I'm sure I'm not the only one who's constantly refreshing at 5.59PM waiting for the new video to drop! Thank you for being an inspiration to many of us photographers, legend!
We’re all on the same team documenting this crazy world one shot at a time. TH is in charge of the more remote and difficult locations, and I am in charge of capturing the leaves that fall from the maple trees in my front yard full of Autumn colors that look electrified for a few minutes in the morning sun. I have to wait all year for those few moments. TH has given me confidence to look for opportunities like that.
I agree, it is the story. I love going out for a road trip with my husband and discovering what I'd like to photograph. I never have anything too planned, so save disappointment. LOL.
I totally agree about caring less. I joined a camera club which has a lot of review nights, where we share and critique each other’s photos, and competitions (internal and external). I found myself thinking ‘Will the club like this image?’ and my instinct went away for a while. I lost confidence in my own abilities and passions for taking shots which just brought me a really good feeling, and took shots which followed their rules (leading lines, rule of thirds, not too much sky, etc ). I started to feel a bit down about my photography as I was pleasing other people. But, I always take what I think are great photos when I just feel something great about what I’m seeing. I would rather do that and be alone than be part of a club which follows strict conventions.
Cause of the Storys you tell, i keep coming back to your channel, about once a month i binge everything i have missed that you uploaded and though i enjoy shooting landscapes i can't find the time or motivation to shoot them like you... i watched your videos for years (and used your squarespace code twice already) and i would be deeply sad if someday there won't be a new thomas heaton landscape adventure.
Caring less is good advice. It's generally what's prescribed in the book A Lesser Photographer (CJ Chilvers). I do think it's counter productive to think of success as a "hit rate" though, that's still feeding the quantity approach to photography. It's that idea of "bagging" images, and getting a good "hit rate" that really seem so counter to the idea of less is more, aim for joy in what you do etc.
All this makes me wanna do is move to England! I know I can find stuff near me but I can't always have the day off to do it. But I love photography so much that I'll never give it up!
"...but you know what else I'm happy with..." classic segue right there!! Thomas, you're stories are so much fun to experience. I thank you for that. I just was telling a UK friend of mine about you. She lives in Keith in a renovated church she has named Auld Kirk. I told her that she would love your videos because she is also a road trip nut. You mentioned that you need to be allowed to mess up. And, as a retired teacher I want everyone to really hear that. It's not only ok to mess up, it's the first step in really learning because you need to figure out why you messed up and do something about it. Again, thanks for taking us along and being part of your stories. Have a great week!
That's the best tip. Enjoy being outside and have your camera ready. You might not get the shot that you wanted BUT you might get surprised. I don't like landscape or "street" photography but I still do it and sometimes there are some "keepers" under the pile of garbage :) Thanks for the video and take care.
The experience is definitely the priority and if you bag an image then that’s the bonus. Absolutely agree that a big part of photography is the mental approach and that is where I have focused on the last few years and seen massive improvements in my work
You're defintintely hitting a point I like to make with photography; it's not always about getting that EPIC image....but the journey and excitment of just getting out there. I love finding new places and seeing the scenery in the adventure. I find so much peace and joy just being in nature, my added bonus is bringing my camera and sometimes getting a photo that makes me feel good and represents a small sliver of the experience.
Love the sunset pano, but what you are said about there being a process behind photography, well that really hit home with me. It doesn't change my thinking so much as it helps to define some things. I have a presentation to put together for some prospective clients, and I have been struggling to find the right message, but I think I've got it now. Thanks Thomas! I just turned in for entertainment, but got some real inspiration too. 👍
I love that you have fully embraced what I always felt was the core of your wonderful content; the story of life as a landscape photographer. That story will always be what brings me back for every single video and nobody tells that story as brilliantly or beautifully as you! Great video and stunning images as always!
Thank you Tom. This is literally the video I’ve been needing. I’ve only just started doing videos on TH-cam and I can see the pressure of getting a good shot versus the experience of being out there. I’ll definitely take your advise for the future. So easy to get disappointed when your frame of mind is getting the best photos
The "story approach" is the reason I still look forward to your videos. The mix of nice images, really nice images, less than nice images, good ideas and not so good ideas makes it very relatable. I shoot mostly very local woodland but the process is the same. Cool images are nice but the process of making them is more important to me...
I have a pair of Fjall Raven Barents on their way to my door, and I'm super excited to try them out. Always wondered what you guys used, and finally figured it out, haha. (Morten Hilmer gave it away in one of his older vids.) It's the little (expensive!) things 😁
Another great video Tom, thanks for sharing as always! I wanted to say, I miss seeing the camera settings under the photos that you share, can you tell us why you stopped doing that?
Any tips (or maybe even a video ;-)) on photography in the dull, dreary UK winter? All all well and good when there is snow/ice, but what about after the autumn colours have left us, and all we have is grey/dead looking trees and landscape? Love the content all the best.
Great video and advice which my process is have my S22 ultra on me, take it out of my pocket, pick a camra and capture the moment maybe switch to pro mode for maneul controls if the auto is not good enough. So yeah for me it's mostly about capturing the moment or make art with my carmas.
Thanks for the motivation, just what I need at the moment. I believe there was a Nat Geo quote on camera settings a long while back "F8 and be there". I need to follow that advice. Your videos and sense of humor are wonderful, keep them up!
You've described why I love photography. My photos are mostly crap, but the camera gets me outside. I see things I would never be likely to see without it. I slow down and really take the time to explore places. Basically my camera is my excuse to go for a walk in the woods.
Another terrific video, thank you. To translate for Amurican viewers, Thomas is talking about “prawcess.” You’re talking right up my alley, Mr. Heaton. For me the process is getting up in the dark at stupid o’clock with my coffee, camera batteries and gas topped up, hopping in the truck and heading out to see what I can find. I usually have a specific area or scene I’m heading for but beyond that I try to keep an open mind. I shoot both landscapes and wildlife so I’ve got two cameras rigged up with appropriate lenses on the seat next to me. The best example for me was a 4 am drive from Calgary to Two Jack Lake in Banff NP to catch the sunrise on Mt Rundle over the Lake. Complete Dud, cloudy with snow flurries and completely flat light. As I drove down from the lake silently cursing, the clouds started lifting, sun started breaking through and I ran straight into a small band of bachelor bull elk. Jumped out, aimed the camera with my long lens and got some of my best shots with the young bulls backlit by the sun while snow flurries swirled down. Even got some environmental shots of them against the Rundle cliffs - so call it a twofer.
Yes! Story. Story. Story. But it sure is sweet to get a great image. Thanks for sharing. I'm really enjoying your channel and going back in time to see your previous videos. I'm one year into having a "real" camera and I love the journey, the story, and making videos of our travels as much as the photos I capture.
So well put Tom! This is exactly how I feel when I go out, I don't always chase the perfect image but I try to enjoy my time outside. There is a lot of happiness in just doing that
Such a powerful message Thomas, I love it and it's definitely your story telling that keeps me coming back for more. Though your images are pretty awesome as well! 🙂
So many stories unfold when we aren’t expecting them to be written and landscape photography is a perfect catalyst for many an interesting story! Compare that to the stories that are only imagined while in bed and never actualized!! Get up, get out and make your own and if an image or two comes then BOOM !! Great video Pal
Thank you for sharing this video and what a great story 🙂 I am a 71 year old happy snapper and have gained a lot of knowledge from your channel. I recently bought the Z8, along with the 24 - 200 and 100 - 400 lenses. I normally shoot wildlife and motorsport, but would love to get more into landscapes. Unfortunately, my poor old body cannot cover the walking distances that you do, but I have a question - for landscapes on the Z8, what AF settings do you use. I have tried various, but my images are still quite soft. Keep up the good work.
And the message in this video is why I continue to view your videos and enjoy them so much! Most times I enjoy the journey better than the destination (i.e., the final image)!
Couldn’t agree more, you can’t beat being out there even if the results don’t live up to your hopes or expectations. It’s the experience that counts and that can work wonders for your health and wellbeing. Even when conditions are not great it makes you look at things differently, change your approach and get creative. I’ve never regretted venturing out with my camera, even when most of the results are pants, I usually come back with at least one image I’m happy with, an image I wouldn’t have got sat on my backside at home 😉 Your Deer shot was stunning Thomas, the light was perfect and I bet you would have been delighted if that was the only image you got all day, I know I would have been 👌
If I'm honest Thomas I'm not really into photography, I like to take photos yes but that's it. I watch your stuff for your story telling, your adventures, your camps. That is my interest. I invest in your personality rather than your photography skills. Cheers, Ant.
Great video. The saying that comes to mind is "It's the journey, not the destination". Some good thoughts in this one, I agree 100%. Thanks for sharing this, Thomas.
Great footage, Tom. I Love the experience over the photo. Creating an image is just a bonus. I've always said, "im not a photographer." Im an outdoorsman who happens to take photos.
This video perfectly captures why I've dived so deep into photography. At first I was chasing after the perfect fine-art print kind of image, I wasn't getting it, and I was miserable. Then I turned it into a job and I was anxious the whole time. Now it's about the journey; I'm not out there to take the perfect image, I'm out there to document my experience of a place or a situation to the best of my ability. It's an excuse to grab a camera and go somewhere nice for a walk at golden hour. Worst case scenario - no images, but a few hours exercise during the nicest part of the day.
Beautiful pano at 9:11! I used to be in that camp of only wanting to get out to shoot or make a video if I knew the conditions would be awesome. But you're 100% right... it's all about the mental health benefits of just getting out and enjoying the experience regardless of the outcome
You are totaly right here! Could not have said it better. And im happy your not done with youtube you are are a true inspiration! Actualy one of the reasons I started my own channel was because I was inspired by your work! 👍 grt guido
Hi Thomas, for me photography is all about going out enjoy the nature and take a picture or two. No need to chase THE epic picture.. Thank you for your great videos. They are a great inspiration for me
Something I've recently realised for myself and reassuring to hear it here....... Its all in your head. "If you want to improve your photography, start caring less about your images' .
You made me laugh so hard when telling about the morning struggles 🙂 Also like your new working horse, the Z8. I saw the L-Bracket you use is not covering the clips for the camera strap.Would you mind telling which L-Bracket it is? Couldn't find it in your gear list.
I love that video! amazing point you're making. just have fun. uff that wobble in the first shot :D I'm sure you know yourself, because oneself is always the harshest critic! but that wobble is rough 😅
Thank you for the uplifting photography videos. It is nice to hear the story. Even in those videos, you don't really come up with a shot. Also, enjoy watching videos without all the swearing and the beeping out of words. Thank you Thomas.
The deer image was so special it wouldn't have mattered if it was the only one for your outing, Thomas. But, I always love listening to you, and everywhere you panned around was lovely.
Well said on your photography approach, and your process. Applecross is such a stunning place for views, you’ll be glad you were too late for the midges. Try the Bealach on a motorbike in peak German tourist season 🙈 The Walled Garden in Applecross is a stunning peaceful place to eat.
This is probably what I needed to hear to be honest. I think we sometimes go out looking for "the shot" and we get discouraged when we don't get it and then we either give up (for that day or a period of time) or we continue on but it affects us photographically for a period of time (ie. we don't feel motivated to shoot or we're too focused on not getting anything "good" when in fact there are probably at least a handful of good compositions in front of you, you just can't "see" them because you're so blinded by "the shot"). I will say though that I probably 90% agree that it's not about the result, because I think it is, but what doesn't matter is some or most of the stuff in between, like the gear, or getting the EXACT shot that everyone else has, or settings, etc. That is probably LESS important, but I would still say that the end result IS mostly important, but perhaps the location or the content (whether it's a mountain, rolling hills, a river, a sunrise or sunset) is less important than the emotion the final photo brings. Maybe that's what you sort of meant in saying that the final image is not that important meaning the content or the location, but rather the feeling and emotion (along with the light) is what is important, and that's true.
Getting out there has always been my challenge. So I think Uncle Grumpy is in Scotland I hope there was a meetup. He did just win another photography award. So you might have to schedule an appointment. 😂
Thank you for the video and these images of Scotland which remind me good times in my life. An idea for a next video: "is it actualy possible to get a bad photography in the Highlands?" 😄 BTW I remember a excellent fish & ships at a food truck at Applecross village.
Thanks Tomas, timing of that post is absolutely spot on. I am just about to depart to Iceland. I have never been there however I saw all your pictures and all other youtube and non-youtube photohraphers pictures. They are all amazing so I built my expectations like crazy. Now I am chilling down. I kind of forgetting especially during the preparation process that the primary purpose of photo trip is just to enjoy the moment rather than remembering about all these technical staff, about what kind of pictures I want to bring, what weather conditions I should have etc. I appreciate a lot your honesty, that you are showing your ups and downs, as you said a story which not always must be pinky... cheers Raf
Great video, only down side is MPB the sponsor. I have used them twice and each time not a very good experience at all. The last occasion I part ex a lens for use one on the mpb web site only to find it had an error code when I tested it. After some reading of reviews I read this was a common issue with mpb not fully testing the gear, if at all, or the description was incorrect from the actual conditions. Also my part ex lens was knocked down on its value once they received claiming it had a scratch on the rear element. When The deal fell through and I asked for my lens back I had to pay FULL retail price for it from mpb, and when I did get it back I could not find any scratch. I used a macro lens and 45mp camera to hunt for said scratch, and strangly enough I did not find any scratch ! ! Problem when a deal with mpb goes south for the consumer it cost the customer in the pocket ! All mpb offered me was a £10 discount voucher off a £100 spend as their idea of compensation ! !
I share your philosophy of getting beautiful images except my subject is birds. I had a 25 mile drive to the wildlife management area that I used to go to during the spring migration. I always hoped for an exciting image but I didn't any preconceived notion of what it was going to be. I went just to see what I could find. Sometimes I found new birds that weren't supposed to be in our area at all. Sometimes I found beautiful birds. And some days were just so so for images captured, but I always went. And I always enjoyed the experience. Now that I am old and in declining health I'm glad I did go every opportunity I had. I'm working from my files now and i'm still shooting every chance I get. Just my horizons have shrunk; not my attitude or love of the game.
Photography for me started, well it started because I got bored standing around while my other half took 4,764 photos, but for me getting involved it was mostly about getting my arse off the sofa and out in the country. Health and fitness first, the photography came second. 18 months and a couple of grand later and the focus has shifted - and I am guilty of exactly what this video is about. Trying to just drag myself out more regardless of the shot though and just see what I see once I'm out.
Hahahaha! The landscape photography youtuber with the LOWEST hit rate of them all - basically most of his videos are about how he once again got nothing really substantial out of a photo trip - gives advice about how to increase your hit rate 😂😂😂
100% the wisest words I have heard in a very long time. SO spot on. This video really resonates with me, so thank you very, very much for vocalising what I needed to hear today.
After years of watching you, you inspired me to start my own channel. Todays story is pertinent because you don't have to get everything perfect, just get started. Thanks for the continued inspiration.
You made a valid point here. However, sometimes you have a lot of other commitments in life, you have a family, kids to raise, busy job, etc, and you can’t really afford to just go out and enjoy without getting something to justify the investment in time (a good image). Only if you can travel without your wife and kids then you can do whatever you want.
I’m hoping you might have driven the coastal road from Applecross to Sheildag. The bare remote beauty of that drive with my camera is still the best experience of my West coast roadtrip. So good to see you enjoying your trip.
Great message about the struggles we all know. Maybe it's not the sofa that is the magnet but youtube😏 I will remind myself: "Get off TH-cam and get out"
Great video. If I could afford it I'd spend the rest of my life photographing north west Scotland and the islands. Just sitting on a quiet little beach and watching the light change would be enough.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who's constantly refreshing at 5.59PM waiting for the new video to drop! Thank you for being an inspiration to many of us photographers, legend!
Love Wednesdays!
We’re all on the same team documenting this crazy world one shot at a time. TH is in charge of the more remote and difficult locations, and I am in charge of capturing the leaves that fall from the maple trees in my front yard full of Autumn colors that look electrified for a few minutes in the morning sun. I have to wait all year for those few moments. TH has given me confidence to look for opportunities like that.
It’s why I love watching your videos it’s all about the adventure and the story
I agree, it is the story. I love going out for a road trip with my husband and discovering what I'd like to photograph. I never have anything too planned, so save disappointment. LOL.
Great to see you back in Scotland and sharing this great message Tom 😊
I totally agree about caring less. I joined a camera club which has a lot of review nights, where we share and critique each other’s photos, and competitions (internal and external). I found myself thinking ‘Will the club like this image?’ and my instinct went away for a while. I lost confidence in my own abilities and passions for taking shots which just brought me a really good feeling, and took shots which followed their rules (leading lines, rule of thirds, not too much sky, etc ). I started to feel a bit down about my photography as I was pleasing other people. But, I always take what I think are great photos when I just feel something great about what I’m seeing. I would rather do that and be alone than be part of a club which follows strict conventions.
I agree. To me it's like fishing. Your out in nature and sometimes you get something to take home.
Cause of the Storys you tell, i keep coming back to your channel, about once a month i binge everything i have missed that you uploaded and though i enjoy shooting landscapes i can't find the time or motivation to shoot them like you... i watched your videos for years (and used your squarespace code twice already) and i would be deeply sad if someday there won't be a new thomas heaton landscape adventure.
yes it's what I love on your work , you tell a story and I love that. Thanks Sir Heaton
I enjoy your photographs as much as your storytelling and watching the process. Exceptional ⭐
Caring less is good advice. It's generally what's prescribed in the book A Lesser Photographer (CJ Chilvers). I do think it's counter productive to think of success as a "hit rate" though, that's still feeding the quantity approach to photography. It's that idea of "bagging" images, and getting a good "hit rate" that really seem so counter to the idea of less is more, aim for joy in what you do etc.
You stabiliser is absolutely wild. Great video by the way, inspiring as always
..And boy, do we enjoy your stories. Thank you man!
All this makes me wanna do is move to England! I know I can find stuff near me but I can't always have the day off to do it. But I love photography so much that I'll never give it up!
"...but you know what else I'm happy with..." classic segue right there!! Thomas, you're stories are so much fun to experience. I thank you for that. I just was telling a UK friend of mine about you. She lives in Keith in a renovated church she has named Auld Kirk. I told her that she would love your videos because she is also a road trip nut. You mentioned that you need to be allowed to mess up. And, as a retired teacher I want everyone to really hear that. It's not only ok to mess up, it's the first step in really learning because you need to figure out why you messed up and do something about it. Again, thanks for taking us along and being part of your stories. Have a great week!
It is all about the joy of going out with the camera and taking images. If one of them happens to be a keeper, then all well and good.
That's the best tip.
Enjoy being outside and have your camera ready.
You might not get the shot that you wanted BUT you might get surprised.
I don't like landscape or "street" photography but I still do it and sometimes there are some "keepers" under the pile of garbage :)
Thanks for the video and take care.
The experience is definitely the priority and if you bag an image then that’s the bonus. Absolutely agree that a big part of photography is the mental approach and that is where I have focused on the last few years and seen massive improvements in my work
I love this guy!!!
Well said, Thomas. It's the narrative that makes your channel special. Mind you, the photography doesn't let it down either :)
Thanks very much for the great info on the place I have trouble with 👏
You're defintintely hitting a point I like to make with photography; it's not always about getting that EPIC image....but the journey and excitment of just getting out there. I love finding new places and seeing the scenery in the adventure. I find so much peace and joy just being in nature, my added bonus is bringing my camera and sometimes getting a photo that makes me feel good and represents a small sliver of the experience.
Photography is an excuse to be in the landscape. The photo is a bonus.
Love the sunset pano, but what you are said about there being a process behind photography, well that really hit home with me. It doesn't change my thinking so much as it helps to define some things. I have a presentation to put together for some prospective clients, and I have been struggling to find the right message, but I think I've got it now. Thanks Thomas! I just turned in for entertainment, but got some real inspiration too. 👍
I love that you have fully embraced what I always felt was the core of your wonderful content; the story of life as a landscape photographer. That story will always be what brings me back for every single video and nobody tells that story as brilliantly or beautifully as you!
Great video and stunning images as always!
Thank you Tom. This is literally the video I’ve been needing. I’ve only just started doing videos on TH-cam and I can see the pressure of getting a good shot versus the experience of being out there. I’ll definitely take your advise for the future. So easy to get disappointed when your frame of mind is getting the best photos
The "story approach" is the reason I still look forward to your videos. The mix of nice images, really nice images, less than nice images, good ideas and not so good ideas makes it very relatable. I shoot mostly very local woodland but the process is the same. Cool images are nice but the process of making them is more important to me...
Hey Tom, great video! Great teaching moments, great delivery, awesome spontaneity! Well done man! Thanks for sharing this
Thomas, you’re absolutely correct. It’s about the story. Not the final image. The final image is icing on the cake.
I have a pair of Fjall Raven Barents on their way to my door, and I'm super excited to try them out. Always wondered what you guys used, and finally figured it out, haha. (Morten Hilmer gave it away in one of his older vids.) It's the little (expensive!) things 😁
This is the most helpful video I've seen in a while and it landed at the perfect time for me.
Another great video Tom, thanks for sharing as always! I wanted to say, I miss seeing the camera settings under the photos that you share, can you tell us why you stopped doing that?
Any tips (or maybe even a video ;-)) on photography in the dull, dreary UK winter? All all well and good when there is snow/ice, but what about after the autumn colours have left us, and all we have is grey/dead looking trees and landscape? Love the content all the best.
Great video and advice which my process is have my S22 ultra on me, take it out of my pocket, pick a camra and capture the moment maybe switch to pro mode for maneul controls if the auto is not good enough. So yeah for me it's mostly about capturing the moment or make art with my carmas.
... but what if you have no (frequent / reasonable) access to good landscape subject matter?
Thanks for the motivation, just what I need at the moment. I believe there was a Nat Geo quote on camera settings a long while back "F8 and be there". I need to follow that advice. Your videos and sense of humor are wonderful, keep them up!
Henri Cartier Bresson quote
You've described why I love photography. My photos are mostly crap, but the camera gets me outside. I see things I would never be likely to see without it. I slow down and really take the time to explore places. Basically my camera is my excuse to go for a walk in the woods.
I feel cold just looking at this video.
Nice Image Thomas.......but you need to trade in that hat to MPB !! 🤠
Sounds like Kim Grant 🙄
Another terrific video, thank you.
To translate for Amurican viewers, Thomas is talking about “prawcess.”
You’re talking right up my alley, Mr. Heaton. For me the process is getting up in the dark at stupid o’clock with my coffee, camera batteries and gas topped up, hopping in the truck and heading out to see what I can find. I usually have a specific area or scene I’m heading for but beyond that I try to keep an open mind. I shoot both landscapes and wildlife so I’ve got two cameras rigged up with appropriate lenses on the seat next to me.
The best example for me was a 4 am drive from Calgary to Two Jack Lake in Banff NP to catch the sunrise on Mt Rundle over the Lake. Complete Dud, cloudy with snow flurries and completely flat light. As I drove down from the lake silently cursing, the clouds started lifting, sun started breaking through and I ran straight into a small band of bachelor bull elk. Jumped out, aimed the camera with my long lens and got some of my best shots with the young bulls backlit by the sun while snow flurries swirled down.
Even got some environmental shots of them against the Rundle cliffs - so call it a twofer.
Yes! Story. Story. Story. But it sure is sweet to get a great image. Thanks for sharing. I'm really enjoying your channel and going back in time to see your previous videos. I'm one year into having a "real" camera and I love the journey, the story, and making videos of our travels as much as the photos I capture.
There needs to be a tripod cup holder attachment if there isn't one already.
Can probably find one on Amazon.
So well put Tom! This is exactly how I feel when I go out, I don't always chase the perfect image but I try to enjoy my time outside.
There is a lot of happiness in just doing that
Such a powerful message Thomas, I love it and it's definitely your story telling that keeps me coming back for more. Though your images are pretty awesome as well! 🙂
Watching you fumble around the rocks with a tea in your hand was incredibly relatable 😂. Enjoyed this episode, Thomas!
So many stories unfold when we aren’t expecting them to be written and landscape photography is a perfect catalyst for many an interesting story! Compare that to the stories that are only imagined while in bed and never actualized!! Get up, get out and make your own and if an image or two comes then BOOM !!
Great video Pal
Thank you for sharing this video and what a great story 🙂 I am a 71 year old happy snapper and have gained a lot of knowledge from your channel. I recently bought the Z8, along with the 24 - 200 and 100 - 400 lenses. I normally shoot wildlife and motorsport, but would love to get more into landscapes. Unfortunately, my poor old body cannot cover the walking distances that you do, but I have a question - for landscapes on the Z8, what AF settings do you use. I have tried various, but my images are still quite soft. Keep up the good work.
And the message in this video is why I continue to view your videos and enjoy them so much! Most times I enjoy the journey better than the destination (i.e., the final image)!
Always inspired by your messaging. Great work. Of course always love your photography - seeing beyond the weeds.
Couldn’t agree more, you can’t beat being out there even if the results don’t live up to your hopes or expectations. It’s the experience that counts and that can work wonders for your health and wellbeing. Even when conditions are not great it makes you look at things differently, change your approach and get creative. I’ve never regretted venturing out with my camera, even when most of the results are pants, I usually come back with at least one image I’m happy with, an image I wouldn’t have got sat on my backside at home 😉 Your Deer shot was stunning Thomas, the light was perfect and I bet you would have been delighted if that was the only image you got all day, I know I would have been 👌
If I'm honest Thomas I'm not really into photography, I like to take photos yes but that's it. I watch your stuff for your story telling, your adventures, your camps. That is my interest. I invest in your personality rather than your photography skills.
Cheers, Ant.
Great video. The saying that comes to mind is "It's the journey, not the destination". Some good thoughts in this one, I agree 100%. Thanks for sharing this, Thomas.
Great footage, Tom. I Love the experience over the photo. Creating an image is just a bonus. I've always said, "im not a photographer." Im an outdoorsman who happens to take photos.
This video perfectly captures why I've dived so deep into photography. At first I was chasing after the perfect fine-art print kind of image, I wasn't getting it, and I was miserable. Then I turned it into a job and I was anxious the whole time. Now it's about the journey; I'm not out there to take the perfect image, I'm out there to document my experience of a place or a situation to the best of my ability.
It's an excuse to grab a camera and go somewhere nice for a walk at golden hour. Worst case scenario - no images, but a few hours exercise during the nicest part of the day.
SOOO TRUE! Thanks for that! A simple "Like" was not enough this time! 🙂 But you'll get a "Like" too!
Beautiful pano at 9:11! I used to be in that camp of only wanting to get out to shoot or make a video if I knew the conditions would be awesome. But you're 100% right... it's all about the mental health benefits of just getting out and enjoying the experience regardless of the outcome
Absolutely solid, top-notch advice from an absolutely solid, top-notch photographer. Thanks Tom! The photograph of the deer was amazing.
very enjoyable, passion, enthusiasm, BUT a wee bit of 'Paul Whithouse Brilliant' sneaking in, great fun... 😇😊😉❤
Just don’t get this backward step that film photography represents. Been there done that - digital now surpasses film in every respect.
You are totaly right here! Could not have said it better. And im happy your not done with youtube you are are a true inspiration! Actualy one of the reasons I started my own channel was because I was inspired by your work! 👍 grt guido
Love your vids, Thomas. If I may... are you using warp stabilizer? I'm seeing some swim and wobble I haven't noticed in your vids before.
Hi Thomas, for me photography is all about going out enjoy the nature and take a picture or two. No need to chase THE epic picture.. Thank you for your great videos. They are a great inspiration for me
“I don’t care about gear”. Then, “todays sponsor is a gear seller”. 😂
We keep looking over to these mountains from Skye and find ourselves thinking whether we should have continued on the mainland.
Thomas, can I respectfully ask how tall you are? I'm six feet even and I'm considering buying the iFootage tripod you use.
Absolutely loved your last two videos. Epic scenery and great images.
Something I've recently realised for myself and reassuring to hear it here....... Its all in your head.
"If you want to improve your photography, start caring less about your images' .
Great video says I, while laying in my bed watching another TH-cam video. 😅
Get off you’re backside and get out there….
You made me laugh so hard when telling about the morning struggles 🙂 Also like your new working horse, the Z8. I saw the L-Bracket you use is not covering the clips for the camera strap.Would you mind telling which L-Bracket it is? Couldn't find it in your gear list.
I love that video! amazing point you're making. just have fun.
uff that wobble in the first shot :D I'm sure you know yourself, because oneself is always the harshest critic! but that wobble is rough 😅
Thank you very much for this advise. It's really helpful 😊
Thank you for the uplifting photography videos. It is nice to hear the story. Even in those videos, you don't really come up with a shot. Also, enjoy watching videos without all the swearing and the beeping out of words.
Thank you Thomas.
Omg I went there three weeks ago for landscape photography too ! One of the most beautiful places I've been to (and I'm from Switzerland!)
The deer image was so special it wouldn't have mattered if it was the only one for your outing, Thomas. But, I always love listening to you, and everywhere you panned around was lovely.
One comment that always makes me smile, “that’s a good photo, you must have a good camera”
Yeah and Constable must have had cracking brushes :-)
Hi Thomas, thank you for this beautiful insight! I very like your channel and your approach to photography. Watching you from Russia;)
Mic drop at the end, “this is why I don’t burn out on TH-cam” Amen!
Well said on your photography approach, and your process. Applecross is such a stunning place for views, you’ll be glad you were too late for the midges. Try the Bealach on a motorbike in peak German tourist season 🙈 The Walled Garden in Applecross is a stunning peaceful place to eat.
That was a very illuminating video. I think we learned some deeper truths about you Tom. Very nice; especially the last bit.
Try opening your coat and holding both sides out. That blocks the wind better. Works for me.
This is probably what I needed to hear to be honest. I think we sometimes go out looking for "the shot" and we get discouraged when we don't get it and then we either give up (for that day or a period of time) or we continue on but it affects us photographically for a period of time (ie. we don't feel motivated to shoot or we're too focused on not getting anything "good" when in fact there are probably at least a handful of good compositions in front of you, you just can't "see" them because you're so blinded by "the shot").
I will say though that I probably 90% agree that it's not about the result, because I think it is, but what doesn't matter is some or most of the stuff in between, like the gear, or getting the EXACT shot that everyone else has, or settings, etc. That is probably LESS important, but I would still say that the end result IS mostly important, but perhaps the location or the content (whether it's a mountain, rolling hills, a river, a sunrise or sunset) is less important than the emotion the final photo brings. Maybe that's what you sort of meant in saying that the final image is not that important meaning the content or the location, but rather the feeling and emotion (along with the light) is what is important, and that's true.
Getting out there has always been my challenge. So I think Uncle Grumpy is in Scotland I hope there was a meetup. He did just win another photography award. So you might have to schedule an appointment. 😂
Thank you for the video and these images of Scotland which remind me good times in my life.
An idea for a next video: "is it actualy possible to get a bad photography in the Highlands?" 😄
BTW I remember a excellent fish & ships at a food truck at Applecross village.
Thanks Tomas, timing of that post is absolutely spot on. I am just about to depart to Iceland. I have never been there however I saw all your pictures and all other youtube and non-youtube photohraphers pictures. They are all amazing so I built my expectations like crazy. Now I am chilling down. I kind of forgetting especially during the preparation process that the primary purpose of photo trip is just to enjoy the moment rather than remembering about all these technical staff, about what kind of pictures I want to bring, what weather conditions I should have etc.
I appreciate a lot your honesty, that you are showing your ups and downs, as you said a story which not always must be pinky...
cheers Raf
Great video, only down side is MPB the sponsor. I have used them twice and each time not a very good experience at all.
The last occasion I part ex a lens for use one on the mpb web site only to find it had an error code when I tested it. After some reading of reviews I read this was a common issue with mpb not fully testing the gear, if at all, or the description was incorrect from the actual conditions.
Also my part ex lens was knocked down on its value once they received claiming it had a scratch on the rear element.
When The deal fell through and I asked for my lens back I had to pay FULL retail price for it from mpb, and when I did get it back I could not find any scratch.
I used a macro lens and 45mp camera to hunt for said scratch, and strangly enough I did not find any scratch ! !
Problem when a deal with mpb goes south for the consumer it cost the customer in the pocket !
All mpb offered me was a £10 discount voucher off a £100 spend as their idea of compensation ! !
I share your philosophy of getting beautiful images except my subject is birds. I had a 25 mile drive to the wildlife management area that I used to go to during the spring migration. I always hoped for an exciting image but I didn't any preconceived notion of what it was going to be. I went just to see what I could find. Sometimes I found new birds that weren't supposed to be in our area at all. Sometimes I found beautiful birds. And some days were just so so for images captured, but I always went. And I always enjoyed the experience. Now that I am old and in declining health I'm glad I did go every opportunity I had. I'm working from my files now and i'm still shooting every chance I get. Just my horizons have shrunk; not my attitude or love of the game.
Photography for me started, well it started because I got bored standing around while my other half took 4,764 photos, but for me getting involved it was mostly about getting my arse off the sofa and out in the country. Health and fitness first, the photography came second. 18 months and a couple of grand later and the focus has shifted - and I am guilty of exactly what this video is about. Trying to just drag myself out more regardless of the shot though and just see what I see once I'm out.
Hahahaha! The landscape photography youtuber with the LOWEST hit rate of them all - basically most of his videos are about how he once again got nothing really substantial out of a photo trip - gives advice about how to increase your hit rate 😂😂😂
100% the wisest words I have heard in a very long time. SO spot on. This video really resonates with me, so thank you very, very much for vocalising what I needed to hear today.
After years of watching you, you inspired me to start my own channel. Todays story is pertinent because you don't have to get everything perfect, just get started. Thanks for the continued inspiration.
You made a valid point here. However, sometimes you have a lot of other commitments in life, you have a family, kids to raise, busy job, etc, and you can’t really afford to just go out and enjoy without getting something to justify the investment in time (a good image). Only if you can travel without your wife and kids then you can do whatever you want.
I totally get what your were saying Thomas. It was well worth repeating. BTW, you're a very good story-teller. Keep up the good work.
I’m hoping you might have driven the coastal road from Applecross to Sheildag. The bare remote beauty of that drive with my camera is still the best experience of my West coast roadtrip. So good to see you enjoying your trip.
Great message about the struggles we all know. Maybe it's not the sofa that is the magnet but youtube😏 I will remind myself: "Get off TH-cam and get out"
Buy a basic camera & kit lens & push them to limits, then go back to your better gear..
Money won't always ensure best Photos
And oh man you have stories!!! It is all about the journey, thank you for sharing!
Great video. If I could afford it I'd spend the rest of my life photographing north west Scotland and the islands. Just sitting on a quiet little beach and watching the light change would be enough.
Your soliloquy about photography, mental and physical health and story telling is brilliant. You totally summed it all up. Well done. Inspiring!
Great content and your channel is evolving. Looking forward to next week.