Your Best Photos are closer than you think (feat. Simon Baxter) 

One man and his dog. Lovely bloke, lovely dog, amazing photographer.

that final image. my jaw dropped to the floor.

Got a dog since one month and stopped photographing, because I hardly find any time. Your video just encouraged me to take my dog for a walk and to shoot anyway. Let‘s see where this takes me…

I have chronic back pain (incurable) myself and actually this video gave me hope for the future. Thank you.

The cinematography, the pace… everything about this is of such high quality. It is really inspirational. I love what your doing Sean!

I live in Edmonton, Canada. Retired with bad knees. All of my photography is within 30 minutes of where I live, mostly urban. I can go through the same places, different time of the day/year, different weather conditions, and always find something.

Whenever you Simon talk about his local woodland you can see the enthusiasm, desire and passion in his eyes. It is so inspirational. Appreciate all you both do for the craft.

This video reminds me to slow down and enjoy every moment. Remember what made you enjoy taking a photograph. Let yourself be free of the pressure to capture a good image and enjoy the scene. When you're comfortable and serene that is when you can appreciate what's around you. That's when it will show in your photographs. Thank you!

Photography + nature + a good dog = precious & priceless

As someone who has been struggling with severe chronic back pain since around the beginning of Covid lockdown, this really spoke to me. Beautiful work.

What a killer combination. You, with your passion for photography and your storytelling skills. And Simon, with his clarity of purpose and his skillfulness with woodland photography. Love this video.

I have watched Simon for years his story is true and honest he is an amazing photographer. Thanks for making this.

Most people are so used to their local surroundings that they miss the spectacular in the mundane. They see their little corner of the world from inside the bubble and it's amazing how much they miss. I used to be like this until I started looking at the world around me from a different perspective. I discovered new things hidden right in front of me. The hard part of it is breaking out of the routine to see the world around you in a different light. You're absolutely right Sean... some of the best photographic opportunities are right around us.

As I'm aging and having more and more difficulties in moving in addition to my back injury, this amazing video and concept came just in time. Thank you so much, Sean for this yet another inspirational video. One of the best storytellers I ever came across. ❤

How photography makes us happy...love this.

I love this, connection with your own environment is so important. If you feel a deep respect and connection to your surroundings it is bound to make a difference to your work. Being part of nature is really the best part of photography.

I have been waiting for your next video for so long. Thank you for what you do, thank you for who you are sir.

Great "turning" video ! Most pleasant to know you are recovered... refocused... as David Gilmour sings... back to life ! Great !

Even when restricted to a work lunch hour, I quite agree it’s amazing what variety and opportunity there is - and how those opportunities vary according to the season, flora, fauna, weather, film, digital, focal length, mindset, etc etc. One person’s starting point is another’s destination.

I live beside a river and the surprise to me was IT'S RIGHT HERE!!!!! Thanks for your video.

That last image, WOW!!

Thanks so much for this video, quite by coincidence I went walking this afternoon through the city I've been living in for forty years and suddenly was hit by so many new insights and moments which opened up to me. The most wonderful things are close to home, if I can see them properly. Hope you're well, I've valued your input for a long time now! 🤗

I have quite a similar approach to my photography. I live in a small island and 99% of mi images has been taken in foot or bike distance. I came to realize that any amount of Nature is infinite, and that this island where I live is infinite. I love the way he express himself and i’m super grateful you brought this interview, much ❤️

Two of my favorites in one video…Sean and Simon! COVID Times have highlighted the importance of shooting locally.

I added this to my "watch later" list, intending to watch it later that very day, but of course I didn't. I've just found it again today and watched and can honestly say I wish I'd watched it back then. I needed to hear this message then and I still needed it now. So thank you very much.

This really resonates for me - I belong to a photography club and the travel pictures almost always score higher with the judges, but my mantra has always been that I want to see the 'marvelous in the mundane'. I don't travel and I'm passionate about really seeing the world around me! I missed this video when originally posted - thank you for this!

It was so beautiful to see those 3 images around 11:00...knowing that you have your composition and everything set. You're only waiting for the moment, and the ease of access to you personally made it more special.

I live in New York City but I'm still within 90 minutes or less of wonderful landscape areas. Travel is great for change of pace and recharging. But all you need to capture good images are open eyes and an open mind.

As a subscriber to @Simon Baxter ‘s channel I fully understand his photographic mantra for woodland, it’s his approach to that subject that drives my passion for the same interest. Hearing his explanation here though leaves me a little confused, even surprised when we consider his previous connection with MTB’s given the destruction they cause to some beautiful woodland here in the UK. Nonetheless, for him to share his work captured in the wonderful locations that he chooses now and his considered approach to those spaces is commendable at the very least. A great vlog Sean and I have to say that seeing you in such a natural environment is a real mindshift as one of your subscribers too, good to see you somewhat relaxed after your months of pain. Onwards and upwards, with a clean element up front 👍

I, too, love spending time locally, especially in the woods. My wife says that I take too many pictures of trees, fallen logs, dead trunks from leftover flood areas, but, I am telling a story. I live along The Mississippi River which tends to flood and once the water recedes it leaves behind debris from upriver or uproots trees. There is peace in the woodlands when you are out there alone with just a camera looking for one spot that you can revisit to perhaps, capture that one shot, just as you did, Simon.

I couldn't agree more. I spent the 2020 lockdown wandering the streets of my town within a few miles of my home.I took some of the best photos of my life. Simon's work is beautiful.

It was great learning some of Simon's backstory. He chose to work within his limitations when others would have just decided to stay home. That speaks volumes of his character and shows in his work. And Meg rocks!

Simon’s blogs are among the best. And Meg makes me smile, too. Thanks, Sean.

I resonate so much with him saying when he’s happy at a place he wants to give the place justice some places are my happy place

Every single thing you publish is an absolute gem. Thank you.

So true. In the past year I have discovered so many beautiful places nearby.

Sean, what a beautiful cinematic portrait of a thoughtful photographer with a deep sense of the possibility of transcendence to be found in nature and the skill to manifest it in a photograph. I also note that your skill in creating cinematic imagery is also present. Without that there would be nothing for us to view at all. Well done.

This is an excellent presentation. Mr. Baxter is exceptional. I support completely the need, and/or desire, to keep locations private. Sometimes it is truly necessary. Thank you for this fine episode.

Totally agree, there are loads of opportunities close to you, you just need to keep your eyes open.

Oh I’ve missed these conversations. It’s about time life gets going again, I know they take time but looking forward to the next one already

In different ways, I'm so inspired by Sean and Simon (Thomas Heaton, too). I find their passion, their craft, and even their philosophies on life, are good for my soul. I love that they come across as authentic human beings, doing something that creates peace, joy and breath-taking images. Bravo, gentlemen, bravo!

Nice to see that you are able to start these documentaries up again Sean now that things are easing up again. Simon is such a lovely man and wonderful photographer. I love his work - I am always amazed how he is able to capture the beauty in so much chaos of the woodland. Beautifully done.

Super film, as always! Of course. The interesting thing here is, ironically, you don't have to go far from your front door to equally find photographers who are fascinating to talk to with so much to offer. Good to see you out there making these films again Sean.

Breathtaking 💜

So right, the best spots are right around us - there are so many locations just down the street and my favorite park to shoot in is my local one. It makes it so much better just being able to walk there as well and not exhaust my energy getting to far away places.

Such clarity.

Couldn’t agree more. Leave the car at home and explore locally. I’m fortunate enough to live in Ilkley so have beautiful woodlands, small waterfalls and moorland in close distance. Photographing this has led me to understand photography as a mindful activity and has had a massive positive impact on my mental health. I’ve followed Simon’s channel for some time and also had an Halina for my first camera.

just great. and wow 45 thumbs down... leaves me almost speechless. I think this way of photography goes against the new "tic toc" mentality - so they can't bear with it :)

Lovely video. Beautifully cut.

I love your channel Sean and when you said you were moving to Yorkshire I was hoping it was only a matter of time until we saw you out with Simon. He's one of my favourite photographers, and has been a big inspiration for me to embrace forest photography, which despite being a landscape photographer for many years I realised I'd unconsciously put into the too hard basket. The Australian bush and rainforest around where I live is quite a challenge, but they're the places I love going the most, and it's largely Simon's work and vlogs, coupled with those of Adam Gibbs, that have encouraged me to embrace the challenge and put my heart and soul into photographing and videoing these wonderful places, and I'm getting so much out of it! Simon shares a lot of himself in his videos, however hearing his story through your eyes sheds a new light upon on him and brings out many valuable insights. Thanks for another wonderful video!

We need to remember that our local landscape can be considered exotic by those who don't live there. Quality work creates its own demand. Especially if you have something unique to offer.

This is the motivation I need to get back out there, since moving back home I’ve lost a lot of motivation

Thank you Sean Tucker for such a fantastic professional and inspiring video. I have met Simon Baxter on several occasions through his workshops and online tutorials plus I am fortunate to own one of his images. Your video really brought out how thoughtful, talented and caring he is, including his meticulous attention for detail, concern for the environment and not forgetting the wonderful Meg!

This has to my favorite youtube photography video of all time. Firstly just the beautiful videography and story telling and secondly how much I personally relate to the message of this video. I am from England but have lived in Iowa USA for the last 25 years. For the last 10 years or so, I haven't been more than 2 hours drive from my home (I won't go into the reasons why here 🙂). I live in a small town of 10,000 and photograph the downtown a lot and I also explore 3 or 4 nature sites that are within 30 minutes drive. I totally appreciate what Simon says about going to the same place over and over and seeing it in different seasons. In fact there is a beautiful park one block from my home and there is one scene, it's a road though a tunnel of trees, that I have shot over and over. Thank you Sean and Simon for validating my experience. And yes I go to beautiful places that only 1 in 20 local people know about, like a 1,000 acre wood preserve 20 minutes away. The beauty is right in front of you look closely enough.

Absolutely beautiful and so inspiring. Thank you both!

Beautiful story and a fascinating interest! It goes to show that to make great photographs you don't need to drive far. All you need is to keep an open mind and appreciate the local scenery that we all take for granted. Thanks for sharing Sean! 🤩

RU-vid is a much better place with your videos, Sean. Thank you and keep them coming.

Beautiful Work, Mr. Sean. Your work always makes me brush off the dust on my lens and Shoot more.

Simon is such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing his story.

Plus the cinematography and music in this is so relaxing to watch/listen to!

Great watch. Thanks

I'm a recent senior. I have discovered photography as a wonderful tool to develop mindfulness as I take my daily walks. Developing photography skills involves looking at all things intently and mindfully. The COVID restrictions hit us all hard. I relieved some of the pain by going around my neighborhoods photographing the changing seasons. This was a great contributor to maintaining a sense of well being during a very hard time and which I will continue to cultivate.

Two of my referents un one video, that´s great. I follow you both and I learn so much. Thank you!!!!

Oh wow the final image before the end was just stunning. It was like a tree funeral.. the living standing in the silent fog and seemingly clearing a space for that old dead tree to have one last day in the sun.

Sean Tucker TV is the best. I've greatly improved since watching the greatest mentor around. Thank you loved this episode. I'm definitely going out to find my space I can explore.

I've watched Simon's videos from the start. Always enjoyed his thoughtful approach to landscape photography. In this day and age of global pandemics, and climate change, it isn't just a photographic challenge to shoot locally, it could be argued that it is a social/moral responsibility. Travelling all over the country, or the world, to get that next great shot, is something that we need to get away from. There is beauty everywhere, and if you look, there is unique beauty everywhere. It might be worth asking the question, "what is it that we are seeking?" Often, the creative process is, at its most essential, a quest for understanding (well, once we get past just looking for the shallow edification that comes from brief and often pointless "likes" or "follows" on social media, that is). Interestingly, understanding, on a deep level, means understanding yourself, and your place in the world. Honestly, if you can't do this close to home, you probably won't find any more success tearing off to new and remote places all over the world. At that point, travel is really just killing time, and escaping yourself, which may be the exact opposite of what you actually want to achieve. Anyway, those are my "two-bits worth." I enjoyed this interview. Well done!

Even though I’m late to the party, this video was timely as a RU-vid suggestion. I’ve been doing this very thing with my local area. It’s helped me a lot with mental blocks. Thanks for sharing, Sean!

I really love Simon's leave no trace philosophy and protect those special places for the same reason. We all have places nearby and we can distribute that footprint by making our own discoveries nearby. Watching this has refined my philosophy and from now on will go deeper witht his one. As far as shoot local, I've always done that. People close by are surprise when they see that I took the picture nearby. Their eyes open when they discover that having an adventureous spirit you can discover so many things around you. That doesn't mean I may not travel, but mostly it's local. Thank you for showing this. It was very useful.

Great video! COVID times limited my photo walks to 2 minutes from the front door. Our yard/garden has many flowers, each bursting forth in its own time, and many blossoming trees and bushes. I learned close-focus (not quite macro) flower photography in both color and monochrome. A totally new experience from urban and woodland landscapes. Sometimes creativity(and joy) emerge from constraints.

Simon's view on broadcasting the locations that he photographs in is quite profound, I guess, in a world when people are responsible for so much of the damage all around us.

Good Morning, Thank you for your Great Simon Baxter Video, Have a great week

His pictures are inspirational!

Thank you Simon and Sean!

Beautiful... both the interview, and the cinematography... big fan of Simon, do this was a joy to watch and the images shown, superb.

Sean I found this a very calming video /doco...I have followed Simon along with you for a little while now and have benefited from your knowledge that you both have in helping this photography newbie...thanks for sharing 🌿🌿

Sean glad to see you back, missed your segments, love your friends Photograph.

Excellent video. Thanks Sean.

What an incredibly great video! Simon’s passion for not only his craft, but the conservation of the natural environment he obviously loves so much is contagious and heartwarming. May we all strive to walk in his footsteps capturing timeless images while being good stewards of our surroundings. Thanks for producing this inspiring video, Sean.

For years I am escorting my children to primary school taking my camera with me - and every day I am surprised to see new pictures I haven‘t seen before in all those years!

This was terrific. I have tremendous respect for both you and Simon. As a writer, I find so much strength and inspiration from you both. It isn't easy to know when we're on the right path as we walk along it, alone, and that path can feel treacherous. It is through others' perspectives that we find our truest footing. Best to you both.

I volunteer in my local country parks assisting the Rangers with all manner of tasks required. The damage that has been done to bluebell woods and other sanctuarys that were left entirely to nature prior to the unusual levels of footfall created by lockdowns is estimated to be years. We all need to be able to enjoy what we have but understand how fragile it is also.

Having watched both of your video channels for some time now I`ve come to the conclusion that both of you (in your unique way) not only continue to set the bar but rather have become the new standard that others aspire to.

I've followed Simon's work from his early RU-vid videos as I was also becoming more interested in photography then. Even though I'm in my 40s there are always opportunities to learn from others. It has also brought me out of myself and has encouraged me to venture further than my county of Bucks. That's not to say that I don't explore locally. I do that when I can and enjoy it very much. I still find places I've never seen before and it's always a joy to spend time on my own where I hardly see anyone. Just me and nature. Perfect.

Meg is the happiest dog on RU-vid and she hangs out with a pretty cool human in Simon Baxter. A great story about them from you Sean! 👍

Simons ethos has influenced my journey in photography greatly, a true inspiration. Magic video Sean 👍

wow those images are like a paintings.... That is a great work of an artist

Love hearing Simon's story and the encouragement about shooting locally. I love exploring new places, and I love seeing what the world around me where I live wants to share beyond itself too. The last image of Simon's shared, was one that took my breath away. Thanks Sean, for bringing this to us.

Thanks for this Sean. I bring my dog along on most of my photo adventures as well. We have a favorite local wooded park. It's not big or spectacular, but it's close to home, and we never get tired of going there. After many years, we still treasure the gifts that nature presents every time we visit.

Wonderfully crafted production. For me, it exemplifies how precious our brief time here on earth is. Excellent commentary on what we may be overlooking in our own backyard. I am encouraged and refreshed.

How fabulous Sean, thank you and Simon for reminding us to look closer to home & form a connection.

Wow, very powerful message!

I am rekindling the love for photograhy I had in years past thanks to the passion on display in this video. Thank you, this is a lot to think about and a feast for the eyes. Simon is a master!

What an absolutely beautiful video. I really love Simons work and have followed his channel for years. Thanks for making and sharing this amazing video. 👍

Wonderful and inspiring. I loved watching Meg as well.

Wow Sean.What a beautiful video! I do like Simon and his work and your presentation was a piece of art. Thanks

Awesome video. Nothing beats photography AND a dog.

I love both you and Simon, two very different photographers, but with the same passion. Totally agree with the local find , ive been finding that recently.

Simon is a superb photographer and it is a joy to see his Videos on RU-vid. By the way: it was Simon, who led me to your channel, Sean. Some years ago, you did an interview with him about introverts and extroverts and he mentioned it in one of his videos. I Was following him some month at this time and since then, I haven’t missed much of Simon’s or your videos. Great work from both of you. Thank you very much.

Thank you for your framing comments and the "B" roll photography that adds perspective to Simon Baxter's motivation and excellent work.

What a fantastic message. Never, more than now is this message needed. All of my favorite images have come from my local area. I think there is a special affinity towards those images, as they are showcasing my "backyard" Beauty doesn't need to be found at the end of a multi hour plane flight and a horrendous bill. Well done guys👏