"A good photograph is knowing where to stand" Ansel Adams

"Part of 2021 is to shoot whatever the flip I want." I have more respect for you now than ever. :)

I took that message personally. I’ve been stuck indoors for weeks feeling increasingly miserable, with the camera gear gathering dust. Tomorrow I’m taking the short stroll to the forest that I can see from my window and bagging some shots. You’re a rock in these terrible times Tom and I really appreciate your videos. Keep the faith.

As the heat of August approaches, I really enjoy looking back on the cooling snows of winter.

The Bonus image by far, got slight goosebumps

Great advice Thomas, been laid off from work for months now and my peace has been pushing myself to go out everyday and get one image no matter what the situation is. I can't sit around the house and think about all the negative stuff going on, it will drive you crazy. One capture a day and it doesn't matter if it's a keeper or not, just being out and getting fresh air and exercise is a win in my book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the video you'er also helping people cope whether you realize it or not.

The benchmark in landscape photography vlogging. Clear, simple messages delivered without cheese or loaded, underlying intent. Thanks Tom 👍

The first tree image, atmospheric and balanced. Second a masterpiece in composition, ghostly feeling, those fingers are reaching out, to do what? Imagination engaged. Brilliant results from what seems like a hopeless landscape. Thanks.

I can't think of a video of yours that I have not enjoyed. There is always something to see or think about. Give yourself a break, let go of whatever you felt was lacking in the last two videos. Seeing pictures that make you happy and your process is why I watch. The images I might take at the same location or how I might approach a subject differently is the fun part. I enjoy your process and presentation. As Billy Joel said, "Don't go changin' to try and please me." For what it's worth.

You know, when you apologise to people, when you point out that people might not like it - "it might not be to your taste" - , you do yourself a miss service. All your regular viewers/subscribers , enjoy watching your new episodes/uploads. We like what you do! I personally always enjoy it which is why I watch everyone , 3 probably 4 times. The way you explain, view things differently, the advice you give. Your attention to the bigger picture (no pun intended) and the way you notice the little things (bubbles in ice etc). You think the same way as so many of us, but do what only you can. Who cares if someone doesn't like your channel - that's their loss! Being the humble man that you are, you want them to - that's the way you are. You can't please everyone. Enjoy doing what you want. I'll be tuning in. 3 great pictures. The third one was epic. The way the light catches the spindly branches covered in snow. It almost looks 3D. Absolutely perfect in black and white/monochrome. Fantastic Tom. Hope you're feeling a bit better, you seemed a little bit more like your chirpy self this week.

The Triumphant "But this is my channel" had me cracking a smile! Good vibes to you Thomas from the American Pacific Northwest.

A reminder to keep it simple and learn to feel the opportunity Just watching you makes me realize I need to spend time on learning how to really use my cameras and take time looking for compositions.

a cup of coffee and watching your video is my morning meditation.

Glad to see and hear that you are now feeling more upbeat. Keep those pearls of wisdom flowing.

I love how you explore photography while relieving yourself of the pressure that every image be great. I know a little about how that it feels, and how limiting it can be, that every image be great. Great images take time and effort and they don’t just pop up in front of the camera every time you point it at something.

“Just go out.” I needed to hear that. Thanks Thomas!

"Lose yourself in a single shot". For me, those words are a great tip, and are enough alone to make watching your film worthwhile. Your great photos are just the icing (sugar) on the cake.

So enjoyable to watch your videos when a break is needed. Your image of the snow on the evergreen is lovely and it's not just the wine talking.

When I first began my photographic journey in the 70’s I did a lot of black and white photography. In the digital age I’ve moved away it. Seeing your photos today and doing some readings by Alister Benn, its time I get back into the black and white world of photography. Take all the “flipping” photos you want, I and many others will still keeping following, its not just your photos, its your character that keeps us coming back and back...

Thomas, you quickly became my favorite photographer once I discovered you. I appreciate your approach to photography and the honesty you possess. These pics today were terrific with the light snow. Like powdered sugar on a donut!

I always say (like you just said) keep pushing because when you see that one composition and it turns out as you visualized it, well its all worth it! The negative energy disappears.

I have been watching and enjoying your channel since your first year on KZfaq. I love how you explained the contrast in the scene with the snow on the boughs. Thank you for helping to keep us all motivated even when you are not.

I alway feel that winter is great in black and white.

The black and white version of the snow dusted fir tree is probably one of my favourites from all your beautiful landscapes. It conveys the silence and peace of the moment.

I just started watching your videos about 2 weeks ok and am now obsessed. I can't take a good photo to save my life but I do love the outdoors. So watching your channel mixing the two is fantastic and your making me want to try some long distance walks and just making me fall in love with the outdoors again.

love the last photo, with the contrast of the branches with the snow against the darker woodland.

Tom. As ever keeping it real and for many if us, this is as good as it gets sometimes. Thanks for your inspiration and on a personal note, helping me get out with my camera through lockdown.

Tom, when I am out shooting, I am so focused that I forget the troubles of the world and come away refreshed or at least less stressed. Your fir tree image in black and white is amazing. The depth, the hint of light in the trees behind the fir is wonderful. Bonus image is quite interesting, too. Keep the teaching and the images coming.

I truly love the bonus image. thanks for braving the snow to share this!

Yep! That bonus image was the one for me!! So good!

You always inspire me to always get out regardless of conditions and look for compositions. More often than not, I find something and I am always glad I followed your example regardless of the images. It just feels good.

Stoonin'! I love these simple, almost minimalistic, images; that last "bonus" image gave me a deep smile, like a personal shared secret... specifically those sinuous wispy lines, on the dark field. Graphic.

Good to see you smiling again and using the good old faithful 5D . Great to hear you are going to do your own stuff , less pressure. Love the image of the fur trees. “Positively “ inspiring. Mark J

last photo is by far the best

That bonus image! Wow.

I love the shot of the snow on the leaves. So simple....

Great as usual Thomas,love the pine with a dusting . Can-t wait for the next adventure.

Glad you enjoyed your day out. I did too. Loved both of the images. Thanks for taking us along!

Thanks, Thomas. Love your manner and approach to photography. You make it inviting and accessible.

Up here in Canada, winter scenery is quite usual around this time of the year and so I encourage you to pursue snowy scenery, as it is often quite beautiful. The light of winter is even better in February, when sunlight is more abundant. The snow, the light of the sun, make for wondrous scenes. My best to you and a happy new year.

It is heart warming to see you’ve got back your poetic self and the negativity has floated away on that wind. This is the Thomas Heaton we enjoy but I really respect your honesty. It’s important that true feelings are not bottle away. I love those snow dusted fingers out stretching and the monochrome works really well.

The B&W snow covered branch photo was wonderfully executed !

Last image is the best by far.

A very positive message in challenging times and simple yet effective photography made reachable. Thank you Tom

The last shot is just stunning.

The last image is outstanding! All were great but I really like the last one.

love your images Thomas. Your vids are so genuine and authentic. Always enjoy watching them

LOVE the snow on the branches shot!

I whole heartily believe that a photographer should capture images that make them happy. I have hundreds 10 times over of pictures I have taken just like that. Although when I look back at some of them I may think, why. Yet still, I keep them. Some of my best shots have been photographed in this manner.

You go, Tom! Flipping shot whatever you want. Isn't everything about finding perspective? Beautiful shots!

The « bonus » picture Is realy, realy great !!!

The final one is my favourite of the bunch.

Absolutely love the bonus image. Thanks for your effort and the videos you put out each and every week!

Happy New Year's Thomas! Great to see you out in the field. It is a great way to get inspired and clear your head. Love the first image of the rock and the bendy tree, so many possible compositions but one possible aspect ratio, 1:1 of course. Cheers!

That photo of the tree limbs with snow you are. Not sure about is my favorite you have ever taken. It looks like a snow bird flying in to a void. Absolutely beautiful

I loved the way you captured the snow on the branches great photo.

The last image would be my all time favourite of yours. It's like a neuron firing in the brain.🙏

I do like the quietness of these images. I live in the soggy Pacific Northwest so it does get hard to trudge out in the mud and rain, but once out it is always worthwhile.

Love the composition and the small things in nature. It looks likes fingers reaching out for you ❤️

The bonus picture was my favorite one.

Love a dusting of snow if you can’t create in snow well think about doing something else. It transforms simplifies and contrasts all in one . Great stuff glad to have you back on the light side Thomas

Thomas...you are a grand orator and I always love hearing you tell a story. Yes, I have felt very sympathetic for your "blues" in the last couple of videos. Here in Texas, I would grab you up and take you to (our version) of your pub and let you get it out. Today's video seems you have worked through it. Don't let the people in control take your joy (freedoms). You have seemed to have found your "why" in today's story and seem to be making lemonade out of the "lack of freedom" lemons. Today's composition setup "how to's" description is great. It's like giving someone the riddle and the answer at the same time. Art viewing is a private discovery in each individual viewer. Love your work Thomas! Keep the spirit up and don't let the bullies steal your joy!

Damn, Tom. I really dig your content. So freakin peaceful. Thanks man. We need you.

Love all those photos Tom. They are all different and unique and I think the compositions work very well on all three. Glad you are managing to get out a bit with your camera and pleased it's given you a lift. God bless you

Thanks for another lovely video. I always enjoy your output and images. Yours and your mate Simon Baxter videos are always inspirational enjoyable, relaxing and, in these challenging times a very enjoyable distraction.

Fantastic images Mr. Heaton! Be a little bit blue is part of life sometimes. Glad to see you excited again! ;)

Just love your channel Thomas. It's one of my favorites. Really like the way you "talk / walk" us through the process. Keep up the great work in 2021.

I love your abstract images Tom, capturing the environment as it is at that particular moment in time, never to be seen again. Awesome video as always 👍

Oh my, that bonus photograph was quite nice

I have really enjoyed watching your photography shift and morph over the past couple years! Cheers to 2021 and shooting whatever the flip we want!

Beautiful black & white photograph!

When you've been out in the cold, windy rainy or snowy weather and you're getting miserable, it is SO nice to get back in a familiar, warm, comfortable home! Make yourself some hot chocolate or coffee, and warm up a cinnamon roll. That makes the whole day worthwhile, especially if you've gotten some good photos.

what transformation with the snowy hand tree from the colour version to the b&w. stunning result! 🙌🏼

Really enjoy your videos and the transparency behind the camera and how this interplays with the image in the front of the camera. Refreshing and encouraging to hear and see-keep up the excellent work.

Love that black and white image. Great work.

I've been following your channel for about 3 years and I've been re-watching your old videos. It's interesting to see the progression to where you are now. Whatever you do, keep doing it. It doesn't really matter what you photograph as long as you enjoy doing it. That's what it's all about :)

A peaceful image! Thank you for your high quality content!

I don't need help with gear or composition. What I need is to know that I'm not alone in the struggle of creativity - of wanting to be creative. Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your own struggles with us. I've recently started taking early morning walks - often before dawn - with a camera. Even though it's gloomy, cold, and gray this time of year, just getting out has helped to clear my head and make me feel so much better. I've even gotten a few nice shots in the past couple of weeks.

I love the fern image. The "I photograph whatever the flip I want" comment literally made me laugh out loud great start to my morning. Thank you!!! Great video as always

Thanks for this video! I often find it challenging to create good photos in Winter, but this video showed me that it is more a matter of my own frame of mind. Beauty is indeed anywhere and anytime we care to see it. Cheers

Marvelous video as always!

I love the second photograph!!

Great message Thomas. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us. Much love and respect. Great photos

Actually lo e the snowy tree limb. Simple yet intricate and stunning contrast. Always fun to watch you Thomas

As a Canadian, I'm like "is there a type of winter photography that doesn't have snow?"

Images were great, but the photographic philosophy was outstanding!

Love your videos for the last 4-5 years. Love your new logo as well

I love the last image that you captured. I agree with all you said.

love the image with the snow on the pine tree

Hi Thomas there is always something new to learn from your video. Thank you.

I loved both of the tree photographs at the end. I had my eye on the snow iced green tree before you shot it…gorgeous! I would want a color print along with the monochrome because of the brilliant contrast with the snow on the green. The photo at the end of the “branchy” tree was so beautiful. It had such wispy, slight branches. Beautiful.

Beautiful image - looks like a dove in flight.

Keep on inspiring us Thomas ,,your enthusiasm is infectious

I liked the bonus image best. I love the abstract feel of it.

Calm, quiet and beautiful location and documentary! Great job

Loved the second image! Black n white worked so well

Another great video Tom, I appreciate you taking us on your journey. Cheers, Duade

One of your best videos in a long time.

Woow... The last photo is stunning! 🤩

I love your work! Beautiful photos and great tips. Thank you!