How I Messed Up During the Best Light

[@davidmedeiros7572]

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.

[@MikeBrowne]

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.

[@AlanMorrisSF]

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]

Alan Morris I totally agree. It was helpful :)

[@matsfotografi]

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 KZbin get really boring really fast!

[@sircarpington]

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

[@ceilihmcgrady4125]

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.

[@n0_rem0rse28]

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 :)

[@howardrankin7119]

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

[@corylocatelli4139]

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!

[@gerstensaft2936]

I love the green rocks in the foreground, the black island does not irritate me, but the pool on top of the big stone distracts me too much.

[@ramblinman77]

I can see and understand the imbalance you explained but at the same time it was an image of exactly what was there. Just putting it out there for us to see gives us the opportunity to let our eyes and minds explore a place in time that the majority of us will never have the opportunity to see for ourselves. And again, the image was of exactly what was there so it gives us the chance to stand on those rocks and see it as you did. Thanks for sharing Thomas.

[@ArthurPJohnson]

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.

[@justinholding02]

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

[@aidankiser3640]

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

[@marvinphillips542]

Thanks for the demonstration. Enjoy your work shop videos.

[@timbliss8777]

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.

[@andistraumann]

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!

[@LucidComposureUk]

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.

[@imagesbyjk]

Spot on. Great reminder about compositional elements.

[@cdewing29]

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!

[@danielcrukovic]

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!

[@zytrec1]

This is how I see you image. In essence it is the big boulder small pond great lake and lit up.great mountains. I did not pay any attention to dark small boulder before you mentioned it. Those two dark elements are suppressor for me to enjoy basically rock to small body of water to great body of water then to magnificent burning great rock formation. So I really liked it. Well think about it.

[@reganmccarthy8409]

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 :)

[@xdboardsurfer]

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.

[@darrenbooker9438]

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!

[@fabriziobatisti9439]

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

[@djrbfmbfm-woa]

self criticism is something rare, especially on YT. much respect for you and your dedication to art. to me, the man is much more important than the photograph. j.

[@DominicUliano]

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

[@ianoconnor6000]

Funny how we read/interpret photos in different ways. Let me explain, with the second photo my eye was first drawn to the big boulder and also the seaweed on the rocks in the bottom left of the photo. So my initial leading line was a diagonal from bottom left, through the big boulder and onto the highlight on the highest mountain in the distance. I didn't even notice the smaller and darker boulder until you mentioned it. Of course I noticed the lines in the rocks to the right, but for some reason they didn't register the dominant leading line for me. To me eye, the boulder and the seaweed are the dominant features in the foreground, but I guess we all see things differently.

[@ivanulyanov3461]

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!

[@andrew5860]

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

[@petermcilroy5742]

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.

[@allynscott1983]

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.

[@seanmiller1854]

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

[@stephaniesabourin3248]

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

[@ChristopherJohnston_artist]

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.

[@leikosdani]

Another great lesson from you Thank you Thomas

[@drewsbenmad]

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

[@zen_bush]

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

[@axelhofmann4897]

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!

[@marianaurel]

From an amateur point of view, if you just showed me the picture i wouldn't have anything to say, i like it, it reppresents a unique moment that cannot be repeated. As you explained what you think is wrong about it, i start to understand why my pictures are looking such amateur like, that is a big step between an amateur and a pro. Thanks for this video!

[@allansisson355]

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

[@Arkticzug]

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.

[@glennturnbull8568]

You could argue, that although the “rules” point you to the left of screen; a moments reflection then takes you to the mountains. Or it could be just an average composition - there shouldn’t ever be a bad one. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

[@juttakarin]

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!

[@jurekro]

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. :)

[@bushdadnick6055]

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

[@TheShoobah]

I make that mistake all the time. I rush things. Need the to learn the fine art of letting it take time. Thanks for sharing!

[@xphatmattyx]

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

[@OhSoCheesy]

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

[@PMCN53]

Thansk for the honest and good advice re composition. From what I can see in your final image would it have been a better composition if you were about 20 degrees to the left, cutting out the peninsula on the left side? I can identify wiht the rushing aspect very well. I now try to NOT do it, not always successful though.

[@billp8944]

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 👍

[@MadsPeterIversen]

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 :)

[@KuroroRushirufuru0]

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

[@johnsholian4318]

I think you're right about it being unbalanced. I also think that as photographers, we should be our own worst critics because that's what drives us to be better. I watch your channel because of this honest appraisal. Looking forward to seeing more of your trip. Nice work Thomas!

[@davidsargentphotography]

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.

[@matrixband12]

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

[@gordroberts53]

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!

[@derekmidgley]

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.

[@deankinch6328]

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!

[@davejohnson2143]

Thanks for taking the time to explain why the composition didn't work. As a new photographer I would not have been able to see the problem but when you explained, it all made sense.

[@garygiles63]

Nice one, thanks for sharing, learnt loads.

[@SadSpaceDuck]

I know I’ve said it before but if you search “Famous Landscape Photographers” in google, Thomas Heaton is one of them. I think it’s well deserved more people should know who he is and the amazing work he does. I would love to purchase one of your amazing prints but I’ll have to wait till I can find a job. Keep up the amazing content and if your ever over at the North East coast of NSW Australia your more than welcome to stay at my place!

[@jyothikrishnacm8688]

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

[@steffenandersensahl9443]

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

[@whafrog]

Personally if I had taken that image I would have been proud of it, my own body of work is small and not at your level. Comparing it to your other work, however, I can see how it doesn't quite stand up. I really appreciate your honesty and that you take the time to talk through the issues. Not to mention, I have no idea how you juggle videoing, scouting, and actually taking the picture with moments to spare. No doubt you'll be presenting us with more jaw-droppers when you're not in such a rush.

[@StarScaperPhoto]

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.

[@MichaelKathke]

Wow that was really instructive to me. My first impression was also it's a not so great shot but I couldn't see why until you've explained it so well. Thank you for this lesson.

[@ricardohnn]

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"

[@burnedbytheword]

Love this! Learning wins every time! Great job.

[@harryl1418]

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

[@antonius8524]

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...

[@1spitfirepilot]

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.

[@gordonmacgregor7762]

I would venture that as a professional photographer your standards are very high. Myself, as a hobby landscape photographer, my initial instinct was that this is the sort of image I strive for. I often find that when the light is quickly changing, and I am under pressure to get a composition, I go through a mental checklist, foreground interest etc etc only to find that I have missed something obvious or made too significant a compromise. What is heartening, is to find that this continues to happen as our skills develop, albeit at a lesser frequency. After your analysis, I agree with your conclusions and despite my initial instinct, I would probably also have been disappointed in the photo. However, a big thanks for your honesty in sharing your experience, good and bad, as it continues to inspire me and encourages me to continue trying.

[@WilliamAlvarez86]

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

[@jkendramd]

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.

[@leachimkiveling]

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.

[@johncraft8175]

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.

[@sebastianmeier-meybrunn8096]

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

[@ghettofieldz33]

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

[@pinebearclub]

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

[@AndyGustavsson]

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 !

[@conorstephenson5652]

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!

[@boudoir_lueneburg]

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!

[@liambuchanan5632]

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.

[@GreetingEarthlings]

The colour of those mountains was amazing

[@georgenichols5618]

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.

[@hooahextreme]

Thanks for this great example. The image is beautiful but I completely understand and agree with your explanation. Before you pointed this out, I would have taken similar shots. Thanks again for a great tip.

[@Hangs4Fun]

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.

[@Travelling_about]

I didn’t even notice the little bolder to busy looking at the mountains! So as they say it’s in the eye of the beholder

[@stevehamel6230]

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.

[@willhunt2278]

Thanks Tom it was interesting to see when it doesn’t quite go right

[@BruceMcGrath1954]

Tom, you have proved once again the 3 P’s concept. Reading some of the the comments it would seem that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” when it comes to art and photography. Loved the lesson in composition. Entertaining as usual. ❤️📷👍🏻🍷

[@loganwade140]

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!

[@jacksongodbold9297]

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

[@RickNP90X]

I looked at image and agree everything leads me to the dark land in the background. I can analyze my photos when I'm looking at them on the computer. My problem is I get caught up in the epic scenery and light and don't do a good job composing my pictures. If I get one I like I think it's more luck than planning. Thanks for posting this and even though it didn't work out, I've learned from it.

[@andreagracis]

great lesson and takeaway for me!

[@allanmarshall4582]

Yeah first look at the image was like. As you look at the images further. Your points are very valid Thomas. Just a minor blimp, quite sure you will have some nice images there.

[@KJLanguedoc]

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!

[@aTillasSister]

I think both this video and the eventual photo tell a story about being distracted from the beauty around us. In the B-roll as you were scrambling over the rocks and saying you were going to fall, there were some beautiful rock pools full of sunset, behind you. The photo that you criticised according to the rules of composition was one that others would be grateful to have taken. It's story, to me, is that the rules say you will be drawn to that dark outcrop on the left, but if you follow the rules you will miss the beautiful sunset mountain. The rules are made to be broken if you can break them well., so keep on pushing the boundaries, and thanks for all you do.

[@MuzzFury5]

I didn’t understood what I was that just wasn’t making the beautiful mountains in the back stand out and as you explained the composition of the photo it made more sense.