How I Plan a Landscape Photography Shoot
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- Planning is a big part of landscape photography, but it isn't the only way. In this video I discuss how you don't always need to have a plan, sometimes it's ok to just get up, go outside and see what you see.
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#LandscapePhotography #Planning
About 50 years ago my Dad told me to 'shoot to the conditions'. No planning for good weather and light only. He was right. The Cairngorms, Glencoe even just the Ochils the cameras went with us, there was ALWAYS a shot eventually. Landscapes in bad/poor weather can be very dramatic even in those days when I usually just had 1 50mm lens and mainly shot with Ilford FP4. My Dad was right, check the weather for clothing, adjust your route if necessary and just go! Now I roam less widely but my Fujis and lenses are weather resistant and with digital trickery there is never a reason not not go out to take photos. You got it right too in this video Tom, taking photographs is what photographers do, we do it for ourselves and only share what we like most so a failed trips not a failure. P.S. The hills and wild land were my Dad's passion as was his camera, he died in a climbing accident aged 82 and was still an active member of the ScottishCampaign for National Parks at that time. I was greatly influenced by this and I learned a lot about the landscape from him and do my best to record it for myself, family and friends.
The thing I hate the most is waking up and seeing a beautiful foggy morning and realizing I have to go to work.
Amen to that
Sounds like a good strategy for when you’re stuck, but the key is enjoying being outside and wandering. “Shoot what the light shows you” is my mantra.
Agreed look for the light. xx
I think this is by far the most useful monologue you’ve delivered that I can put it to use right away. I began to chase “that shot” and to imitate. And in the midst of it all, forget to explore what’s around me. Whenever I’ve explored with an open mind, I’ve gotten good shots. Your statement to check the weather to pick the jacket instead of whether to go or not is right on point.
Keep making the videos. We are watching and learning from you.
I'm into time-lapse photography. One of the best time-lapse I ever made was right when I received my first camera: I immediately charged the battery and went out without knowing where to go or what to shoot. I was just so excited to finally make time-lapses myself and I somehow ended up on top of a hill at sunset with an amazing cloudscape.
You are so right, Thomas! Some of my best photos are accidental. I mean to say they are not planned but just happen. It really takes off a lot of stress when I don't have to 'plan' everything to the final degree. Very good advice but I can imagine some people may be cringing at the thought of 'no planning'. They are missing out on enjoying nature. I also want to tell you that I am enjoying your book. It is a high quality book and you must be so proud. You designed it beautifully with a page of explanation about each photograph. And the QR codes at the back for videos about each photo is genius! I am savoring 2-3 a day because I don't want this to be over. You really MUST plan to do another one. I am in the USA and shipping was really quick (or maybe I was willing to wait?). Thank you for providing us with hours of entertainment and information with your videos and your book.
Interesting to hear that the best planning is not to plan. I'm not a pro landscape photographer, well not pro photographer in general, but I simply take risks and just go out, no matter the weather, I just put my alarm for 2 o'clock in the morning and go to the location I want to go and explore and if I come back with an image, great, if not still great, thinking I've achieved something that day. Great video as always Thomas. You have been my photography hero pretty much since you started your channel and throughout the years you have improved so much. I'm glad you have stayed on RUclips and keep putting those inspiring videos out. Love your work. Greetings from Yorkshire.
I was already to rage quit this video with all the talk about preconceptions and trying to recreate what you see on the internet. But then... you bring it right back. Excellent. The only thing I’ll add, is maybe don’t say “give yourself permission to fail” but “give yourself space to learn and grow. It’s basically the same idea but removing the negative connotation of failure.
Thanks for these valuable tips, Thomas. Your book came by mail (Germany) a few days ago and it is a wonderful selection of photos. I know many of the photos from your RUclips videos, but many of them are still unknown to me. I think it's really great that after all the years you share videos with us here on RUclips, you just stay yourself. Really a really nice way of interacting with us as viewers! Down-to-earth, relaxed, approachable, real.
Of all the you tubers I subscribe to, you are the guy who has consistently risen to the challenges imposed on us by COVID-19. Your videos remain original and honest. You have looked out of the box and come up with some great original content. Looking forward to more great videos and yes your latest photobook arriving. Glad to support the channel.
I am just starting out in photography and this sums me up perfectly. I no longer plan, I just go out into the wild, take my camera and enjoy nature. If I get a photo chance then brilliant. I found the pressure of trying to plan shots made me dread going out! I was always disappointed and felt I was putting far too much pressure on myself to be the next Thomas Heaton! Great advice, great video. 😁
I really like your subtle/pure take on landscape photography, it’s refreshing even though it’s how it should be. While a lot of Instagram “stars” and others are all shooting the same big ticket locations the same way *yawn*
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I LOVE that you still talk about Flickr. Still my space, never wandered off to Instagram. ❤️
The exact thing happened to me last weekend. I had a long week of work and was so looking forward to the upcoming weekend and when it was finally there I struggled so hard to find out where to go. I found something but when I wanted to get up early in the morning the weather was just awful and I decided not go. On Sunday evening I felt guilty and so stupid for not going that it even ruined my last hours of my weekend. That's when I decided to take my next weekend off from everything and everyone and just go out and see what I can find. At least I am mentally prepared for bad weather as it's supposed to be windy and rainy over here once again lol.
Thanks for the great video Tom, perfect timing :D
Sometimes I do a little planning (e.g. time/location of sunrise/moonrise) but in general I follow your philosophy of "just go with it". I have the book and am enjoying it, well done.
You sound so much better Thomas. Great message. I normally just plan general location, ideas and times but try not to have expectations.
Finally someone that’s giving out the best advice for us nature photographers ever on RUclips. What a fantastic way of getting the message across Tom! I can see in the comments that a lot of photographers out there knows exactly what you’re talking about! It sounds like many of us just love the way nature find ways to surprise us. It constantly delivers unexpected stuff for us to work with, to be creative with. I just love that about photography! The main advice is to go out as often as possible and leave expectations behind. I have learned so much about photography this way. Just learn to deal with the situation at hand have taught me almost every thing I know about capturing interesting bits of nature images.
My favorite thing about you Thomas is that you never try/claim to be the best photographer, so you never come off as condescending but only inspiring and helpful!! And the whole time producing images that are among the best in the world :)
Just received your book Tom. Keep blowing' your own trumpet! It's a great credit to your talents. Not read cover to cover yet but have admired all the photos. Now to the commentaries with a good cup of coffee...and then an unplanned planned trip. Thanks!
I plan to wake up every day, so far it’s always been a success. And if lucky I get take a picture or two of something that interests me.
Thanks for sharing again Thomas.
Best landscape photographer alive.
Right next to Michael Kenna.
You see into my soul Thomas. Gosh, the beginning of this is so true.
Spot on Tom - I've only just had this revelation during lockdown where I've set myself a maximum 20 minute drive radius to explore local areas. Find a footpath or woodland trail, take a wander and see what I see, shoot what's there and no prizes for guessing its been invigorating - no expectations and no disillusionment ! Great 15 minutes of viewing !
This video is fantastic. Thanks.
I myself have struggled for ages with this same feeling of looking and not finding. To the point where I have started not even taking my camera more often, just to reconnect with nature and remember why I'm actually out there. Managing expectations is so important. This video was good to watch and feel some confirmation of my mind set. Thanks Thomas 👍🏞️🌻
Thank you for promoting this style of "planning" photography outings, it leads to way more unique and personal photos
Nobody has inspired me more than you in your Iceland trip video here I saw that you should not only visit the outstanding location but also really pay attention to the other motifs in order to walk through the island with open eyes, thanks for that. So far I have been building more of a sensational photographer, now I will go through my photo trips with different eyes.
Greetings from namesake Thomas
P.S.
and that's also the reason why I just ordered your book, I'm already looking forward to it
Agreed! I have found similar results in my experience, having very limited time to go out and shoot, I usually try to find images that compliment the available light rather than hoping for a specific type of light. You’re great Tom, thanks for the inspiration!
I just rewatched this video! I probably commented on it the last time because I thought it was great... Now I think it's an epic piece of advice! So if i did thank you the last time or not Thomas doesn't matter, I'll just do it again. Thank you for the best advice on planning I've recieved!
I received your book this morning Thomas, very pleased with it. It's a fantastic piece of work and the descriptions really add to the experience. Thank you.
Just got your book ! The mail dropped it at our doorstep at the exact time you mentioned it in a video I was watching just now ~ excellent timing ~ Thank You !!!
Recieved my book today (I’m near Los Angeles). It is excellent. I’ve followed you for some time and have seen almost all of the videos behind these images, so I can relate to them - as if I was there with you. Your writing is as emotional as the image, really connects well. When I opened the package, the first image I saw was the back and I immediately noticed a picture of you shooting with the lens cap on and had a chuckle. You inspire more than you know. Thanks for all the effort you put into the videos and the book.
French scientist and philosopher Blaise Pascal once said: "if you want to make God laugh, make a plan" ;-)
I've heard it put a little bit different, "Life is what happens while you're making other plans." Lol
@@zenphotojourney I like this one better.
Are you certain it wasn't Woody Allen? I can't find that quote by Blaise Pascal but it's attributed to Woody in more than one place.
@@ravenhendershott1058i'm not sure but it would go well with both ;-)
How about this one: "if you want to make God laugh tell him about your plans"
Stopped at 2:53 to comment - but everything you’ve said up to this point....I felt this 😩
Fuck me... don't plan? I'm an amateur photographer with some technical knowledge, a.k.a. a control freak. Wander off and see what happens? This means being creative and actually feeling the environment! Thanks, Thomas, you've reminded me that this is all about feeling. I'd forgotten this. I think this is my first ever comment, but I think what you've said here really merited a shout-out.
Thank you Thomas - another great video. I plan, but most of of planning is spontaneous - surrounded by moments of pure joy. Catching a morning sunrise on a hay pasture or cornfield just before harvest, when there is nobody around and you can almost hear the sun rising. Thanks again Thomas.
So much agree! I rarely plan, instead I explore, it almost doesn't matter where. Keep your eyes open, watch the light, and it's rare that something brilliant doesn't reveal itself. Now, taking advantage of that brilliance is another challenge entirely... 😂
In keeping with your advice I drove two hours to the lakes, parked my car, walked for half an hour to Loweswater.... and realised I'd left my filters behind!
Yep, over-planning narrows the photographic mind and takes away the fun of exploration. Almost wouldn't have watched your video because the title seemed to suggest that it would be one of those myriad "Why you absolutely need to be a control freak for worthwhile images" videos out there. 😄
My usual answer to "what are you going to photograph?"
"I'm going to go see what I can see!"
Love the book too Tom!! Got it pretty fast too. Beautiful 😊
One of the older members of my camera club said to me "Luck plays a major part in photography". He's so right.
My philosophy exactly........I feel just like you Thomas that I have just been lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time 👍🏻
Just received Thomas' book. Stunning images. On paper they really come alive. Haven't gone through all the stories with each photo yet, but from what I've seen my mojo has jumped 100 steps up. Great work and keep going !!!
Love this video! It's totally how I plan too. Gives just enough constraints to let creativity flourish, but without so many that it gets stifled... And is another reason your channel is so enjoyable to watch 👍
Thomas, great idea,I have indeed been working like crazy and today was a day like you describe, drizzle so much easier to stay home, But I am off again tomorrow and I am going to take your advice and head out with no planning and see what I can get. Thanks for the inspiration and thanks for sharing.
Received your book (UK) on Saturday, it really is first rate, well done Thomas. I hope it won't be too long before Vol 2!
Yep, I planned for a poppy field shot with the sun in the perfect position, weather forecast perfect, kit all checked, flask of coffee ready and when I arrived after practically salivating all week waiting for the weekend, some bugger had mowed the bloody lot away - baaastard😩.
On the button Tom. I've planned in the past only to be met with disappointment for one reason or another. Now the only thing I plan is a general location and the possibility of a sunrise regardless of the weather forecast. How often are they wrong? if I don't get that there's almost always something else I'm happy to come away with. If I do get the rise, everything else is a bonus.
Thanks Thomas, Planning is something that I need to do more of. Last time out spend all day driving around without getting a shot. But did find some locations to use for sunrise and sunset shoots. Also your book will finally arrive in a couple of days. It took longer to get from New York to Virginia then it did to cross the pond.
The only planning I do is to match weather to a location, e.g. if overcast head to woodland, if broken cloud and moving sunlight head to the hills. Aside from that, I look for appropriate parking, and then a footpath or route to take. Once done I just take the walk and explore without any expectations. If I get a great image then that is a bonus.
Thanks so much for making this video Tom, as it's the exact place in my photography journey I've found myself in. I've been trying way to hard lately and can't see anything that catches my eye. Now I'll give myself permission to go explore! Thanks so much again!
Great video Mr Heaton. Too often I have planned to go to a location to capture a great image. On the way there I will see a composition that would make a spectacular photo, but it's not in the plan so I keep going. My plan doesn't pan out the way I had wanted and I end up walking away with nothing. Plus without planning you're more likely to get unique shots.
So true Thomas, so true! I could recognise myself in all you said!
Sounds like my kind of planning! With you all the way on this one, just love getting out there and enjoying the surroundings. BTW I received your book today - wow! The content and the quality are superb. Many thanks Tom and I look forward to reading it in detail. Cheers!
John I.
“I said book plug” caught me off guard haha. Really refreshing to hear about not planning, especially with Instagram favoured locations, and 1000 other people to compete with, I much prefer exploring or hiking with a camera, rather than the pressure of walking for a particular shot. It can really stifle the creativity and take the fun away from photography.
Received the book. Very impressed with the layout some lovely images and text description beautiful book looking forward to vol 2. Thank you
I have just received your book through the post. It is a wonderful, inspirational piece of work! All the hours spent putting it together were more than worth it! The images are amazing, especially the more intimate scenes and your text really brings them to life. This is exactly the kind of book I was hoping for from you. I am already looking forward to Volume 2! Outstanding. Just outstanding!
lol I generally don't do too much planning before a trip I kind of enjoy the challenge of seeing how close I can get to dodging a bullet. One video in particular almost drove me insane the dawn sky was incredible on fire for ages and I was racing round like a headless chuck trying to find a suitable location before the light faded away, I pulled off one shot I am happy with, but in no way was it planned. Great honest video Thomas always inspirational. Regards Paul
I don't even plan to wait for your videos, I just do it! Lol. Your plan has always been my plan. A surprise capture often carries w/ it that level of excitement, and happens way more frequently, I mean way more, than a properly executed plan finally paying off, and that often looks just like someone else's plan. Good topic Thomas lad.
Love this "Give yourself permission to fail". Wise word, Thomas.
Your landscape book arrived today in the States. Love, love, love the back cover. Now to dive into the essence of the book. Well done, Thomas!
Old school way of photographing ... Awesome 😁
And there's me thinking it was only me. What a relief, what a revelation Thomas. Thank you so much. Gonna just go out now tomorrow, don't know where, just out. Thanks again.
The distribution plan is working - the book has just landed in Birmingham. Brilliant product - reading it has already put me behind with the Saturday chores!
Can’t wait for my signed copy to get to Canada! I’m waiting not patiently. Next week I go on a 4 day hike near Lake Louise the weather looks terrible. But I’m packing my 10lbs of camera gear 40+km up the mountain and hoping for the best.
Great Thomas.
Feel inspired to get out now.
Job done mate. Thank you.
I really enjoyed this video! I've been working towards the "almost no plan approach" for a while but you nailed it. It's always nice to hear someone else say what you're thinking...
When you go out to photograph and take little expectations is when you can find the biggest surprises, I waited years to photographing Cradle Mountain in Tasmania and when I was there the weather was unbearable, it was great to be there but i didn´t take any that i truly love from that day. Looking forward to buy your book :)
Thank you for the laughter with the, albeit unintentional (or was it??) "book plug" edit. Needed that as much as I did hearing your reaffirming words to just go out and let the leaves fall where they may, or something like that anyway.
Looking forward to the arrival of your book in Australia!
I got my copy of the book and it's great. Congratulations.
I’ve never planned, some of my best work has actually come from a shoot where I’m convinced I’ve got nothing and then I flick through in post a slight tweak here and there and now you have something beautiful. For many years I would go out and come back with nothing useable, nothing of interest. Now I’m proud to say I generally find 1 or 2 great shots every time I go out I believe the reason is that I only shoot when I’m in the mood, an art can’t be forced and in my opinion the difference between a good and great photographer is that, a good one will capture a scene well. A great one will find that shot that isn’t immediately there. Hence you make a good point about ideas and inspiration, anybody can copy. But few can see what isn’t obvious
This was gold, Thomas. Looking at photo's for inspiration rather than idea's is such good advice.
While you were explaining scenario 1 I wanted to scream „No, no, no!“, because nothing is more boring than photographing what others have photographed a million times before. But then you explained scenario 2 and I fully agree. I also like your advice not to care for the weather other than packing the waterproofs or not. Will do that from niw on, thanks! 👍 I enjoy exploring areas with my dog and if I return with good photos it’s a nice addon - not more. Therefore my channel‘s motto is: It‘s not only about the pictures - It’s about being out there 😁
Why am I not on your email list?
It's like are you an artist with photography as your medium or are you a photocopier.
That can't be my book there on your desk, mine arrived this morning! Its superb, many thanks 👍
I got your book in the mail yesterday. It's fantastic. I love the behind the scenes glimpses you included. Great work!
Received my copy of your book today - thanks, Thomas! It is even more beautiful and inspiring than I thought it would be. A small hint for your next back cover: if you want to capture the experience with your camera, don't forget to remove the lens cap ;-)
Hi Thomas, I would bet 9-out-of-10 photographers favorite images were taken when least expected. Ansel Adam's "Moonrise" is a fine example, mine is "Ranch House, Reno, Nevada", taken when driving into the town late afternoon with photography last on my mind. John Sexton would say some of his worst negatives turned out to be his best prints. That is the magic. Good work.
This 100% depends on how much free time you have.
To me this routine changed a lot as an adult who has a full-time job and a car. I started landscape photography as a young 17 year old fella in school. Had lots of time back then but no car.
I used to just go around our landscapes around the town but with no plan and spent entire days on this.
Nowadays I find myself planning where to drive to do some shots on a day off work. The shooting itself is a way shorter process than what it used to be when I just randomly hiked around with no goal. This part makes me sad some times because it feels so much less creative. It feels empty to drive to a planned place, get your gear out, take some shots there, and then after not too much time you get back into your car and drive back home.
If I didn't work a full time job I would definitely just go on random hikes again.
One of my favorite pictures wasn't planned.
It was a big root sprawled across the path with some tiny bits of moss growing in a seam in the wood grain. Most of the root was sanded and polished by decades of people stepping on it with sandy shoes.
It caught my eye but I almost dismissed it. I'm glad I took the time to stop and get that little detail shot!
Soon after the moss dried out and got trampled. I've never seen it look the same.
Great advice. Been torn before by “get there itis”. Head down, driving for the (as it turned out) non-existent sunrise lighting at the classic destination whereas the shot of the day (and probably month) would have been the pre-dawn, misty blue hour lighting looking back down the valley that I glimpsed in the rear view mirror, and thought “do I stop or focus on the “plan”? Did I stop? No! Focused on the “plan”.
All of my landscape photography has been where i've planned to go on a hike/walk throughout Wales or the lakes and thought "I'll take the camera with me", and I still never felt like a "real" photographer. I felt like I was just snapping pics like a tourist or taking pics for the sake of taking them while I was out, but this video has put my mind at ease a little about enjoying nature and enjoying the views. Instead of looking for the image, let the image find me
One thing that rips my knitting is planning some cityscape images and when you arrive the building is shrouded in scaffolding, so planning can help to an extent but sometimes the conditions on the day wont be in your favour but them are the breaks
Thanks! Love this. aka... Stop getting in your own way and just get out there!
I get the feeling that there is an unspoken rivalry between yourself and Nigel Danson at the moment! Its the Messi/Ronaldo of photography! Both pushing each other haha!
Great video as always, and just received the book here in San Diego CA, USA. Fantastic! great read and inspiring.
Good advice, Thomas! I got excited when you mentioned Utah (Nepali by birth, but Utah is home now). Liked your Zion Van T-shirt too! Oh and I loved your Everest Base Camp videos too. Finally decided to subscribe :).
The only plans I make are an area or subject to photograph and the weather.
If the photos are 'Shite' it's my Shite. So I totally agree with you Tom 👍
Cheers E
Great advice! AND -- I received your book and I LOVE it -- very inspirational!!!!
Received my book in the mail on Friday....I'm holding myself to 10 pages a day to make it last! The book (so far) is wonderful!
Thanks for this Tom, your advice is spot on. All of the "planned" shots I've ever had have never worked out whereas all of my favourite photos which I've taken were all stumbled upon or pure luck!
Book plug lol almost spat out my corn flakes. Looks great mate I'll be placing an order.
Really good advice, Tom. Thanks.
Full marks on the advise. I'll look up the sunrise/set, time to get to the location - everything else is a crap shoot. Way too many variables otherwise that you have no control over. You're just setting yourself up to fail (unmet expectations). Then it helps to be willing to wander off in random directions to see what could be seen.
Got your book last week. :thumbs up:
Thomas I understand completely when I do my little trips I don't plan on any kind of photography trips I just go out I'm a mountain bike I'm either doing regular bike riding or I'm going to do a campout bikepacking that is and whatever pop up that's what I get
You should do a video on how you made your intro clip, I mean were talking about that attention grabbing, inspirational, life altering, breathtaking introduction to this video 🤗 funny I didn't plan to type that response. Jokes aside, generally I find the more planning the more disappointment and I totally agree with minimal planning and just going for it 👍👍
I have a voice in my head that gets me out, “you’ve got to be in it to win it”. Hey, wait, you told me that in one of your early videos. Excellent advice at 3:30am when it is dark and nasty outside.
Oh man I can totally relate to the feeling lucky thing. Even if I plan something out and I end up getting a good image, it still feels like a total fluke!!
Brilliant insightful video Thomas.
As you may remember from a few e-mails we have exchanged, I am not a landscape photographer. I shoot mainly concerts and art events. But I sometimes love to shoot a bit of landscape when I am out for a walk. For that I never plan anything, I just go out and I shoot what catches my eye. But then I was challenged by my brother to do an exhibition with him later this year, his (abstract) landscape paintings and my photographs, also in this case landscapes. And for this I wanted to use a few photographs with a model in the landscapes, apart from "just landscapes". Now that shoot (last June) I had planned a bit. Kept checking the weather forecasts till we were two days ahead of a day with expected good weather. Called the model, planned the day and time and the locations we were to go to. I had two ideas in my head of the kind of pictures I was looking for and for the rest I would leave it up to the circumstances that we would find. I managed to get one of the two ideas realised into a photograph. Lucky though to be at the right place at the right time, the kind of landscape I had been thinking of with good light. The rest of the shots just evolved. So for once I had it kind of "planned".
I love all of this advice and I'm sure it's good... but I can't help planning in meticulous detail sometimes, probably because I just love the process of doing it. I love the science and the technology and the art of it all. That said, spontaneity is good for the soul, and it has its time and its place ;-)