How I Handle a Terrible Day of Photography in the Field

[@PhotoTrekr]

Back in the days of film cameras, there were many days when I would drive to the mountains and not take a photo. Sometimes that happens even these days. But, I've always thought that even a bad day in the mountains is better than a good day in the city.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

I couldn't agree more. I often feel the pressure to shoot images for the videos sake, but a day out with no images is better than a day stuck inside, also with no images.

[@emmanuelbarboza7347]

What’s wrong with the city 🤨

[@jonldronevideos]

@@emmanuelbarboza7347 if you do street photography, nothing. But still can go out wander the streets and come back with nothing. The time is never wasted, it can go down as experience.

[@BriManeely]

Isn't it still the days of film cameras? 😏

[@calvinwon5113]

Hey Thomas. You shouldn't feel the need to lie about what you're photographing when people ask. You're amazing at what you do, and you should stay true to yourself with confidence. Not only does being a photographer teach you the powers of observation, but it also inspires observation in anyone who views the images. Your images teach people how to view the world differently, and to notice things they might not have noticed before. So why not communicate that directly to the people who are asking you about it? If they judge that, who cares? It's unlikely you'll see them again anyways.

[@ARTIST-AT-LARGE]

I'm watching this while sitting in my VWbus (that I live in) in California with the rain tap tap tapping on my roof while I download photographs from a break in the storms the other day! Weather has been grim here too!

[@beckywaters1843]

Loved the third foam image. The fallen tree image was wonderful because of the background story you painted. Patience and eyes wide open will produce winners as these.

[@JRodPhotoArt]

I do agree, Don't wait for good weather to make art, there is always art to be made in any weather condition. Nice job!

[@bethmiklavcic180]

Always "bother," it is all a learning experience. I grew up in California and even the "crap" images I recently took in December are now valuable to me, since those scenes no longer exist.

[@tonyb4326]

As photographers we all have that epic image in our minds, but when things don't go our way we tend to think we've failed. Learning to open our minds as well as our eyes, can save us from frustration and despair, you have proved this point numerous times in your videos Tom, are they your best work? not necessarily, but they are inspired and creative and that's what counts.

[@ThePurpleHarpoon]

Epic images don't exist, only epic opinions.

[@tmbennett3593]

By looking and taking creative risks we can break new ground. Usually that journey is personal, you are kind enough to share that experience with us! Inspirational as always!

[@Mel-95]

Here in Northern California, USA, we, too, are being inundated by rain. You are not along. I felt sad seeing all those freshly-felled trees, youngsters just getting started in life. Another of Nature's hidden dramas revealed in your photographs. Please keep "seeing" for us. Always an experience.

[@karlagerst111]

I might have to quote you, at least to myself. “Don’t burden yourself with expectations of grandeur.” That’s now in my toolkit. 😊 Thanks!

[@suhangyin8872]

I quite like the very first image, the contrast of tree and foam is fantastic

[@blivieriphoto]

I love it Tom. That last spot, they looked like the old game of pickup sticks. Very nice. I totally agree. When you're least inspired is when you need to just go on a walkabout. See what you can see. Even if you shoot nothing, you've got fresh air in your lungs and got your feet moving. I just want to say, you've been inspiring me for years, since 2017 I believe. I was in Zion this last March, end of winter, when I came across a grove of boxelder trees at the Narrows bus stop. The dried seeds were just dangling by a thread, and shimmered in the bright light. I suddenly remembered when you went to Zion so many years ago and saw the very same thing. Couldn't remember the image, but remembered your enthusiasm and vivid description. I took several shots of those trees and wondered, "will these hold a candle to Thomas Heaton's photo?" Well, I ended up submitting it to this last year's NLPA and it came in 3rd for the intimate landscapes group. 🤗 You continue to inspire me weekly. Thank you for your hard work and continued inspiration!

[@mikebartow9415]

In the first group of images I like the third one. The pattern is mesmerizing and contemplative. I can stare at it and seem to find peacefulness.

[@timothycampbell7015]

Thanks for showing outings that may not be saleable but we're rewarding to you yourself. I have watched your videos for a few years now and very much enjoy your love of capturing what ever you see wherever you are. I am very much an amateur but I truly love looking for beauty and interest w where at first glance there seems to be nothing. Keep up the great work. You are an inspiration. Thanks

[@AleRodrigues]

A "bad day" out photographing worth more than a year stuck inside the office, this is all about the journey Tom, and the most important thing is to get out and shoot something. I like the 3rd river flow the most. Cheers

[@fredjcarss7788]

I get out once a week with my old pal. We have been taking pictures together since our early teens and I’m 70 this year. It’s great to get out and get lost (regular occurrence) and see what catches the eye. We look at everything with different eyes and surprise each other with what one or other of us home into. We vary our equipment carried to add challenges, sometimes SLR , compacts, film and even my 1952 Leica or inherited cameras from my mum who was a keen photographer. These days we don’t develop our films but the cost factors make you very selective of shots (entirely different to digital). Tomorrow we are going into town to see who gets the best with camera phones and might fit in a curry. Never boring and there is always something to laugh at and keep us sane

[@mohrt008]

I like the first one, the way you framed the flowing foam and tree branches.

[@MarcTerryPhotography]

This video is why I follow your channel. On a day where i'd have stayed in my car, drove home and felt down. You do completely the opposite and teach me that "It's not always about Photography" it's about the time we spend in nature, enjoying life.

[@kenford2877]

Just want to thank you for your videos. I always find them interesting and I've learned a lot about composition and a photographer's perspective from you.

[@hristorbital]

From personal experience, those weird images you take when the day seems lost for photography, you end up loving most...mainly because noone else does but also because you pushed through the day, you know what it took, you squeezed that last drop of concentration and you made something out of nothing. It was an actual creative effort the result of which usually ends up deep in the archives but even deeper in your heart. I like all the images from the video but the first one does it best for me.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Thanks a lot. The first image is growing on me more and more.

[@davidskinner274]

One and three for me. When all else fails, always look for the closer abstract stuff. Good video, Thomas

[@brianparks440]

Thomas, I want to say I get something of value out of every video of yours I’ve watched. This was just the inspiration I needed today as the weather here in western Montana lately has been absolutely dismal. I am waiting for a day when it’s forecast morning fog becoming partly sunny and we just had one last Friday and I was all set to head out to some preplanned locations. But then I awoke with a terrible stomach flu. Now the forecast for the foreseeable future is bleak. So rather than sulking I put on this video. Now I’m inspired to face whatever nature throws at me. Cheers mate. Brian

[@paulstillwell]

Of the first set of 3 images, number 2 does it for me... beautifully abstract and minimal.

[@Mcguppy]

If people passing by don’t get what you’re photographing, that’s their problem, why should you care. Love your work and videos

[@jstuempges1985]

Always love watching your videos. I came across your channel around 2016/2017 and have always looked forward to your weekly videos. There is not a single person who has motivated and inspired me more than you. Even on those days when the conditions aren't great, you still make an effort to get an image. Watching your videos always motivates me to get out and explore the world around me. And on those days or weeks that I cant get out, you transport me to those places. I would just like to say thank you.

[@thomasphillips5850]

Thomas ,I think your message is the winner this week. We have to be patient and really look and think about what we want to achieve. Prize winning fotos are not always going to be there, it's the process that counts. Thanks as always.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Second view. First automation like. Commenting during the video: the third image at 11:00 is easily the best of the three. My own backup plan on iffy days is bird photography. That was actually my first love before I got into landscapes, and there are always birds around somewhere. It does mean carrying around a long zoom, though.

[@christopherhawkes5669]

Thanks Thomas. Third foam and first tree. Really inspiring during these dreich Scottish winter days.

[@ahsanabbasphotography]

Sometimes you have to be patient, keep moving, keep exploring, keep wandering!

[@Realletsplaygrey]

I very much enjoy the 2nd image of the foam.

[@TheKingPrawn114]

That description at 8:30 perfectly describes where I live in the Pacific Northwest of the US.

[@hamsterneckliving]

The second of the falling tree shots definitely tells a story. Well done.

[@brianmckeever5280]

The images of the foam, I agree, the last is most interesting. The me, the trees are a better subject, and I may not have stopped, but that does not mean they were not worth capturing. Hearing your point of view was interesting. FWIW: What I like most about taking pictures is it makes ALL of life more interesting. Everywhere I go, whatever I'm looking at, I'm always noticing colors, shadows, patterns and alignments of objects. A lot more things to smile and enjoy. We can use as much of that as we can get.

[@SourPlanet]

One of my favorite tricks to kinda "hack" my systems is to keep a couple small creative lenses in the bag. Most modern lenses gate specific qualities (sharpness, dof, etc) and then leave the photographer to be creative. Some lenses- and plenty of vintage lenses- offer essentially art direction as a modifier. Helios 44-2 is an easy example. If you open it up, space yourself correctly, you get swirl bokeh. Another favorite is the Astrhori 50/1.4 tilt lens. Simple mechanics but fantastic quality, allows for very pronounced field blurs that can be pushed throughout scene depth with the aperture. So if the day is just not providing in an expected way, I'll switch over to something a little weird and see what kind of magic I can conjure up. Super fun to break out of habits in a tactile way like that too.

[@neilalmond9354]

Love the shot of the fallen trees next to the planting tubes, bet you were happy you went out. Well done mate.

[@TheOnceAndFutureDoug]

For traveling with coffee, get a hand grinder, an Aeropress Go and something air-tight to store your beans. Get a light roast, boil your water, it goes in the Aeropress with your ground coffee and in a minute or two you have a lovely brew. I do it every morning, takes 5 minutes start to finish including cleanup. Aeropress just need a rinse.

[@joesanders6898]

You got me thinking. And I suppose that's what it's all about. The weather around here has been pretty lousy and it's been difficult to find any enthusiasm. So maybe tomorrow I'll go out in spite of the lousy weather. I just need to remember to see the big picture, but look for the small picture. A leaf, or a branch, or a puddle with wind ripples on it.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Really enjoyed this little adventure, Thomas. Took me back to so many times doing much the same thing and sleeping in my little den made up in the back of my truck or sometimes my REI backpack tent. You did have one big advantage, though. You had enough heat to keep the damp and chill out and give you a cozy night in the camper. Anyway, those were good times. You did end up with some good images. I couldn't see anything happening there until you put up the finished images. Good stuff. One thing about that white foam: makes me think that stream was terribly polluted. White foam makes me think it was phosphate. A good bit of which used to be deposited into streams from the detergent used in clothes washing machines. But in this case, because there is so much of it, I suspect it might be from some type of industrial process. Anyway, you made a good picture with it.

[@jasonlamarking]

7:29 reminds me of one of the first assignments I had in photography class. The challenge is to take a B&W photograph with only a light, middle grey and black tone in it. It's harder than you think and a good way to learn to "see" in black and white. The ceiling at the corner of a room is one good place to look for the three tones.

[@jamietallingbell]

Thanks Thomas, that's the push I needed to get out with my camera! Some great images, especially considering the conditions, really like the first fallen tree image!

[@barbarachamberlain6918]

I really liked the third foam shot.

[@jimtrull683]

I like how you remind us that its not always about getting a portfolio image but instead its about the journey and having fun.

[@scotty4418]

Totally agree with the comment at the end Thomas. Keep an open mind and adapt to the conditions. Liked the 3rd foam image and the first tree image at the end.

[@andrewiverach659]

I think a drone shot of the fallen trees might have been the best comp.

[@MrGm182]

I get it. This was a brilliant video. One of the most natural & relatable (for us novices!). Appreciated

[@JDubyafoto]

I took a photography class as an elective my first year in High School. We didn't pick up a camera or take a picture for the first half of the year. We studied the history of photography, the rules of composition, the physics of light and lenses, the chemistry involved with analog photography, and of course, exposure. The first image I made for that class was using a homemade pinhole camera using a coffee tin. I even made a film holder so I could make sure the film was reasonably flat when I loaded it. I cut a strip of film from a roll of Tri-X 120, loaded it in the holder, loaded the holder in the tin...all in total darkness. The image wasn't really anything special...just a bunch of school buildings...but it was the first picture I ever took and processed myself. Talk about a thrill!!! Photography is a life-long process of learning. It's constantly changing and improving. It's not just a hobby or a career...it's a way of life.

[@Sarmor1985]

It was good seeing you back on the road, healthy and inspired !

[@josephlai1078]

Great video. Thanks for showing us the "real" side of photo shooting. I think many people got mislead by many YT videos thinking that every outing ends with many spectacular shots.

[@amalieemmynoether992]

That's the challenge I love about photography... finding images when the light and conditions are not ideal. Agree the third image is the best of the first set.

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

I’m very new to photography and really enjoy your videos. Photography has added a new dimension to my love for hiking. When I’m out hiking, I see things in a completely different perspective now. It’s amazing how creative the mind can be when you pay more attention to your surroundings 🙂

[@willfreund3315]

I preferred the 2nd of the three photos. Almost felt like a painting!

[@j.k.photography3664]

I liked the second pine photo.

[@larryjohnson1451]

I'm glad you made the point about the importance of being out and finding what might be waiting for us. Videos like this talk to us where we are and sometimes that's a mundane location or dealing with creative inertia. We don't need more videos like "tricks only the pros use," but we certainly benefit from seeing how someone approaches a situation and finds something that merits sharing, and how they set up the shot.

[@ianjefferson694]

I actually don't want to judge/comment on the photos. This is all about inspiration and seeing beauty where others may not. Your videos always want me to pick up the camera and head out......which I generally do. Cheers.

[@CurtGodwin]

This video really speaks to me. I live in an area lacking in photography targets, so seeing you pull out the shots you did mimics the experience I often encounter. I've really needed to change my focus (pun intended) over the past few months to overcome my photo funk. Thanks!

[@annajonoviello6385]

I’m here to talk about the ‘coffee maker’😂 That’s a Nespresso espresso maker that is used with espresso pods, not loose coffee. I use one often on my travels and it’s absolutely delicious when used properly. Happy to give back a little info to you after all these many years of getting tips and tricks from you, Tom. Always look forward to Wednesdays❤

[@CarolineOrdHume]

That's hilarious. I may get one for myself now you have explained how to use them!

[@kimcalvert332]

Very timely video for me! Thanks for sharing! Got me back out with my cam

[@trevorbrooks813]

I agree with your assessment of the images, number 3 being my favourite too. Rather perversely perhaps, apparent lousy weather conditions can bring a good sense of satisfaction, and not just for the dry socks when you get home. I find if you go out intending to enjoy it, you almost certainly will, regardless of the 'result'. Thanks for posting.

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

The foam and the tree I love, the 2nd tree one. Totally get the mind attacking itself. I once did a night shoot, the clouds rolled in, so I went with that, and actually loads of people likes it when I put it on fb, I was encouraged by Richard Tatti of nightscape images to roll with what you get

[@davidm5996]

Over the years I have read so many books and seen so much advice from successful landscape photographers about "waiting for the light" and "pre-visualising" the scene before even leaving home, requiring huge amounts of planning and a lot of luck. For most of us however I am sure the reality is we have to make the most of what we find on the days we go out. Those of us with full time jobs only have a certain limited time to dedicate to this passion of ours, and we have to balance that with family life too. So your videos have always inspired because you often go out with little plan, sometimes no real idea where you're going and no clue as to what you're going to shoot. Sounds familiar. By shooting with what you have you develop a better eye for an image, and grow as a photographer. It's more challenging but also more rewarding. I'm always amazed by what you come back with, and I find myself on location thinking "what would Thomas be doing with this?". So excellent stuff, and masterfully put together as always.

[@pete-c]

I liked the first image of the foam and branch, something about it appealed, good vid Tom always something to learn from your adventures

[@texas8322]

I love the foam photos. Number three is my favorite as well, but I like the one with the tree limb as well. I also enjoyed the second fallen tree area, but the first was a good one too. I always go for scenes that would seem a waste of time by most people.

[@AngrieJelly]

Dear Thomas, I cal myself a "picture taker" Foam A= what i would shoot, B= what you also saw C= what you also saw cris cross Trees: Yes!! 🙂 Love the channel and stories

[@twiztedzero1685]

So here I am laying down watching this video and I see cheese toasty - yeah, had to get up and go into the kitchen and make one for myself. Cheers!

[@charliewaterman816]

Like foam shot 2 and 3. Definitely, one of those less is more moments. The branch didn't go with the textures. Just ended up a distraction. But the foam on its own had some great feeling. Good find :)

[@ricardohnn]

loved the tip about cleaning the sensor

[@willemschottert]

It's like you said. It is not what you see, but how you see it. Or.....what you see in the photo Or....what emotion occurs when seeing the photo. Love your work. Very inspiring. 👏👏👏

[@lisasimpson9343]

Totally agree, I have limited time and budget so I dont go anywhere out of my local area except a trip to a specialist in Adelaide every 6 months so I have to have that mindset of finding images in the everyday landscapes. That will be changing this year and it will feel like Xmas, or better..... We are only here once, make the most of it. I liked the image of the fallen trees with the young ones the best. Thank you Thomas.

[@rikmorel4870]

Sometimes we need to just get out and wander, even grey days like this. Inspiration can strike in the bleakest of spaces, plus it keeps us moving and hopefully 'in the zone' or mindset of just looking.

[@shaun53355]

You were in an location where you were looking for the detail. Not your best work, but you enjoyed it. You Said the words. Keep up the good work😊.

[@richarddenise3886]

You are the Master of describing the process of trial and error and definitely success!

[@davebryer6133]

Thomas, I agree with you that none of these images were even close to your best, but it is important to take them. You had a vision in your head, and you tried. I recently spent two days attempting to get some images and although in my head they looked great when processed they all sucked. But if I had not attempted I would have never known for sure. And it got me out of the house for a while, which was a good thing.

[@Wklambert]

"Keep an open mind." Amen sir. This is soooo hard to do sometimes. (I think image #2 works well. Especially w the movement in the upper portion of the photograph.)

[@karimedinburgh]

Amazing video my friend , thank you for the wonderful video and wish you a good day!!

[@tacotruck4040]

I enjoyed the last two images, the last especially so. It seemed to tell a story of live tree falling down into dead ones. Thanks fore the videos Thomas

[@jairocruz-rua9079]

I really appreciate that you didn't give up and you didn't let the situation get you down. Regardless of the images I know you are a better photographer because you exercised your creative eye! Thank you for this video, it is very encouraging.

[@karenwilliams4362]

You could photograph a phone directory and still make it interesting in video like this! Thanks so much for the inspiration

[@TrevorRosenkilde]

As always, I enjoy your videos -- today is no different. Your comment about getting out even if the conditions aren't perfect or the location isn't the most exotic really resonated with me & it's something I've been practicing more and more over the course of this past year. I've been going out to normal looking locations and just observing -- and it's worked wonders. The growth I've observed in my own work has been noticeable and honestly quite substantial. As a long time viewer, thank you for always putting out genuine & inspiring content. Cheers!

[@charliejg]

I honestly really like the geometry of the downed trees. I'm wondering how it would have looked in black and white. I have an image in mind to shoot near my home that I'm trying to figure out how to make. It's two long rows of big pine trees. The rows are close together and I want to shoot down the opening in the middle give a tunnel effect. I just haven't quite figured out how to capture it. But, it's not going away! Thanks for taking us along. Have a great week!

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Landscape photography is not like photographing a model in a studio. Where everything is perfect and everything is constructed it’s off in about finding something that maybe you didn’t think was there especially when the conditions are really tough. I like the images I like the stick images as well and I always think there’s something you can take a photo of something creative and Thomas is right it is essentially an exercise in mindfulness and observation

[@Drivr555]

I was casually watching this video as you were talking about difficulty finding subjects when, at 6:02 as you were walking into the forest, the B-roll image made me do a double take and think, "there's an awesome picture there!" (sorry for the long winded sentence).

[@edwardw.1974]

Great to see Thomas already has over half a million subscribers, I have been watching your videos for over 4 years and love your videos.

[@cgan2013]

You gave me the nudge I needed…I’ll try my luck this weekend, in what plans to be messy with the weather!! Loved your last set of images best, of the downed trees. I had to laugh when you censored yourself getting into bed. 😅

[@kris_tin_photography9922]

Thanks for this encouraging video! I don't have a car and can't go to gorgeous locations when I have some time. So when stuck on my bike I do have a few woodlands I can go to. They are not perfect, so I am very often disappointed about the possibilities. But here is where the creative part starts. Your video encouraged me to take more time and get inspired what is there, just like in the classroom! Love your way of videos! Helps me a lot! And yes, the 3rd one would be my favorite, too!

[@AnneRogersPhoto]

I love being out in my campervan, and I use a Nikon Z6II. I've found that photography has made me look at things differently, and it makes me more aware of the spaces around me. I like shooting details, so can often find things even when the wider landscape looks a bit uninspiring, so I have to remind myself to 'go for the bigger pictures'! I also like reading, which can be a great blessing in terms of avoiding boredom in campervans on 'bad' days!

[@dcallan812]

I use an Arctic Butterfly brush to dry clean my sensor, if I have any spots after I use the wet swab. . Well you got two good images. 👍👍

[@paulplus3830]

Short attention span.... riiiiight! When you're out, you look for images for hours! You're the embodiment of patience! ^^

[@PierreVignau]

I prefer No 2 in foam series! Movement and stillness in the same frame does it for me

[@alancoligado8540]

I quite like the abstract quality of the third foam image, Tom. This, for me, is the allure of photography - the possibility of finding joy where you least expect it. And if one enjoys the process, how the end product turns out really does not matter.

[@robd2781]

Great video Thomas. It doesn’t matter what the images look like, as long as you had a blast making them ( do like the foam set though👍).

[@vaughaned1445]

I can have a really average day at work and the watch one of your videos and feel so much better. Relaxing, enjoyable and informative. The quote at the beginning was dead right, it's how we see things. Keep up the great work. I look forward to your videos.

[@alexandraontheroad1025]

Thomas, Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.😊 Great Job.

[@ABullet520]

Especially today with digital, if you think it might be a shot then shoot it. You were there, what else were you going to do. Even if you consider them failures, you might learn something or come up with a different composition that you would have never thought of if you hadn't at least tried. Sometimes, photography is like any other hobby or passion, it isn't always about the photo it is about the enjoyment from looking for the shot. Regardless of what you think of the shots, it sounds like you had a good time, what else really matters. Great weather will come again, grand compositions will come again but sometimes days like this are not bad at all in the grand scheme of things and actually can be quite enjoyable. I recently went out on a foggy morning thinking the fog would lift and I might get some great woodland shots, but it never did and if anything it got worse. But I had a beautiful morning walk and with nothing else planned and nobody bothering me about anything. Just me and the woods, got a few shots I don't consider failures but I really enjoyed that morning walk.

[@SasidharPamganamamula]

The foam was nice but I really enjoyed your pic of the fallen trees. The composition and the subject look quite strong. Nice video.

[@andrewwhittle1817]

Great video Thomas, Thank you for sharing. I think for metal well-being your videos are fantastic. Something I struggle with and you always seem to share a positive situation out of a negative and I love that. Great images and you have bolstered the idea of me purchasing a van and exploring ! Thanks so much.

[@barnett882]

Simply inspiring!!!... as always!

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

I'm not a wildlife photographer so when someone asks what I'm taking photos of, it's just easier to reply I'm taking photos of birds or looking for deer, where instead I've seen an interesting looking tree!

[@mikearmstrong7956]

Yeah your Right Tom, Sometimes you just have to Push yourself out. You never know whats out there???

[@millymucci]

very encouraging yes, thank you! felt the dormant photo-mojo returning, watching it. yes, is a great hobby, and having an open mind and having fun with it and etc etc.. all that you were saying, including the excellent anecdote were good timing, good reminders given this weather situation we've got right now in england! liked third of the foam ones too, all were interesting. now i want a ham n cheese toasty, too, so well done and thank you. ☺

[@jimgraves4197]

I was out testing a film camera this week and the rain was biblical. The camera performed flawlessly and I got drenched but it was worth it to get that stubborn first shoot of the year over with. The camera? A Pentax K1000 that I was given and had serviced a couple of months ago. Now I know why it's the most recommended camera to students and newcomers to film photography.