Thomas I love you. You have just given me the confidence I need to actually get some of my own photos printed and on my wall. I have always looked at other photographers work and felt I fell so short. I am a complete novice with only limited post processing skills and I have looked at my efforts and thought nope, I love it but it's not as good as the ones I see on social media. I now have the confidence to put my own prints on my wall and I am really excited about that. Thank you
@Joan Mccartney I framed a smallish colour print taken of the pub dog sleeping in a pool of sunlight quickly taken on a 5Mp phone (2013). I liked it , so had it framed. You go for it. The framer will help tremendously as well and you'll enjoy the whole process; best of luck..👍
Hanging one of your own shots on the wall is great. I bought one of those frames with clip down sides. I then select my best shot each month, print it and put it the frame. The frames are relatively cheap(mine was
You are an outside influence Thomas of a positive kind. I don’t try to emulate your photography only learn from you. The only thing I do try to emulate is your enthusiasm and the simple joy of taking a picture.
I've been away from photography for a while - Im not a Mr Heaton but have a few shots I'm happy with or proud of and am moving house to a new area in Yorkshire and have been re-bingeing on your videos to get the saliva flowing again - this has to be one of the best you've done. Thank you VERY much.
I have, forever, looked at work of others in books, galleries and social media, and have been in aw over images that just pick out one simple subject, capturing it in the best way possible whether it be light or the weather or what ever. It just moves me when that is done well. So, your vlog really hits home for me and I thank you. I have been comparing myself to others when it comes to work and have been pretty much self defeated for most of my photographic life. Never feeling like i am as good as the other guy, and not actually focusing on just what makes me happy photographically. It was depressing for many years. Finally, at 59, I have started looking at things and finding what "I" see as great subjects, not thinking I have to go too far away lands to produce beautiful images and such. From you and a few others I have been following over the past few months and years, I am slowly learning to let it go, stop trying to be someone else, and find your own creative path. These tips, were fantastic and I plan on coming back to this video often to affirm the "Less" way of looking at my work. Thanks Thomas!
I never comment on Social Media, obviously I am now, and the reason is, I got back into photography about 5 years ago and joined a camera club to improve my photography. This and other outside influences almost destroyed my love of photography, I found myself taking pictures for other people, standing in a beautiful location thinking would a judge like this. This year I am not entering any competitions I'm not going to let some geriatric old duffer influence my photographic experience. This has been so liberating and I am really enjoying the experience of taking photos again. Thomas you have just reinforced my decision Thank You.
I especially like point 4 "do your own thing and try not to be influenced" I totally agree. I'm seeing things on my local walk I would never have noticed before. I'm enjoying trying to get images that are less complicated. PS love the channel.👍
This video helped me a lot; especially, the sections of “less outside influence” and “less pressure on yourself” in the video. I think part of the struggle is how one feels about themselves. If a person feels like they are not good enough, that can certainly block the ability to create for the self. I have had IG make me feel horrible about my own photography. IG feeds the “not good enough” that some of us feel. I do need to return to “do what feels right and what I enjoy doing” with my photography for myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this video.
I agree wholeheartedly with the tip to limit yourself in lens selection at least some of the time. And with getting rid of distractions by using a long lens. I love wildlife photagraphy so when I'm out and about I usually have a long lens on my camera just in case I have a fleeting wildlife encounter. Because of that I've learned to take landscape photos with that same lens and I've come to appreciate a good minimalist picture.
Hi Tom, as an autistic photographer, (hobbyist) looking for shapes, textures and colours is the way I make photography easier for me. Trying to see the scene as real, as in, mountains, trees etc is difficult but simplifying it works a treat. I find that this method also helps me with more intimate scenes too. Adam 🙂
I agree with having less influence. I've stopped following landscape photographers on Instagram and in general don't look at what others produce that often. It was a couple of years ago when I first started doing that and the result is amazing. I've really grown into my own photography and started to really think about the why, how and when of landscape photography. Can recommend it to anyone who wants to be a master of their own photography and not one among the masses.
Thanks for this video Thomas. One of the great dangers of the multitude of RUclips channels that feature landscape photographers going to incredible locations that few can expect to visit is the potential diminishment of what folks working in less "epic", local locations feel about their own work.
Tom, I am a big fan of your channel and every video of yours inspires me in one way or the other. This video was no exception. I loved all your 6 "mantras" especially about the epic photo thing. I am sure everyone who viewed this video would have been able to link this to herself/himself. "Get inspired but do your own thing" is now my mantra. Thanks a ton.
Totally agree about using longer lenses for isolating landscape ‘shapes’ and trying to make more abstract images. I use my Canon 70-200 f4 IS lens with my 90D and tend to prefer the images I get with this than the wider shots achievable with a 24-70 lens.
About the first point (less gear) I do rispect your thoughts but my personal opinion is that looking at the landscape in a different way comes from loads of time spent in a particular location rather than restrictions on photography equipment. I'm on the Fuji system and bought myself 2 zoom lenses that covers pretty much the entire range I like to take images to. I'll never hike a mountain, go for a trip or for a simple landscape photography shooting, worried that I might lose a potential keeper because I restricted myself with a single, prime lens or something like that. I truly believe that as landscape photographers, we shouldn't constantly looking for challenges, but just enjoy what we like to do with the equipment that suits us in the best possible way. That being said, absolute respect to people who think differently about it 🙏🏻
I like this topic a lot. When stuck for few months with the same view out of my window I starting using lot more of my 100-400 mm lens to break down the same scene into multiple frames. It was a great moment that changed my approach a lot to photography
Just getting back into playing around with film. Yesterday, I took out a simple Nikon FM2 with a 58mm Voigtlander lens. Walked around the lake in my back yard and can’t recall when I’ve had such an intimate focused time with a camera and the landscape. Something about knowing you need to get it right and have a limited amount of shots pulls you into that zone. Wonderful images!
Eating home made popcorn that is still warm, drinking a nice cuppa of earl grey and ready to watch this video! What a nice way to end the day. Thank you Thomas :)
Totally agree with you Thomas. I love high contrast minimalist portraiture and lanscapes, both in colour and B&W. You have done some beutifull shots. Thanks for your thoughts.
I know what you mean about less. I once went on a business trip to New York and took one camera and one fast standard prime. After a few hours on the first day I didn't once want a different focal length. My brain learned to spot images thet worked with that lens and I came back with one of the best sets of photos from any business trips.
Most of the images I shoot are with my Nikkor 24-120mm D lens on my D700 and my F801 35mm. Digital photography gives us too many options a lot if the time, keeping it simple teaches us more. Nobody really likes carrying more than they need and light weight matters when you are on a long hike. Great advice, Thomas.
Dear Tom, Thank you. I have been following you for a number of years and you are one of my heroes in landscape photography. Inspiring as always. Photography is indeed a journey, a mantra, a way to get intimate with the nature/universe/world around us. Stay safe wherever you are. Regards, Cris
Wow thank you for this video. The bit about the different “mindsets” in landscape photography really hit home for me. Social media can put such a strain on creativity and the way you articulated your thoughts around there essentially being a mindset of “fame and glory” vs “being in touch with nature and enjoying creating images” is so true. Really enjoyed this one!
Love this! These are all things that have been on my mind. I have purposefully kept my gear to a minimum and I find I still have exactly what I need. I never want to feel rushed when I’m on a photo walkabout so I’m practicing more at home and nearby Because ”chance favors the prepared mind.” Brings me more peace and time to connect outdoors.
Over the past several years of viewing many different photographer videos there seems to have been a shift from the “wide angle epic” images to longer focal lengths and isolating on a single subject. All sounds logical, just wonder what the next new trend will be a year or two from now. Thanks again Thomas, always look forward to hearing what you have to say and viewing your images.
I genuinely cherished this video, Tom, particularly the Less field of view strategy it truly stood apart to me. Additionally, the distractions part; I look all the more since the time I began watching you. Much obliged to you for every one of your lessons!
This is a really helpful video - thank you! I found myself in a rut with photography, buying more gear and hunting for epic landscapes. I thought I needed full frame and L lenses to get real images. The cure - I bought myself an original Fuji X100 and started shooting B&W JPEGs. Didn't care that the resolution was not great, or that I could be missing shots, or that the images are not liked as much on Flickr (yes, old school social media!). The result - I can now spend an hour walking around a car park and enjoy myself finding interesting images which I considered not epic enough before. So, thanks for the comments - will help me keep on this journey to simplicity and engagement in the surroundings! :)
Thanks for sharing these tutorials, Hudson, they’re very informative. Your teaching style is great. Sorry to hear about your family being impacted by the massive fires, and I hope their homes are spared. I am in the Sierra foothills in CA, and although (knock on wood) there aren’t any fires close by, we’re on pins and needles wondering if we’ll be next. So I get it.
Super inspiring video! Another aspect on having less gear on you is that if you carry a heavy backpack to the location, you will be exhausted which will deteriorate your creativity.
What a great video. Deeply appreciate this one. I primarily focus on wildlife, but have been listening allot to photographers who, like me, lean toward shorter focal lengths than the long "portrait" making 500 and 600, etc. Opportunity is to place the animal in the environment, and I've been paying allot of attention to landscape photography to learn how to do that, see shapes, see space, etc. Great stuff.
I love your comment about negative space, when so many RUclips photographers constantly say you must have some foreground interest. Love the calendar which arrived a few days ago. Really enjoyed this video. Thanks.
You make classic images that inspire and are starting a new adventure into creativity, especially for others. Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your heart. Many people need this.
Dear Thomas, love your videos. Like your photography very much. The best however I like the way how you allow me to follow your stream of thoughts, which make your videos very interactive. You manage to share your struggles very well and thus you are to me a very simpatic personality. You as well navigate clear from telling the viewers what to do and how to do best, which can sometimes offend people. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks Tom - I am a relatively new follower of your work as an aspiring photographer myself and very much enjoy your work & your videos. I especially appreciate your less-is-more perspective lately and was inspired reading your book before my holiday to the Lake District last week. It really inspired me to look at landscape differently and got some shots that I absolutely love! Keep up the great work, it really makes a difference for many of us!
Thank you I just got up from a terrible night’s sleep of beating myself up over my photography, and I needed to hear a lot of that, although I don’t do landscape photography much of what you said can be applied, thank you again
# 4 & 5, less influence and less pressure. Yes!! I keep pulling myself back from the social media platforms. I wish there was no such thing as a “like” button. Thanks for this video well done as usual
As a mainly wildlife photographer this resonates with me. My last video talks about expanding my photography and as such I am now doing more landscape / night photography. I have also ditched some of my social media and now just photograph what I want and post images and videos when I want. It has been a revelation and this video has just inspired me more, so for a while I am just going to shoot with my 100-400 only, leaving the wide angles at home. 👍
I have been using an All purpose slow lens like the 24-200 Nikon or the 28-135 Fuji for my work recently. What I have found if the turn the ISO to the minimum level and set the aperture at F 8 or F11 and put the camera on a tripod my images are really sharp and clear. Plus I can go to many more places if I travel light. It’s a freeing experience.
A couple of times I have gone out with just one lightweight 50mm macro lens when I am forced to look for compositions that work, including close-ups. Panoramas are also an option and it is amazing how versatile such a lens can be and there is the bonus of a very light pack. Other times I will add a couple more lightweight primes to cover more bases. Having said that there are always times when you miss an epic shot and wish you had that super-telephoto with you!
I discovered simplified, long lens landscape photography in the Palouse (eastern Washington state) several years ago -- and have been hooked ever since. Also, it's so great to see you excited again. Keep up the great work!
So many good points in this video. I'm going to watch it again. I'm currently restricting myself to one focal length, with a Fuji X100F, and it's an oddly liberating experience, to the point where it may end up being my only camera. I'm not sure exactly how to explain that but I think you have pretty much got it in this video.
Nice video again, Tom. So important to remember #4 and #5. If you aren't satisfying yourself and having fun you probably won't satisfy anyone else. This really is my favorite photography channel. :)
Landscape photography Masterclass, by the always humble, Mr Thomas Heaton. Thank you for sharing your down to earth approach to photography. It's a very welcome breath of crispy, fresh air!
Awesome... especially the colour transition, blue to golden, hadn’t considered that before. Shoot for yourself and no one else.... best advice ever. I haven’t posted to Instagram for over a year, what was the point with all the composite bollox out there. I will post again and if people like then great, if not, I really don’t care anymore. Great vlog, cheers Tom. 👍
Love the video Tom. You can definitely see Alister's influence! And that's a not a bad thing. That's the trouble with photography. People get overly bombarded with EPIC images on IG or Facebook and think "how can I compare to that?" I still sometimes get discouraged by the images I see of big landscapes, mountains, deserts, lush mossy green trees and waterfalls, and here I sit in a flat tropical messy landscape. But then I remember, they don't have what I have. It's a different kind of epic, more quiet epic-ness. lol We just have to remind ourselves of our unique areas. Thanks Tom!! Looking forward to the calendar!
I'm in the desert but grew up in Washington State U.S. I love the landscapes here but sometimes I miss those lush greens that I lived with when I was a kid. A tropical place sounds like it would have lots of those detail shots that you can get with a longer focal length lens!
@@zenphotojourney it does. I think its the "grass is greener" syndrome. We want what someone else has or what else is out there. Im very lucky to be living withing a few miles of 2 National parks and a National Monument. But every once in a while, when you see a huge wildflower covered mountain, bathed in dappled light, you have to remind yourself a little more often. Lol
@@zenphotojourney I hear ya. I wish I'd have started photography sooner. All the places I could have photographed if I'd have known. Oh well. No sense crying over it. I'm just making the most of what I have and learning to appreciate everything.
Hey Thomas, been watching for years and years at this point but dont often comment. I've really enjoyed seeing you progress through the years as a photographer, story teller, and just an all out adventure seeker. Really makes me excited to pack up the camera, NDs and tripod to see what I can create. Your minimalist photos as of late have been absolutely breath-taking and very much aligns with the work I strive to create. Anyways, cheers from Maine, USA
I think points 4 & 5 are often critical for many. With #4, it's to be open to new ideas and techniques as useful tools but do not worry about the current Instagram, etc. fad or slavishly following some hoary 'rule'. Let the image be one's vision and passion. With #5, strive to get the images you want and do not worry about whether you get it today or tomorrow, of course go out and shot often helps here.
I like the way you sometimes tumble over what your saying because you genuinly want to share advice with us. Thank you for that. Looking forward to receiving the calendar this week.
Hi Thomas. Just looking through some of your 'older' videos. In this one, as in lots of your videos, you do make perfect sense! (You'll be pleased to know!) I shoot with an 18-200mm f3.5 f6.3 on my Nikon D90, and usually only take that one lens out with me. I do find though that it covers all my bases. Perhaps it's a little bit too versatile and doesn't stretch' my creativity enough and 'make' me look for different compositions I would normally not see. I like what you said about less outside influences too. I've fallen into this trap over the years, trying to make my photos look like other people's (particularly my brother's!) His style of photography is worlds apart from mine. You'll be pleased to know I don't do that now and I just take photos of things that make me happy.
Hi Thomas, absolutely agree with your comments on social media and " fantastic images" they are amazing but so many are composites and these do demotivate photographers. The worst thing is very few are declared as composites. People should be honest about them. They are wonderful art. But just different art. Anyway rant over love you stuff as always. Best wishes, Andy Bamforth
I went to the Azores on a work trip for 2 weeks and not having a 24-70 hurt me in some situations. Only brought a 70-350mm, 70mm macro, and a 16mm for my Sony a6400. Great video and I love your work.
Such a thoughtful and important video. This summer I went for a one day camping at the coastline with only a 18 and 24mm in my bag. I had to spend a lot of time moving about to get the shots I wanted. In line with your thinking...even before this video was made. Cheers from Norway.
Thanks for this video, I've hit a slump with my photography, and haven't taken my camera out for ages ( maybe something to do with being stuck on a small island for months ) I need something new to try, and this could be it !
At the moment, this is probably one of the videos to which I can most relate. I've just returned from a hiking trip to the Palatinate Forest in Germany - I had three cameras with me, a digital canon with a 50mm prime lens and two analogue cameras with a b/w and a colour negative film with 28 and 50mm prime lenses (which I didn't take with me on the hikes but changed them day by day; still hiking with three cameras, even if they're as 'handy' as a Pentax ME Super, may be too much gear ...) I saw quite a few vistas where I would have benefited from wide-angle lenses, but having the 50mm (or occasionally 28mm) equipped forced me to look for other interesting subjects - I became obsessed with patterns and textures of light and shadow on seas of trees and the colour play of foliage and heather, so the more 'intimate' forms of landscape photography that you talk about speak to me.
I especially liked number 4. I can't think of anyone right off hand but I can see < initials PL> where this could be problematic. Great video Mr. Heaton!
Great video, I completely agree. I've been trying to do this in my own photography. I'm really unskilled as a photographer and making simple images uncluttered and unique is great.
#4 and #6 really resonated with me. My first entry to photography was with a Nimon D750 when my wife and I booked a trip to Norway to go to Trolltunga. Admittedly it was 95% because of instagram and 5% because we wanted to actually do it. Whe I started putting my eye at the viewfinder I realize that the camera wouldn't just magically give you those "instagram worthy " shot and even if you did, lots of manipulation still needs to happen in post. I found that my best photos I've taken was ironically in Norway again the second time we went to Senja, I had a sony crop sensor with me and didnt have any pressure whatsoever of finding epic shots. Coincidentally that's also when the perfect light cooperated with me lol
Wonderful advice. I feel I shoot much better when I am taking my time on how I want to take the shot. When I turn up at a location and there are several other photographers I can feel pressure to shoot similar to them. It’s great to learn from others but it is also great to have your own perspective.
I expect many photographers are a bit like myself. I carry a 1 inch sensor zoom compact. I was at Cardigan Bay a week ago, just before sunrise and I got some amazing shots of silhouetted hills across the water. Later I'd be snapping away with the other tourists with the same camera.
Hi, thanks for this video. As a total newbie to photography I have found this video a great help. I was pretty disillusioned after my last outing to my local forest. By following the usual format like the rule of thirds and having other peoples shots in my mind, I just couldn't find or compose a photo. But having watched this, I'm now gonna head back out with an empty mind and a fresh approach to how I see the world. Fingers crossed, myself and me little Canon 4000d will be able to take a photo that I'll be happy to have my wall. Thanks again.
We really enjoyed this segment, Thomas. For my part, I sketch and draw for fun and so I am in the habit of "seeing" in shapes as much as subject. But to have someone articulate that was illuminating. Also, we think you did a good job articulating your thoughts on not letting "influences" get in the way of finding our own approach. I'm not experienced enough yet to have recognized that a lot of the jaw dropping Instagram shots are actually compositions. I looked to my husband as you said it and he nodded, "Yep, absolutely true." Anyway, great segment and if you would like to know, our favorite photo is the line of trees within the snow. Cheers.
I've just treated myself to a Fuji X100s and have decided to give the 1 camera 1 lens a go. All my other cameras / lenses are packed away, and I'm super excited to see how I get on. So for me,, I guess less is more, for the time being anyway,,,,
I completely understand and agree with your assessment of over processed, over Photoshopped images we all see on Instagram or other social media sites. However....even Ansel Adams manipulated his images like crazy. I strive to get the exposure as close to perfect as possible in camera rather than relying on Photoshop skills. Dodging, burning in, contrast control, bleaching...all of the tools available with analog printing are fair game in my opinion. Compositing images is okay as long as they are displayed with the intention of being obvious they are composites. Good composite work is wonderful! Bad composite work is rubbish. But keep in mind that what one person feels is the perfect image can easily be considered horrible to someone else. It's all open to interpretation.
Nice point on "Less outside influence" Thomas, I admire many photographers however it is imperative to develop your own style/brand with your photography....
Thank you for the inspiration and reconfirming what I’ve already started for myself. I gave up Nikon and the holy trinity of zooms a long time ago in favor of Fuji. Carrying all that weight was no fun. Then I gave up my Fuji X-T2 for a Sony A7R III two years ago and promised myself I will only use small primes and one long zoom. Due to my extremely busy work life last year and then the COVID-19 quarantine this year, I haven’t been able to travel much, but I’m pleased that my new system is working for me on local excursions. Your less is more philosophy is a wonderful idea. I will start working on this immediately. And, btw, thank you for correcting yourself on the “fewer distractions.”
Enjoyed the video as it essentially brought me back to basics as I was spiralling down the trap of "get the shot". As an enthusiast photographer working full time, it can feel like I don't get enough time for the photos I envision. So one gets caught up in the shot. Thanks Mr. Heaton! As always you bring it back to basics. :)
Interesting you should mention being more intrigued by telephoto compositions. In the past year I have also watched my 10-24 become neglected, sometimes not even taking it! These days I stick mainly to the 16-80 and 55-200, with a tiny Rokinon 12mm for wide angle if I feel the need!
"Do your own thing." Amen!
Thomas I love you. You have just given me the confidence I need to actually get some of my own photos printed and on my wall. I have always looked at other photographers work and felt I fell so short. I am a complete novice with only limited post processing skills and I have looked at my efforts and thought nope, I love it but it's not as good as the ones I see on social media. I now have the confidence to put my own prints on my wall and I am really excited about that. Thank you
@Joan Mccartney
I framed a smallish colour print taken of the pub dog sleeping in a pool of sunlight quickly taken on a 5Mp phone (2013). I liked it , so had it framed. You go for it. The framer will help tremendously as well and you'll enjoy the whole process; best of luck..👍
@@nafs53 Thank you Nick 👍
What you have hanging on your wall doesn't have to be epic or super popular. It's your home, your wall, put what you love on it!
@@zenphotojourney thanks Melani 👍
Hanging one of your own shots on the wall is great. I bought one of those frames with clip down sides. I then select my best shot each month, print it and put it the frame. The frames are relatively cheap(mine was
#4 is an absolute spot on tip. We photographers need to keep that in mind and not lose sight of why we are photographers.
You are an outside influence Thomas of a positive kind. I don’t try to emulate your photography only learn from you. The only thing I do try to emulate is your enthusiasm and the simple joy of taking a picture.
I am so happy to be part of a photography club that encourages, teaches and doesn't take part in competition.
I've been away from photography for a while - Im not a Mr Heaton but have a few shots I'm happy with or proud of and am moving house to a new area in Yorkshire and have been re-bingeing on your videos to get the saliva flowing again - this has to be one of the best you've done. Thank you VERY much.
I agree with restricting your focal lengths - this is why I only own 3 prime lenses (18,55, and 135) for landscape photography
I have, forever, looked at work of others in books, galleries and social media, and have been in aw over images that just pick out one simple subject, capturing it in the best way possible whether it be light or the weather or what ever. It just moves me when that is done well. So, your vlog really hits home for me and I thank you. I have been comparing myself to others when it comes to work and have been pretty much self defeated for most of my photographic life. Never feeling like i am as good as the other guy, and not actually focusing on just what makes me happy photographically. It was depressing for many years. Finally, at 59, I have started looking at things and finding what "I" see as great subjects, not thinking I have to go too far away lands to produce beautiful images and such. From you and a few others I have been following over the past few months and years, I am slowly learning to let it go, stop trying to be someone else, and find your own creative path. These tips, were fantastic and I plan on coming back to this video often to affirm the "Less" way of looking at my work. Thanks Thomas!
I never comment on Social Media, obviously I am now, and the reason is, I got back into photography about 5 years ago and joined a camera club to improve my photography. This and other outside influences almost destroyed my love of photography, I found myself taking pictures for other people, standing in a beautiful location thinking would a judge like this. This year I am not entering any competitions I'm not going to let some geriatric old duffer influence my photographic experience. This has been so liberating and I am really enjoying the experience of taking photos again. Thomas you have just reinforced my decision Thank You.
I especially like point 4 "do your own thing and try not to be influenced" I totally agree. I'm seeing things on my local walk I would never have noticed before. I'm enjoying trying to get images that are less complicated. PS love the channel.👍
This video helped me a lot; especially, the sections of “less outside influence” and “less pressure on yourself” in the video. I think part of the struggle is how one feels about themselves. If a person feels like they are not good enough, that can certainly block the ability to create for the self. I have had IG make me feel horrible about my own photography. IG feeds the “not good enough” that some of us feel. I do need to return to “do what feels right and what I enjoy doing” with my photography for myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this video.
I use IG a lot less. If you like being part of a positive social networking, photography Twitter is a lot more supportive
exactly
I agree wholeheartedly with the tip to limit yourself in lens selection at least some of the time. And with getting rid of distractions by using a long lens. I love wildlife photagraphy so when I'm out and about I usually have a long lens on my camera just in case I have a fleeting wildlife encounter. Because of that I've learned to take landscape photos with that same lens and I've come to appreciate a good minimalist picture.
Hi Tom, as an autistic photographer, (hobbyist) looking for shapes, textures and colours is the way I make photography easier for me. Trying to see the scene as real, as in, mountains, trees etc is difficult but simplifying it works a treat. I find that this method also helps me with more intimate scenes too.
Adam 🙂
Love the comments on negative space. I've trying to incorporate more in my work.
I agree with having less influence. I've stopped following landscape photographers on Instagram and in general don't look at what others produce that often. It was a couple of years ago when I first started doing that and the result is amazing. I've really grown into my own photography and started to really think about the why, how and when of landscape photography. Can recommend it to anyone who wants to be a master of their own photography and not one among the masses.
You said one thing that stuck with me, it creates mystery, create mystery with your images.
Thanks for this video Thomas. One of the great dangers of the multitude of RUclips channels that feature landscape photographers going to incredible locations that few can expect to visit is the potential diminishment of what folks working in less "epic", local locations feel about their own work.
Tom, I am a big fan of your channel and every video of yours inspires me in one way or the other. This video was no exception. I loved all your 6 "mantras" especially about the epic photo thing. I am sure everyone who viewed this video would have been able to link this to herself/himself. "Get inspired but do your own thing" is now my mantra. Thanks a ton.
Totally agree about using longer lenses for isolating landscape ‘shapes’ and trying to make more abstract images. I use my Canon 70-200 f4 IS lens with my 90D and tend to prefer the images I get with this than the wider shots achievable with a 24-70 lens.
The softly focused tree in the snow is beautiful. You have a gift to have visualized that.
About the first point (less gear) I do rispect your thoughts but my personal opinion is that looking at the landscape in a different way comes from loads of time spent in a particular location rather than restrictions on photography equipment. I'm on the Fuji system and bought myself 2 zoom lenses that covers pretty much the entire range I like to take images to. I'll never hike a mountain, go for a trip or for a simple landscape photography shooting, worried that I might lose a potential keeper because I restricted myself with a single, prime lens or something like that. I truly believe that as landscape photographers, we shouldn't constantly looking for challenges, but just enjoy what we like to do with the equipment that suits us in the best possible way. That being said, absolute respect to people who think differently about it 🙏🏻
I like this topic a lot. When stuck for few months with the same view out of my window I starting using lot more of my 100-400 mm lens to break down the same scene into multiple frames. It was a great moment that changed my approach a lot to photography
I have reached this stage many times over the last half century. Doing an attitude reset is very beneficial. Thanks.
Just getting back into playing around with film. Yesterday, I took out a simple Nikon FM2 with a 58mm Voigtlander lens. Walked around the lake in my back yard and can’t recall when I’ve had such an intimate focused time with a camera and the landscape. Something about knowing you need to get it right and have a limited amount of shots pulls you into that zone. Wonderful images!
Eating home made popcorn that is still warm, drinking a nice cuppa of earl grey and ready to watch this video! What a nice way to end the day. Thank you Thomas :)
Totally agree with you Thomas. I love high contrast minimalist portraiture and lanscapes, both in colour and B&W. You have done some beutifull shots. Thanks for your thoughts.
I know what you mean about less. I once went on a business trip to New York and took one camera and one fast standard prime. After a few hours on the first day I didn't once want a different focal length. My brain learned to spot images thet worked with that lens and I came back with one of the best sets of photos from any business trips.
You showed September's 2020 photo, I turned around to see it hanging from my wall and I smiled
Ha, me too.
Most of the images I shoot are with my Nikkor 24-120mm D lens on my D700 and my F801 35mm. Digital photography gives us too many options a lot if the time, keeping it simple teaches us more. Nobody really likes carrying more than they need and light weight matters when you are on a long hike. Great advice, Thomas.
Dear Tom,
Thank you. I have been following you for a number of years and you are one of my heroes in landscape photography. Inspiring as always. Photography is indeed a journey, a mantra, a way to get intimate with the nature/universe/world around us. Stay safe wherever you are.
Regards,
Cris
So true! I take most of my landscape shots with a 50mm prime lens. Time to upgrade to a telephoto!
Wow thank you for this video. The bit about the different “mindsets” in landscape photography really hit home for me. Social media can put such a strain on creativity and the way you articulated your thoughts around there essentially being a mindset of “fame and glory” vs “being in touch with nature and enjoying creating images” is so true. Really enjoyed this one!
Love this! These are all things that have been on my mind. I have purposefully kept my gear to a minimum and I find I still have exactly what I need. I never want to feel rushed when I’m on a photo walkabout so I’m practicing more at home and nearby Because ”chance favors the prepared mind.” Brings me more peace and time to connect outdoors.
Over the past several years of viewing many different photographer videos there seems to have been a shift from the “wide angle epic” images to longer focal lengths and isolating on a single subject. All sounds logical, just wonder what the next new trend will be a year or two from now. Thanks again Thomas, always look forward to hearing what you have to say and viewing your images.
My guess for the mystery camera is a 6x17 panorama camera. How about a Fuji G617?
That was my guess as well....can't fool us eh ...
definitely
My first thought!
Yeah looks like that. I’m very intrigued as i recall Thomas didn’t like the xpan
Up until about 2-3 weeks ago there was a Fuji G617 listed on Park Cameras here in the UK as well and it's mysteriously disappeared from the listing...
I genuinely cherished this video, Tom, particularly the Less field of view strategy it truly stood apart to me. Additionally, the distractions part; I look all the more since the time I began watching you. Much obliged to you for every one of your lessons!
This is a really helpful video - thank you! I found myself in a rut with photography, buying more gear and hunting for epic landscapes. I thought I needed full frame and L lenses to get real images. The cure - I bought myself an original Fuji X100 and started shooting B&W JPEGs. Didn't care that the resolution was not great, or that I could be missing shots, or that the images are not liked as much on Flickr (yes, old school social media!). The result - I can now spend an hour walking around a car park and enjoy myself finding interesting images which I considered not epic enough before. So, thanks for the comments - will help me keep on this journey to simplicity and engagement in the surroundings! :)
Thanks Thomas. You are a true artist! Listening to you and hearing your love for the art of photography is just simply inspiring!
Thanks for sharing these tutorials, Hudson, they’re very informative. Your teaching style is great. Sorry to hear about your family being impacted by the massive fires, and I hope their homes are spared. I am in the Sierra foothills in CA, and although (knock on wood) there aren’t any fires close by, we’re on pins and needles wondering if we’ll be next. So I get it.
Love your landscape photography transition after sticking with your channel for years. This is the true definition of BREAKING THE RULES.
Super inspiring video!
Another aspect on having less gear on you is that if you carry a heavy backpack to the location, you will be exhausted which will deteriorate your creativity.
What a great video. Deeply appreciate this one. I primarily focus on wildlife, but have been listening allot to photographers who, like me, lean toward shorter focal lengths than the long "portrait" making 500 and 600, etc. Opportunity is to place the animal in the environment, and I've been paying allot of attention to landscape photography to learn how to do that, see shapes, see space, etc. Great stuff.
I love your comment about negative space, when so many RUclips photographers constantly say you must have some foreground interest. Love the calendar which arrived a few days ago. Really enjoyed this video. Thanks.
You make classic images that inspire and are starting a new adventure into creativity, especially for others. Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your heart. Many people need this.
Your drone footage is consistently incredible and doesn’t get the recognition it deserves! Great video and tips thank you.
Dear Thomas, love your videos. Like your photography very much. The best however I like the way how you allow me to follow your stream of thoughts, which make your videos very interactive. You manage to share your struggles very well and thus you are to me a very simpatic personality. You as well navigate clear from telling the viewers what to do and how to do best, which can sometimes offend people. Thank you for the inspiration!
Snowy Day is absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks Tom - I am a relatively new follower of your work as an aspiring photographer myself and very much enjoy your work & your videos. I especially appreciate your less-is-more perspective lately and was inspired reading your book before my holiday to the Lake District last week. It really inspired me to look at landscape differently and got some shots that I absolutely love! Keep up the great work, it really makes a difference for many of us!
Thank you I just got up from a terrible night’s sleep of beating myself up over my photography, and I needed to hear a lot of that, although I don’t do landscape photography much of what you said can be applied, thank you again
# 4 & 5, less influence and less pressure. Yes!! I keep pulling myself back from the social media platforms. I wish there was no such thing as a “like” button. Thanks for this video well done as usual
Love your openness and honesty Thomas.
As a mainly wildlife photographer this resonates with me. My last video talks about expanding my photography and as such I am now doing more landscape / night photography. I have also ditched some of my social media and now just photograph what I want and post images and videos when I want. It has been a revelation and this video has just inspired me more, so for a while I am just going to shoot with my 100-400 only, leaving the wide angles at home. 👍
I feel like this is a video I need to watch over and over. So many points to unpack. Thank you, Thomas.
I have been using an All purpose slow lens like the 24-200 Nikon or the 28-135 Fuji for my work recently. What I have found if the turn the ISO to the minimum level and set the aperture at F 8 or F11 and put the camera on a tripod my images are really sharp and clear. Plus I can go to many more places if I travel light. It’s a freeing experience.
A couple of times I have gone out with just one lightweight 50mm macro lens when I am forced to look for compositions that work, including close-ups. Panoramas are also an option and it is amazing how versatile such a lens can be and there is the bonus of a very light pack. Other times I will add a couple more lightweight primes to cover more bases. Having said that there are always times when you miss an epic shot and wish you had that super-telephoto with you!
I discovered simplified, long lens landscape photography in the Palouse (eastern Washington state) several years ago -- and have been hooked ever since. Also, it's so great to see you excited again. Keep up the great work!
So many good points in this video. I'm going to watch it again. I'm currently restricting myself to one focal length, with a Fuji X100F, and it's an oddly liberating experience, to the point where it may end up being my only camera. I'm not sure exactly how to explain that but I think you have pretty much got it in this video.
Nice video again, Tom. So important to remember #4 and #5. If you aren't satisfying yourself and having fun you probably won't satisfy anyone else. This really is my favorite photography channel. :)
Thanks Thomas, I think this is the deepest video you ever made... you was even touched! keep like this!
Well put... particularly the outside influence segment. Something many of us need reminding.
Landscape photography Masterclass, by the always humble, Mr Thomas Heaton. Thank you for sharing your down to earth approach to photography. It's a very welcome breath of crispy, fresh air!
Awesome... especially the colour transition, blue to golden, hadn’t considered that before. Shoot for yourself and no one else.... best advice ever. I haven’t posted to Instagram for over a year, what was the point with all the composite bollox out there. I will post again and if people like then great, if not, I really don’t care anymore. Great vlog, cheers Tom. 👍
Love the video Tom. You can definitely see Alister's influence! And that's a not a bad thing.
That's the trouble with photography. People get overly bombarded with EPIC images on IG or Facebook and think "how can I compare to that?"
I still sometimes get discouraged by the images I see of big landscapes, mountains, deserts, lush mossy green trees and waterfalls, and here I sit in a flat tropical messy landscape. But then I remember, they don't have what I have. It's a different kind of epic, more quiet epic-ness. lol
We just have to remind ourselves of our unique areas. Thanks Tom!! Looking forward to the calendar!
I'm in the desert but grew up in Washington State U.S. I love the landscapes here but sometimes I miss those lush greens that I lived with when I was a kid. A tropical place sounds like it would have lots of those detail shots that you can get with a longer focal length lens!
@@zenphotojourney it does. I think its the "grass is greener" syndrome. We want what someone else has or what else is out there. Im very lucky to be living withing a few miles of 2 National parks and a National Monument. But every once in a while, when you see a huge wildflower covered mountain, bathed in dappled light, you have to remind yourself a little more often. Lol
@@blivieriphoto so true! I just wish I could travel all over the place and get photos everywhere! LOL
@@zenphotojourney I hear ya. I wish I'd have started photography sooner. All the places I could have photographed if I'd have known. Oh well. No sense crying over it. I'm just making the most of what I have and learning to appreciate everything.
Hey Thomas, been watching for years and years at this point but dont often comment. I've really enjoyed seeing you progress through the years as a photographer, story teller, and just an all out adventure seeker. Really makes me excited to pack up the camera, NDs and tripod to see what I can create. Your minimalist photos as of late have been absolutely breath-taking and very much aligns with the work I strive to create. Anyways, cheers from Maine, USA
I think points 4 & 5 are often critical for many. With #4, it's to be open to new ideas and techniques as useful tools but do not worry about the current Instagram, etc. fad or slavishly following some hoary 'rule'. Let the image be one's vision and passion. With #5, strive to get the images you want and do not worry about whether you get it today or tomorrow, of course go out and shot often helps here.
I've told myself to be happy with my Nikon D5600 (swivel LCD screen is a must to have for me) and 2 lenses: Tamron 17-50 (2.8) and Nikon 18-105
I like the way you sometimes tumble over what your saying because you genuinly want to share advice with us. Thank you for that. Looking forward to receiving the calendar this week.
Totally agree with the fake side or extreme art! Then again there is only one Ansel Adams, master of the art.
Well said Thomas.
Hi Thomas. Just looking through some of your 'older' videos. In this one, as in lots of your videos, you do make perfect sense! (You'll be pleased to know!) I shoot with an 18-200mm f3.5 f6.3 on my Nikon D90, and usually only take that one lens out with me. I do find though that it covers all my bases. Perhaps it's a little bit too versatile and doesn't stretch' my creativity enough and 'make' me look for different compositions I would normally not see. I like what you said about less outside influences too. I've fallen into this trap over the years, trying to make my photos look like other people's (particularly my brother's!) His style of photography is worlds apart from mine. You'll be pleased to know I don't do that now and I just take photos of things that make me happy.
Hi Thomas, absolutely agree with your comments on social media and " fantastic images" they are amazing but so many are composites and these do demotivate photographers. The worst thing is very few are declared as composites. People should be honest about them. They are wonderful art. But just different art.
Anyway rant over love you stuff as always.
Best wishes, Andy Bamforth
I went to the Azores on a work trip for 2 weeks and not having a 24-70 hurt me in some situations. Only brought a 70-350mm, 70mm macro, and a 16mm for my Sony a6400. Great video and I love your work.
Shapes over subject. That speaks to me.
best video on this channel and best video on landscape photography I've seen.
i think this is really your masterpiece, thomas!
For Canon crop shooters, I highly recommend the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 for that "one" lens.
Altix it Definitely is that one lens - it’s my daily driver
And it's a really nice lens for us in the Nikonista to;)
100% agree !........
It’s a good lens but it does suffer from focusing issues and requires painful calibration
Such a thoughtful and important video. This summer I went for a one day camping at the coastline with only a 18 and 24mm in my bag. I had to spend a lot of time moving about to get the shots I wanted. In line with your thinking...even before this video was made. Cheers from Norway.
One of my all-time favourite videos on photography. Thank you, Tom!
Thanks for this video, I've hit a slump with my photography, and haven't taken my camera out for ages ( maybe something to do with being stuck on a small island for months ) I need something new to try, and this could be it !
At the moment, this is probably one of the videos to which I can most relate. I've just returned from a hiking trip to the Palatinate Forest in Germany - I had three cameras with me, a digital canon with a 50mm prime lens and two analogue cameras with a b/w and a colour negative film with 28 and 50mm prime lenses (which I didn't take with me on the hikes but changed them day by day; still hiking with three cameras, even if they're as 'handy' as a Pentax ME Super, may be too much gear ...)
I saw quite a few vistas where I would have benefited from wide-angle lenses, but having the 50mm (or occasionally 28mm) equipped forced me to look for other interesting subjects - I became obsessed with patterns and textures of light and shadow on seas of trees and the colour play of foliage and heather, so the more 'intimate' forms of landscape photography that you talk about speak to me.
Very wise advice. And Less Is More in composition totally resonates with me, I aspire to that minimalism but seldom achieve it.
I especially liked number 4. I can't think of anyone right off hand but I can see < initials PL> where this could be problematic. Great video Mr. Heaton!
I love your contrarian view!! I think you articulated ALL points very well!! Very helpful!!
I appreciate your, your style - genius in teaching - your body of work.
Tip # 6 - that is fast becoming my fave way to look at a landscape. Calendar ordered.
Great video, I completely agree. I've been trying to do this in my own photography. I'm really unskilled as a photographer and making simple images uncluttered and unique is great.
Man, your direction and work right now is on fire! Enjoyed this one dude. I needed that
#4 and #6 really resonated with me. My first entry to photography was with a Nimon D750 when my wife and I booked a trip to Norway to go to Trolltunga. Admittedly it was 95% because of instagram and 5% because we wanted to actually do it. Whe I started putting my eye at the viewfinder I realize that the camera wouldn't just magically give you those "instagram worthy " shot and even if you did, lots of manipulation still needs to happen in post. I found that my best photos I've taken was ironically in Norway again the second time we went to Senja, I had a sony crop sensor with me and didnt have any pressure whatsoever of finding epic shots. Coincidentally that's also when the perfect light cooperated with me lol
Thanks a lot for that. You compacted a great deal of experience and reflection into a video that was just the right length. Perfect.
Wonderful advice. I feel I shoot much better when I am taking my time on how I want to take the shot. When I turn up at a location and there are several other photographers I can feel pressure to shoot similar to them. It’s great to learn from others but it is also great to have your own perspective.
I expect many photographers are a bit like myself. I carry a 1 inch sensor zoom compact. I was at Cardigan Bay a week ago, just before sunrise and I got some amazing shots of silhouetted hills across the water.
Later I'd be snapping away with the other tourists with the same camera.
Hi, thanks for this video. As a total newbie to photography I have found this video a great help. I was pretty disillusioned after my last outing to my local forest. By following the usual format like the rule of thirds and having other peoples shots in my mind, I just couldn't find or compose a photo. But having watched this, I'm now gonna head back out with an empty mind and a fresh approach to how I see the world. Fingers crossed, myself and me little Canon 4000d will be able to take a photo that I'll be happy to have my wall.
Thanks again.
We really enjoyed this segment, Thomas. For my part, I sketch and draw for fun and so I am in the habit of "seeing" in shapes as much as subject. But to have someone articulate that was illuminating. Also, we think you did a good job articulating your thoughts on not letting "influences" get in the way of finding our own approach. I'm not experienced enough yet to have recognized that a lot of the jaw dropping Instagram shots are actually compositions. I looked to my husband as you said it and he nodded, "Yep, absolutely true." Anyway, great segment and if you would like to know, our favorite photo is the line of trees within the snow. Cheers.
I don‘t know, how you say in English, but: Du sprichst mir aus der Seele!
We share the same mind set.
I've just treated myself to a Fuji X100s and have decided to give the 1 camera 1 lens a go. All my other cameras / lenses are packed away, and I'm super excited to see how I get on. So for me,, I guess less is more, for the time being anyway,,,,
I completely understand and agree with your assessment of over processed, over Photoshopped images we all see on Instagram or other social media sites. However....even Ansel Adams manipulated his images like crazy. I strive to get the exposure as close to perfect as possible in camera rather than relying on Photoshop skills. Dodging, burning in, contrast control, bleaching...all of the tools available with analog printing are fair game in my opinion. Compositing images is okay as long as they are displayed with the intention of being obvious they are composites. Good composite work is wonderful! Bad composite work is rubbish. But keep in mind that what one person feels is the perfect image can easily be considered horrible to someone else. It's all open to interpretation.
That last photo blew my mind!
Nice point on "Less outside influence" Thomas, I admire many photographers however it is imperative to develop your own style/brand with your photography....
Thank you for the inspiration and reconfirming what I’ve already started for myself. I gave up Nikon and the holy trinity of zooms a long time ago in favor of Fuji. Carrying all that weight was no fun. Then I gave up my Fuji X-T2 for a Sony A7R III two years ago and promised myself I will only use small primes and one long zoom. Due to my extremely busy work life last year and then the COVID-19 quarantine this year, I haven’t been able to travel much, but I’m pleased that my new system is working for me on local excursions. Your less is more philosophy is a wonderful idea. I will start working on this immediately. And, btw, thank you for correcting yourself on the “fewer distractions.”
Fantastic video! I loved all the examples you showed us to illustrate the points. Thanks Thomas.
Enjoyed the video as it essentially brought me back to basics as I was spiralling down the trap of "get the shot". As an enthusiast photographer working full time, it can feel like I don't get enough time for the photos I envision. So one gets caught up in the shot. Thanks Mr. Heaton! As always you bring it back to basics. :)
Interesting you should mention being more intrigued by telephoto compositions. In the past year I have also watched my 10-24 become neglected, sometimes not even taking it! These days I stick mainly to the 16-80 and 55-200, with a tiny Rokinon 12mm for wide angle if I feel the need!