I Only Had 2 Hours to Photograph This Incredible Location

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  • Опубліковано 24 лис 2024
  • I have just enough time left in the day to explore and photography The Great Sand Dunes National Park in the USA. With my Nikon Z8, I explore as much as I can before the sun sets.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 471

  • @laurenlabella23
    @laurenlabella23 3 місяці тому +127

    As someone who currently lives in Colorado and has attempted to take photos at these same locations, it's nice to know professionals struggle with composition/weather/wind as well. I enjoyed the photos you took and LOVE how you show the RAW files at the end. It's easy to see that editing photos goes a long way to making them look more professional. It gives hope to us amateurs! Thanks for peeling back the curtain and allowing us to see more of the process. I've been a long time follower but only recently started watching your videos again due to the USA series and new format. Cheers!

    • @nickbedford
      @nickbedford 3 місяці тому

      It’s such a beautiful place you live in.

    • @llewdis
      @llewdis 3 місяці тому

      I didn’t realize where he was, then I saw the setup and thought “I know that shot. I can’t figure out how to photograph those dunes, and I have tried!” Glad that pros struggle as well. :)

  • @AndySlater-n4t
    @AndySlater-n4t 3 місяці тому +74

    Back to basics is perfect! Showing the files in Raw and Edited form is also great. Thanks Thomas.

    • @nickbedford
      @nickbedford 3 місяці тому +1

      I think it really helps to show just how we get from “raw materials” to artwork. Art and photography are iterative like everything else that is great.

    • @ThomasHeatonPhoto
      @ThomasHeatonPhoto  3 місяці тому +5

      Glad you enjoyed it 👍

  • @lawrencegleit7674
    @lawrencegleit7674 3 місяці тому +28

    Tom - Have watched you for a long time and never commented. Regardless of length of video, meaning or other tubers, you continue tonset the bar for your story telling, that's what keeps me coming back. Thanks for another one.

    • @nickbedford
      @nickbedford 3 місяці тому +1

      I agree. I had a bit of a break from photography for a while and when I came back to pick up on what Thomas had been doing (a few years back), I was reminded just how much I love watching his photography stories. Entertaining and inspiring.

    • @ThomasHeatonPhoto
      @ThomasHeatonPhoto  3 місяці тому +2

      Thanks so much, I really appreciate that. These comments always give me a little boost 👊🏻

    • @tadbanker9665
      @tadbanker9665 3 місяці тому

      I hope you were able to have breakfast at the Campus Cafe in Alamosa!
      I would have loved for you to have ran I to you & perhaps you will want to return in the future!

  • @Wulfzz
    @Wulfzz 22 дні тому

    Thomas. There is no competition on UA-cam if you choose not to compete. You're here for you and to show us what you do, not to be better or bigger than anyone else.

  • @ThatCampingLad
    @ThatCampingLad 3 місяці тому +1

    Everytime I see Thomas videos I always want to go out and take landscapes photos.

  • @dr.chungusphd108
    @dr.chungusphd108 3 місяці тому

    You’re only an hour and a half away from where I live, I go there so often, it’s so beautiful.

  • @Jester68uk
    @Jester68uk 3 місяці тому +8

    Just be you and do what you enjoy, that's why we are all here, good honest content.

  • @dougmckillop9352
    @dougmckillop9352 3 місяці тому +14

    Simple is best. You, the location, the photography, the adventure, the odd tip on the way. No need for “a message”. Suggestion: when you show the edits, show edit, raw and then the edit again. I get the impression it is getting more difficult for even the more popular YTers to keep traction. All I can say is keep up the good work and I hope it continues to be worthwhile. 👏😀

    • @ThomasHeatonPhoto
      @ThomasHeatonPhoto  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for that, I might give it a try with the RAW files so it is easy to see then changes.

  • @ingabett
    @ingabett 3 місяці тому +19

    Your videos are always a joy to watch no matter how “simple” you make them. Love the last image.

  • @cbwandering
    @cbwandering 3 місяці тому +7

    I’m currently on my first photography road trip through Southern Utah and Southern Colorado with my dog in my van. I’ll be spending a night just south at Zapata Falls next week. How incredible is it that I get to see how a professional photographer that I look up to approaches a landscape I plan to visit in a short time?! This channel has been a huge inspiration and source of motivation to get out and take photos. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures!

    • @ThomasHeatonPhoto
      @ThomasHeatonPhoto  3 місяці тому +2

      Now that sounds like an incredible trip. Van, dog, photography. Enjoy every second of it 👍

  • @tonydavid7950
    @tonydavid7950 3 місяці тому

    Thank you for this video. Photography was a budding hobby I shared with my late fiancé. Some of the last memories we shared were at Great Sand Dunes. I’m thankful for the pictures and video clips from that trip. Love your work!

  • @tonymurphy9112
    @tonymurphy9112 3 місяці тому

    Thomas, don't stop we love you, and most importantly we learn from you. You are my No 1 man next to TN 🤪

  • @MatthieuBrunner-c8b
    @MatthieuBrunner-c8b 3 місяці тому +1

    Oldschool video with the new RAW Files at the end… What is there not to like, this is wha I came to this channel and enjoy your videos every week. Thank you so much for letting us in on your photoshoots, every one I enjoy very much❤

  • @connor56347
    @connor56347 3 місяці тому +13

    Absolutely love this kind of video

  • @SeanLuc_Photo
    @SeanLuc_Photo 3 місяці тому +11

    Going back to the basics is always good. Your true followers will understand and to see a video where you have invested so much time into is essentially the reason, I enjoy your videos.

  • @Didierphotography
    @Didierphotography 3 місяці тому

    Back to basics, struggles with the weather and raw files comparison = real and truthful video about landscape photography. Thank you for keeping us all inspired to go out and just be there. Be there or miss out, is my phrase I tell myself when i'm not sure if to go out with the camera or stay inside.

  • @maggenlove
    @maggenlove 3 місяці тому +1

    Hi Thomas! Thank you so much for making these ‘on location’ videos - they’re always so well filmed & narrated, you make it look very effortless - I really enjoy them! I noticed you’ve been carrying around this yellow backpack with you - could you please do a video on your camera backpack setup, what bags you use for what purpose, any pros/cons, etc. I’m currently looking for one, and the options are numerous and overwhelming, so it would be great to hear your perspective. Thanks and keep up the great work!

  • @airship9637
    @airship9637 Місяць тому

    Every state has its beauty. I've lived in Colorado since 1979 and love it here. Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Great Sand Dunes are fabulous places to experience. Photographing in GSDNP is always challenging. For a short visit, you did very well!
    Just an idea -- it would be fun and instructive to see you in studio explaining your thought processes as you select and process your images.

  • @johnclark9499
    @johnclark9499 3 місяці тому +1

    Just great Thomas. I love this form of video - just a trip out with you to find some compositions and take a few images. Nothing fancy but great to watch. Thanks so much.

  • @clarerynhart3855
    @clarerynhart3855 3 місяці тому +1

    Thomas, I look forward to sitting with a cup of tea and watching you go out shooting and being wonderfully "normal". I love the way you share your thoughts , feelings and process. It is so relatable. Thankyou for doing you.

  • @Makeyoursomedaynow
    @Makeyoursomedaynow 3 місяці тому +1

    I love your videos!! loved your storm chasing! I live in Ks and it helped me realize that I'm missing out on some cool opportunities close to home! I won't get shots like yours, but it will be a blast! I will watch anything you put out!!

  • @melscreativelens
    @melscreativelens 3 місяці тому

    Getting back to basics is always good! Thanks for another top video from Australia 😊

  • @Subsonicwhy
    @Subsonicwhy 3 місяці тому +1

    Followed you since day one and you are still the only photographer I follow consistently. I like your images, style and personality, many youtubers could learn from you.

  • @fritz4345
    @fritz4345 3 місяці тому

    This is my favorite place in Colorado. Such an unexpected pile of sand in the mountains. Of course 2 hours is not enough but better than nothing.

  • @MrChrisromero3
    @MrChrisromero3 3 місяці тому

    I love to see you enjoying my home state. So much beauty around. I would love to meet up with you and shoot so photos. You are actually the reason I started landscape photography. Keep inspiring, Thomas!

  • @timbliss8777
    @timbliss8777 3 місяці тому

    One of my favorite places to visit and photograph. Can't wait to go back again. That sand gets REALLY hot. Wondefful video.

  • @iqueque
    @iqueque 3 місяці тому +5

    Definitely my favourite form of video, just inspired by how you think through the image then seeing the result

  • @OlDoinyo
    @OlDoinyo 3 місяці тому

    One of my favorite places! The Sangre de Cristos make a dramatic backdrop.

  • @MattLeese-g8j
    @MattLeese-g8j 3 місяці тому

    This type of video is my favorite type of video on your channel. The feeling of being in the field and trying to decide what and how to shoot in challenging conditions (weather, light, etc.) is what most landscape photographers really face. It was particularly nice to see in a place I've visited for photography.
    I like the edited vs raw is nice but I think the opposite order (raw first) is better as it can show exactly what you can make out of a given raw image.

  • @johnsnell8873
    @johnsnell8873 13 днів тому

    Excellent. Many thanks. I was fortunate to have two days at this location and loved every minute of it. Your showing edit and raw is brilliant.

  • @dpwrightjr109
    @dpwrightjr109 3 місяці тому

    Great shots! I always enjoy your videos and down to earth attitude. I hope you enjoyed your stay here in the States. There is a wealth of material here and I would love to see your interpretation of more of our country’s outdoors.

  • @tomfoord8860
    @tomfoord8860 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for another great video. Food for the soul as well as the eyes. There must be some kind of mental exercise that we could do when going out for a wander. Something to quiet the analytic, labeling mind and take the blinders off the eyes. The openness to what's around us shouldn't be an infrequent blessing, out of our control.

  • @steveking6204
    @steveking6204 3 місяці тому

    Showing the RAWS is so helpful.

  • @Dale.m.photoimages
    @Dale.m.photoimages 3 місяці тому

    I like seeing the raw and edited files. Thanks, Thomas.

  • @richardbirger2245
    @richardbirger2245 3 місяці тому

    glad to see the RAW/edited versions ... From the Eye, through the Heart, to the Brain - after that its merely manipulating Ones and Zeros

  • @rickartmaniacs5260
    @rickartmaniacs5260 3 місяці тому

    As soon as i heard the opening background music i knew its back to the good old days ❤️ Thomas heaton old videos are just a therapy to calm my soul.

  • @bradzaruba9686
    @bradzaruba9686 3 місяці тому

    It's great that you were able to visit the States. I loved all the images and your journey to get them.

  • @timobalk.photography
    @timobalk.photography 3 місяці тому

    That final image is absolutely brilliant, Thomas! It reminded me of the cover image of your first book which is one of my all-time favourites of yours. Cheers for this great video

  • @FrancisN155
    @FrancisN155 3 місяці тому

    I love the before and after sequence at the end :) Absolutely beautiful.

  • @stop-motion-verse
    @stop-motion-verse 3 місяці тому +1

    You and Sean Tucker are my staples for photography content. I have subscribed to many channels, and left many as well because of the constant trend chasing and what feels like shallow content for content's sake. I am back to watching all of your videos (took a break for a bit) and I am LOVING your storm chasing series. This video was nostalgic in a way as it shows us where it all started, cheers Thomas.

  • @alexgraham4890
    @alexgraham4890 3 місяці тому +1

    Last weekend I was lying in bed at 5am rationalizing to myself to not go out and shoot. But then I remembered your “F8 and Be There” video and got up, grabbed coffee and my gear, and I out there.
    I love seeing you refer back to it, and living into that message. Videos of you out in the field taking photos, showing the good and the bad, is authentic photography. To me, that separates this channel from many of the others. Keep at it!

  • @NateWarlow
    @NateWarlow 3 місяці тому

    I love watching your videos, and the incredible places you get the opportunities to go to. It’s awe inspiring. But I can’t help miss the good old fashioned hiking from Point A to Point B videos with the overnight camping and amazing cliff faces. I hope they make a return soon 🤞🏼

  • @johncraft8175
    @johncraft8175 3 місяці тому

    I look forward to your adventures each week, thank you for taking us along and showing us your thought processes. I agree sometimes its just about being outside. Love the RAW vs Edited at the end. Keep up the great work.

  • @DavidBrown-wf6pz
    @DavidBrown-wf6pz 3 місяці тому

    As someone who loves photographing ‘The Dunes’, you did a great job capturing the essence of the place. Things are always changing and there are infinite compositions to be had, which the video conveys nicely. Come back when you can spend more time. The Preserve on the backside has some incredible beauty too.

  • @CalebWeston_dubland
    @CalebWeston_dubland 3 місяці тому +7

    Great Sand Dunes is an incredible place to visit. And oh, man, climbing those dunes at that elevation is an intense workout. Speaking from experience. So glad to see you got to visit the park. Thanks for sharing!

  • @marthaguenther9827
    @marthaguenther9827 3 місяці тому

    I love that in the 3rd image you can actually see the grains of sand. Very cool!

  • @harrykaravias4823
    @harrykaravias4823 3 місяці тому

    Hi Thomas. I’ve been following you now for about 8 years. I’ve watched you grow in confidence, character and quality of photography and knowledge. I alway get something out of each of your posts. Thanks mate. Look forward to your next post.
    A quote from Ansel Adams: We don’t take photos, we make photos. Take care. ❤

  • @hot_pixel_imagery
    @hot_pixel_imagery 3 місяці тому

    I really like the back to your original roots type video, I could watch these all day. Another thing I liked was the Edited Images as well as RAW to see what your edit looks like. Great stuff Thomas as usual!

  • @patsylouallenjones9270
    @patsylouallenjones9270 3 місяці тому

    Can’t tell you what a pleasure it was to see those dunes through your eyes, thank you.

  • @jackmatthews9390
    @jackmatthews9390 3 місяці тому

    Glad you had or made time for this in my home state. I really enjoy your videos.

  • @829mike
    @829mike 3 місяці тому +1

    One of my favorite, and most challenging, places to photograph. The last time I was there, there were footprints all over the dunes, it was incredibly hot, the mosquitos were feasting on me. Love your shots!!

  • @RussellMcCollom
    @RussellMcCollom 3 місяці тому

    Tom, I have watched your channel from the beginning. Don't worry or try to change it with at meaning or what ever. Go do what you do best. Thats what brought all these people to the channel in the first place. I love the content. I didn't watch for a while because life got in the way, and started watching again 3 or so months ago and it was like finding an old friend again. You have inspired me as a photographer over they yrs. Keep doing this channel as long as you enjoy doing it.

  • @allansisson355
    @allansisson355 3 місяці тому

    Another great video Showing your raw files, great idea, really shows the punch in your work.

  • @malhayes4725
    @malhayes4725 3 місяці тому +1

    Great stuff wonderful images

  • @Gu_Gus
    @Gu_Gus 3 місяці тому

    Showing the files in Raw and edited is great. Thanks Tom.

  • @tmeeten3195
    @tmeeten3195 3 місяці тому

    Yep that last one you weren't looking for was the perfect way to finish the short photo shoot. Keep up the great content. Love your books and look forward to the next one one day!!

  • @harrydeyong441
    @harrydeyong441 3 місяці тому

    Back to basics, fundamentals, is always good.
    For what it’s worth, this sort of video is my favourite.

  • @kenbranstetter2354
    @kenbranstetter2354 3 місяці тому

    Grew up in Boulder. LOVE the Sand Dunes. The atmosphere and light in Colorado is always something else. Love the phots.

  • @ryanmutch7921
    @ryanmutch7921 3 місяці тому

    I love the Sand Dunes. I've gotten amazing photos there.

  • @rebelkline3858
    @rebelkline3858 3 місяці тому

    the sand dunes are an absolute gem, pretty cool that you are in Colorado!

  • @JamesLanePhoto
    @JamesLanePhoto 3 місяці тому

    That final speech - *chef's kiss* - started watching your channel in something like 2018 because of a man going and taking nice photos. That's all the inspiration I've ever needed.

  • @shootNbreezeIRL
    @shootNbreezeIRL 3 місяці тому

    Keeping it real. Keeping it fluid. Love that final image.

  • @Bosmanneggie
    @Bosmanneggie 3 місяці тому

    The reason why I started following this channel was the going out and taking pictures. Just you telling what you where doing and why. That helped me a lot in my photography. I would say, bring it back to basics.

  • @johnwhittaker9945
    @johnwhittaker9945 3 місяці тому

    Love the raw and edited versions. It gives hope to us hobby photographer's. The back to basics is refreshing to see, thanks Thomas

  • @helenesmit7748
    @helenesmit7748 3 місяці тому

    I just love your enthusiasm when you are on the hunt for beautiful images. Thank you for showing us beautiful places.

  • @Eric1396
    @Eric1396 3 місяці тому

    Always worth following your adventures

  • @wendynewing8834
    @wendynewing8834 3 місяці тому

    I really enjoy this storytelling style video. Thanks for this.

  • @neeravnaik
    @neeravnaik 3 місяці тому

    It is a gift that you show yourself struggling even with so much experience behind you. Biggest lesson is to always be optimistic and enjoy the place. Good photo will be a happy outcome

  • @gnuhapi
    @gnuhapi 3 місяці тому +1

    Inspiring, Thomas, keep up the great work.

  • @TLeppur
    @TLeppur 3 місяці тому

    Thanks Thomas. Enjoy the raw images like others. Letting your personality show through is enough of an extra to the photographer experience you are sharing. Inspiring us hobbyists and amateurs to get out there. Great work.

  • @derbagger22
    @derbagger22 3 місяці тому

    Afternoon and evening at Great Sand Dunes will be very windy. It's also the one place I'd happily photograph in bright sunlight. The bright sun really makes the sand look incredible. And when there's a lot of people, the scale really impresses.

  • @MountainMan69
    @MountainMan69 3 місяці тому

    I do like seeing the raw files and your edits - showing what you've done to get them to your finished images. I enjoy all your videos but did love the storm chasing ones - you could really hear your excitement in them.

  • @francoisleduc2301
    @francoisleduc2301 3 місяці тому

    Enjoying all your videos, epic journeys or simply coming along as you make your art, letting us see through your eyes.

  • @PeteMiller
    @PeteMiller 3 місяці тому

    Gotta love Great Sand Dunes National Park! I have had a few amazing experiences at GRSA over the years, to include photographing the dunes with 12-18" of light, fluffy snow covering them.

  • @TonyMetteAamodt
    @TonyMetteAamodt 3 місяці тому

    It`s always a pleasure watching your videos. Your attitude and approach towards getting out and photography are in my opinion just perfect and right. The images are great as always. Thank you for a flipping inspiration , you rock.

  • @DanielMoll74
    @DanielMoll74 3 місяці тому

    Welcome to Colorado!! Happy to see you shooting here. 😊

  • @andrewphillips2520
    @andrewphillips2520 3 місяці тому

    great images Thomas! and appreciate you showing the raw versions too

  • @chipfreundphoto
    @chipfreundphoto 3 місяці тому

    @thomasheatonphoto, thank you for taking us along on your travels and creative journey. I have been watching your channel for years. You have had more influence on my artist path than you will ever know. Thank you for sharing your life and work with the world.

  • @alanclark9691
    @alanclark9691 3 місяці тому

    Enjoyable, as ever. Your open approach is what appeals, irrespective of the eventual image quality - because that is real life. Love seeing both the RAW and edited images. Keep up the good work.

  • @randyschwager84
    @randyschwager84 3 місяці тому

    I enjoyed this approach! I like seeing the Raw files! Thanks for taking me along!

  • @tonymckeage1028
    @tonymckeage1028 3 місяці тому +4

    2:01 Fantastic image well seen, 7:48 Great fore ground Texture, love the clouds 11:50 Classic Thomas Heaton composition, Thanks for sharing

  • @scotty4418
    @scotty4418 3 місяці тому +1

    That final image definitely looks a keeper Tom and the back to basics approach definitely served you well in the past so no reason for it to still ring true to this day as there is still a takeaway from the video which you discussed in your newsletter

  • @miketrebert7788
    @miketrebert7788 3 місяці тому

    I’ve been watching your videos for years. Your work gets more and more elegant and pure as time goes by. It’s fascinating to see the raw and processed images compared. Thanks so much for this extra feature.

    • @ThomasHeatonPhoto
      @ThomasHeatonPhoto  3 місяці тому +1

      I'm glad people, such as yourself, are enjoying the RAW files. Hopefully it shows how accessible photography is. My editing is quite basic, but can really help lift the images.

  • @gregl.7465
    @gregl.7465 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for sharing. I appreciate seeing your unedited photos. Well done.

  • @sreegish
    @sreegish 3 місяці тому

    love from kerala, india.. your videos helps me to unwind me a lot... Been going through really tough times and you helped me a lot.. Thanks you

  • @alandargie9358
    @alandargie9358 3 місяці тому

    I agree with the back to basics approach. Seeing the raw file is interesting but a short section on the actual editing would be even more so. Good work!

  • @bobmorse5896
    @bobmorse5896 3 місяці тому

    Great fun watching / listening to you. Your "real life" adventures and obvious enthusiasm differentiate you from most of your peers. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.

  • @TomWickstrom
    @TomWickstrom 3 місяці тому

    Your back to basics approach with this video was great. I also enjoyed your recent storm chasing videos from the midwest. Having lived in that part of the US, I understand quite well what you and your team went through to get the images.

  • @danielegerussi7453
    @danielegerussi7453 2 місяці тому

    The First image was absolutely epic! Love the raw images at the end. Also, i love all your videos but those early ones in the lake district or scotland have something special to me

  • @GeorgeLoch
    @GeorgeLoch 3 місяці тому +1

    I love the patterns and textures you can get at a sand dune. It feels like there is always something to capture.

  • @helenbrown9708
    @helenbrown9708 3 місяці тому

    Your videos demonstrate a story telling quality not often found in other UA-cam videos, probably why your channel is the only one I watch every week! You, your camera, your van and adventure...perfect!

  • @greggorter
    @greggorter 3 місяці тому

    Fantastic images Thomas, we thoroughly enjoy every part of the journey that you take us on 😊 thank you ✌️

  • @barbarashirley133
    @barbarashirley133 3 місяці тому

    I've been to the Grand Sand Dunes National Park. Awesome place.

  • @jamesmcghie9612
    @jamesmcghie9612 3 місяці тому

    Thanks Tom, I enjoy watching your videos. Why? The expression of your integrity, enthusiasm and having a clear vision of what you want to photograph. These are difficult to find in this medium. Keep up the great work

  • @slaphead2965
    @slaphead2965 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for sharing these amazing images Thomas. Inspiration for us all.
    👍🙂🇬🇧

  • @joshcooper3730
    @joshcooper3730 3 місяці тому

    I like the ‘back to basics’ approach. I also like the fact you show your raw and finished edited images. Great job!

  • @Rburg00
    @Rburg00 3 місяці тому

    Thank you for sharing the RAW files, personally I always enjoy seeing the process, like your including the technical data with the photos.

  • @TomHeijs
    @TomHeijs 3 місяці тому

    I've only just discovered your channel this week! I've already lost count of how many videos I've watched 😅 Love your work! Last photo is my favourite, it's amazing how something seemingly so simple is so hard to capture some days!

  • @rvboondocker2559
    @rvboondocker2559 3 місяці тому

    Hey Thomas, I don’t know where you are today, the day I am watching this, but you might enjoy White Sands national Park. Even if you don’t get a perfect shot, it is a phenomenal sensory experience! Thanks for dragging me along for the past decade!

  • @rickgovek2715
    @rickgovek2715 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for sharing - even with the struggles.