I Was Doing Photography Wrong

The last time I did photography, before this video, I was in the Alps on a hiking/photo trip. Because of the long distances and difficult terrain, I was left, at the end of each day, without energy and without any desire for photography other than snapshots. In this video I make a deliberate effort to only focus on photography and nothing else. Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring this video, for 10% off your next domain or website visit www.squarespac...
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[@icyearth]

One of my favorite videos of yours was when you jumped on a bike and rode around your area. The photos you took weren't the best you ever made but they were good and most importantly it inspired me to go out shooting myself. Most of us can't travel to the most awe inspiring landscapes so seeing you just taking shots that are accessible to you make me want to shoot in areas that are accessible to go me.

[@nxmrjake]

YES

[@bartjeej]

Yeah that video is what got me to subscribe to your channel. It was brilliant! This one captures a lot of that same joy

[@stefanzimmermann6912]

I remember that one in particular, too!

[@HughRaine]

Yep. I enjoyed it so much that it kicked off my Friday WFH tradition of having a cheeky cocktail while working and having TH on in the background.

[@viviennenoble4035]

Thomas, at 40 you are just a young man. I am almost 77 and I don't feel old at all, because I choose to love getting older and enjoying my photo adventures. Sure, I probably couldn''t go on a 3 day hike up massive mountains, but like you said in this video, you can find some fabulous shots by going slow and having a good look around. Enjoy your life no matter how old you are. Beautiful photos as usual.

[@MPScrimshaw]

This has the vibes of one of your videos from like 5 years ago and I love that.

[@danielcedenorodriguez9938]

Yes!!!!! I literally just commented the exact same thing!!!

[@paulbarnard5267]

@@danielcedenorodriguez9938 me too 😂. Just missing the absolutely stunning

[@gary.kenyon]

Stunning Shots. Great watch. 😊

[@danielcedenorodriguez9938]

Hey Tom, I just wanted to quick share a story. In the beginning of 2019 I think, you released a video and you were really like down and unmotivated. I don’t remember why but you were all doubting yourself and your creativity and all that. The next video after that you went for a hike and took one image that to this day is one of my favorites. It was very simple of like some rocks and foliage, but I remeber the excitement that you felt because it somehow gave you a renewed energy and like optimism!!! And I just remember seeing the image and thinking well that’s a fantastic photo, I can go to such and such place and try and take one of my own. And I did! And I was so happy. That single video made me so willing to go out and take photos (because I too was feeling very down). And that’s why you’re my favorite photographer man, because you’re so honest with us and we can relate so much to that. This video made the same for me that other video did 5 years ago. I appreciate you very much and will continue to do so!

[@jtudad1110]

I haven't done much photography all year because I haven't been feeling it. I've learned over the years that if I want to enjoy what I'm doing, don't force it. Photograph for me is a hobby and a retreat. When the muse arrives, I'll be back out with vengeance. And I'll enjoy it all the more for the absence.

[@Renzsu]

It's a bit different if it's your bread and butter though. But pressure plays a huge part in it yeah.

[@ianbarnes1406]

I'm exactly the same. My photography comes and goes, and I can literally do very little for years and then it comes back. Having a million and one other hobbies doesn't help 🙄

[@joshuarhea1648]

What a redemption! After the gloom, despair and agony of your last video. The 2 black and white images are top shelf. Glad you got your head back in the game!

[@DamianLakin-Hall]

Thomas, great to see you back in the van and photographing back on the coast which I love !! Thank you.

[@dougiemilnephotography756]

"That wasn't in the forecast!!!" A phrase I have employed many times this summer

[@RickFarrar-e7j]

I’ve continued to watch your videos over the years because of your enthusiasm, interesting content and total commitment to produce great images. Long may your journey continue Tom.

[@nostaticatall]

Nice one. This is my kind of Thomas Heaton video. Much preferred to storm chasing, travel to epic locations, or whatever. This is the kind of video which always inspires me.

[@marycarron5118]

Totally agree

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

Me too

[@michele4409]

I completely agree

[@meandmybooks]

I love seeing your finished pictures along with the original RAW files! Helpful and inspiring !

[@WPAYTTS]

Thomas, I really like the B&W with the long exposure. It's amazing how you got those with less than perfect conditions. Can't wait for your calendar to show up.!!! I love the dock picture. Glad to see you better, in body and spirits. Cheers

[@michaelmacmorran8787]

Glad to have you back Tom. Creative funks can be so demoralizing. Good to see your knee is on the mend. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@charliejg]

Some of my favorite photography isn't the "epic places stuff". It's the every day things you see in small towns, the beach, the forest, etc. I've been shooting with the XF90 f2 recently to purposely focus on details and slices of things. It's really been fun. Thanks for taking us along!

[@kenwos07]

I really like that you are showing your Raw images with the processed. Gives a great perspective on how you are able to visualise ‘a’ final image from the scene before you, and is insightful to your process. Many thanks Thomas.

[@maranoblet]

As someone who just lives down the road from you, this video really spoke to me more than all the epic videos in dream locations (Which i also love). I often find my local area a bit uninspiring and always seem to look to the lakes or Scotland and completely neglect what Northumberland has to offer, I guess I just take it for granted. I must have walked those beaches scores of times and never really felt the urge to bring the camera. To see the joy and happiness in your face for a, at first glance, mundane location I have clearly been missing out! Loved every one of the images.

[@Dartuck24]

Thomas, thank you so much for making this video. It explains so much and helps me personally. For almost a year now, I have had this notion of riding my motorcycle and carrying my photo gear to go to different places…combining two of my passions. The problem always was, when I was on my motorcycle, I was enjoying it too much to get off. Then if I did get off and after taking off all my gear (especially if it was hot), I never gave myself enough time for photography and assessing the scene/composition. Alas, I think I need to separate the two. When I want to ride. I ride. When I want to take photos, I will try and be much more purposeful and likely drive or walk…Great stuff. Eye opening.

[@dw3074]

Thomas, back in the van and back on track, cheers

[@brianbeattyphotography]

definitely get it. discomfort can be a HUGE distraction regardless of setting

[@robackerman4466]

Your enthusiasm and joy come through so well in this video. Watching it while drinking a cup of coffee was the perfect end to a long day at work!

[@Rburg00]

The sand in the 2nd BW image really popped and was my favorite image. I want to say too that I really enjoy your videos, even the ones where you struggle can still inspirational. Thank you as always!

[@stephensimms7798]

This is great. It’s why I watch your videos. Just taking photos and talking about it. No gimmicks. Simple and lovely.

[@doogee6157]

Got half way through your last video, but this one , yes your magic is back, seem to love all your compositions.

[@suhangyin8872]

Seeing you much more energetic and optimistic is more pleasing than the composition. It is life looks. Sometimes we are in the peak, sometimes we are valley.

[@JAS4BG]

Thomas, many, many years ago you advocated to shoot locally-possibly at the start of quarantine. These are great shots with great technique. Glad to see you are following your own advice! I hope your knee is better.

[@bongjovi4168]

I'm 48. I got a spinal injury in 2018, since then when I go on short hikes, due to going at the pace I'm forced to. It enables me to take in much more of my surroundings, so im far less likely to miss a good composition. Sometimes the journey is as enjoyable as the destination! :)

[@CulturalCats]

Oh sick back to my favourite old style of photography videos. Calm, quiet, and not much happens 😊😊😊

[@RivenElf710]

I actually like the black and white photos way more than what the RAW shows, which thank you for showing the difference, it shows more detail of whats in the photographs and makes them better

[@andrewbalcombe1338]

A Thomas Heaton video is a highlight in my day. Thanks for taking us all on your photo journenie TH. And what a wonderful perspective on life you provide.

[@micheljansen1214]

A beautiful video Thomas with beautiful compositions and photos and clearly more inspiration to photograph than in the Alps. And no rubber caps under your tripod legs but spikes which definitely give more stability.

[@Pete_Etheridge]

I really needed this video right now. Thank you Thomas.

[@damienhayes9147]

and He´s back...... Great video

[@user-ti3cs8fz3q]

Simplicity and minimalism are always your best compositions Thomas. It’s so nice to see you relaxed and enjoying your own style of photography.

[@joseguimaraes1094]

It's really amazing how you see potential for great photos in spots where the most would see nothing. Thank you for explaining and sharing the making of your incredible photos, and of course the final product. I learn a lot from your videos! Greetings!

[@jannavratil9846]

your channel is a therapy - music is great, you are amazing story teller. Thank you!

[@ronp4529]

Great photos, glad you're feeling better this week 👍👍

[@klaus_s]

Hi Thomas, I like the b/w pictures. And regarding the weather conditions: I don‘t call it any longer weather forecast, for me it‘s a weather possibility. This leaves room for everything. Which your video has proven😉🤓

[@csc-photo]

Wow this hits home for me these days. Overworked, little to no “me time”… it’s not a mindset that’s compatible with creativity & motivation. Working hard to change my situation, thanks for reminding me I’m not alone in this 👏🏻

[@vivlund]

You’re definitely not alone. I’m so tired and overworked, I don’t have the energy to pick up the camera and go. Earlier in the week I actually took my camera with me and never took it out of the bag.

[@csc-photo]

@@vivlund I’ve made it a point to (at least) never leave home without a camera. Even if I can’t shoot all the time, it’s there when I can, improving my odds 🙂👍🏻

[@mikafoxx2717]

​@@csc-photosame same.

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

I like your videos because of your honesty with us, i really resonated with this one, it is all about where your head is at. I've been making stupid mistakes lately and was getting fed up with myself, my husband said keep it simple, so I did, it worked much better, I was alot happier, but all the weather apps said clear, nope, that cloud did not shift from the milky way till it was too late, but keeping it simple put me back in a better place again. Pain can be a crippler for most things, including creativity, thanks Thomas

[@mikiethebikie]

Lovely images Tom, I agree work with what you have and not what you wished you had.

[@bbrown6574]

Really like the effect of the clouds achieved by long exposure! 👍👍

[@TakeATripTogether]

I really like how you show both the raw files and the edited photos. Have you thought about switching them around and showing the raw files first and then fading into the edited ones? Best for last and all that. Anyway, keep up the great work.

[@steverolfe1935]

Great to see you back with the van, the dream team 😃 Great work and interesting how mindset can change.

[@davidherrington5735]

Nice to see that you are back in the spirit of photo mind.

[@bartjeej]

I'm an avid hiker and photography enthusiast. One thing I've been pondering recently is how hiking and photography seem to go hand in hand really well, and often they do, but they can also REALLY get in each other's way. When the hiking gets serious (which is often how you get to the most special places), it tends to place constraints on how you spend your time - for instance because you've got to reach a certain point by nightfall, or you only have X number of days to reach a mode of transport / resupply etc. This will often get in the way of really sitting with a scene or location, making contemplative photography that much more difficult. It can force you into a reactive kind of photography, which can give its own rush, but isn't always what I enjoy most. When I look at the images in my catalog that I most enjoy, only a few were really taken on the move; most were taken in places where I had at least half an hour or so with a specific place, or even more often, places that I came back to multiple times. It makes me wonder if I should hike less and spend more time in place - even though hiking is already the most slow-paced, attentive way of moving through a landscape.

[@timrodierides]

Lovely video - I feel like you're most at home in your van, out and about with little to no stress or deadlines, and the past few videos have been quite "I must get a shot!". Lovely shots as usual and great vibe (as the kids probably say).

[@paulhigginson321]

I’m glad you’re doing better with your knee injury. I damaged my IT band road running in training for the Karimor marathon and it took about two years to heal. Twenty five years later and I still have the odd twinge from it so make sure you recover fully. I love your minimalist shots and enjoy your videos when you are clearly enjoying them as well :-)

[@derekwillson2538]

Hi Tom, I am so glad you have recovered from your Alpine blues, I very much enjoyed your film today, shots 1-3 top notch no.4..., Meh! well done and see you next time, Derek

[@calieeldalie2547]

It was great to see you back in shape and full of stamina and passion for making photographs, particularly in a "common" place. I was feeling tired tonight, but your energy was contagious: I'll wake up early tomorrow and will (at least try to) make the photo of this place I go by every day on my way to work and that itches every time. The black and white photos are nice, but my favourite is the second one, I find it more balanced and smooth, despite the roughness of the sand on the foreground. Thanks for sharing such a vibrant video, cheers!

[@Deb_Downes]

I’m glad you’re exploring how you feel. Spontaneity is so important, the end result, not so much. Burn out is not good :)

[@davidpalmer5290]

After shooting on Canon kit for over 40 years, I have just gone over to a Nikon Z7 mk 2. Gotta try something different and I can't wait to get out there. Thanks for a great channel which gives me lots of motivation and inspiration. Thanks 😀

[@GeorgeLoch]

I think the van boosts your spirits. Take it to the Alps next time :)

[@magnegrimen3376]

You're back! Great and inspiring video!😀

[@tmeeten3195]

So glad you have your mojo back. Loved the cute we high roost island you found.

[@matsfotografi]

Glad to see you back in what seems to be good form. I really like this kind of content where it's way more about the process of making a photograph than the result. I feel can relate way more to trying to carve out compositions in ones local environment becoming slightly frantic over something a muggler wouldn't give a second glance than going to honeypot locations. By the way, love the image of the bird sanctuary thingy.

[@randyschwager84]

Nice to see your head is back into the game. I turn 75 in a few months and I can tell you you haven’t seen anything yet!! I try to get out and get photos every day! In many ways, my photography keeps me going! Thanks for taking me along! (I really liked the B&W images!)

[@pauloduarte3095]

Hey Thomas I just wanted to thank you for inspiring me to pursue photography. Been blessed every day since I started this journey and I’m super excited about this new hobby. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom with all of us.

[@LauraF4848]

Oh, it's good to see you out in Deli, Thomas! I'm glad the knee has lessened and your mood has lifted. Really love your black and white work, you really have a knack for it. Cheers from the USA😊

[@SeanHalePhotos]

Enjoyed this one Tom, thank you. Good to see you back out in the van and having some real enthusiasm for your local patch

[@wendyshort5972]

Great video Thomas. The shots looked great. Well done.

[@brucedelorme5026]

Doesn't have to be in the alpine mountains. I follow you because of your love for photography no matter where you are. You were the 1st I ever followed, years ago. What got me was your enthusiasm for the hunt. That desire to find a beautiful scene, not the perfect scene. Alway enjoy your work when you keep it simple and explained what your process is while taking a shot. Keep up the relaxed form, no self pressure to achieve the perfect image, but a beautiful scene

[@Mel-95]

Nice recovery, Thomas. A pleasure to watch you in action with the mojo working. Bubbles up.

[@PerryKinney-HairCoach]

When I watch your videos, I become reinvigorated. Your perspectives are refreshing.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Really enjoyed this one Thomas, very inspirational, and some cracking images, the wide image of the sand patterns is my pick of the bunch, just so happens I am heading to the local beach tomorrow. Thanks for sharing and the inspiration.

[@margaretstapper6907]

Tom, I love your black and white conversion and thank you for explaining about the polariser. I am editing photos ATM from a trip away and I couldn’t understand what was wrong with the sky until you said this. I love your local stuff where you aren’t going to epic locations. 👏👏👏

[@NigelRabson]

Brilliant, back to normal, keep it up.

[@christosviskadourakis9030]

I am just happy you are back on the van!😁

[@yonishperling1531]

I love this one and the last one. Both are real and how life progresses

[@joewelsh1804]

When I saw Deli back on the drive at the weekend, I thought "Great, we're going to get some more local photography.". I didn't expect it published so soon. Glad you have your excitement back.

[@chrisparker5684]

Hi Thomas, great video as always! Just a suggestion... how about showing the RAW file first, then the final edit, so you are showing an improvement rather than the opposite? Thanks for all your hard work on the channel!

[@markbonham]

Lovely jubbly! As ever interesting and great watch. More please 👍👏. Cracking images

[@kenmack9571]

Thomas great to see you back on home ground I believe we will soon be experiencing the kind of weather you make the most of with your van . It’s great that your spark is re-igniting for the images , can’t wait to see what your calendar will have for 2025 keep the faith brother and also those dawn hikes . Hoping your knee improves and keep the frozen peas handy.just in case 😅

[@terryplatt7806]

Hi Tom, Currently on holiday in Rock/Alnwick from Ireland and amazed at the photo opportunities and light on this coast. Kept my eye out for the Delica but sadly no sight of it this time but I will be back. Keep your stuff coming 😊

[@malhayes4725]

You shoot in black and white and not in post. Love it. I'm doin it.

[@craigbaxter4842]

The bird nest island is such a great shot, looks like a great book cover shot.

[@john_norris]

@6:07 Thank you so much for walking us through your settings and giving a mini talk through - like the good olde days. This part, where you explain the risks of over stacking and overuse of CPL in skies was so reassuring. I've had the wide angled vignetting issue (which I know is common) but the 'dark patches' in the sky when I was doing photography up on the mountains of Madeira was a real sucker punch. I thought it was the lens, but now, having watched this video, I realise that it might be more to do with the overuse of CPL. Cheers Thomas!

[@CaptivatingVisualsMedia]

Excitment and passion is the extact reason alot of us started doing this or have pursued it as far as some have! We can't lose it! Haha i have fallen into a rut over the last month and started this channel and posted a few videos to re light the spark and start exploring and creating again! ❤ Feels good to put out a few shorts and start to get the juices flowing 🙌 thanks for the video it really resonated

[@JJ-fromDK]

Flipping Nora I love that you got your enthusiasm back

[@noelcoatesphoto]

Biggest mojo killer for me is coming back from somewhere aboard that's more interesting than my local patch, takes me some time to get out of that headspace. Excellent photography as always Thomas particularly 2nd photo onwards.

[@LouisaLee63]

I like the color images the best. The way the clouds mimicked the shape of the sand features was cool. Glad you got your mojo back!

[@pedromfs]

Good old classy and classic Thomas Heaton video. Thank you mate!

[@douglasporter758]

Love what you did with showing us your composition when you put the polarizer on. I know I would appreciate more videos where you show us how compositions change when adding filters/polarizers. I think it helps me/us to visualize what you are seeing when you take your photos. Love the channel, keep up the good work.

[@hoythausgsp]

Excellent video. Love the photo at 15.50!! And enjoy seeing the before and after!! Must admit, I couldn’t care less about title of video, and just see your name pop up with new video on Weds and know I will check it out. And I do enjoy the videos/photos that are more local and not the svalbard/faroe islands type locations!

[@karthikkosm]

Thanks! Amazing long exposure images on simple scenes and subjects. Have been your long time follower. Always an inspiration

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

That's very kind of you to say, and thank you for the donation. It really does mean a lot.

[@catepearce2138]

Hi, love the black and white, how it enhances the shapes and the emotion of the image. Glad you have your mojo back 😀

[@okestone7349]

Love that B&W shot where the sand looks like beaten metal! It just shows how you can transform a fairly mundane scene with skill and imagination.

[@brianstark3578]

Good to see you smiling again. Was down in Northumberland last week, great place.

[@DarrenRussinger]

Day and night difference in your enthusiasm from last week. Glad to have you back 😂

[@vickychristopoulos8614]

Welcome back!

[@kiwijonowilson]

Great! I really like your ability to "see" those shots when I, more often than not, seem to blunder past them! While I enjoy shooting mostly with primes, I finally got around to getting a good 24-70 f2.8 zoom, hopefully it will inspire me to get out do some shooting again (I find I shoot a lot more for a while after getting new gear - not sustainable I know)!

[@albert25hoo]

Hi Thomas, the process of photographing is as important as the results, I think. You made a phantastic set of photo's just by pulling on your photogrphic eye. I like both the color and black and white ones. I recognize the feeling you have during a shoot, where things happen that are given a chance, It is a special mood and gives a lot of fun. Bert.,

[@colinreidcr]

I think with anything it's good to take breaks now and again and maybe you were burnt out and you will feel refreshed coming back and excited again

[@shaun53355]

Love that square kettle.

[@steveostler]

Welcome back 🎉

[@brianmckeever5280]

My apologies, I forgot to say happy 40th birthday last week! It was great to see you having fun! I seem to recall a video about middle-of-the-day Summer photography when you also had a lot of fun photographing some "normal" scenes. Great images, by the way!

[@MrBusby]

The black and white images. Stunning.

[@scotty4418]

Think many of us have been in the low mood zone at some point but photography does also provide that perfect pick you up and I definitely see it as a state of mind so I look to keep the outlook positive and if there’s no image, take some learning from the experience for future reference

[@alanclark9691]

Thomas - that "nesting island" until about 3 years ago was a grass-topped stack that unfortunately got washed away in a storm tide. I think it was just compacted sand and very soft. It was a real shame because the sea birds did indeed nest on it. So glad you've got your mojo back. Keep 'em coming.

[@noh2489]

Ah there he is! the positive Mr Heaton, nice to see you again :)

[@Jake-vt4ow]

Love your work, and your attitude. Your coastline looks much like our Oregon coast in fitful weather. Wonderful!