How I Messed Up During the Best Light

Рет қаралды 97,590

5 жыл бұрын

Landscape photography is a challenge, a fun one and a frustrating one. Unfortunately in this video, it was the latter. I had the most glorious light in the north west of Scotland and I couldn't bring it all together in a photograph. I analyse the image on location and talk about why it didn't work.
My Instagram: / heatonthomas
My Website: www.thomasheaton.co.uk
*Music*
When Spring Is Coming - Ever Yearning
Blissful Awakening 1 - Patrik Almkvisth
Stay Near - Henrik Olsson
**All Downloaded from Here: goo.gl/DGwrJE
My Gear blog: bit.ly/tomsgear
My E-Book: geni.us/onlocation
Some kit used/seen in this video. These are affiliate links.
My Vlogging Camera - geni.us/3SJDN
My Mic - geni.us/vidmicro
My Wide Lens - geni.us/16to35f4
My Medium Lens - geni.us/24to70L
My Long Lens - geni.us/200lens
Arca Swiss Manfrotto Ball Head - geni.us/c9eN
My full kit list blog: bit.ly/tomsgear

Пікірлер: 573

@davidmedeiros7572 5 жыл бұрын

I know this was a dud shot for you, but I loved seeing the less than perfect outcome. Watching professionals online, even knowing how much more is going on that never makes it into the vlogs, it often looks like you guys just show up, have a casual walk around and then magically find a killer composition right as the light comes on. I know that's not the case but it is nice to actually see something I'm more familiar with...wandering around, struggling to find a composition, feeling rushed, settling for something that's maybe a little disappointing, but still having a great time. Thanks for sharing as usual.

@AlanMorrisSF 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with your analysis and this type of video is very instructive. The principles of composition are one thing, but actually seeing the photographer analysis his own images against his expectations and planning are super helpful.

@BessieYoungPhotography 5 жыл бұрын

Alan Morris I totally agree. It was helpful :)

@MikeBrowne 5 жыл бұрын

Love your approach and authenticity Tom. It is SO frustrating when you know there's something great there but you can't find it yet. You put a huge amount of work into your vids and it shows up in how beautiful they are.

@xdboardsurfer 5 жыл бұрын

I am so glad you did this, Thomas. Many times I have taken a "technically perfect" image, but I still hate it. This video was reassuring and inspiring.

@howardrankin7119 5 жыл бұрын

Its so refreshing to see an analysis of why an image DOESN'T work....I find that more instructive in any ways

@Latinjblock 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. It’s always pleasant to watch your content. I learned something knew again.

@ArthurPJohnson 5 жыл бұрын

I loved this video, Thomas, and don’t think your fans quite appreciate how important your cinematography is to this awesome channel. The composition of the shot is flawed, as you so brilliantly explain-although, like many, I would have been proud to exhibit this shot. But he composition of the VIDEO is freaking brilliant, Tom! You have turned lemons into not just lemonade but a Mai Tai with pink umbrella! Bravo, sir, and please keep up the awesome videography as well as your profound landscape photography. It’s your passion for perfection that make both so awesome.

@danielcrukovic 5 жыл бұрын

You're basically the Bear Grylls of photography. Honestly the best photographer I've ever know when we talk about techniques. I feel so much inspired by your videos! Thank you for this amazing content!

@n0_rem0rse28 5 жыл бұрын

Man, your videos are so calming, the music, the nonchalant tone of the video and the way you talk, it's always such an amazing experience, keep up the amazing work man, peace :)

@analog_presencing 5 жыл бұрын

It happens to all of us, struggling to get the right composition under the pressure of fading light, loved your analysis Thomas!

@Hangs4Fun 5 жыл бұрын

Tom thank you so much for doing a show like this that deals with Composition mistakes. Rushing compositions is one of my biggest problems and I like how you show that in this video.

@leikosdani 5 жыл бұрын

Another great lesson from you Thank you Thomas

@ceilihmcgrady4125 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that valuable lesson in composition. The scenery in that location is gorgeous! I have no doubt you will come away with some beautiful images.

@burnedbytheword 5 жыл бұрын

Love this! Learning wins every time! Great job.

@aidankiser3640 5 жыл бұрын

These videos are so peaceful! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

@matsfotografi 5 жыл бұрын

I love this video! I'm a great believer in learning from mistakes, mostly my own. To see you getting the panic we all feel when we're running out of light was refreshing. Your analysis of what went wrong with the image was really helpful. Superhero photographers on KZfaq get really boring really fast!

@deankinch6328 5 жыл бұрын

Iv not long started with photography and i have to say im learning so much from your videos. Thanks Thomas....Keep up the great content!

@imagesbyjk 5 жыл бұрын

Spot on. Great reminder about compositional elements.

@corylocatelli4139 5 жыл бұрын

Thomas, really appreciate this video, it's all too easy to only share the keepers and present yourself as only taking rock solid images. You actually take the time to show where you still make mistakes and sometimes come away with a less than stellar image. Definitely has encouraged me and reminded me to sloooow down... which I know is something you're always saying. Keep up the great work! Hope to be a part of one of your workshops one day!

@matrixband12 5 жыл бұрын

I like how you dissected your image and I agree and Thank You ... I learned from that Composition lesson

@antonius8524 5 жыл бұрын

Sometimes as photographers, we cease to enjoy the beautiful nature and the moment, the light and so on. Even if there are any problems with the composition or did not have time to shoot, then you were and experienced that wonderful and intimate moment of all beauty and remembered for life...

@sebastianmeier-meybrunn8096 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this analysis. It is really cool to see how you did analyze. I really like you videos.

@sircarpington 4 жыл бұрын

Tom, As someone who is starting out in landscape photography, I consistently make mistakes. I am learning more and more from your videos but please do not stop posting videos like these! It helps people like me learn from professional's mistakes! Love the video. Thanks a million

@boudoir_lueneburg 5 жыл бұрын

Thomas, thank you very much for your hard work and insight. I learned a lot from this video, glad you shared it! Keep up the amazing work! Greetings from Germany!

@andrew5860 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Thomas, I thoroughly enjoy your video's as they are completely open and honest...how else are other meant to learn!

@gordroberts53 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, I appreciate the sharing of an almost great shot. Your analysis is spot on, although to be truthful I didn't immediately understand why it didn't seem like one of yours. Wonderful learning moment on this end. Thanks for sharing!

@marvinphillips542 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the demonstration. Enjoy your work shop videos.

@cashmoney9256 5 жыл бұрын

I appreciate this video immensely. I've taken many pics and sometimes can't figure out why many don't work. Thanks for explaining. I agree with your opinion of the photo.

@RoryOConnellphotography 5 жыл бұрын

Love the first image, very honest and insightful to disect your second image as you did

@RFGfotografie 2 жыл бұрын

AWESOME video yet again

@xphatmattyx 5 жыл бұрын

great video i like the ones where sit down and explain like that is a real big help thanks

@timbliss8777 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Thomas. Every day we all struggle to capture the images we see with our eyes (or want to see). You of course are trying to make a video, and produce an amazing image each time you pull the tripod out for us to peek behind the scenes. It is nice to see that you, like all of us, don't get it right each and every time. I love the self analysis. I went out twice this weekend and each time I felt like I was forcing it or trying to too hard. I didn't love any of the images. They were ok...but not what I had "wanted:". Thanks for sharing.

@GraemeSomerville 5 жыл бұрын

Super educational video Thomas. I looked at that image and thought... Wow...nothing wrong with that! Until you pointed out the compositional flaws. This really gets me thinking about my own work and taking more time on the composition and getting it right.

@juttakarin 5 жыл бұрын

Thomas it happens to all of us at one time or the other...you are okay! You are real and honest and talented...we appreciate that!

@drewsbenmad 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Thomas, That was a good lesson on composition and why it matters.

@ghettofieldz33 4 жыл бұрын

2 points of interest, great shot when tone and seperate balance is taken into concideration, great work!

@Arkticzug 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with you. The balance is off in the photo and it is a petty when you see the amazing light in the background. This video gives me hope.

@loganwade140 5 жыл бұрын

I definitely agree but I really really enjoyed this because it helps me see what can go wrong, despite as you say having almost all the elements. This is a great video. Love your work!

@zen_bush 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing I love the way you are honest and don't just show your wins but you also show us your defeats it really makes me rethink the way I'm shooting So thanks for the lesson I love your work

@wenyulian9584 5 жыл бұрын

I love this video. Actually, this is what I like your channel the most! Thanks for sharing. I fully agree with you for the last image. The 1st one is very nice.

@johncraft8175 5 жыл бұрын

I learn so much from your videos. Appreciate your analysis of photo two and why it doesn’t work for you. As you were scrambling over rocks I was thinking back up, use those lines in the rocks. Your focus was on the distant mountains and light, I was thinking foreground. Hope your scouting trip goes well.

@reganmccarthy8409 5 жыл бұрын

You are right that your eyes are lead toward that piece of land, but at the same time I can't help but find myself still staring off into the distance and noticing the beautiful lighting over the mountains. So for me I actually love the image. The mountains in the back almost act as a sort of silent character to the photo. The rocks and the water are the main focus but once you notice the mountains it captures you. I'd be stoked with an image like this. As always Thomas, love your videos :)

@bushdadnick6055 5 жыл бұрын

Wow what an awesome video, would love to see more of the composition critique of you images, with the overlay of the arrows and circles etc. It was really really helpful to see what was going on, another great video thank you

@AndyGustavsson 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with you, even before you said anything about the piece of land I felt it was to cluttered, too bad since the mountains was amazing! I found your channel a couple of months back and Really enjoy taking part of your videos and learning from how you work and since then I've had compession in mind, compession and light. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being inspiring !

@justinholding02 5 жыл бұрын

This is a great example on why we all love your videos Thomas : humble and honest! Thanks for sharing :-)

@liambuchanan5632 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Tom. I really liked this video. Was really good to see something that went wrong and then have you sit down and explain what happened. At first glance I liked the image. But when you explained what you didn't like about the composition I started to see the potential the image had to be even better. A great insight into how to turn nice views into good images. Cheers for another great video.

@andistraumann 5 жыл бұрын

Thats what I love on yor videos; honest comments and your opinion where in the end you take the best out of it and everybody can learn from it. No matter if the picture is your best shot ever or something you're not satisfied... Thanks for sharing!

@steffenandersensahl9443 5 жыл бұрын

Nice video Thomas! Great to see Simon and Meg out there as well.

@richardkirby3718 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Tom. This is exactly the kind of tuition I needed and you provided in the Patagonia workshop. I always struggle with composition elements, but you have a great way of explaining and breaking down an image. This will help alot of people. Myself included 👍

@ChristopherJohnston_artist 5 жыл бұрын

It's amazing the difference the slider makes in your videos. Just that little bit of motion on the b-roll really elevates the overall video.

@leachimkiveling 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for teaching us for free here on Yt, Tom. I do like the picture and would have been happy if I had taken it. But you already right. The compositions fails a bit. But I couldn‘t have told why untill Iheared your explanation. So it‘s one more of these moments where you teach me to look after the small things, the details and not go for quantity but for quality.

@allynscott1983 5 жыл бұрын

I totally agree that your eye never seems to make it to the beautifully lit mountains in the background. However, I actually found myself taken aback when you pointed out the leading lines taking you to the land jutting out at the top left because I never found my eyes getting there. I was actually a bit surprised that I hadn't really even noticed that piece of land - especially since you might expect my eyes to go there. For me the problem was the visual weight of the large boulder - I felt like that's what kept my eyes from traveling around the scene. I found it refreshing for you to share one of your "failures" (still, not a bad image for many of us), and as a member of this community found it to be a good learning experience. As always, thank you for your candor.

@garygiles63 5 жыл бұрын

Nice one, thanks for sharing, learnt loads.

@cdewing29 5 жыл бұрын

Tom, I agree with your comment. In addition to the leading lines in the foreground guiding the eyes towards the left side of the image, warm colors in a photo also attract the eyes. Thus, I am also drawn towards the mountains in the back. I think you did an excellent job (as always). I love the simplicity of this photo!

@georgenichols5618 5 жыл бұрын

Your explanation is extremely insightful in how to improve upon an already amazing image. Your work is inspiring and the educational dialogue you present is something that long for as I transition from mastering technical skills to improving on the composition and art of photography. Please consider more segments such as this in your tremendous work.

@thedarklordliveson 5 жыл бұрын

Great vlog, and thank you for all you do, always honest, thoughtful and very inspirational. With regards to your image, its a good capture in a beautiful location...and yes, you could have nailed something better if you had more time and didn’t feel rushed, but as you said, you’ve been driving all day! What I really liked is your honesty and the importance of composition and being honest to share this with those that follow you. Great work Tom👍

@ricardohnn 5 жыл бұрын

Great video... I agree with your points and that's why your videos are so much instructive for photographers. To learn from mistakes or understand other point of views... This makes you not only my favorite landscape photographer but also the best "youtuber"

@seanmiller1854 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for put up this video. I struggle with composition. The video provides some insight as to why.

@harryl1418 5 жыл бұрын

I have to say, one of the things that I really enjoy watching your video is the intro statement that you made about landscape photography. See you soon at Patagonia 2019

@LucidComposureUk 5 жыл бұрын

This is a video about me and where I am right now Tom. Your example is exactly what I come away with. I’ve been frustrated for a long time and for me it is a basic element issue, composition. It’s never been more important in this era of floods of photos being produced that it’s so easy to run and gun and accept that that image will do. Thanks for the inspiration. It’s good to see an icon such as yourself show moments of imperfection. That allows us all to aspire to be as dedicated to art as much as you.

@conorstephenson5652 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this Thomas! It’s awesome to know that even someone as experienced as you sometimes makes mistakes! The image I actually like, but agree with everything your said! Sometimes lighting that good can make up for slightly off composition!

@derekmidgley 5 жыл бұрын

One of your best. It's real life. So impressed how you could work out so quickly what wasn't working in that image. Agree. Thanks for sharing.

@1spitfirepilot 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with you, and I'm very happy you discussed it. Failing is a key part of this, and we all fail sometimes. I'm much less accomplished and experienced than you ( 2 1/2 years of landscape photography when work and family permitted) . As I think you mentioned recently, we seem to have all the time in the world - then suddenly we don't. The light goes. Realising this, it's easy to rush things and screw up something - maybe a technical thing ( leaving the wrong thing switched on or off) or as here, something like composition. Incredibly frustrating as the one you miss always promises to be fabulous - if only you hadn't rushed it. We can only benefit from being upfront about this, and from thinking about the why and the how. Then we have a chance of getting it right next time.

@DavidJenne 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Tom! Its all about getting back up again and learning along the way. If we make every mistake just once, we'll eventually run out of mistakes :-) Its refreshing to see an authentic account of a day in the field. A+ Tom !

@jkendramd 5 жыл бұрын

Rushing to find that composition that works as the light fades - that's me all the time! Finding the right composition is what I struggle with the most. Great explanation as to why you feel your last images "didn't work". I agree with your assessment and your explanation will certainly help me the next time I'm out on location.

@Kong-Long 5 жыл бұрын

Always enjoy watching your video 👍

@ivanulyanov3461 5 жыл бұрын

Great video! Love that you can take an image like that, and then openly and thoughtfully explain why it doesn't work. And I kind of agree - it's a terrible image of gorgeous elements - it's still a joy to look at those elements separately, and I would've been ecstatic to capture something like this myself, but as a whole it feels flat and disorganized. What it does, though, is highlight how balanced and well-considered your compositions usually are, to the point where it feels effortless, and (as a viewer) you start to forget how difficult it can be to find a truly good shot. And this is an excellent reminder, thank you for sharing!

@DominicUliano 5 жыл бұрын

Tom, I completely agree with you about your image. Either you "win" or you learn!! Thanks for the lesson.

@cogerox1 5 жыл бұрын

Been there, done that, Tom - both in terms of rushing the shot because of failing light, and missing the composition altogether. You are absolutely correct about the leading lines and the balance of the photo being off in this video. Sometimes the scene is beautiful, but there just isn't a shot to be had - crazy making! The video was useful and enjoyable. Thanks.

@KJLanguedoc 5 жыл бұрын

Wow! I learned something today. I thought it was a sweet image, but after hearing your analysis, I definitely agree with you. Thank you for teaching such an important lesson!

@jacksongodbold9297 5 жыл бұрын

Cool Sticker, I think trying to find a composition can make me feel nervous, especially when I know the light is on the move.

@petermcilroy5742 5 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate your thought process and story in this video. I have often been in a situation where I have not left myself enough time before sunset, rushed things, and made lots of silly mistakes with my camera setup. it is very affirming to hear you espouse the importance of time for preparation. Good composition doesn't just magically happen.

@stevehamel6230 5 жыл бұрын

Dude! Your words! Your discretion of the landscape photography was beautifully discribed!! The photo was beautifull. The light is what grabs your eyes. Never saw that little black Boulder and the little piece of land over there is insignificant. I bet someone would buy it.

@davidsargent2544 5 жыл бұрын

I agree 100% with your thoughts on that image. Beautiful elements, but the foreground does indeed lead the eye away from that gorgeous background set of mountains. Definitely a lesson learned the hard way for many people.

@MadsPeterIversen 5 жыл бұрын

Agree with your analysis. I don't think it is as unbalanced as you made it out to be. I've most certainly seen worse. As you said, it's just the elements that doesn't really fit together and leads the eyes to the focal point :)

@rommelholmes8862 5 жыл бұрын

I think doing some color painting on the left rock would somewhat change the leading perspective.

@darrenbooker9438 5 жыл бұрын

Hence the creation of the Vignette...sometimes there is just no other way to keep the viewers eye in the frame if nature won't allow you to alter your position. Love your work Tom, keep them coming mate!

@StarScaperPhoto 5 жыл бұрын

Nice to see an "old school" Heaton vlog (can we say that already?) again! Adventure, camper van, a bit of success and a bit of an eye opening "if even Thomas Heaton messes up sometimes"-comforting moments ;-). Massively fun and inspiring to watch! Keep 'em coming Thomas.

@jazzydebs 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Tom....Yay, Scotland. Sounds great that you & Simon are location scouting for a possible workshop in 2019 , intrigued 😊 What a cracking location & that setting sunlight was gorgeous how it only captured part of the beach. That image was really lovely so much detail & contrasts. And then thank you for your honesty, you're always very tough on yourself . But my untrained eye actually was drawn to the colour in the sky & the mountains in the 2nd image. But so interesting listening to you explain why you feel that compositionally it's not quite right! Ooh dear, photography is just as hard as I always thought it was! Eek! Frustrating every now n then but mostly so rewarding 😊

@nikolaszikakis1046 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, what an amazing place!!! Breathtaking. And those images are fantastic :)

@fabriziobatisti9439 5 жыл бұрын

It's wonderful when you drive for hours and at the end you can grab a good pictures.. Thanks for your share..

@DiegoMcCartney 5 жыл бұрын

Honestly man I really liked both images. That beach looks like it has so much potential with all those neat looking rocks. I see what you’re saying about the positioning of the second image. Good luck scouting 👍

@jurekro 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing the troubles. It is so refreshing in the "everything-is-perfect-youtube-world" to see that this is not just laughs and giggles, but hard work with ups and downs like everything. I sometimes have this "why didn't I take my camera" moments where everything is so perfect, light, clouds, atmosphere, but the camera is at home, or there is clearly Not enough time for proper composition. I just tell myself to relax, sit down and enjoy the view. Don't waste the energy and safe the great feeling and picture in your mind for the next time, when there is a better opportunity. Keep in doing great work. :)

@Yellowscale 5 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate seeing the "failures" from your shoots - I learned a ton from it, and your willingness to make it a vlog turned a "failure" into a success for your thousands of viewers! Thanks for helping us avoid Survivorship Bias =)

@rafalkonieczny 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with your picture analysis, I also experienced this rushed feeling, when you see beautiful scenery and can't get the composition to work for you. It's good that you share this experience as well, otherwise I would suspect that you can change landscapes with just power of mind to fit your composition :)

@MOTOPILOT6 5 жыл бұрын

Hello Thomas. First off I so dig the way you compose your video's. The voice over and music choices fit perfectly. And it's great the way you don't just jump straight into your video's main topic. I have to agree with your evaluation of the photo. The items in the background just seem out of place. But I actually thought if they were gone then everything else was fine. To my eye the dark rocks on the right side actually drew my attention to the foreground rocks.

@nikhilramnarine8058 5 жыл бұрын

A good video, seemed the capture the frantic panic most photographers have experienced rushing to get a composition right when the light is fading. Like your breakdown of your thoughts on how the 2nd photo didn't work, helps more than the seeing you take a photo that does work.

@andrespuiggros 5 жыл бұрын

Great work with your vlogs, I agree with you point of unbalanced scene.... cheers from Chile!

@stephaniesabourin3248 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for,sharing frustrations and misses. I liked your photo, but I can also see how it was an almost.

@jyothikrishnacm8688 5 жыл бұрын

This is something which have never been done by any photographer! Very informative and inspiring.

@bhaskarjs 5 жыл бұрын

That image was awesome! You are right about the leading lines taking towards the land but still it was a visual delight 👍🏻

@OhSoCheesy 5 жыл бұрын

We learn more from our mistakes than we ever do from our wins! Great video Tom. Thanks as always.

@WilliamAlvarez86 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with you but i still like it. Looks great to me! Awesome video and point for photography.

@capt_xico1964 5 жыл бұрын

I really like seeing how you approach a scene to get the best image out of it. When I do it it's like 90% of the time I'm panicking and running around thinking the sun is going to disappear.

@dangernba 5 жыл бұрын

The rare moments when I'm patient I take great images, but usually I also rush and take a couple of average shots.

@billp8944 5 жыл бұрын

I simply like the fact that you have taken us to a spectacular location, probably given us a 'teaser' for the next video and proved that regardless of who we are we can all take good and no so good images technically speaking. Thanks for giving us the 'real world' of landscape photography Tom, well done mate 👍

@1Cowboyscott 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Thomas, first time commenting! I liked the second image better than the first, I agree with Lynne, my eyes went directly to the beautiful color you captured in those mountains. Technically perfect vs Creative spontaneity... It has your signature look and therefore an interpretive work........Of Art*** Thanks for sharing!

@allansisson355 5 жыл бұрын

I agree, recently I rushed and rocks I over looked did the same. Thanks for showing it can happen to anyone.

@axelhofmann4897 5 жыл бұрын

I like this image and for me it is a classical example that there are always exceptions to rules. Normally I do not make comments but I follow all your interesting videos and admire your landscape fotos. No doubt, your pictures are pieces of art - great work, Tom!

@pinebearclub 5 жыл бұрын

Thomas... That was a great image. I saw the big rock and then my eye went right to the mountains with that wonderful colour. I did not see the dark rocks and did not pay attention to the peninsula. All I wished is that I could be there to take a picture myself! Keep it up! Bryan from Vancouver

@RFGfotografie 2 жыл бұрын

The first minute was more inspiriring, game changing, interesting, and so on then most KZfaq video's