In February 2007, I traveled to India with a 5D, 24L & 85L.
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The experience truly shaped me as a photographer. Most days there I’d go out only wielding the 24. This forced me in close and made me think about the images I wanted. Approaching a stranger and telling them you’re going to be photographing them a few inches from their face isn’t the easiest thing to do. A lot of the time I was afraid and wanted to hesitate. I was able to overcome those feelings by a stronger desire to make a good image. One of the only things that sticks with me to this day from photo school is something one of my instructors said. “Frame you’re shot up, then take a huge step closer.” He was right, take a huge step toward your subject and then snap.
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After my trip to India I came home with a new approach to weddings. I was going to get closer, close enough to shoot with my 24 and fill the frame. Today I shoot life, weddings, friends, family and everything up close. Personal and intimate.
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I have India to thank for such a growing experience.
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I’m headed to Singapore tomorrow morning for 8 days. I’ll be working 3 out of the 8 leaving me with 5 free days to explore. I haven’t had that kind of time to photograph for myself since this India trip. I am excited, I can’t wait to fall back in love with my craft. I’ll be back in town on the 19th. Until then.
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SF
by Adam Houseman
Amazing collection Sean. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Love the way you see.
by Erica Camille
enjoyed this. i’ll be heading to south east asia on january 10th for 5 months with a 5d, 35 L, 50, and 135. i will probably use the 35 80% of the time. safe travels.
by Kirby
Fantastic insight on a classic set. Nice one man.
by Meredith S
beautiful, and I love that advice your instructor gave you. Have fun in Singapore!
by Paul Krol
awesome post. the music with those fantastic images was a pleasure to view. i want to go to India now.
i don’t have a 24L ..so my 35L will have to do. A little more personal space for them i guess :-P
by Taina
oh sean! this one went straight in to my heart! and one can only wonder… why it is so hard photographing strangers out there? maybe, because they’re seen as strangers, i don’t know. but we’re all people. that’s something that has helped me to overcome this a bit. not all the way, but a bit. we’re the same. people everywhere. and if i could go back to 2002 and my backpacking times in mexico, i would not leave my camera in my bag. i would ask that orange-squeezing man at the local market, if i can take his picture. now it’s only in my head – which isn’t too bad either. but. i can’t wait to see more, from your coming adventures :)
by Andy Gaines
Amazing set, and some sound advice too! Great work!
by Lauren McGlynn
These are really great. I just wish the slide show didn’t go so fast! I want to looooooooook at them. You have also just single-handedly confirmed my long standing suspicion that what I really want is a 5D & a 24L. Thanks for that.
by Jason Curescu
Wow Sean. Just wow. Amazing photographs. Really moving and inspiring. Thanks for sharing it with us.
by Andy
Thank you for Sharing this with is. Thats the Images a will Take when i grow up.
You are a Great Inspiration for me. Thank you and the People in india.
Andy
by Mikaela Grady
SOOOO beautiful, Sean. Blown Away.
by Elli
Amazing work as usual Sean, thanks for sharing. Curious, do you always ask to take someones picture before you do? If so, how do you avoid them posing for every picture? I love to capture life…I seem to have a harder time doing this with travel, especially while respecting cultural preferences/differences. Thoughts? Advice?
by ryan flynn
I can honestly say your India photos are some of my favorite travel images that I’ve seen, from anyone. Looking forward to seeing what you get in Singapore.
by Sotiris Stampoulidis
amazing photos I’m waiting for the singapore street photos,
by john benavente
i have the india book, it’s young.
by Sean Flanigan
Okay. Sounds like the pressure is on.
by cliff
i’ve loved your work from india since the first time i saw it a few years back. it’s obvious that it’s the type of work that comes natural to you… the fact that you’ve taken that style of imagery and applied it to weddings is what’s put you on the next level. i’m looking forward to how you see it in singapore sean. cliff.
by marisa groff
These photos are inspiring, they have such a depth that goes deep in to the subject. amazing pieces of work :) I’m currently traveling the globe with a photojournalism school and my teacher always said the same thing..get closer, fill the frame. closer closer closer ;) I always love checking your blog, your work is a huge inspiration to me. I hope Singapore gives you that same continued passion that India did! Can’t wait to see them.
P.S was there any different post processing done to these besides just lightroom or photoshop? they have a film journalism look that I love :)
blessings!
by mandie sodoma
Those images from India are beautiful. Enjoy Singapore! Haven’t been in years but it’s a wonderful place.
by Jesse Pafundi
Damn poweful imagery. Just awesome.
by Dan O'Day
i love you man
by Fred
Thanks for share!!
Feel closer!
by hugh
so …friggin good.
by Sir William Wilbert Jones Shropshire IVIXI x 2
shawn, this is so inspiring. you do great work.
by ed peers
This is great Sean – thanks for sharing. India pretty much changed my life too. Have the best time in Singapore la.
by alohafred
there are some truly amazing shots there. I went to India as well and can’t say I got one shot even close to what you did there…thank you !
by Luke Hayden
I remember you blogging these images back in 2007. You’re pretty much the reason why i got my first camera.
Thanks :)
by PJ Photos
thanks you Sean…love to go to India, maybe one day ;-))
by Sansaara
It’s hard to be moved by photos of India…when you’re Indian…these are some of my favorite images of my homeland…just magically captured…thank you sir :-)
by jennifer armstrong
i love how present india & her people are for a photographer. You have captured it all with a raw & truthful beauty she deserves. Truly breathtaking.
may singapore draw out more of the wonder & grace of sean flannigan.
by nirav
Blown away by these images every single time I see them man. And I’ve seen them a LOT.
by shipra
Just what I needed to see tonight. You do beautiful work, Sean.
by Geoff Duncan
Loved every single image. It sounds like India has had the same impact on you as has Ethiopia with me. My wife and I just booked our tickets to return next month, and I’m eagerly anticipating the venture to rediscover my love for photography again. Thanks for the encouragement. You rule.
by Rich Williams
Amazing imagery. I never considered getting the 24mm L, but your video is making me reconsider. Each and every one of these images is an eye-opener.
by Suzanne
Truly amazing images, India has a special place in my heart. My relationship with India is love-hate; I want to leave when I’m there and want to be there when I’m anywhere else.