The Healing Power of Self Portraits

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Music:
"Ataraxis" by Jude Cosmo
"Semper" by Dorena

In this video I talk about using the camera to overcome our insecurities and our perceived flaws by engaging in vulnerable self portraiture.

#selfportraits #portraits #photography

[SCrowley]

I'm a below knee amputee, and have been for almost 3 years now, and only recently had a photo taken of myself (full body, showing the leg) that I really liked. It was taken by someone I was comfortable around (and I'd just gotten a new running blade a few days before), but I think it was the first photo where I was comfortable when it was being taken. The location was great (out filming in the Mohave), it was golden hour, and I was doing what I've always wanted to do, with people I enjoyed working with. I often get told the leg looks cool, but it was really nice to be able to see it from outside my own view.

[robertlken]

This was moving. Both in a sense of soul and a call to action. My turn.

[keithshenkin]

When I think of my beloved wife, it's the portrait photo I took of her a year before she passed. I wonder what picture my children will remember me by. Thanks for the thoughts, Sean.

[sobiacsay]

*"The story of their life is written on their body."*
Sean Tucker

[rshinzato]

This video was on my recommended videos and the first I have watched on your channel. This is what I needed! I’m 46 years old and I still hate looking at myself in the mirror, let alone being on the other side of the camera. Your words are absolutely moving and really triggered something inside me. To be vulnerable in front of the camera is a pretty scary thought for me. This is something I will try with a more creative approach, if I can get the nerve up to actually do it. Thank you so much for making this video! 👏🏻

[johnmarimarcelo]

There was a period in my life when I'd take self portraits whenever I'm having intense depressive episode. It's really therapeutic and made the outcome, even the process, made me embrace myself even more. Seeing the photos when I'm in tears or afraid or in agony was reaffirming. It reaffirmed that despite my mental illness, I'm still alive. Gives me hope, really.

Thank you for this video.

[derrenleepoole]

Damn Sean, you are without doubt an unbelievable asset to the photographic community. Thank you for all your amazing work.

[CalmedCChaos]

I’ve got several physical conditions and I just today started taking self-portraits that highlight that part of my life that I’m so used to hiding. It doesn’t feel like me, but at the same time.. it’s the most ‘me’ I’ve ever seen.

[stephencolor]

Geeze man. How do you make a hotel room look so cinematic??

Thanks for your work Sean.

[bmrm]

I came here for an instructional video to help me take better self portraits. And ended up in a therapy session…. I’m not disappointed and honestly it was a fantastic break and very uplifting. Thank you

[womanandthesoul]

Sean... This is raw and beautiful.. I cry watching this because I feel every words you say... I will try to take my own pic.. Thank you!

[TubeThings]

This made me cry. Thanks for being vulnerable and honest. It really isn’t easy on the internet.

[mrasmodeus]

Sean, I am a firm believer that there are no ugly faces or bodies.
Hands, face, body: they are all a record of a life lived, unique to that person.
Like many of your videos, this one which contains photographic wisdom, is also a lesson about life.

[therealnotanerd_account]

Wonderful video. I started taking self portraits to deal with depression. Honestly I did not give too much thought about it, I just started to take pictures of myself. Pictures that I like. It has been a very strong tool.

[alanhowe]

"We conspire with mirrors to keep ourselves blind from who we really are." This was a remarkably & admirably open, honest, and thoughtful lesson. Someone once told me to try to take pictures 'about something' rather than 'of something'. This has given me a lot to think about. Thanks, as always, and hope you're doing well.

[Bossti]

2 mins in an I can relate so hard it almost hurts. I'm 2.04m at 75-80kg. Struggling with my shape a lot of times especially every time I was photographed. Making a video about this is brave, courageous and will help a lot of people very much! Thank you.

[BalletPink]

As I mentioned in my 'What held me back' video, I was not sure, if I'm pretty enough to start a beauty channel. Once I overcome my fear, and got started, I realised, that I don't look that bad actually. I somehow even like, how I look, when I'm talking (normally you never talk to mirror). By the way, I really love those portraits of you... 😊

[char]

It is no accident that I came across this video tonight. I recently decided it was time to be my own muse. To put myself in front of my own lens, to begin creating some of the things I’ve imagined for so long. I am learning about light, setting up, and will begin soon. This, is part of my healing, my recovery, from CPTSD. To see, and believe in myself differently. This was beautiful. It brought tears. It’s a soul journey. At 46, it is time. Thank you. Thank you. 🙏🏼🤍

[doncristobal]

I thought this was going to be a midly boring video with pretentious title but still end up fascinated by your thoughts, you're amazing

[WildEmpress]

Self portraits are basically all I do. Everything from simple minimal images, to conceptual or composites. It has helped me accept myself, express myself and more recently heal and cope from c-ptsd. I was in a abusive relationship that left a lot of mental emotional issues. Confusion, anxiety, all around heaviness I felt weighing on me. I started a series and Instagram account to explore, express and heal from all of it and its been amazing for me.