significantly impacting my creative practices. Thank you.

If you were to make mostly tips and tricks or gear videos I wouldn’t watch. Those videos that speaks of philosophic approaches and introspection or more colloquially, videos that speak of heart, soul, personal growth, and vision are what I appreciate.

I WOULD MISS THE PHILOSOPHICAL CONTENT TREMENDOUSLY... I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO INCLUDE IT IN YOUR WORK.

I found you because of your video of the photographing the people of namibia... and loved it! thank you for following YOUR vision, not what the masses think they want to see! cheers from canada!

Thank you for being true to your vision. And for telling the rest if us that we can do so too but adding what the cost of that choice is. You are making a bigger fan out of me with every episode so far.

Thanks Sean for these thoughts on following your own path. And thanks for introducing the amazing work of Jacob Collier.

i wonder if those that click on the "lo-fi ted talks" are more likely to be return viewers than those that get what they want from a tutorial and then leave.....also chris martin and Hans Zimmer should never be mentioned in the same sentence..........imho...✌️

Thankfully, now, I am able to understand the meaning of this video. A few years ago, I had that problem with Instagram. As a hobbyist photographer, I love to shoot more artistic photos, particularly the tones and emotions that produced by the different lighting conditions on the daily things and structures. As you may know, such kind of photos aren’t that “palatable” for the broad audience (and that’s definitely ok) and thus some of my favorite photos took only about a 100 likes on Instagram (of about 2000 followers). I thought that something was wrong back then and I decided to adjust my photography to a more mainstream genre: for a year I was shooting travel and landscape photos and very soon my following and like count started to grow. But that wasn’t “me”. I started to hate my photos and photography in general. I decided to take a long break to reconsider. Now I am pretty ok with my photography. I am shooting again what makes me happy and I don’t care about Instagram (though I share periodically for a group of people that appreciate my photos and we have a very constructive conversation). Thanks for your content Sean!

I'm a Master Photographer from PPA Past Art Gallery owner. I'm on my last chapter and looking at making it my best one. FIne art Photographer. I think being different. I shoot alone cause I don't want to be influenced by others in my creative process. I'm a street photographer and. ICM Abstract artist. Hearing you, just let's me know it's OK . NOW working on letting my work be seen again .. social media SEO. It ain't easy. Thanks

If you worry what people think of you, you will become their prisoner. Chinese saying.☺

Always love your style and advice. Don’t change for anyone. You are what you are and your work is wonderful. I’ve learned so much from you and really like the documentaries.

I really appreciate that you help people to become better artists and this is exactly why I love this channel. Not because you show me how great you are, but because you help me so cautiously and with such a consideration to become better artist myself, and not a mere imitation of you or anyone else. I don’t come here for how to answers but for why and where questions. This is really something special and I want you to know that I appreciate it a lot. Thanks Sean (Prov. 22:1)

Just want to say thank you for making the videos you make. The philosophy and thought processes behind your works are gold and rich beyond measure! :) I have enjoyed your channel and have learnt so much. So much good for thoughts not just for visuals:)

I recommend "This is marketing" by Seth Godin. In this book he talked about how if you want to go for mass appeal you need to aim for the average, but then it's extremely hard to get above the noise. A better path to success is to aim for the "smallest viable audience" by being different, by being sincere and generous of yourself and your art. And then you will get a small but dedicated audience, but they will start to talk to others about you, they will identify with your art and be proud to be somehow linked to it.

I love this video. It is about long term success with a true fan base and a dedicated, loyal community - not a quick, short term turnover! I enjoy most of your content as it is explaining the how to and the constant improvement outside of technique, effectively making me a better artist and person because of it! Thank you!

If you did this, we would lose Sean Tucker . I've only just started photography as a hobby (mainly wildlife) but watching you videos and reading The meaning in the making has helped me. The philosophy you include is amazing. Thanks Sean

I like your niche (and your videos and your book). Folks with principles, and who act on those principles, are hard to find. But those are the folks that are most worth finding.

Absolutely agree with that! Too many similar things on social because of algorithms and revenue generated. I’ve been following you for years now. I’ve always loved the content. The episode I loved the most is when you go back to South Africa to make portraits of the three mens whom played father figures role for you. It made me cry, probably because of similarities in our stories. It is not only about photography and that’s what I appreciate the most I guess. Loved « The meaning in the making » too. So inspiring! Stay as you are. Take care. Thierry

Of all the beautiful introductory video, I was completely captured by what I assume were cotton plants blowing in the wind with beautiful white clouds as a background. Fabulous. Also, the depth of Sylvia Plath's clinical depression was revealed in her quote about self doubt. Self doubt and depression are dark sisters that work together to torture the unfortunate.

Great video, completely concur. It is difficult to tread your own path and disregard likes - most of my own favourite shots don't even appear in the top 30 liked on my stream. Looking forward to more documentary and reflective videos from you, your unique and thoughtful takes on photography, and those of your subjects are the best part of your channel. bw. gordon

This is why I keep watching your videos. Live my life, not what others think my life should be.

I really needed this. The way I see it, a creative puts their spin on someone else's vision. An artist pursues their own vision relentlessly and with very little compromise. Of course there are overlaps everywhere and I know the whole "I'm an artist" bit can come across as nauseatingly pretentious. But the fact is, there is a difference between somebody who does something creative to make money for a third-party, even if they have a fair amount of leeway in the process, and someone whose work is sufficient onto itself. Most of us play both roles. We gotta eat. And some artists even make a good living doing the work they want to do. The fact remains; if you compromise your vision to appeal to more people, no matter how well-intentioned that might be, you've essentially just found yourself a new employer,. You've become a freelancer to the masses.

I adore your videos about creativity, especially since I'm not a photographer but rather a writer and intuitive healer. Those opening sequences with music, video, and quotes are always such a treat, too. Keep up the inspiring work, Sean.

These philosophical videos that induce to self-questioning and real reasoning are the reason I follow your work. Keep it up, mate. You're doing it great.

RU-vid has plenty of lighting, camera and lightroom tutorials. We need more artist like you. Someone who use technical skill to paint an image. Keep it up, I love your channel.

Shows how much RU-vid became a search engine, which I was happy to use at the beginning. Nowadays I am looking for more deep insights into photography. More why less how and the story telling. On the other hand, I am fascinated by the technology

"I know that decision is going to cost me in some ways" - chasing the algorithm costs you your mental health. Please don't ever go down the rabbit hole that leads to creator burnout, I love your more philosophical and thought-provoking videos and want to see many more of them! I found you only recently through Alex from the Photographic Eye who did a video on photography channels the algorithm won't promote. So glad he did that, because your videos really speak to me. Thank you so much for putting in the effort to make these!

I love your videos, I get your videos and I love the depth in them. If I wanted gear videos I have thousands to choose from. YOU keep doing what YOU do! Please

I forwarded one of Sean's videos on the creative process to an author friend who was stuck, suffering from a blank page. He told me a while later that it had helped him getting going once more. As many say, I don't think of Sean's channel being about photography so much as it is about creativity. Cheers mate, keep up the great work.

You should totally create a documentary channel that is separate to refresh up the audience base and refresh the algorithm!! Your docs deserve so much more exposre :D a lot of youtubers take that route with two seperate accounts! :)

The conclusion is ... that most of the beginners won't get far enough to appreciate the more "lofi ted talks" Essentially you're talking to a more mature audience

Sounds like a lot of the people who write to you are asshats. Keep doing what you're doing. I've never been more moved by a RU-vid channel than I have been by yours.

For what it's worth, and I can't imagine I'm the only one who's expressed this to you, I love what you bring to the table. I think the purpose of being creative is self driven. Others may or may not identify with that and it's ok. But what you share is a breath of fresh air personally. Even including other creatives is something many don't do and I appreciate you stepping out in that way on your own

I’m grateful that I found your page. Your videos are inspirational.

I really enjoy your channel and I appreciate the honesty, I agree that you should follow your heart/dreams instead of following the masses.

"Better to write for yourself and have no public than to write for the public and have no self.” - Cyril Connolly

Jacob Collier has some great RU-vid videos. I enjoy the ones in where he explains music theory

As always an interesting video. Funny thing for me is that I always watch your more philosophical videos and rarely watch the tutorial type of videos!! Just keep being you Sean. I would guess that is what most of your subscribers are here for. You have interesting things to say and you say them very well.

Thanks for the content, Sean. As retirement age looms in the next year or so, I've been picking up a camera and trying to improve my skills. Keep posting these thought snacks - many of us do find them useful and help keep the need to shoot fresh and exciting.

Thanks Sean sir for inspiring and sharing your wisdom to the world. I love to meet you one day . Your like a teacher for me, guidea me in the Times of dilemma. U're words and works are timeless . I'm from India :)

Always insightful & inspirational. Totally agree with your views on Jacob Collier and I am too one of the choir singing his praises. He is a genius.

"Crack the algorithm of popularity" Excellent.

I have always enjoyed and respected your content Sean. Thank you for your channel, it helps me improve and enjoy my photography and produce more and higher quality work.

Hi Sean. I vote for your philosophical videos. They have always been my favorite. You are unique on RU-vid.

Mr Tucker don’t change for the machine. I very much enjoy your style and I can still view other videos for the other things mentioned.

Keep doing what you’re doing, I find you calming and informative…..Great job.

By the rest of the comments here, I’m not alone in my reasons for watching (and subscribing ) your channel - YOU, what you do and your philosophy around photography and life sets you apart from the multitude of other photography channels on RU-vid. And just a fun fact ….. I’ve not watched either of the 2 highest numbers videos, your street stuff inspires me the most. 👍🏻

Nooo, don't change. Gear reviews have their place but the art of creation of your work is much more engaging.

There's nothing wrong with being a businessman or entertainer, the world needs both. But neither is a true artist, someone who does what they do out of vision, talent, vocation and a need to express something so powerfully everything else comes second. Nor does that require setting out deliberately to be elitist, exclusive (though some art may end up being those things to a degree) or to create ideologically driven work or propaganda, intentions that are often used to cover for a lack of talent or technique.

Love this! I am really inspired by this video. Thank you!