A Step Back from Epic Photography

Landscape photography does not have to be epic. It is not only for those who hike, camp, travel and explore the wilderness. Landscape photography is about how you interpret the world around you. Whilst I thoroughly enjoy hiking and getting off the beaten track, I also enjoy being inspired to create no matter where I am or what I am doing.
𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤: thomasheaton.co.uk/product/my...
𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 '𝐎𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧' 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞: • Binge Watch EVERYTHING...
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞:
Online Photography Course: f4roadtrip.com
My Instagram: / heatonthomas
My Website: www.thomasheaton.co.uk
My E-Book: geni.us/onlocation
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 & 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨: 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴.
Main Video Camera: geni.us/for-video
Aerial Footage: geni.us/aerialfootage
Tripod: geni.us/ELJmb3x
𝗠𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝘁 L𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴: bit.ly/tomsgear
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨
Losing Awareness - Joseph Beg
Golden Crates - Dusty Decks
𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚: share.epidemicsound.com/t2V7R
#LandscapePhotography

[@richard-yz6cz]

"ignore the sheep" but i love lambscape photography.

[@PB-gd9xl]

Sir, you win!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Lol

[@orphanuprising]

Lamb-steak photography

[@andyblessett1282]

😂😂

[@zenphotojourney]

I wondered about the sheep. Some people would have made the sheep a big part of the image and for some they're just something that's in the way. Both are fine, it's just what you as the photographer like.

[@daveh.354]

It is often frustrating not living near any epic landscapes that we see from many of our favorite KZbin photographers. So your message here is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@aguy4247]

One of my best selling images in my pop-up print stores I have done, was in the plains of Saskatchewan. Don't get discouraged, friend. I grew up in Appalachia, did time in Alaska and now I'm in Arizona, so I've had every blessed opportunity to create incredibly epic images, and Saskatchewan is still where one of my most popular photos is from. I don't know where you live, but I'd bet you have already taken some excellent photographs there and will continue to take more. Happy shooting.

[@broken12367]

I too can’t access the grand vistas due to a disability. So I have to find beauty in the mundane. Which although tricky is very rewarding. Great video as usual Thomas.

[@CeridwenHafMorys]

@@broken12367 There is a train that goes up Snowdon. Might be worth you checking it out if you haven't already done so.

[@claudius8002]

Is it just me, but the most epic light comes up when I'm on the motorway and for miles and miles there's no parking lot and no exit?

[@bi1iruben]

Especially if ones passenger has "a moment" and proves incapable aligning camera with the view by using the opposite eye to that up against the view finder, unable to press the correct back-button focus but yet managed to do so on lifting camera up so focusing at dashboard distance for beautifully sharp in-focus watermarks on windscreen, or turn the camera on without somehow turning the entirely separate mode selector to bulb mode for that dreamy ultra stablised 10 second exposure.

[@tomscameras]

Oh yes. I know those situations very well !!!!

[@uncanny_bassman]

It's not just you 😅

[@DavidiRamsey]

"I don't want to bother anyone with my photography". Nice to know I'm not alone in getting anxious in those situations.

[@johnnymossville]

"Don't let if fester on Instagram." - Thomas Heaton. Great Quotes of 2021.

[@gmantoon]

Lost my mam to cancer and she knew how much I wanted to take up photography she left me some money saying go for it so bought my first camera (Canon 80D) and honestly since that year my eyes have honestly felt reborn on what I used to take for granted that now I see as natural beauty I seem to see things so much more and appreciate a lot more after 30 years never ever thought I would feel that way so thanks to my Mam photography and you Thomas for all the inspiration

[@Dug6666666]

Always a good sign of growth as a photographer when you see things you normally walk/drive past. We all love a good calendar style picture, but the ones that engage our mind and offer a look into the minds eye of the photographer are the ones that give a portfolio a unique personality.

[@chadroeder2586]

I love drive by shooting. Some of my favorites come from the side of the road I drive every day. Printing my photos has become something I absolutely love to do.

[@francisschweitzer8431]

Waffle on.... all day long! That was awesome. Too many times I drive past something... a dead tree in the mist... a old broken down barn.... UGGH!! I can’t stop... NOWHERE to stop. So, I will live vicariously thru you

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Printing is expensive but I love it. I totally agree with you Tom, we spend a lot of time and money on capturing the images only for them to be forgotten about on social media. I have some of my prints framed and hung, others are just on my notice boards in the office. I never get tied of looking at my memory’s. Great video Tom and best wishes for 2021

[@NGC1433]

I don't even have any of the social media accounts, so my images have not been there. And I am pitiful a bit that nobody seen them. But how is it better for those images being forgotten in the attic, rather than on socials?

[@smickphoto]

I quite agree I have made a calender of my Garden series on my instagram @innerlightuk and I am also going to make a book so I or anyone can look at the images.

[@kronkite1530]

Agree 100%. I stopped using Flickr 2 or 3 years ago, dropped my Instagram account last summer, let my website lapse and close, and only have PicFair because I forgot to cancel the auto renewal (despite the heady champagne lifestyle from the £10 from one sale!) Don’t miss any of it. BUT print loads. Rejuvenating.

[@loucifelli2532]

There is always something special about printing your own photograph! It adds so much more satisfaction to anyone's photography and it's a great learning tool for improving your photography. Great choice...great print!

[@sharoncrawford01]

For me personally, photography is all about capturing the moment, the experience, the beauty, the emotion, it is not about getting a perfect image. So I very much appreciated your video - it's so refreshing to see a pro taking this approach, and also keeping the post-production to a minimum.

[@adamsmith6594]

I think we are all products of who we have met, who we know and knew and what we are exposed to. We are ever evolving and the journey you are on with your photography is old school and cutting edge at the same time, but ultimately inspiring to watch. Thank you for sharing.

[@borjamendezfoto]

I love your work and the way you communicate and teach, but what I love the most is your philosophy and passion. That is something genuine that we can feel through your videos. Thank you!

[@TimZeipekis]

It's reassuring to see an accomplished photographer such as yourself seeing the value in spontaneous and opportunistic images in the world around us. Some of us are limited in means of travel or "epic" landscape subjects so we're forced to look harder. I think it makes us better photographers. Always enjoy your content. Thank you

[@simonstevens1631]

Simple and to the point. We are not landscape photographers we are photographers. Everything we see shows some potential. Our family is annoyed by our constant clicking until they see the image. Then the light goes on in them. Its a great feeling to see this happen. Alway have a camera. Even if it has to be a phone. I Liked this video

[@geoffstairmand3747]

Tom I could listen to you waffle for hours. You make points that I totally buy into - a couple of days ago taking a local walk I noticed that a sward of birch trees were showing their purple tinge against the dark green of the coniferous forest behind them. The patterns of the colours were amazing and I am so glad I captured that image. It showed me how I need to connect with my immediate surroundings, especially in these times.

[@EvanAube]

Thomas, I have been watching your channel for a little while now and the growing theme that I am noticing is simplification, appreciation, and gratitude, and I just wanted to say that I appreciate your outlook and allowing me to spectate your evolution as it perfectly echoes the stage in which I find myself as a photographer, and as a person.

[@cameronmartin645]

Your so right about the random side of the road photos. My favorite photograph from last year (and possibly my best) was just at the side of the road. Was driving to a local lake for a morning hike and noticed a farmers field covered in fog. When the sun rose over the hill it back-lit the rolling hills with amazing golden light.

[@terrylknox89]

man, sometimes a little step back, some reflecting, perspective, and listening to you sharing wisdom on photography is exactly what i need to feel better and be reminded w why i want to keep doing this or get better at it

[@garywilson2926]

Never thought of doing the vignette that way. Learn something every day.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

That is indeed a fantastic photo!

[@davidmedeiros7572]

Black and white roadside minimalist photography! Love it, this is how I shoot all the time. Once you get away from the need for epic shots, you start to see how much there is to shoot all around you. I like the bird version. Originally thought you'd want to remove the smaller bird above the tree, but once the bird at the edge was removed, it all worked perfectly.

[@011001er]

You're lucky to have a homeland, sure travelling to fantastical foreign locations gives rise to fantastical images, but ever the tourist. And certainly aren't the videos that I enjoy, I'd much rather see your land through your eyes, the eyes of a native, the secret, the intimate, the elusive, the beauty that is... Your land. Because not everyone has a homeland, as a white Australian, I'll always feel like a student of someone else's land. Great shot.

[@anselspear6931]

I love the way that you '. . . ran out of the car, hand-held 200mm . . .' Not before you've set up your video blogging camera!

[@iaincphotography6051]

Love it, no big daft rocks, etc in the foreground just the subject and the print looked quality. Instagram seems like a joke when you look at prints. There are people in a local photographic club who show on instagram and facebook, never do prints and yet they use Sony, Nikon, Canon with expensive lenses. They also expect you to go wow when they show their shots on their phones. Bloody hell the enprints we use to get way back when were better and bigger.

[@jeff_freestone]

Your minimalist approach with life and photography is one Ive been consciously trying to follow for a while now. My photography has very much taken the same approach in that I am drawn to scenes in nature that instil a sense of calm. Having someone tell you that they feel that sense of calm is so rewarding I’ve found, as everyone in this day and age with all that’s going on could do with it and if you’re able to achieve that through your art then that’s a powerful thing. Interested in seeing where your photography goes 🙏

[@TeeehHias]

Basically what I do since this whole lockdown thing fell on my head. Driving/walking around and shooting the hell out of my local area. Never been so active, never captured so many great images. Even without any epic places, we didn't even had a somewhat proper sunrise or sunset or nice light since about, well, two months? Nothing but grey ugly weather. I love it.

[@Suhailkhan53]

Beautiful indeed

[@BriManeely]

A good photo is a good photo, regardless of what the photographer went through to get there. Also, I completely agree with the sentiment about printing. It's an art that seems to have been lost in the past decade or two... I personally love carrying around a stack of 4x5s of my photos and giving them away to people. It's amazing to see their reactions, and share tangible art

[@peterkennington1043]

It's important when you go out to take what pleases you and not always for the benefit of others. Perhaps in time what pleases you will also please others. The thing is to have fun and enjoy your vision of what photography means to you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and images, enjoyed them as always

[@johnbenedict3325]

I'm glad you went with the birds. With the birds it makes you wonder and think about the photo. For me, without the birds it's Oh look, two trees sticking up out of the woods.There's a whole conversation to be had about the birds in the photo.Good choice in my opinion and I love your work.

[@kristiangunderson]

I used to keep my camera gear in my vehicle all the time, and some of my favourite pictures were taken because of this. With cell phone cameras getting better over the last few years and the hassle of flying with bulky camera gear, I got away from doing this. Thanks partially to finding your videos, I've been working on keeping my camera at the ready again. Thank you.

[@minisla]

Keep it simple no need to book the next flight. Represents the place in which you live. Like the thought process. Lovely image.

[@stuandimi1480]

love this

[@arsalanhammad462]

Whenever i see your video...it feels like there is a photographer in me which awakens and want to go out into the wild and capture the beauty of the world.

[@furbs9999]

Some of my most prized photos are ones taken on the move, rushed and not planned.

[@astralbody]

Photography is about the moment. You found the moment. You caught the moment. Spectacular! Many times we give rules and requirements to our photos. It's about the right moment, light, subject, and feeling you wish to share and evoke. Ramble done. Carry on! Couldn't agree more, Tom! Love the birds! I want to print...need to get one..gah more things to get! ;)

[@joannwilson8263]

Stunning

[@focus1ist]

Just great! Love it....

[@malcolmfoster6266]

The thing I love most about photography is what you mentioned an the beginning of your video. It teaches you how to see things around you. New Eyes!! Love your work as always! ❤️🙋🏼‍♂️

[@jdub1963yahoocom]

This might be one of my favorites of your videos. Very relatable and full of great advice. Thanks Thomas, keep doing what you do!

[@marvincox9146]

Bloody awesome.

[@greypixelphotographydotcom5754]

Just fantastic!

[@gabo312]

Beautifully!!!

[@rvboondocker2559]

Your office is so dam clean! Where’s all the crap like I have everywhere?! Behind the camera? Thanks again for a fun video.

[@svetlanagrobman3476]

Wonderful image! I live in the US, so I know how it feels to be stressed. In fact, being outdoors or watching videos like yours are the only things that help me calm down.

[@TAHendriks1]

Yes, I loved this video! Thanks Thomas!

[@shannonsnow8298]

Love it!!💕💕

[@willardkennedy6021]

I love it!

[@svetlozarasparuhov8251]

It's perfect!

[@sharondmeber3802]

I love the simple beauty of this shot!

[@brassen]

Watching the birds in the picture, the idiom crossed my mind: "to dot the i's and cross the t's". Another great video!

[@the_naked_adventures_3306]

This is EXACTLY what it's about! Thanks Tom, nice to see

[@ModestBoxBread]

Much love ❤️

[@velcroesque]

Tom, as always, I find validation and inspiration in these videos. Don't stop! Thanks so much!

[@andrewknowles6731]

Thanks Thomas- you are helping to keep me sane and real! I retired ( early ) last April and trying to spend lockdown honing my skills ready for when we can get out more, learning so much from your videos but also buying into your philosophy on many levels. Great stuff

[@esphilee]

Fantastic!

[@nevillewatkins4997]

I think it was always going to be black and white. You would struggle to get much colour out of it. It's a striking image in its simplicity, and that's all it needs at the end of the day. More power to you Thomas. Your photography is evolving.

[@stuartlauchlan7061]

I was reminded recently that the stuff we see everyday and maybe take for granted are things that other people may never have seen before. So why not keep it local, keep it simple and just enjoy the getting out bit. Great video and image once again Mr H. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@BR-uz9nj]

Love the image; the bird in flight is what makes it work.

[@seoirse68]

Totally agree with the printing your images. Completes the circle and gives you something tangible to look and hold. Great video Tom.

[@jimshaw5450]

Yes Beautiful. Jim

[@GeorgeLoch]

Such a good point about printing and just going through the process of seeing a composition to seeing it printed in front of you. Cheers!

[@rolsonn]

I agree; get out and take photos. I'm enjoying opportunities to explore local areas. Also, printing's a good way to learn how to capture better images.

[@henningpehlemann]

Really love this photo, but I didn't see the potential in the beginning. I often don't even edit my images because they don't look great from the beginning, so this video is a great reminder for me to at least do some basic editing to evaluate the potential of an image. I also need to try b&w more often, because it somehow works quite often with those minimal images.

[@CharlesMercer]

Many photographers go the way of a truly artistic feel later in their lives and some manage to hit the sweet spot. I am sure you will be successful in this. The danger is being swept away in the river of trashy photos, being misunderstood and sidelined by the ill-informed and the thrill-seekers. This will not happen to you, because of the deep thought that goes into your new artistic and more simple approach; and the way you take pains to describe it to us. Don't stop doing this. I am excited for you! Great image IMHO. Looking forward to your exhibition in 2021.

[@jamesconnor4479]

I always appreciate your thoughtful approach to photography. Even when I’m not shooting, watching your videos keep me engaged and improving. Thanks!

[@remshawmusiek7565]

Love it 👍🏽

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

I am always amazed at how with just a few adjustments you can turn an plain image into something special, thanks for sharing.

[@tigerfung5575]

Always feel peaceful watching your video

[@EduBroncano]

Absolutely love this image, so much. Best tip to print your best images. Actually there's a huge difference between seeing it in a screen or printed on paper. A very important process that nobody should skip.

[@wespettus7343]

I love the final product. Beautiful simplicity!

[@janewillis2421]

Beautiful 🌿

[@perambulatingmike]

Brilliant video, Thomas...thank you!

[@jbairdexp]

Nothing wrong with a bit of change. We continue to mature and develop as photographers so how we approach our photography and the subjects we shoot is a natural part of that process. And I completely agree with you on the value of making a print....something I'll be doing myself this morning. :-)

[@cwetfeet]

What I learned is that your photography is constantly changing, how you see the world is continuously evolving. It is important we stay curious and look for new thing rather than be stagnant.

[@4rr44E]

Fantastic image Thomas. Simple... calming.

[@stephenhoran4897]

THomas, you are a huge inspiration for myself. Nuff said. I drive a lot for work and like you have this idea of a perfectly uniform plantation in some mist/fog and constantly on the look out for places to shoot on my travels. Even looking for oddities like you captured here within those plantations. Great stuff Heaton, look after yourself.

[@pietrovardi9583]

So much emotion and passion. Deep, very deep.. Thank you

[@jlid1]

Great video, and a great message as well! I totally get what you are saying. The last time I had my camera out was a week ago, and I took it to work. Shot a bit outside of work on the lunch break, and then took an extra hour getting home, driving the long way home, and just stopping for a brief second or 2 here and there, shooting whatever caught my eye, and wound up with about 25 images that I was rather pleased with. There is beauty everywhere in this world, all you have to do is open up and let it find you.....

[@RuskinKyle]

One of your best videos and images for me, Tom. Bravo. And a great reminder to always keep your eyes and mind engaged.

[@Wklambert]

I'm a huge fan of cloud texture in B&W. The more, the better. I've got a ridiculously colorful sunrise image that I converted. I had to pull so much saturation out of it, I just had to. It was one of those images that, you just knew... When you hit that button, you know you made the right choice. Cheers, Tom. Great content, sir!

[@kaushikbiswas28]

Thank you, Thomas. Love when you walk through the editing process. It is very interesting and educational.

[@grahamjt3]

Great Video, Great Image, Great work. Thanks Tom

[@MichaelPerssonSE]

I'm very fortunate to live on the top floor of a five-story building at the edge of the city with flat farmlands and small ponds and lakes just in front of me. I can make some awesome landscape photography right on my own balcony if I want :) Not any grand things in any way, but as you mentioned, peaceful and calm.

[@KylerSteele]

Love watching the process

[@noggin48]

Lovely print!

[@jimgraves4197]

That's a great image. ❤️

[@blivieriphoto]

Lovely image Tom. I wholeheartedly agree, photography doesnt have to be epic to be beautiful. 👍

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Excellent as ever.

[@stuartbrill8709]

Always great, inspiring content, thank you.

[@bendale1732]

From watching your channel, I feel I've been on the same journey as you in a sense of I now see things differently to how I used to. I really did chase those big super dramatic shots. I tried to cram as much into an image as possible. But now, in a huge U turn, I'm taking photos of trees, using 1:1 crops, having one stand out subject with very muted backgrounds. And I'm loving it! I'm always printing images, something very nice and satisfying about having your own work printed over just seeing it on social media

[@spl4028]

Excellent! Thanks

[@L.Nyquist]

Beautiful image!!

[@MattWazza]

My favourite shot of yours, love it! Nicely done.

[@dawnlb83]

I found a similar little plantation next to my house when I went for a wee walk in the snow last week. I had a pinky pastel sky though but love the minimal image I got, really captured how peaceful it was. Fab shot, love the birds and a reminder we don't have to travel far to capture some stunning shots!

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

I know exactly how you feel, Thomas. At 52, I've just re-engaged with landscape photography after a 20-year break, and my preference is definitely for simpler, more peaceful images. Most of my favourite images of yours are the simpler ones, and I enjoy immersing myself in your fabulous book at least once every week. :-)

[@TimK-1971]

I love the one with the birds!

[@jakepeters4370]

I love watching your videos. These days you are a wonderful distraction from bad news.