The Most Powerful kind of Photography 

Roughly one year ago I took a photograph of my brother and his wife with my new to me 4x5 film camera. After developing it I was somewhat disappointed that I had not absolutely nailed focus and overall the image was not particularly remarkable. In May of this year I lost my brother after an extremely short battle with cancer. When I revisited my previous image I was genuinely amazed at just how wonderful it was. Any shortcomings were completely obliterated by the memory it captured and the fact it was one of the last images taken of him. Thanks for this video message Sean and I am sorry for your loss and comforted by your memories.

Sean, that was not only an important reminder of the value of photographing our loved ones but also a lovely tribute to your grandmother. So sorry for your loss.

My daughter died 4 years ago and I mid her every day. I have always said photographs are precious they make memories . I love my photography at the moment I am trying to take many photos of my mum, portraits but also snap shots of moments. She has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s so these are and will be precious memories but also getting to look at her old photos helps her to remember. I’m sorry for your loss but happy you have wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing.

Most gifts we give our loved ones end up losing value, gathering dust, or eventually become insignificant. Those of us who can freeze time, give gifts that eventually become priceless. My older sister passed 2 years ago after a sudden and brief battle with cancer. I'm always the family photographer, but that previous Thanksgiving we had made a special effort to get everyone together out of the house, at a local pretty spot, for a group photo. I took dozens, composited faces from half a dozen different shots, and didn't know at the time it would be the last photo we'd all take together. Treasure the time you have, and take lots of photos. When they're all that's left, they're worth more than gold. Thank you Sean for sharing your story.

Sorry for your loss, Sean. May your grandmother find peace and you solace. Yes, the photos are but a soulful reminder of the past, a beautiful carrier of all the emotions, words, pictures that they bring forth in a gush turning the clock back. One screams, wishing to live again, searching within, those beautiful moments, close but far away.... and the clock ticks. As they say "this will pass". The photos will remain.

They may be out of sight but they truly live in our hearts. I'm so sorry for your loss Sean.

Great reminder Sean. I was was doing some portraits just yesterday for a couples 10th anniversary. I do tintypes and the 10th wedding anniversary is 'tin', so they wanted to remember the occasion in that medium. As you know, the wet plate process can be challenging at best. I was not having a great time with the shoot due to weather and chemistry issues and I struggled to get an image, we did get 5 decent (to me) plates at the end of it. The thing is that I became more focused on the process, less on the couple, which probably took away from their experience. In pursuit of perfection in an imperfect photographic process, I missed out on making the experience all it could be. Such a very valuable lesson that you just gave me, thank you! (in the end they were very happy with the results)

Beautiful and so very true. I am sorry for your loss. When my father passed, I regretted not having more photos of him or the two of us together, so now I take as many photos as I can of my remaining loved ones. It really provides wonderful memories and a comfort. Thanks for the reminder. 🙏🏻

so sorry for your loss, Sean. such a lovely tribute to your Grandma!

I'm so very sorry for your loss Sean and I agree the power of photography is much more then pretty pictures it's about capturing time to fulfill memories and help keep them from fading as we grow older.

This video is so meaningful to me. I am not a professional photographer but I love the medium of photography. I have used it to document the my travels & the people in my life. I recently lost the love of my life & the photos that I have taken of her bring back the wonderful times we had together. I will always miss her. Thank you

Thanks Sean. You really are one of the best creators on the platform.

Your videos and sentiments are like fine wine for the soul. All the clutter there is out there in world of RU-vid photography, I’m really glad we have you. This one was a good one, it reminded me of my grandmother and how when I get a chance I love photographing and recording her. I keep all the images for myself and family, but they are by far the ones I enjoy the most. Sorry for your loss, but her soul will always live on through you.

This was incredibly beautiful Sean, a fantastic reminder to not think about all the technical aspects and really, truly remember what a great medium and value photography has, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing this story and the reminder ❤

Thank you Sean for this video and reminder. I am sorry for your loss but what a wonderful way to celebrate and honor your grandmother. Although I did not know her, just the way you speak of her and reminisce about her leads me to believe she was a kind and beautiful person. Qualities everyone should strive for and you were so fortunate to be able to experience and model after.

That's a strong reminder that photography is a tool that can make wonderful memories. It's so technical nowadays that we don't think to print because the images are imperfect - but as you said, even blurry or with the focus on the background, there is something left, reminding you of an instant of the past. Let's take more pictures, let's print more, too. Sorry for you loss - she looked like a caring person (looking after the others) with her see-through eyes. 💜

Great insight! Sorry for your loss

Thank you Sean and I'm so sorry for your loss...and I definitely relate to everything here since I lost my mother recently, also in her 90s. Your grandmother and my mother sound so much alike and that hole will never be filled. I've been working on a photo book for my mother and share her very unique story as an immigrant in the U.S. This is the most powerful kind of photography.

Touching in a most powerful way. Thank you for sharing with everyone.

My condolence to you. I'm glad you have the happy memories.

This really hit home for me. My partners father passed away within a day or so of your grandma. The funeral will be held tomorrow and we've been going through the same process with photos. Its been bittersweet to look through the piles and piles of prints and seeing the history of a man we all loved dearly, who I feel went long before his time. Those prints will be clipped to string surrounding the room at the wake tomorrow. They are like a comfort blanket reminding us of how loved they were. Loved by people we may never meet. Loved by people who too have now passed on. I hope you're doing well. Grief is a strange thing.

My condolences to you and your family. As always, a great video.

Words of wisdom, Sean! Keep the memory alive of your grandmother ...

that is a good reminder to all of us. thank you

That's it, I'm booking tickets to see my family this holiday.

Thank you so much for sharing this with me! ❤

Very nice my friend. Thanks for that, I really needed it.

Thanks so much for each and every video you share, Sean. It always helps reflect. Kindly, where do you get your quotes?

Damn you Sean.. why did you send ninjas here cutting onions.? I was teary eyed while watching your video.

Thank you so much for doing this video.

This was beautiful. You need to warn people to have tissues handy, though. I went through a bunch over the course of this video.

Bel hommage à sa mamie

1st comment! Thanks Sean for sharing valueable knowledge.

Do you know what Sean, I learn more about photography from your stuff than anywhere else. They’re really good at hitting the heart rather than the brain of photography. Keep them coming mate, I love them.

This hits home extra hard for me. It’s also a reminder of why I do what I do as a photographer of people. My own grandmother passed away one year ago this month just shy of her 91st birthday. She filled a very similar role in my life as your grandmother, she created a wonderful safe place full of love and acceptance for a difficult and troubled child. Much like you, we would have sleepovers and she would homemade burgers and milkshakes while we watched classic films. She’s the one primarily responsible for my appreciation of films and of photography, something that now brings me an income. She never liked being photographed. She felt she was ugly, despite her being one of the most beautiful people I’ve had the privilege of knowing. As a consequence I don’t have many photographs with her from my childhood, so the ones I do have are extra special. In the year prior to her passing I was able to surreptitiously take some wonderful photos of her with my iPhone and Ricoh GRiii by virtue of her not really understanding the technology nor what I was doing. At the time, my wife and I were her sole physical caretakers so we have the distinct privilege of being the only family members who have photos and videos of her from the year prior to her passing. While I’ve mentioned her passing on my own channel, it was only to provide some kind of explanation for why I’d taken a hiatus from RU-vid. I’ve been thinking about doing a full video dedicated to her and how much her being in my life affected me, however every time I start I find the memories are still too raw and I end up in tears (I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in tears now). Maybe it’s high time I bucked down and did it. Thanks for being who you are, Sean, we truly appreciate you. My condolences to you and yours for the loss of someone so wonderful.

It is a shame that most don't appreciate the "family photographer" until someone passes. Thank you, Sean for this heartwarming video.

This video has almost erased all my worries about "bad pictures". Who are we to decide if a pictures is bad just because a technical detail or even a huge one after all, considering we are preserving smiles, hugs, and kisses, to resist a little more, against the forever lost battle of time. Sorry for your loss, they never go away, they just move inside! 🙏

There was a time I followed you on every step, because I loved your work. Here in RU-vid and with your work as a photographer. Then my focus shifted from becoming a photographer to getting into fitness. After months (maybe years) the last time I watched a video from you, I'm back here to watch a new video from you and you delivered!! I was in tears. I also thought about my grandparents, who all dead already. What a beautiful way to honour your beloved grandmother and you're absolutely right to capture the important moments in life, regardless the technical side. Thank you Sean, for being back in my life. Now I know I needed you more then I thought. I'm sorry for your loss.

So sorry for your loss, Sean. Love the video and the message it carried. It resonated with me on so many levels, mostly because of how many family-related things we share. I can't help but wonder how common this story is. Story of a young child, stepfather, boarding school, and loving grandmother.

What a great message and beautiful tribute to your grandmother. Thank you so much for the reminder of the real power of photography.

Such a beautiful video with very true words.

What a video…! It gave me goosebumps and made me tearful. 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 Truthful words, Sean…

Hello Mr. Tucker, I am also old, I remerber my grandmother also sitting in front on the TV and watch Mannix (Mike Connors) and years later Dallas. Photographins are our memory vault. Thanks for sharing and help remember.

Brillant talk! I always appericate you and your videos. Thanks for always bring us back.

We would discard a once-in-a-lifetime photo that was out of focus or a bit blurry in a heartbeat. Then I ask, would you discard that same photo if it was of something fantastical like an angel or a unicorn? Then what is the difference between that and this memory you've captured?

The most beautiful and full of life collection of photos and memories. Thank you for sharing and reminding us of what's really important and meaningful.

Amazing message Sean! Sorry for your family's loss, sounds like the world lost a beautiful soul..

Thank you endlessly, Sean, I want you to know that you're not alone in spreading this message. Thank you for this beautiful message and thank you from the bottom of my heart for the tears you put in my eyes.

As usual, a very insightful and meaningful video. Thank you for sharing. Condolences on the passing of your grandmother.

My condolences. I totally agree with your thoughts. I've said for years that we never know the value of a photograph when we make it. Of course, a corollary of this is that the images must be preserved. The photo album or even the shoebox at the back of the wardrobe are things of the past, and for most people, images last only as long as their iPhone remains intact or a currently fashionable social network stays in business.

In between the cameras I wanted and the cameras I had, I too lost a few noble souls. Lost the time.. and the space. Thank you for bringing this through. I am not a RU-vidr with followers. These days, even words of wisdom need 5G spectrum to pass through. And I am glad that at the least one of such is making a fair attempt at it.

My Great grandmother lived down the street and was my refuge from the coldness of family life I felt at home…We both loved dogs and she also taught me to swear, tell dirty jokes and drink Whiskey. Which for a thirteen year old was great fun!…❤

Matriarchs, Elephant or Human we need them as a compass, their wisdom based on having been where we are, your loss, my condolances, this reminder , my gratitude Sean. I have an image of 3 Pelikans in flight one behind the other rising, it immediately takes me back to memories of my Grandad , he had 3 porcoline geese on the wall, strange how the little things are really the big things and an example of what makes a photograph special and personal, context.

My condolences, and thanks for a great piece which made me smile through tears for my own recent loss, so beautifully put by you.

If the house was on fire, it’s the snapshots you’d grab on the way out the door. Not the “great” photos. Good reminder, thanks Sean.

Sean I am very sorry for your loss. This was an excellent video, however for me going back is hard and I have learnt to live forward. I have a mass of family photographs, slides and negatives and I have tried to sit down and scan them on a number of occasions, but at the moment it is just not the right time.

Beautiful story, it touches on something almost everyone can relate to, thanks Sean for sharing it.

You're story is warm, your mother's second husband was not. You may understand it. I never will (and I am older than you are). Sorry for your loss.

Absolutely just lost my father and boy how the photographs are now so important even the bad ones. Thanks for sharing.

Beautiful and powerful video Sean. Reminds us of the importance of capturing life any and or all of it.

You are man of emotions, talent and excellence!❤️ Love your philosophy!

This is how I got the nickname Capture. Mom said I was so good at capturing moments. I prefer to do candid shots because that's where the memories are.

Sorry for your loss. Very well said and sooo true. Thank you for reminding us that it's the picture itself that counts and not the perfect light, the right aperture or the best shutter speed.

Beautiful and straight from the heart. Thanks for the perspective.

All my thoughts are with you Sean,it's so hard to lose someone you adore...she's a part of you forever,and as long as you'll remember her,she will still be here in your heart and mind. Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts,your intimacy in a delicate manner,and this so human vision of the photography you have.I send you lots of courage,energy and good thoughts ❤️

My condolences. I do love to shoot woodland. It is my passion to be in the forests. But since some months I shoot also portraits at home. Trying out shooting with a softbox, wihtboard etc. etc.. Those portraits of my children and my wife do mean much more for me then al those woodland shots. I hope to shoot some portraits of our loved ones abroad comming summer.

beautiful message… thank you very much for sharing it.

Thank you for making me stop, think and reflect. This is so true.

A beautiful story and wonderful photographs you’re on point

You are absolutely spot on Sean. Excellent post. Thank you.

Fantastic video sir, thanks for the feels and the inspiration. Well done

I’m not crying you’re crying.

I ADREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY SEAN 👍👏 I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO FELT THIS WAY - THANKS

Sean, you hit the nail on his head. Wishing you lots of courage.

Wow. What a message. We have all lost someone and wished we had more photos of them.

Thanks for the reminder of what's important.

making a video of this is one of the best ways to honor your loved ones

Like photography itself, your posts are food for the soul, Sean. Much appreciated.

My condolences for your loss Sean. I just lost my mother 4 days ago and I am going through the same process of finding all the photos of her.. And wishing I had taken more.

And that’s why I SO prefer candid shooting. It means more. It’s freezing a moment and memory in time. Staging everyone in matching outfits in front of a staged background isn’t representative of the moment.

Wow... Thank you for such a powerful reminder. You've just helped a random 50-year-old from the States gain a little clarity and peace. Hope you are well!

Absolutely amazing tribute for your grandmother Sean. My condolences go out to you. You’ve taught me a lot on the importance of creating memories with photography and how to really evoke emotion. Hats off to you man.

Just Speechless. This is exactly how i felt when I lost my best friend. I literally was scrambling around my whole house trying to collect and un-earth my photos with him. I didn't care anymore about Camera technicalities. I just wanted to see them no matter how good or bad the quality was. Those memories are just precious.

First, I feel your grief. For sure she was proud of you. Second, I have turned around my photographic process, and now I photograph more of my life/family than going around to take pictures of strangers...In the style of Sally Mann. Great video as usual.

Beautiful. Prayers for you and your family!

we lost my grandmother last week ,as someone who enjoyed capturing portraits of her,this video was heartwarming and emotional! Thank you!

Sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute.

Poignant. Profound. Vital. Thank you

My deepest condolences for your loss, We were called to the Hospital the other night, My Father is riddled with Cancer and was not expected to last the night, a week on and he's still going strong, he's obviously a tough old boy 🙂

An excellent reminder. I took a spur-of-the-moment portrait of a dear friend at the end of a coffee date in December. She was going home to her parents for Christmas, and we made some tentative plans to meet up on her return - but we were to never see each other in person again - she died from young-onset bowel cancer less than three weeks later. Take a camera with you everywhere (even your phone), and if you think about taking a photo of a loved one, do it! Don’t brush it off. It might be the last time you see them alive!

Thanks for sharing that moving story.

Sorry for the loss of your grandmother Sean

Prayers for you Sean. Sorry for your loss. Love the old photos and the stories behind them.

Emmy’s name was just heard around the world. Thanks for sharing this.

My heart goes out to you Sean. Thank you for this video. I was that kid who always walked around with a camera. Years ago I took a photo of my grandparents holding hands while walking down to the beach. I hope I can find it somewhere with all my other photos and negatives. Everything is packed in boxes. We moved from South Africa to Australia.

Such a beautiful vídeo!

I grew up at my grandparents' and it's exactly a year since my grandpa passed away. I had picked up photography a year before, so I now have a lot of priceless pictures of him. I would often use him as my model after having seen one of your videos. Needless to say, this video really resonated with me. Sadly, my grandma passed away just before I began photographing - but I luckily also have all those out-of-focus snapshots of yesteryear :)

What a beautifully inspiring and touching tribute flowing straight from the heart. Thank you for sharing Sean.👏

Just wonderful Sean👍

Almost 100 years, wow!