I know this was a dud shot for you, but I loved seeing the less than perfect outcome. Watching professionals online, even knowing how much more is going on that never makes it into the vlogs, it often looks like you guys just show up, have a casual walk around and then magically find a killer composition right as the light comes on. I know that's not the case but it is nice to actually see something I'm more familiar with...wandering around, struggling to find a composition, feeling rushed, settling for something that's maybe a little disappointing, but still having a great time. Thanks for sharing as usual.
Love your approach and authenticity Tom. It is SO frustrating when you know there's something great there but you can't find it yet. You put a huge amount of work into your vids and it shows up in how beautiful they are.
I agree with your analysis and this type of video is very instructive. The principles of composition are one thing, but actually seeing the photographer analysis his own images against his expectations and planning are super helpful.
I love this video! I'm a great believer in learning from mistakes, mostly my own. To see you getting the panic we all feel when we're running out of light was refreshing. Your analysis of what went wrong with the image was really helpful. Superhero photographers on UA-cam get really boring really fast!
Thank you for that valuable lesson in composition. The scenery in that location is gorgeous! I have no doubt you will come away with some beautiful images.
Tom, As someone who is starting out in landscape photography, I consistently make mistakes. I am learning more and more from your videos but please do not stop posting videos like these! It helps people like me learn from professional's mistakes! Love the video. Thanks a million
I am so glad you did this, Thomas. Many times I have taken a "technically perfect" image, but I still hate it. This video was reassuring and inspiring.
Thats what I love on yor videos; honest comments and your opinion where in the end you take the best out of it and everybody can learn from it. No matter if the picture is your best shot ever or something you're not satisfied... Thanks for sharing!
I loved this video, Thomas, and don’t think your fans quite appreciate how important your cinematography is to this awesome channel. The composition of the shot is flawed, as you so brilliantly explain-although, like many, I would have been proud to exhibit this shot. But he composition of the VIDEO is freaking brilliant, Tom! You have turned lemons into not just lemonade but a Mai Tai with pink umbrella! Bravo, sir, and please keep up the awesome videography as well as your profound landscape photography. It’s your passion for perfection that make both so awesome.
Thomas, really appreciate this video, it's all too easy to only share the keepers and present yourself as only taking rock solid images. You actually take the time to show where you still make mistakes and sometimes come away with a less than stellar image. Definitely has encouraged me and reminded me to sloooow down... which I know is something you're always saying. Keep up the great work! Hope to be a part of one of your workshops one day!
You are right that your eyes are lead toward that piece of land, but at the same time I can't help but find myself still staring off into the distance and noticing the beautiful lighting over the mountains. So for me I actually love the image. The mountains in the back almost act as a sort of silent character to the photo. The rocks and the water are the main focus but once you notice the mountains it captures you. I'd be stoked with an image like this. As always Thomas, love your videos :)
Man, your videos are so calming, the music, the nonchalant tone of the video and the way you talk, it's always such an amazing experience, keep up the amazing work man, peace :)
Tom, I agree with your comment. In addition to the leading lines in the foreground guiding the eyes towards the left side of the image, warm colors in a photo also attract the eyes. Thus, I am also drawn towards the mountains in the back. I think you did an excellent job (as always). I love the simplicity of this photo!
This is a video about me and where I am right now Tom. Your example is exactly what I come away with. I’ve been frustrated for a long time and for me it is a basic element issue, composition. It’s never been more important in this era of floods of photos being produced that it’s so easy to run and gun and accept that that image will do. Thanks for the inspiration. It’s good to see an icon such as yourself show moments of imperfection. That allows us all to aspire to be as dedicated to art as much as you.
Great video Thomas. Every day we all struggle to capture the images we see with our eyes (or want to see). You of course are trying to make a video, and produce an amazing image each time you pull the tripod out for us to peek behind the scenes. It is nice to see that you, like all of us, don't get it right each and every time. I love the self analysis. I went out twice this weekend and each time I felt like I was forcing it or trying to too hard. I didn't love any of the images. They were ok...but not what I had "wanted:". Thanks for sharing.
I can see and understand the imbalance you explained but at the same time it was an image of exactly what was there. Just putting it out there for us to see gives us the opportunity to let our eyes and minds explore a place in time that the majority of us will never have the opportunity to see for ourselves. And again, the image was of exactly what was there so it gives us the chance to stand on those rocks and see it as you did. Thanks for sharing Thomas.
Amazing I love the way you are honest and don't just show your wins but you also show us your defeats it really makes me rethink the way I'm shooting So thanks for the lesson I love your work
Really appreciate your thought process and story in this video. I have often been in a situation where I have not left myself enough time before sunset, rushed things, and made lots of silly mistakes with my camera setup. it is very affirming to hear you espouse the importance of time for preparation. Good composition doesn't just magically happen.
I agree 100% with your thoughts on that image. Beautiful elements, but the foreground does indeed lead the eye away from that gorgeous background set of mountains. Definitely a lesson learned the hard way for many people.
You're basically the Bear Grylls of photography. Honestly the best photographer I've ever know when we talk about techniques. I feel so much inspired by your videos! Thank you for this amazing content!
Great video! Love that you can take an image like that, and then openly and thoughtfully explain why it doesn't work. And I kind of agree - it's a terrible image of gorgeous elements - it's still a joy to look at those elements separately, and I would've been ecstatic to capture something like this myself, but as a whole it feels flat and disorganized. What it does, though, is highlight how balanced and well-considered your compositions usually are, to the point where it feels effortless, and (as a viewer) you start to forget how difficult it can be to find a truly good shot. And this is an excellent reminder, thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing the troubles. It is so refreshing in the "everything-is-perfect-youtube-world" to see that this is not just laughs and giggles, but hard work with ups and downs like everything. I sometimes have this "why didn't I take my camera" moments where everything is so perfect, light, clouds, atmosphere, but the camera is at home, or there is clearly Not enough time for proper composition. I just tell myself to relax, sit down and enjoy the view. Don't waste the energy and safe the great feeling and picture in your mind for the next time, when there is a better opportunity. Keep in doing great work. :)
Hence the creation of the Vignette...sometimes there is just no other way to keep the viewers eye in the frame if nature won't allow you to alter your position. Love your work Tom, keep them coming mate!
Thanks for taking the time to explain why the composition didn't work. As a new photographer I would not have been able to see the problem but when you explained, it all made sense.
I totally agree that your eye never seems to make it to the beautifully lit mountains in the background. However, I actually found myself taken aback when you pointed out the leading lines taking you to the land jutting out at the top left because I never found my eyes getting there. I was actually a bit surprised that I hadn't really even noticed that piece of land - especially since you might expect my eyes to go there. For me the problem was the visual weight of the large boulder - I felt like that's what kept my eyes from traveling around the scene. I found it refreshing for you to share one of your "failures" (still, not a bad image for many of us), and as a member of this community found it to be a good learning experience. As always, thank you for your candor.
I like this image and for me it is a classical example that there are always exceptions to rules. Normally I do not make comments but I follow all your interesting videos and admire your landscape fotos. No doubt, your pictures are pieces of art - great work, Tom!
Wow! I learned something today. I thought it was a sweet image, but after hearing your analysis, I definitely agree with you. Thank you for teaching such an important lesson!
I have to say, one of the things that I really enjoy watching your video is the intro statement that you made about landscape photography. See you soon at Patagonia 2019
Rushing to find that composition that works as the light fades - that's me all the time! Finding the right composition is what I struggle with the most. Great explanation as to why you feel your last images "didn't work". I agree with your assessment and your explanation will certainly help me the next time I'm out on location.
Agree with your analysis. I don't think it is as unbalanced as you made it out to be. I've most certainly seen worse. As you said, it's just the elements that doesn't really fit together and leads the eyes to the focal point :)
Dude! Your words! Your discretion of the landscape photography was beautifully discribed!! The photo was beautifull. The light is what grabs your eyes. Never saw that little black Boulder and the little piece of land over there is insignificant. I bet someone would buy it.
I agree with you, even before you said anything about the piece of land I felt it was to cluttered, too bad since the mountains was amazing! I found your channel a couple of months back and Really enjoy taking part of your videos and learning from how you work and since then I've had compession in mind, compession and light. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being inspiring !
Thanks for teaching us for free here on Yt, Tom. I do like the picture and would have been happy if I had taken it. But you already right. The compositions fails a bit. But I couldn‘t have told why untill Iheared your explanation. So it‘s one more of these moments where you teach me to look after the small things, the details and not go for quantity but for quality.
Sometimes as photographers, we cease to enjoy the beautiful nature and the moment, the light and so on. Even if there are any problems with the composition or did not have time to shoot, then you were and experienced that wonderful and intimate moment of all beauty and remembered for life...
I simply like the fact that you have taken us to a spectacular location, probably given us a 'teaser' for the next video and proved that regardless of who we are we can all take good and no so good images technically speaking. Thanks for giving us the 'real world' of landscape photography Tom, well done mate 👍
You could argue, that although the “rules” point you to the left of screen; a moments reflection then takes you to the mountains. Or it could be just an average composition - there shouldn’t ever be a bad one. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Funny how we read/interpret photos in different ways. Let me explain, with the second photo my eye was first drawn to the big boulder and also the seaweed on the rocks in the bottom left of the photo. So my initial leading line was a diagonal from bottom left, through the big boulder and onto the highlight on the highest mountain in the distance. I didn't even notice the smaller and darker boulder until you mentioned it. Of course I noticed the lines in the rocks to the right, but for some reason they didn't register the dominant leading line for me. To me eye, the boulder and the seaweed are the dominant features in the foreground, but I guess we all see things differently.
Thomas... That was a great image. I saw the big rock and then my eye went right to the mountains with that wonderful colour. I did not see the dark rocks and did not pay attention to the peninsula. All I wished is that I could be there to take a picture myself! Keep it up! Bryan from Vancouver
Tom thank you so much for doing a show like this that deals with Composition mistakes. Rushing compositions is one of my biggest problems and I like how you show that in this video.
I agree with you, and I'm very happy you discussed it. Failing is a key part of this, and we all fail sometimes. I'm much less accomplished and experienced than you ( 2 1/2 years of landscape photography when work and family permitted) . As I think you mentioned recently, we seem to have all the time in the world - then suddenly we don't. The light goes. Realising this, it's easy to rush things and screw up something - maybe a technical thing ( leaving the wrong thing switched on or off) or as here, something like composition. Incredibly frustrating as the one you miss always promises to be fabulous - if only you hadn't rushed it. We can only benefit from being upfront about this, and from thinking about the why and the how. Then we have a chance of getting it right next time.
Thanks for sharing this Thomas! It’s awesome to know that even someone as experienced as you sometimes makes mistakes! The image I actually like, but agree with everything your said! Sometimes lighting that good can make up for slightly off composition!
I definitely agree but I really really enjoyed this because it helps me see what can go wrong, despite as you say having almost all the elements. This is a great video. Love your work!
Nice to see an "old school" Heaton vlog (can we say that already?) again! Adventure, camper van, a bit of success and a bit of an eye opening "if even Thomas Heaton messes up sometimes"-comforting moments ;-). Massively fun and inspiring to watch! Keep 'em coming Thomas.
Great video... I agree with your points and that's why your videos are so much instructive for photographers. To learn from mistakes or understand other point of views... This makes you not only my favorite landscape photographer but also the best "youtuber"
I learn so much from your videos. Appreciate your analysis of photo two and why it doesn’t work for you. As you were scrambling over rocks I was thinking back up, use those lines in the rocks. Your focus was on the distant mountains and light, I was thinking foreground. Hope your scouting trip goes well.
I love this video. Actually, this is what I like your channel the most! Thanks for sharing. I fully agree with you for the last image. The 1st one is very nice.
I didn’t understood what I was that just wasn’t making the beautiful mountains in the back stand out and as you explained the composition of the photo it made more sense.
This is how I see you image. In essence it is the big boulder small pond great lake and lit up.great mountains. I did not pay any attention to dark small boulder before you mentioned it. Those two dark elements are suppressor for me to enjoy basically rock to small body of water to great body of water then to magnificent burning great rock formation. So I really liked it. Well think about it.
Hi Thomas, first time commenting! I liked the second image better than the first, I agree with Lynne, my eyes went directly to the beautiful color you captured in those mountains. Technically perfect vs Creative spontaneity... It has your signature look and therefore an interpretive work........Of Art*** Thanks for sharing!
Great video, I appreciate the sharing of an almost great shot. Your analysis is spot on, although to be truthful I didn't immediately understand why it didn't seem like one of yours. Wonderful learning moment on this end. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Tom. I really liked this video. Was really good to see something that went wrong and then have you sit down and explain what happened. At first glance I liked the image. But when you explained what you didn't like about the composition I started to see the potential the image had to be even better. A great insight into how to turn nice views into good images. Cheers for another great video.
Wow what an awesome video, would love to see more of the composition critique of you images, with the overlay of the arrows and circles etc. It was really really helpful to see what was going on, another great video thank you
A good video, seemed the capture the frantic panic most photographers have experienced rushing to get a composition right when the light is fading. Like your breakdown of your thoughts on how the 2nd photo didn't work, helps more than the seeing you take a photo that does work.
Wow that was really instructive to me. My first impression was also it's a not so great shot but I couldn't see why until you've explained it so well. Thank you for this lesson.
Your explanation is extremely insightful in how to improve upon an already amazing image. Your work is inspiring and the educational dialogue you present is something that long for as I transition from mastering technical skills to improving on the composition and art of photography. Please consider more segments such as this in your tremendous work.
Great vlog, and thank you for all you do, always honest, thoughtful and very inspirational. With regards to your image, its a good capture in a beautiful location...and yes, you could have nailed something better if you had more time and didn’t feel rushed, but as you said, you’ve been driving all day! What I really liked is your honesty and the importance of composition and being honest to share this with those that follow you. Great work Tom👍
I really like seeing how you approach a scene to get the best image out of it. When I do it it's like 90% of the time I'm panicking and running around thinking the sun is going to disappear.
I think you're right about it being unbalanced. I also think that as photographers, we should be our own worst critics because that's what drives us to be better. I watch your channel because of this honest appraisal. Looking forward to seeing more of your trip. Nice work Thomas!
Thomas, thank you very much for your hard work and insight. I learned a lot from this video, glad you shared it! Keep up the amazing work! Greetings from Germany!
Tom, you have proved once again the 3 P’s concept. Reading some of the the comments it would seem that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” when it comes to art and photography. Loved the lesson in composition. Entertaining as usual. ❤️📷👍🏻🍷
Great video Tom! Its all about getting back up again and learning along the way. If we make every mistake just once, we'll eventually run out of mistakes :-) Its refreshing to see an authentic account of a day in the field. A+ Tom !
I appreciate this video immensely. I've taken many pics and sometimes can't figure out why many don't work. Thanks for explaining. I agree with your opinion of the photo.
I looked at image and agree everything leads me to the dark land in the background. I can analyze my photos when I'm looking at them on the computer. My problem is I get caught up in the epic scenery and light and don't do a good job composing my pictures. If I get one I like I think it's more luck than planning. Thanks for posting this and even though it didn't work out, I've learned from it.
Great video as always. Love the first image, but I felt "meh" about the second one. Not bad but that could've been me ;) I think a panorama taken with the tele of just the mountains, a bit of sky and water in front would've been a really nice shot (talking about your second shot). Basically what you showed from 10:31 to 10:35 . Looking forward to the next videos (if there are more) of this trip, Scotland just has a special place in my heart.
Thanks for this great example. The image is beautiful but I completely understand and agree with your explanation. Before you pointed this out, I would have taken similar shots. Thanks again for a great tip.
Hello Thomas. First off I so dig the way you compose your video's. The voice over and music choices fit perfectly. And it's great the way you don't just jump straight into your video's main topic. I have to agree with your evaluation of the photo. The items in the background just seem out of place. But I actually thought if they were gone then everything else was fine. To my eye the dark rocks on the right side actually drew my attention to the foreground rocks.
I really appreciate seeing the "failures" from your shoots - I learned a ton from it, and your willingness to make it a vlog turned a "failure" into a success for your thousands of viewers! Thanks for helping us avoid Survivorship Bias =)
i might have felt the same if my income depended on my photography... so, i can understand the feeling. But, since it doesn't, i get to enjoy the total piece of artwork presented as it was - awesome exposure, beautiful colors, fantastic composition. Most of all, the memories of the journey to capture it. This was perfect. Thanks for posting it regardless of your feeling it was less than excellent.
Yeah first look at the image was like. As you look at the images further. Your points are very valid Thomas. Just a minor blimp, quite sure you will have some nice images there.
Thank you, thank you for this... Two days ago it happened to me almost the same as you the long ride the beautiful sunset and the mountains I was rushed to take the picture but the composition was the same as you the rocks were pointing to another direction and as soon i took the picture I knew it was bad composition. This video made me realise I was right so thank you for including this kind of video because it's very important to see the importance of composition. ps. saw the video on cropping and love it. You are right it is very important.
I know this was a dud shot for you, but I loved seeing the less than perfect outcome. Watching professionals online, even knowing how much more is going on that never makes it into the vlogs, it often looks like you guys just show up, have a casual walk around and then magically find a killer composition right as the light comes on. I know that's not the case but it is nice to actually see something I'm more familiar with...wandering around, struggling to find a composition, feeling rushed, settling for something that's maybe a little disappointing, but still having a great time. Thanks for sharing as usual.
Love your approach and authenticity Tom. It is SO frustrating when you know there's something great there but you can't find it yet. You put a huge amount of work into your vids and it shows up in how beautiful they are.
I agree with your analysis and this type of video is very instructive. The principles of composition are one thing, but actually seeing the photographer analysis his own images against his expectations and planning are super helpful.
Alan Morris I totally agree. It was helpful :)
Its so refreshing to see an analysis of why an image DOESN'T work....I find that more instructive in any ways
I love this video! I'm a great believer in learning from mistakes, mostly my own. To see you getting the panic we all feel when we're running out of light was refreshing. Your analysis of what went wrong with the image was really helpful. Superhero photographers on UA-cam get really boring really fast!
Thank you for that valuable lesson in composition. The scenery in that location is gorgeous! I have no doubt you will come away with some beautiful images.
Tom,
As someone who is starting out in landscape photography, I consistently make mistakes. I am learning more and more from your videos but please do not stop posting videos like these! It helps people like me learn from professional's mistakes!
Love the video.
Thanks a million
I am so glad you did this, Thomas. Many times I have taken a "technically perfect" image, but I still hate it. This video was reassuring and inspiring.
Thats what I love on yor videos; honest comments and your opinion where in the end you take the best out of it and everybody can learn from it.
No matter if the picture is your best shot ever or something you're not satisfied...
Thanks for sharing!
This is a great example on why we all love your videos Thomas : humble and honest! Thanks for sharing :-)
I love the green rocks in the foreground, the black island does not irritate me, but the pool on top of the big stone distracts me too much.
Tom, I completely agree with you about your image. Either you "win" or you learn!! Thanks for the lesson.
I loved this video, Thomas, and don’t think your fans quite appreciate how important your cinematography is to this awesome channel. The composition of the shot is flawed, as you so brilliantly explain-although, like many, I would have been proud to exhibit this shot. But he composition of the VIDEO is freaking brilliant, Tom! You have turned lemons into not just lemonade but a Mai Tai with pink umbrella! Bravo, sir, and please keep up the awesome videography as well as your profound landscape photography. It’s your passion for perfection that make both so awesome.
Thomas, really appreciate this video, it's all too easy to only share the keepers and present yourself as only taking rock solid images. You actually take the time to show where you still make mistakes and sometimes come away with a less than stellar image. Definitely has encouraged me and reminded me to sloooow down... which I know is something you're always saying. Keep up the great work! Hope to be a part of one of your workshops one day!
You are right that your eyes are lead toward that piece of land, but at the same time I can't help but find myself still staring off into the distance and noticing the beautiful lighting over the mountains. So for me I actually love the image. The mountains in the back almost act as a sort of silent character to the photo. The rocks and the water are the main focus but once you notice the mountains it captures you. I'd be stoked with an image like this. As always Thomas, love your videos :)
Man, your videos are so calming, the music, the nonchalant tone of the video and the way you talk, it's always such an amazing experience, keep up the amazing work man, peace :)
I agree with you. The balance is off in the photo and it is a petty when you see the amazing light in the background. This video gives me hope.
Tom, I agree with your comment. In addition to the leading lines in the foreground guiding the eyes towards the left side of the image, warm colors in a photo also attract the eyes. Thus, I am also drawn towards the mountains in the back. I think you did an excellent job (as always). I love the simplicity of this photo!
It's wonderful when you drive for hours and at the end you can grab a good pictures.. Thanks for your share..
This is a video about me and where I am right now Tom. Your example is exactly what I come away with. I’ve been frustrated for a long time and for me it is a basic element issue, composition. It’s never been more important in this era of floods of photos being produced that it’s so easy to run and gun and accept that that image will do.
Thanks for the inspiration. It’s good to see an icon such as yourself show moments of imperfection. That allows us all to aspire to be as dedicated to art as much as you.
Great video Thomas. Every day we all struggle to capture the images we see with our eyes (or want to see). You of course are trying to make a video, and produce an amazing image each time you pull the tripod out for us to peek behind the scenes. It is nice to see that you, like all of us, don't get it right each and every time. I love the self analysis. I went out twice this weekend and each time I felt like I was forcing it or trying to too hard. I didn't love any of the images. They were ok...but not what I had "wanted:". Thanks for sharing.
I can see and understand the imbalance you explained but at the same time it was an image of exactly what was there. Just putting it out there for us to see gives us the opportunity to let our eyes and minds explore a place in time that the majority of us will never have the opportunity to see for ourselves. And again, the image was of exactly what was there so it gives us the chance to stand on those rocks and see it as you did. Thanks for sharing Thomas.
Amazing I love the way you are honest and don't just show your wins but you also show us your defeats it really makes me rethink the way I'm shooting
So thanks for the lesson I love your work
Really appreciate your thought process and story in this video. I have often been in a situation where I have not left myself enough time before sunset, rushed things, and made lots of silly mistakes with my camera setup. it is very affirming to hear you espouse the importance of time for preparation. Good composition doesn't just magically happen.
I agree 100% with your thoughts on that image. Beautiful elements, but the foreground does indeed lead the eye away from that gorgeous background set of mountains. Definitely a lesson learned the hard way for many people.
You're basically the Bear Grylls of photography. Honestly the best photographer I've ever know when we talk about techniques. I feel so much inspired by your videos! Thank you for this amazing content!
Great video! Love that you can take an image like that, and then openly and thoughtfully explain why it doesn't work. And I kind of agree - it's a terrible image of gorgeous elements - it's still a joy to look at those elements separately, and I would've been ecstatic to capture something like this myself, but as a whole it feels flat and disorganized. What it does, though, is highlight how balanced and well-considered your compositions usually are, to the point where it feels effortless, and (as a viewer) you start to forget how difficult it can be to find a truly good shot. And this is an excellent reminder, thank you for sharing!
Thank you Thomas, I thoroughly enjoy your video's as they are completely open and honest...how else are other meant to learn!
Thanks for sharing the troubles. It is so refreshing in the "everything-is-perfect-youtube-world" to see that this is not just laughs and giggles, but hard work with ups and downs like everything. I sometimes have this "why didn't I take my camera" moments where everything is so perfect, light, clouds, atmosphere, but the camera is at home, or there is clearly Not enough time for proper composition. I just tell myself to relax, sit down and enjoy the view. Don't waste the energy and safe the great feeling and picture in your mind for the next time, when there is a better opportunity. Keep in doing great work. :)
I agree, recently I rushed and rocks I over looked did the same. Thanks for showing it can happen to anyone.
Hence the creation of the Vignette...sometimes there is just no other way to keep the viewers eye in the frame if nature won't allow you to alter your position. Love your work Tom, keep them coming mate!
One of your best. It's real life. So impressed how you could work out so quickly what wasn't working in that image. Agree. Thanks for sharing.
We learn more from our mistakes than we ever do from our wins! Great video Tom. Thanks as always.
Thanks for taking the time to explain why the composition didn't work. As a new photographer I would not have been able to see the problem but when you explained, it all made sense.
I totally agree that your eye never seems to make it to the beautifully lit mountains in the background. However, I actually found myself taken aback when you pointed out the leading lines taking you to the land jutting out at the top left because I never found my eyes getting there. I was actually a bit surprised that I hadn't really even noticed that piece of land - especially since you might expect my eyes to go there.
For me the problem was the visual weight of the large boulder - I felt like that's what kept my eyes from traveling around the scene.
I found it refreshing for you to share one of your "failures" (still, not a bad image for many of us), and as a member of this community found it to be a good learning experience. As always, thank you for your candor.
It's amazing the difference the slider makes in your videos. Just that little bit of motion on the b-roll really elevates the overall video.
I like this image and for me it is a classical example that there are always exceptions to rules. Normally I do not make comments but I follow all your interesting videos and admire your landscape fotos. No doubt, your pictures are pieces of art - great work, Tom!
Thomas it happens to all of us at one time or the other...you are okay! You are real and honest and talented...we appreciate that!
These videos are so peaceful! Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Wow! I learned something today. I thought it was a sweet image, but after hearing your analysis, I definitely agree with you. Thank you for teaching such an important lesson!
I have to say, one of the things that I really enjoy watching your video is the intro statement that you made about landscape photography. See you soon at Patagonia 2019
Rushing to find that composition that works as the light fades - that's me all the time! Finding the right composition is what I struggle with the most. Great explanation as to why you feel your last images "didn't work". I agree with your assessment and your explanation will certainly help me the next time I'm out on location.
Agree with your analysis. I don't think it is as unbalanced as you made it out to be. I've most certainly seen worse. As you said, it's just the elements that doesn't really fit together and leads the eyes to the focal point :)
I think doing some color painting on the left rock would somewhat change the leading perspective.
Dude! Your words! Your discretion of the landscape photography was beautifully discribed!! The photo was beautifull. The light is what grabs your eyes. Never saw that little black Boulder and the little piece of land over there is insignificant. I bet someone would buy it.
I agree with you, even before you said anything about the piece of land I felt it was to cluttered, too bad since the mountains was amazing!
I found your channel a couple of months back and Really enjoy taking part of your videos and learning from how you work and since then I've had compession in mind, compession and light. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being inspiring !
Thanks for teaching us for free here on Yt, Tom. I do like the picture and would have been happy if I had taken it. But you already right. The compositions fails a bit. But I couldn‘t have told why untill Iheared your explanation. So it‘s one more of these moments where you teach me to look after the small things, the details and not go for quantity but for quality.
Sometimes as photographers, we cease to enjoy the beautiful nature and the moment, the light and so on. Even if there are any problems with the composition or did not have time to shoot, then you were and experienced that wonderful and intimate moment of all beauty and remembered for life...
I simply like the fact that you have taken us to a spectacular location, probably given us a 'teaser' for the next video and proved that regardless of who we are we can all take good and no so good images technically speaking. Thanks for giving us the 'real world' of landscape photography Tom, well done mate 👍
This is something which have never been done by any photographer! Very informative and inspiring.
You could argue, that although the “rules” point you to the left of screen; a moments reflection then takes you to the mountains. Or it could be just an average composition - there shouldn’t ever be a bad one. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
I make that mistake all the time. I rush things. Need the to learn the fine art of letting it take time. Thanks for sharing!
Spot on. Great reminder about compositional elements.
Funny how we read/interpret photos in different ways. Let me explain, with the second photo my eye was first drawn to the big boulder and also the seaweed on the rocks in the bottom left of the photo. So my initial leading line was a diagonal from bottom left, through the big boulder and onto the highlight on the highest mountain in the distance. I didn't even notice the smaller and darker boulder until you mentioned it. Of course I noticed the lines in the rocks to the right, but for some reason they didn't register the dominant leading line for me. To me eye, the boulder and the seaweed are the dominant features in the foreground, but I guess we all see things differently.
Thomas...
That was a great image. I saw the big rock and then my eye went right to the mountains with that wonderful colour. I did not see the dark rocks and did not pay attention to the peninsula. All I wished is that I could be there to take a picture myself!
Keep it up!
Bryan from Vancouver
Iv not long started with photography and i have to say im learning so much from your videos. Thanks Thomas....Keep up the great content!
Tom thank you so much for doing a show like this that deals with Composition mistakes. Rushing compositions is one of my biggest problems and I like how you show that in this video.
I agree with you, and I'm very happy you discussed it. Failing is a key part of this, and we all fail sometimes. I'm much less accomplished and experienced than you ( 2 1/2 years of landscape photography when work and family permitted) . As I think you mentioned recently, we seem to have all the time in the world - then suddenly we don't. The light goes. Realising this, it's easy to rush things and screw up something - maybe a technical thing ( leaving the wrong thing switched on or off) or as here, something like composition. Incredibly frustrating as the one you miss always promises to be fabulous - if only you hadn't rushed it. We can only benefit from being upfront about this, and from thinking about the why and the how. Then we have a chance of getting it right next time.
Thanks for sharing this Thomas! It’s awesome to know that even someone as experienced as you sometimes makes mistakes! The image I actually like, but agree with everything your said! Sometimes lighting that good can make up for slightly off composition!
I definitely agree but I really really enjoyed this because it helps me see what can go wrong, despite as you say having almost all the elements. This is a great video. Love your work!
Thank you for,sharing frustrations and misses. I liked your photo, but I can also see how it was an almost.
Nice to see an "old school" Heaton vlog (can we say that already?) again! Adventure, camper van, a bit of success and a bit of an eye opening "if even Thomas Heaton messes up sometimes"-comforting moments ;-). Massively fun and inspiring to watch! Keep 'em coming Thomas.
Great video... I agree with your points and that's why your videos are so much instructive for photographers. To learn from mistakes or understand other point of views... This makes you not only my favorite landscape photographer but also the best "youtuber"
I learn so much from your videos. Appreciate your analysis of photo two and why it doesn’t work for you. As you were scrambling over rocks I was thinking back up, use those lines in the rocks. Your focus was on the distant mountains and light, I was thinking foreground. Hope your scouting trip goes well.
I love this video. Actually, this is what I like your channel the most! Thanks for sharing. I fully agree with you for the last image. The 1st one is very nice.
I didn’t understood what I was that just wasn’t making the beautiful mountains in the back stand out and as you explained the composition of the photo it made more sense.
This is how I see you image. In essence it is the big boulder small pond great lake and lit up.great mountains. I did not pay any attention to dark small boulder before you mentioned it. Those two dark elements are suppressor for me to enjoy basically rock to small body of water to great body of water then to magnificent burning great rock formation. So I really liked it. Well think about it.
Hi Thomas, first time commenting! I liked the second image better than the first, I agree with Lynne, my eyes went directly to the beautiful color you captured in those mountains. Technically perfect vs Creative spontaneity... It has your signature look and therefore an interpretive work........Of Art*** Thanks for sharing!
Great video, I appreciate the sharing of an almost great shot. Your analysis is spot on, although to be truthful I didn't immediately understand why it didn't seem like one of yours. Wonderful learning moment on this end. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the demonstration. Enjoy your work shop videos.
Thanks Thomas, That was a good lesson on composition and why it matters.
Hey Tom. I really liked this video. Was really good to see something that went wrong and then have you sit down and explain what happened. At first glance I liked the image. But when you explained what you didn't like about the composition I started to see the potential the image had to be even better. A great insight into how to turn nice views into good images. Cheers for another great video.
Wow what an awesome video, would love to see more of the composition critique of you images, with the overlay of the arrows and circles etc. It was really really helpful to see what was going on, another great video thank you
A good video, seemed the capture the frantic panic most photographers have experienced rushing to get a composition right when the light is fading. Like your breakdown of your thoughts on how the 2nd photo didn't work, helps more than the seeing you take a photo that does work.
Wow that was really instructive to me. My first impression was also it's a not so great shot but I couldn't see why until you've explained it so well. Thank you for this lesson.
Your explanation is extremely insightful in how to improve upon an already amazing image. Your work is inspiring and the educational dialogue you present is something that long for as I transition from mastering technical skills to improving on the composition and art of photography. Please consider more segments such as this in your tremendous work.
Nice video Thomas! Great to see Simon and Meg out there as well.
Great vlog, and thank you for all you do, always honest, thoughtful and very inspirational. With regards to your image, its a good capture in a beautiful location...and yes, you could have nailed something better if you had more time and didn’t feel rushed, but as you said, you’ve been driving all day! What I really liked is your honesty and the importance of composition and being honest to share this with those that follow you. Great work Tom👍
I really like seeing how you approach a scene to get the best image out of it. When I do it it's like 90% of the time I'm panicking and running around thinking the sun is going to disappear.
The rare moments when I'm patient I take great images, but usually I also rush and take a couple of average shots.
I agree with you Thomas Like first image of the beach second one is unbalanced. Enjoyed the vlog looks fantastic location
I think you're right about it being unbalanced. I also think that as photographers, we should be our own worst critics because that's what drives us to be better. I watch your channel because of this honest appraisal. Looking forward to seeing more of your trip. Nice work Thomas!
I didn’t even notice the little bolder to busy looking at the mountains!
So as they say it’s in the eye of the beholder
Thomas, thank you very much for your hard work and insight. I learned a lot from this video, glad you shared it! Keep up the amazing work! Greetings from Germany!
The colour of those mountains was amazing
Tom, you have proved once again the 3 P’s concept. Reading some of the the comments it would seem that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” when it comes to art and photography. Loved the lesson in composition. Entertaining as usual. ❤️📷👍🏻🍷
Great video Tom! Its all about getting back up again and learning along the way. If we make every mistake just once, we'll eventually run out of mistakes :-)
Its refreshing to see an authentic account of a day in the field.
A+ Tom !
I appreciate this video immensely. I've taken many pics and sometimes can't figure out why many don't work. Thanks for explaining. I agree with your opinion of the photo.
I like how you dissected your image and I agree and Thank You ... I learned from that Composition lesson
I looked at image and agree everything leads me to the dark land in the background. I can analyze my photos when I'm looking at them on the computer. My problem is I get caught up in the epic scenery and light and don't do a good job composing my pictures. If I get one I like I think it's more luck than planning. Thanks for posting this and even though it didn't work out, I've learned from it.
Great video as always. Love the first image, but I felt "meh" about the second one. Not bad but that could've been me ;)
I think a panorama taken with the tele of just the mountains, a bit of sky and water in front would've been a really nice shot (talking about your second shot). Basically what you showed from 10:31 to 10:35 . Looking forward to the next videos (if there are more) of this trip, Scotland just has a special place in my heart.
Thanks for this great example. The image is beautiful but I completely understand and agree with your explanation. Before you pointed this out, I would have taken similar shots. Thanks again for a great tip.
Love the first image, very honest and insightful to disect your second image as you did
Hello Thomas. First off I so dig the way you compose your video's. The voice over and music choices fit perfectly. And it's great the way you don't just jump straight into your video's main topic. I have to agree with your evaluation of the photo. The items in the background just seem out of place. But I actually thought if they were gone then everything else was fine. To my eye the dark rocks on the right side actually drew my attention to the foreground rocks.
That image was awesome! You are right about the leading lines taking towards the land but still it was a visual delight 👍🏻
2 points of interest, great shot when tone and seperate balance is taken into concideration, great work!
Thanks for put up this video. I struggle with composition. The video provides some insight as to why.
Wow, what an amazing place!!! Breathtaking. And those images are fantastic :)
I really appreciate seeing the "failures" from your shoots - I learned a ton from it, and your willingness to make it a vlog turned a "failure" into a success for your thousands of viewers! Thanks for helping us avoid Survivorship Bias =)
i might have felt the same if my income depended on my photography... so, i can understand the feeling. But, since it doesn't, i get to enjoy the total piece of artwork presented as it was - awesome exposure, beautiful colors, fantastic composition. Most of all, the memories of the journey to capture it. This was perfect. Thanks for posting it regardless of your feeling it was less than excellent.
Yeah first look at the image was like. As you look at the images further. Your points are very valid Thomas. Just a minor blimp, quite sure you will have some nice images there.
Thank you, thank you for this... Two days ago it happened to me almost the same as you the long ride the beautiful sunset and the mountains I was rushed to take the picture but the composition was the same as you the rocks were pointing to another direction and as soon i took the picture I knew it was bad composition. This video made me realise I was right so thank you for including this kind of video because it's very important to see the importance of composition.
ps. saw the video on cropping and love it. You are right it is very important.