Portrait Photography: Why Empathy makes you Better (feat. Tommy Reynolds)

Top! Just keep doing what YOU think will appeal to your viewers. You're doing just fine.

Great video. About that one lady. The lens selection makes a huge difference. I once took corporate portraits of a woman. I thought they were wonderful. Bright, smooth skin, beauty lighting. But she was very upset. She said ”I look fat! My face looks round.” I did not even notice it that way. She had a few extra kilos yes. Then I realised 105 mm lens was not what she wanted. Of course a wider lens would have fiven different results.

So I don’t think we can take all the photos in the same way with the variety of people.

wow, first 50 seconds and very high impact, that psych degree is paying off! thank you, great content

That was very helpful, thanks so much.❤

Imagine having the kind of brain that thinks photographers arbitrarily squash people’s faces in Photoshop.

I've seen a lot of your videos, and most are amazing. I've seen this one at least three times over the last 4 years. It's by your best video and really highlights why I love your channel. The insights into phycology of being photographed and the example of the woman at the end was very useful. Realizing this made me aware of why I don't like my own photographs and I experimented a lot over the last 3 years with selfies. Because I have a lazy eye, I found ways to deemphasize my outward turned eye. I even tried a shot where I photoshopped myself with both eyes facing the same way by merging two shots. This lead me on a slow, multi-year decision to finally see an eye surgeon for the first time in 30 years. Now, I'm not saying that this video was the only reason. But when I look back at it, it certainly played a part. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

I wonder every time how can the content be free, the best approach, the best person, just don't know what to say... Huge thanks for your work and everything You, dear Sean, do for us!

My notes: if a client doesn't like your photos send them to therapy

Great video !

This is fascinating. For me photography is a way to show reality. If you want fake and plastic you can find it everywhere but consious photography is the key. And now when i see you i see Real Man. And i know you had to strugle with own demons but just so you know other people dont relate ;) we see strong individual. Life is to short for bad emotions. Cheers.

This was an incredible video Sean. Thank you for being the voice of the humanity of photography, in an industry absolutely dominated by technical obfuscation. This is indeed the true difference between a good image, and a powerful photograph.

Great video, deep topic!
IMO That lady clearly wanted just a wider lens. She got used to a distorted look from selfies. I know lots of overweight people who absolutely hate 85mm+ look.

Great video. Thank you!!!! The pictures were amazing!

What a great video! I learned a bunch, and thank you, Sean!!!

Very insightful - thanks for covering this topic.

This is so true, across so many industries.
Just from the service industry; Hotel Managers who rarely stay at competitors' or their own hotel. Restaurant owners who are never a guest at their own restaurant.
Being on the other side of the counter, the transaction, etc. is really getting into the customers' experience. Which helps you be a better provider of the service ten fold.

the first time i saw ur video i was in a refuge comp now i am in US makeing a living with photography thanke you

I’ve never thought about this empathy subject until today. Thank you Sean for sharing your personal experience and you have enlightened me a great deal. I will keep this is mind with my next portrait shoot!

Sorry, but authenticity is a hoax in portrait photography. The narrative doesn‘t stand up to reality. How can the viewer ever proof your portrait results are authentic? Besides, looking into the off never makes the best portraits. Just my 2 cents.

I've found that when you make an image or images that truly represent who someone is and their family loves the photos, the subject will not like the photo. simply because it does look liek the subject and brings out the subjects personality. They have self image issues that need overcoming.

your shots are great I would want to spend many diff days shooting you as your unique character is absolutely wonderful for color as in thses shots and better yet in BW/ excellent lessons, observations and touchstones to remember when shooting people in any setting

Canadian spotting the Pink Floyd Animals building 🤯

I love the intro on this video…I often attend photography workshops to be told by old white men that I’m not using my camera properly or have you tried doing it like this. And then to hear Fiona describe the ups and downs of how you feel about the photos you take is refreshing and reassuring. Her images are unique and beautiful. Brilliant video.

Sean I've liked starting to watch your videos, and THANK YOU for sharing this info about TOmmy Reynolds... I know I will enjoy watching him as well!

3 years ago and still emanating such positive energy! Your videos are the Bokeh of the art in photography, or maybe I should say in the art of presentation, Sean. Tommy Reynolds is admirable as a true professional at his young age, and the lessons from both f you here are so much appreciated. Thank you.

Brilliant stuff, mate. It's as much a life lesson as a photographing lesson.

You made me cry with your amazing insight into the human Pysche I am a critical care nurse and a photographer, empathy is part of my genetic make up and I most always use it in my portrait biz. Your personality and your empathy made such and impact with me. I am a fan for life! Oh I'm also a brit but, living in Southern California! So happy i found you1

I love to see all the "imperfections" or shall we say details in portraits. I cannot abide this fake world we have created where nobody can bare to look at themselves in the mirror or be seen without a filter. In fact I have always found the portraits where people have scars, wrinkles, etc to be the most satisfying as it tells a story, its full of character. Especially old people they wear their life on their face.

I wish you could be my English teacher.. the voice, the speed when you speak, and the accent make it easy for me to understand what you are explaining

Really like your approach to portraiture. I stumbled across you via a VisualCult link and glad I did. I don't get out much, so I photograph my fellow workers, and it has really strengthened the bonds. Some people say No thanks, and a week later ask me if I will take them. With every shot I learn more about their lives, and sometimes just learn how they like to be called. The camera is the key that opens them up.

I really like your personality, you don’t have so much ego and your advice is inspired me:)

I love this video!! Amazing collaboration. And I found the ending remarks so inspiring. Thank you for this.

Hey Sean. This was so deep and insightful. Thank you. Love your channel.

Absolutely FANTASTIC video...teaching us about life as well as photography..THANKS

Whisky helps

Nice mugs Sean!

I can't like more ❤️❤️❤️

Those scars make you even more real to me. Great channel that you've got. I like the mix of philosophy, psychology and photography.

illuminating documentary! thanks a lot sean!! that's a big push for photographers like me that are about to start portraiting people :D

The simplest thing to say to people when they have an insecurity (taking as an example you - that you are self conscious about your skin), is that is what sets you apart, that is what makes you special. And to be honest, you are the only one thinking about it. We as viewers see it as a feature you have. Not a defect in any way. You know what they say: people are too worried about their own insecurities to focus on yours.

I just stumbled upon your channel and I am blown away. You are inspiring. Thank you for being so vulnerable with your followers. I am learning so much from you! Keep up the great work!
Cheers from South Africa!

Can we have a video of Sean shooting Tommy instead?

Fantastic video. Thank you for this wonderful confidence boost. Hitting "Subscribe" in 3...2...

Loved the video... And you have a great smile!

I could not agree more

THE INTRO SONG FTW!!!!!!!!!!!! GAAAAAHHLEEEE you really know how to touch souls 😢

Sean, there is something in you .. something esoteric ..that connects so effortlessly with the audience..you are so simple and so amazing..God bless you

Thank you! Brilliant!

Oh Sean, inside the car you are so sweet! You should smile more often in your videos!! Thank you for aaaaaaaall am learning from you!!

There is a distinct difference in British vs American culture. I think the British are more emotionally mature. This certainly shows in this channel.