Improve Your Landscape Photography by Caring Less
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- Today I discuss how we can improve our landscape photography. It is not gear or technique related, but it is about the process that leads to the taking of a photograph. The more we enjoy the process without worrying too much about the final image, the more our portfolio will grow. Thank you MPB for sponsoring this video. Buy, Sell & Trade Your Gear: bit.ly/3A5UKSs
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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!
Thomas, you’re absolutely correct. It’s about the story. Not the final image. The final image is icing on the cake.
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'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.
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...
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
Completely agree Tom. The higher the expectation the higher the chance you'll be disapointed. Really liked the deer photo!
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.
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.
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.
Totally agree. The process of getting out there with camera in hand adds the most value to the day - getting a good shot to take home is just a nice bonus.
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.
Hahah I find it funny how you say your content is about story telling and not about teaching but I learn the most from your channel. Great lesson and even better story today Thomas!
We follow you for the photos you take, but also enjoy the travel!
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.
Your cover picture in the end standing in front of the landscape is the best one.
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 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!
Now THIS is why we watch your videos, Tom--your contagious enthusiasm. That was well said. I've found that if you just keep showing up, the magic will happen, but it's awesome to be out with the camera in the first place. Really nice sunset shot, BTW.
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.
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
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
Ah...Such a romantic! "I love taking long walks on the beach when it's raining!" But you're correct, of course. Just going out and shooting will improve your photography much faster than only shooting when conditions are ideal. Quantity builds quality over time.
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
Watching you fumble around the rocks with a tea in your hand was incredibly relatable 😂. Enjoyed this episode, Thomas!
I enjoy your photographs as much as your storytelling and watching the process. Exceptional ⭐
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)!
I started my photography journey because taking pictures was a good excuse to go outside more in a moment when my mental health was really bad. Nowadays, landscape photography is still the best excuse for exploring, enjoying time in the wild, , camping, traveling, etc. If I come back home empty handed, I am still happy that I spent the day outdoors, and if I get a great picture, its the cherry on top.
It’s why I love watching your videos it’s all about the adventure and the story
Your soliloquy about photography, mental and physical health and story telling is brilliant. You totally summed it all up. Well done. Inspiring!
And oh man you have stories!!! It is all about the journey, thank you for sharing!
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.
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.
Hiking with a tea is the most British thing I've seen in a while.
you tell a good story Thomas! I resonate with this so much. I took a short walk today, the camera was with me, just in case. I saw two images. They were okay. But it was the process of just being about in nature, being able to spot something that had grabbed my attention, playing with it and ideas for a moment, and moving on. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
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.
I totally agree Thomas. The result of all our efforts is not always the greatest photos. I love the process of planning a trip to a location near or far, the adventure of trekking through the country side, being present enough to engage with the setting and respond to those sometimes rare moments. Simply, it is the process that drives me. I don't really care if anyone ever sees my photos. Sometimes it's the littlest things that give me a thrill. Our photos might be nothing more than a visual private diary.
Great to see you back in Scotland and sharing this great message Tom 😊
Hey Tom, great video! Great teaching moments, great delivery, awesome spontaneity! Well done man! Thanks for sharing this
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.
Mic drop at the end, “this is why I don’t burn out on UA-cam” Amen!
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
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.
Love the emphasis on story, and the way you tell those stories.
"...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!
'There is always a story to tell' Love that Thomas, and yes your stories are great to watch as are your images :-) Keep on telling!!
Thanks Thomas, I needed to be reminded of that. I've done so little photography due to the frustrations you spell out quite well. I had forgotten to enjoy the experience and have a good photo as the cherry on top. Thank you for that reminder.
You summed up my philosophy of photography with this video. This is a direct quote from website. "The joy I get from photography is more of the exploration than actually taking the photos. The photos are the treasures you find while exploring. These treasures create memories that allow you to relive the experiences over and over again." Your story telling with your expedition is what originally drew my to watch you videos. Thanks for all you do for us.
This video should be named “Landscape Photography 1.01”. Everything you say is just so true and so easy to forget, at least for me… Thank you so much for this!
Absolutely solid, top-notch advice from an absolutely solid, top-notch photographer. Thanks Tom! The photograph of the deer was amazing.
SOOO TRUE! Thanks for that! A simple "Like" was not enough this time! 🙂 But you'll get a "Like" too!
Best recommendation. I went through the same process and my images greatly improved when I started caring about doing photography more than the resulting images.
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
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.
I agree. To me it's like fishing. Your out in nature and sometimes you get something to take home.
yes it's what I love on your work , you tell a story and I love that. Thanks Sir Heaton
and that is why I watch your videos every time you put one out and that is it's your story you pass on. Plus you do have some lovely photos to share too !
I have always said, “When you go fishing, fish are a bonus!” It’s the same with photography! However, you scored well today with that sunset pano! Thanks for taking me along!
..And boy, do we enjoy your stories. Thank you man!
What you said at the end was so on point! My UA-cam format was image based and if I didn’t get the shot the result was no video.. your story telling (and photography) is great and why I’ve always enjoyed your channel since day one! This is exactly what I needed to hear.
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 👌
This was great, I don't go out to take pictures, I go out and take my camera for a walk. For me it's all about the outside and the peace. The Camera comes along for the ride.
Thomas, you are spot on about the mental health benefits of photography. It is my zen place. I lose track of time while I am out there shooting. It’s a bonus if you get a stunning image!! Thanks for the video!
I couldn’t agree with you more Thomas. I used to focus on the outcome of an outing and I thought the success was based on getting a great outcome. I soon realized as you have mentioned here that its all about the journey and being out in nature and enjoying the process. As a coach I work with has taught me its more about mastery rather than being focused on the outcome. It’s who you are becoming as a result of the journey. Keep your stories coming, thats one of the main reasons I tune to your channel every week.
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.
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.
Always inspired by your messaging. Great work. Of course always love your photography - seeing beyond the weeds.
That is one of the best motivational photography videos I've ever seen... most of my best photos ... by that I mean most memorable to take... have a story of the unexpected attached... As a full time worker and dad I cant really pick and choose when I go out and shoot... I used to be a plan and it was fun of expectation and failure... now im a go shoot when I have time in whatever conditions I get and don't worry too much. I think that shooting that way makes me a better photographer as you have to work more to find the interest... and there is always interest to find... you just need to look and if its raining get the waterproofs on!
I totally agree , you should actually care less about your images . The experience is worth it . After my final mbbs exams i am like a doll now before i could travel 50 60 km on a cycle to get an image . So that was my purpose .
You stabiliser is absolutely wild. Great video by the way, inspiring as always
After a lifetime as a professional news photographer, I can only say that you are getting to the core of photography. I follow your development as a person and photographer with interest.
I really have to say it this time. So many of your videos have reflected my very own inner monologue mate.
But this one talking about the self doubt and indecision on whether to stay or move, or worry about the place I just left is now better than where I ended up is just so deflating sometimes. chasing something that I hope happens only for it to end up feeling like a disappointing trip has made me not even look at the shots on my memory cards which is a shame, as the images captured within them are reminders (good or bad) of that journey.
My most recent trip across to Northumbria and then up the east coast of Scotland being very much like everything you mentioned at the start of this video. Sometimes I care too much about getting an image that I race from place to place chasing it that I forget to just enjoy the trip. I will absolutely try to maybe not care so much in the future and just take in and enjoy the journey! Cheers for this video mate! It been inspiring! :)
very enjoyable, passion, enthusiasm, BUT a wee bit of 'Paul Whithouse Brilliant' sneaking in, great fun... 😇😊😉❤
Another great photography adventure, thanks for sharing with us people that can't get out very often
I had an encounter with a stag in Applecross. I was in the camp site above the pub, I came back from the pub late in the evening and there were a number of deer around. There was a classic iron street light in the car park and under it, perfectly lit by this lone lamp. I pulled my phone from my pocket, opened the camera app and the stag ran off before I could press the shutter button. The one that got away was just a couple of miles from your deer...
What a great video and a lot of positive time, great to see and that you enjoy it. I do that too and be sure to be quiet for a moment and look around you when you are there and the journey at that moment is simply enjoyable. Thank you Thomas as always and greetings Martin
Absolutely loved your last two videos. Epic scenery and great images.
Amazing and this couldn't have come at a better time. Went out yesterday, the light was not good but I now have several potential spots saved for when it is. Most of this year I have tried to treat "failed" sessions as scouting sessions which often end up delivering the goods later on in the year.
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 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.
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. 😂
The best and most meticulous plans for photography, and then the serendipity of the deer in the perfect light. Thank you universe.
It's true. I stoppe caring and just go out and I get more photos.
That was a very illuminating video. I think we learned some deeper truths about you Tom. Very nice; especially the last bit.
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!
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.
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! 🙂
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.
Not only I enjoyed watching this video very much (as usual, actually), but I loved the final speech. We don't need toxic pressure to always take great photos (even by my rather low standards 😬). Instead, having fun with the whole process is the point if it. Thank you. 👍🏻💪🏻
The biggest inspiration in landscape photography to this day. Absolutely love your content and storytelling as always Thomas!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're a great storyteller 🙂
And it's the stories and adventures that keep this channel on my small list of favourites!
Well done on the tea drinking transition!
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.
Thank you so much for this, Thomas. The process HAS to be a key motivator, otherwise this whole photography thing gets overwhelming very quickly. I have a small, niche astro YT channel; the story is always so much more interesting than the final images. I just love taking people along for the journey, even if that journey ends in failure!
You are right on! Hopping in my Jeep and just going is usually the point. If you're into photography to win a contest, you already lost.
There’s that old chestnut that the eye is the best camera, and what I thinks relevant about that is even if you don’t walk away with a great picture, you’ve gone somewhere interesting and seen something great.
If you don’t get out there-wherever there is-you don’t get any excellent images and you don’t see these fantastic things.
Thank you for your words of wisdom and inspiration.
Great content and your channel is evolving. Looking forward to next week.
And you are a great storyteller!