Challenging Photography in the Scottish Mountains

[@cbimage]

Thank you. That's have a beautiful place to photograph, Thomas. I used to fly around the Highlands and Islands in Hawks, Jaguars and Tornados and never tired of the view, even in bad weather.

[@michaelcato9255]

What a magnificent place to hike! I think the shots you got are great. They show the mood of the day. You weren't promised good light. It was wished.

[@fotofysik9186]

I dont agree that the last image lacked depth. Maybe lacking the oumph, but not depth. And I too was stunned by the drone shot when you arrived at the summit. Wow!

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Man! What an adventure ! The 3 islands shot could be the next book cover I think ! That dronage at the summit was just pure hotness! You played the game and took part and that’s what matters at the end of the day !! Have a great Christmas Pal !!

[@charliejg]

OMG, when that scene opened my jaw dropped.Such an amazing place to hike. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@peterw616]

Jesus! At the start it looked like you were just hiking up a little hill! But the drone shot at the top! WOW, what views and you're way way up there! Beautiful.

[@andrewh6977]

Those drone shots brought a tear to my eye. Unbelievable b roll Tom!

[@rugglez]

It might not have been a great image, but that view.... I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say that is one epic place.

[@andyblessett1951]

Commonly known as making a "Silk Purse out of a Pigs Ear". This is why I'm such a great fan and follower of your advice/channel etc. You are very rapidly becoming a "Master" of your Craft. Been following you for years now and have learned so much, thank you so much. All the very best seasonal greetings to you and your family. Looking forward to seeing you in the new year. PS...give my love to Gavin!

[@grahamward3418]

The drone view as you reached the summit actually made me say WOW out loud. What a place. I've seen it from the sea & driven around it. It really is breathtaking landscape & that's coming someone with a view of snowdonia from my house. Shame about the light or lack of but you still managed to take some fantastic photos.

[@alex_nita]

The last shot is epic in my book

[@Mel-95]

The drone footage was astoundingly good and so well integrated into the story. Made me a bit queasy seeing you on that mountain top. Whatever happens with the photos, the stories are great. Thanks for taking us along with you.

[@JoshMainka]

Great vid Tom. It gave me flashbacks of last Christmas Day when I camped up Cul Mor in Assynt based on a forecast of “light winds and snow overnight” with a promise of broken clouds in the morning. One sleepless night and a partial tent collapse at 3am later I got some epic shots of Suilven at sunrise. You’ve got to be in it to win it. Have a good Christmas 🎄

[@JelleBakkerMedia]

That last picture is awesome, I don't think it's really dull as you are saying, the brown colors are vibrant, and the small saturation and color in the sky makes it great to watch, definitely don't underestimate it.

[@georgeeppig2993]

I'm going to have to agree with others here that those drone shots were so gorgeous! I find myself doing the same thing and just looking around at where I am thinking "nah, there's nothing good to shoot here" - but this reminds me to constantly question that voice because to someone else that place and that scene (even WITH the clouds) is downright beautiful. We're often too blinded by the process of getting somewhere, or the familiarity with an area to really see things sometimes. Not saying your blind, Thomas! It's just a wonderful reminder for myself.

[@visiteverestannapurnanepal7810]

Beautiful landscape 😮😮❤❤❤❤

[@calumcree4456]

Come on! That drone shot as you summit! Epic Tom. Absolutely epic!

[@Tetra84]

Nice view of Stac Polly! I was on that peak looking back to where you are standing a few years back. Amazing views and hike! Love your island shots!

[@Craig-wilson-Loneson-media]

Might not have been the sunset you hoped for but you still you continue to motivate others to get out of bed and go see these amazing landscapes! Keep up the good work mate, look forward to the next video!

[@davidfromborneo259]

At 2:40 in the video I get similar shots at dawn in Hat Yai Thailand from my 19th floor condo but with a sky scraper in the middle! Your inspiration, ta muchly😁👍

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Hi Thomas, It was nice to see you on the photography Pubcast. Fair play for you staying there and waiting for the light, which unfortunately didn't happen. Great image's as usual. Catch you on the next one.

[@Jagrajagra]

I think I must be a masochist, because these are exactly the kind of weather conditions that interest me. Not that some light on a distant mountaintop or playing across the water wouldn’t be welcome. But there’s still beauty to be found. I liked the last picture.

[@MiscellanyTop]

Hi Tom, Yet another fab vid with excellent pix. Thank you. Love your RAW / Finished style of recent times - I really appreciate those because they let me see how your vision finally shapes the images. Thank you for all the vids this year and since you started (you asked who had been here from the start t'other day - I'm one. I well you remember your prepping your bag etc in your former house, too). Anyway Happy Crimble 2024 and a happy and healthy 2025. All the best, Cheers.

[@selvasivathanu]

I would have boasted for days with the image at the top of the mountain even without the light. But yeah, it's Tom, the Quality and Results are a Top Notch. Beautiful views indeed with the drone shot. Soooooooooooooo Good...........

[@joeyrobertson4926]

Even though you didn’t get the light you were hoping for, you got some beautiful photos as well as a beautiful place to hike!

[@michaelgoulding4425]

Great video Thomas, feel your pain, what with living in Ireland n all. That said, the photos from the first day are beautiful. Always refreshing to see that the pros have to deal with the same issues as the rest of us, lol

[@albert25hoo]

Nice hike, Thomas and some beautiful photo's. Your mountain shot is a scouting shot. Visual reference for what ik could be. And once you will return. You felt exactly how the forecast ought to be and you will take this into account for the next hike. This is probably what you mean by the title: perseverance. I enjoyed the video and your message. Merry Christmas. Bert.

[@sapphieburry5216]

Oh man, I'm so glad you got the view 😍 the fiddler is hard to beat for a sudden, dramatic view! Incredible shots as well ❤

[@gerryboyd178]

Assynt and Coigach is a stunning area. I was fortunate to do this area in warm sunshine years back. Fine images.

[@elliswoodphoto]

Nice video Tom! I have been up the Fiddler myself! Incredible views. Failing light, passing rain showers can create amazing images, as the showers layer the distant peaks!

[@petesuchon7340]

Heading off into the mountains with fog closing in? Sounds like something Fototripper would do. Happy Christmas Thomas!

[@nicolaiecostel]

Merry Christmas to you and the family !

[@scottmcnally]

Tom, those drone shots at 10:00 were incredible and really showed the scale of th area. Great video!

[@Indrakusuma_a]

Well, even with such flat light condition, I still love the first and the second shot. With your editing, I think they still look beautiful.

[@gregroberts875]

Thomas, thanks so much for sharing this video. I always enjoy the information you share and your storytelling. In my opinion, you have one of the best photography channels on KZbin. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and I’m looking forward to seeing what you have to share with your followers in 2025. Sincerely, Greg Birmingham, AL, USA

[@kojw7100]

Ok, those drone shots made me say WOW. Stunning! Thanks for another great lesson.

[@jasonbevan6275]

It's 50 years ago that I climbed Stac Pollaidh - a teenager without a camera - and saw the brocken spectre and what seemed like the whole of the Highlands spread before me. The only image now is in my minds eye. It's an amazing part of the world.

[@juanitakelly3082]

Great seeing perspectives of the same location on different days. And your 'king of the world' drone work was breathtaking!!

[@tim.poirier]

The image at 5:45 is absolute class! The dark clouds in the top left of the frame just complement the islands perfectly.

[@andreasstein421]

Been there 2 years ago..., memories 😍 so so good!!! Thank you for the backflash 😅

[@stevenbridge]

Your video reminds me of a time my buddy and I decided to climb the Lions, a pair of peaks just north of Vancouver. He had just gotten back from an Outbound Course and was feeling pretty cocky. He said "let me know when you would like to take a rest". I took that personally and we set off from the bottom at Lions Bay, made out way up to Unnecessary Mountain, traversed the ridge to the top of the West Lion, all without a break, only to see an unbroken view of clouds instead of what should have been a sensational view of Vancouver, Capilano Lake, the Coast Mountain Range and Howe Sound. A classic example of "Pride goes before a fall". A big thank you for all your videos, especially those that get us into the mountains like this one. I feel like I'm there with you.

[@adam.bilton]

That drone footage 10 minutes in was amazing the view was spectacular and Thomas stood heroically at the top 👌Epic

[@riverrockwood]

Whoa - that drone shot was incredible, (I'm terrified of heights !) and I loved the video. Lately our weather radar here is always wrong - so I'm glad you took the chance despite two different weather versions ! Thank you !

[@Jake-vt4ow]

Don’t be disappointed, you got some beautiful landscapes!!!❤

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Great hike and a good video, persistence and just going out. The images are good Tom

[@hjones451]

Your ascent of Assynt Day, then? Always happy to see your face, Thomas! Up there in Spring.

[@Ricky-j5k]

Happy you were able to experience the view Tom. I really appreciate the before and after edits, love the videos. Still stunning images nonetheless!

[@KenJJamesK]

Weather is like shite Thomas.. it just happens. Lovely hike up there though. Ken from New Zealand 😎

[@prandg0]

Thanks Thomas, great stuff like always!!

[@RhysEllis-Davies]

We’re playing Thomas Heaton bingo. “I’m going to go for a square crop”!! Another great video

[@MiscellanyTop]

Yes but he dropped the "Absolutely Stunning" quite some time ago, alas. Perhaps my fav is "Thomas Heaton - Master Photographer." (See the South American video, shot largely by Greg Snell (Another fab YT channel, by the way), from a few years ago - on this T Heaton channel.) Cheers - or Bore da!

[@margareteagle-clark8072]

Your persistence and patience is inspirational and those first shots were beautiful. The drone shot on the summit is spectacular and quite emotional

[@LauraF4848]

The drone shot was incredible, no wonder you went back up! Maybe you will get the light the next trip 🙂. Since next week will be very busy, I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas 🎄

[@chrisparker5684]

Thanks for a great video Thomas - I've been up that mountain from the east, and also had no light, but the views are spectacular! I think it's one of the closest mountains to the sea in the whole of the UK. I love your Scotland trips - great images or not!

[@oldmanhare]

Happy Holidays @ThomasHeaton to you and your family!

[@allansisson355]

It's still a great video, Thomas. The two you captured, love them.

[@dianebouchard5691]

Spectacular drone footage! It gives a great perspective of the scale of things!

[@brianmckeever5280]

I love the sheets of rain image. Happy trails!

[@frednorman1]

What a beautiful place! And you captured it with your drone shot

[@NicolasAlexanderOtto]

I always asked myself why you dont spend more time up there. Since I found your channel I flew up there for hiking twice, yet you rarely visit the area. Would love to see more hiking from that area.

[@00Ryder]

James, you’re videos have always been fantastic, I can’t say I’ve ever watched one and thought “Oooh that one is a filler” but I appreciate that as an artist / creator you may feel differently so ultimately, you do you! I appreciate that churning out a weekly video on any subject, you may soon run out of ideas, topics etc. I’ve noticed a few of my favourite KZbinrs have diversified or opted to do longer videos less often or just less videos. I questioned if this was an algorithm thing. As someone who enjoys consuming photography content, I can’t say that its not a little disappointing that some of my favourite creators are no posting less as I’m not someone that watches a lot of TV. Especially when one of the main things I watch those channels for are due to the presenters personality - I feel invested. I personally wouldn’t have an issue with a few videos being photo walks or just documenting a shoot (good and bad) instead of every video having a theme or talking point.

[@phynx2006]

Drizzle my Shizzle 🤘😝. Wow the landscape view from the top is beautiful, some natural sunlight through the clouds would have been nice. You know you can always do some dodging and burning, I think Gavin Hardcastle might have a Course on how to do that 🤣🤣🤣. Always enjoy your videos 👍👍😎

[@robertbarrett6904]

Absolutely loved the drone video shots. What a beautiful area!

[@peterheasman8883]

Many years ago I was up there in Winter on a perfect day traverse of the whole ridge. Of course I did not have a camera but memory is good. I’ll be back 😀

[@maricello13]

„Who do I think I am?“ - I enjoy your videos for many reasons, Self Humor being on of them. Keep it up 😊

[@photosonthebay9341]

Another excellent video. Always a pleasure to watch

[@swirly_magnolia]

I do love that shot of the islands

[@LittleTalksWithMyles]

Patience, balance and persistence are perhaps the most difficult things to learn… but also some of the the most beneficial.

[@paulus0109]

I like the threeislandphoto very much. Thnx

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Video Thomas 3:19 love the foggy whisps in front to the mountains, 5:46 classic Heaton square crop, 13:28 cracking location worth and return, thanks for sharing

[@nikoniano]

Excellent video like all of them. Thanks for the Spanish dubbing. Greetings

[@don_sharon]

Great stuff.

[@masterhall1685]

Thomas, it would never have occurred to me to raise my camera to take pictures in the case of the islands and the dominant sky. And you made a minimalistic shot and he has the right to live. You surprise me with this more than once.

[@ColinMatheson-j6o]

I was there in May in the most fantastic conditions. A1 print framed up on my wall. One of the finest viewpoints in Scotland. Sorry you missed it.

[@JorisVanDeuneghem]

what a view. amazing that you waited 3 days for it. I guess we all know the feeling of that 😃 It's not bad to take the shot anyway, I guess its good for training.

[@hylkeheidstra2274]

Nice images and great hike!

[@SKHP2425]

Awesome video! Keep on keeping on.

[@scotty4418]

Loved the story telling in this one Tom, 2 beautiful images to set the scene and then your ascent 3 days later with the drone vista really rocked a Highlander vibe. Hopefully you get the image you're after when you return again in the future

[@DeltaLimaActual-t2o]

Capturing the right fleeting moments Nature gives you is aways a challenge technically. But finding it at all and being there to capture it is 90% of the challenge in landscapes. If left to luck, it would be rare. You do the work to figure out when it is likely to happen, to be there, and then capture its beauty. That is why I watch your channel for inspiration.

[@iqueque]

I love the way Thomas substitutes ‘We’ for ‘I’! I thought only the Queen did that.

[@heathcee4910]

But as Thomas is essentially taking us with him, the use of 'we' is perfectly appropriate!

[@AdamKinMI]

Would be interesting to see that last image captured in a longer exposure, to show any slightest movement in the clouds: processed in monochrome.

[@72Webber]

Great Video and great images on the way up the mountain as you said. Really enjoyed it as always👍🏻

[@tonyb4326]

Thank you for another great video Tom, I have watched your channel for many years now and have always enjoyed your content, I would love to say I have learned from you but alas I am still crap at photography, I would just like to wish you and your's a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

[@stroi83remix]

Amazing drone footage!

[@GableEnder9]

Well, you didn’t have much luck with the light, but as usual, your images are just stunning. The drone footage of what must be one of the most spectacular views anywhere in the world, was amazing! BTW……..at the risk of sounding like a right pedantic so-and-so……..it’s pronounced A’snt, with the emphasis on the A (hard) and the rest just thrown in for good measure. Sorry to be critical. I love your photography and your approach when things don’t go your way. A lesson for us all there. Have a Merry Christmas and a great 2025. All the best!

[@Umar.maliken]

Hey Tom, absolutely love your work, you're an inspiration and make me want to go out to shoot! I wanted to ask what brand your hoodie is in the first half of the video, would love to pick one up myself!

[@Hirsutechin]

There's a mountain in that last image I really, really want to climb and you're just firing that itch!

[@ericerickson6537]

Great Drone work

[@randyschwager84]

Excellent info! Thanks for taking me along!

[@javaman4584]

I was wondering how you were going to make a photo on this dull, monochromatic day, but you did it, twice. Good job.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

The drone sequence was worth the climb. Can you pull one of those frames and make a credible still from it. Your weather there looks like our weather here today. Heavy overcast with mist drifting in the air and 46F with a much colder cold front moving in. I think I'll just stay inside and enjoy my photography trips vicariously. Thanks, Thomas.

[@carbonejack]

Holy S--T. That drone video was awesome.

[@leemillington7164]

Great video Tom.

[@BimurtyaGanguli]

Hey Thomas! Another inspiring video. I loved all the photographs, and yes, I agree with the people who say that the last photograph didn't lack depth. Yes, that photograph would be much better with light, but other than that, I really liked the last photograph. I struggle with understanding the weather conditions from map and predicting the forecast. Though I have seen you doing this several times in your videos, still when I try that in real life, I am left confused. Can you guide me on this, if possible?

[@ChrissTomcat]

I understand you, Thomas. A few days ago, I went to photograph the full moon with a castle in the foreground. I had planned this day for 2 months. So, a few days ago, I went to the specific location, and the app said that the cloud cover in that area would be around 40%, and that’s exactly what it was. But all 40% of the clouds were right behind the castle, where the full moon was supposed to rise. When the time came, the clouds were still there. And the moment when my patience, faith, and plans were crumbling... the moment when I was about to take the camera off the tripod. Unbelievably, right at that moment, when all my hopes had faded, a small gap in the clouds appeared through which the full moon looked at me. I immediately started taking pictures of everything I could. That magical moment lasted only 2 minutes, and it was enough for me to feel so many emotions that I forgot all the bad things in the world. This is true magic-to be a photographer. I love it. I wish everyone to experience those emotional moments in their lives, even if it’s just for one minute.

[@andybamforth]

I'd settle for any one of those images thanks😉

[@nealrantoul9831]

3 days later with the drone: magnificent!

[@GodIsReal]

Wow! Just wow…

[@washingtonradio]

Tom, you are showing that it takes effort to get great shots and to have a hope of getting these shots you have actually put some effort in. But you may not be rewarded by your effort on any given outing. But persistence will reward those who take the effort.

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Great video even though the light didnt show up 👍🙂

[@atalaykaracaorenli7698]

Like light: love shines brightest in the darkest place.