We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sein. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sein below.

Sein, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission keeps me true to myself. In an industry that is often steered and rewarded by trends and changes in style and presentation. As the creative community adapts and evolves to our audiences, a transparent mission gives me, my subjects and the audiences the best possible understanding of what I deliver and how I approach it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Manchester-based creative, cinematographer and director. I focus on removing the barriers of preparation and the falsehood of awareness, As a documentary and observational photographer using 35MM and 120mm film and digital, I aim to capture the purest presentation of the subject based on a technical foundation of light and shadow, detail and fluidity,

Since being self-taught and developing perspective through opportunities to shoot local artists. Here’s an example of my service and creative work:
– Meet performing artists and team at the initial soundcheck to begin capturing images and videos. I aim for the cameras and devices to disappear and allow subjects to be their true selves through their prep.
– I will capture arriving crowds and audiences and final artist prep
– Between stabilised video cameras, film and digital cameras, I then capture the final show and immediate aftermath.

Aside from capturing the individual scenes and immediate environment, it’s important to me to contextualise the subjects in their surroundings and in their energy. A sombre heartfelt musician is misrepresented if all of the images captured and presented show posed and smiling subjects that do not truly reflect them.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The ability and flexibility to pivot can be a huge break or a boost.

In May 2023 I was invited to join Manchester artist J. Chambers in Kingston Jamaica to capture the artistic direction of his upcoming album HOMECOMING.

In the planning with J. Chambers the main aim of the trip was for J. to reengage with his Jamaican heritage, and work with local Jamaican musicians to build a musical representation of a socially and globally conscious musician reconnecting with such an impactful and influential culture.

J’s very explicit request was to capture everything we can that comes from diving into day-to-day life. Walking around sometimes infamous city areas like Trench Town with a very informal guide, visiting places that have historical significance to J’s musical family. To organise studio sessions around the city with local and internationally known producers and other musicians. At times I was explicitly told by locals that the sight of a camera may not be welcome so be willing to adapt to that

As the only person tasked with capturing the trip, it was important to capture an entire team’s experience; the team manager gathered local insights from our taxi driver, our sound engineer recorded natural sounds outside to enrich the final project, to the artist himself writing and reciting completely new creations with other Jamaican artists.

The biggest pivot occurred at the highlight of our trip – a booked full-day recording at Tuff Gong Studio where we invited the artists we met along our trip to record the bulk of the music created. And as soon as we checked into our booking, I was told that I was not permitted any professional video recording equipment. An initial plan focused on capturing the highest quality content for the day was pivoted to handheld point-and-shoot content where I had to spend 8 hours liaising with studio staff what was permitted between strategically placed action cameras and wider studio shooting.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is reflected in my name – ‘Sein’ is a verb translated from German philosopher Heidegger’s way of referring both to the human being and to the type of Being that humans have. Reflecting this on subjects, I aim to help people capture their Being at that moment in time. That time can be anything from a micro action that helps them mentally prepare, to their energy and performance on full display.

My goal in my journey is to continuously improve that ability to capture a moment that truly reflects the subject and their energy.

Image Credits
Sein