Is This All That Matters in Landscape Photography?

There is a lot to learn when it comes to landscape photography, but of all the advice out there in the world, this is the only tip I would recommend time and time again. Thanks to MPB for sponsoring this video. Buy, Sell & Trade Your Gear: bit.ly/3A5UKSs
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[@daa8286]

For us mere mortals, our shoots are normally restricted to weekends and days off. Then we are hampered by the daily mediocrity of life, "I really should cut the grass", "I really should get that report done for the boss", "I really should, I really should"! So, if you don't mind I am going to adopt the phrase and slightly adjust it to - "F that and be there!"

[@allthingscamera]

lol I need to get that tattooed

[@user-zl5gi8sv7u]

Good one

[@frozenf8]

Nice, now it makes for even a better tatto 😂

[@Darkslide99]

😂😂 Soo perfect

[@nikhiltrama]

This is exactly what I thought when I read the title of this video! 😂

[@chelseanorthrup8787]

Happy birthday! Thanks for the kind shoutout. It’s not our saying but it’s a favorite of ours.

[@richardwagner1185]

My wife thought you said "f**k it, and be there"....which still works 😂

[@jkroemer2685]

I mean “f**k it ,f8 and be there” works too haha

[@george_edward_]

People running digital products into the ground always makes me so happy. 10 years with a watch like that is very impressive. And it’s a no brainer to upgrade

[@OITW]

I love the panoramic comparison. Nature takes its time, and seasons changing is hard to perceive as it is a slow march. Being able to witness how dramatic they are in their extremes is a gift that a camera can give. These images would make an awesome diptych print.

[@alangauld6079]

"F8 and be there" comes from the days of press photography on B&W film. Often there weren't enough photographers to cover events so they'd hand a Rolleiflex with TriX film and shutter set at 1/500 or 1/250 to an office junior, tell them to set f8 and be there. Newspapers all had their own darkrooms and teams of technicians. The photographer's job was to get a usable negative. The picture editor decided (from a contact sheet) the crop and look and the technician's job was to achieve it. With TriX you could push or pull the processing by a couple of stops either way and in the darkroom control contrast and composition. Job done. But the fundamental rule of being there is still the most important bit!

[@ianstobie]

Yes. That's exactly what I heard. The point is that the newspaper darkroom staff could probably get a usable image from an f8 exposure as long as they could guess the lighting conditions.

[@AndrewBenbow]

"f/8 and be there" is an expression popularly used by photographers to indicate the importance of taking the opportunity for a picture rather than being too concerned about using the best technique. Often attributed to the noir-style New York City photographer Weegee, it has come to represent a philosophy in which, on occasion, action is more important than reflection.

[@DarrinHowells]

I've heard a National Geographic photographer use the variation "ƒ4 and be there" when asked how he got such good wildlife photos.

[@smokey19bear]

Weegee indeed!

[@TomNorthenscold]

Thank goodness for quick spontaneous roadside stops! Fabulous photograph.

[@hongk0ngfu3y]

so not F**k ate n be there?

[@thebitterfig9903]

While that is the saying, I’ve read that Weegee’s actual settings tended to be f/16, 127mm lens pre-focused to 10 feet, and using the flash for shutter speed. Considering that he was shooting on a 4x5 press camera, that would roughly equate to a 35mm lens at f4 on full frame.

[@Michael_Robinson]

I heard that “f/8 and be there” is a saying used by Photojournalists. The “be there” part is obvious, but the “f/8” part holds a couple of important lessons. A Photojournalist is often faced with having to capture images with little notice, so keeping their camera on f/8 in aperture priority increases the chances of getting the shot. If their aperture is too wide, they could have insufficient depth of field and/or might be over exposed if the shutter can’t go fast enough. If their aperture is too small, they might get great depth of field, but the shutter could be open so long that it ruins the image. f/8 is the best bet if they don’t know what they’ll have to shoot next. The other lesson for me is to always leave my camera in a known state so that if I want to pull it out and shoot, I’m more likely to get the shot, or I know where I’m starting from when trying to quickly change my settings. For me, that’s aperture priority, f/8, minimum shutter speed 1/125 and auto ISO from 100 - 6,400. It’s served me well!

[@doncason6108]

I had to smile when I saw the knife. My son gifted me the same model knife several years ago and it goes with me everywhere and I too use it every day. At 72 I have come to realize also 80 percent, maybe higher, is just being there to get a great shot. Still enjoying your videos after all these years. Seems like a lot of years anyway.

[@huwalban]

Excellent advice - “Photography isn’t about the final image” The IR image was the stand out for me. Makes complete sense but I’ve never considered such a scene because the water would be black (because it doesn’t reflect IR light) - complete genius. Stay safe out there sir

[@rayninness6303]

“F8 and Be There” my 1990’s Photo Website Name!! Well retired Now!! 😍

[@denisesavage2382]

I just go and just see what says it might like to be photographed. The light can be rubbish, the wind can be up, the weather completely unpleasant, or it's a stunning day and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It's still great to just be out sometimes. Being with nature, seeing sights of delight. Images to share the time are a bonus.

[@keithdraycott]

Totally agree Tom - My new favorite is, "Die with memories, not wishes." - Also, when trying to capture the same image in all four seasons. If possible leave three smallish stones where your tripod legs sit. It makes getting exactly the same perspective each time a lot easier, unless you're on a rocky beach of course ! 🤣🤣🤣

[@troytdesigns1]

Happy Late Birthday!!

[@garyverstick1620]

I like the broader meaning of ‘Be there’ - not just physically, but in a zen sense, being fully present and fully mindful of your environment (minus the mental distractions). 😊

[@ChrisKoehn]

"f8 and be there" was one of my news photography mantras. That, and, "When you feel the urge to pack up and leave, stay another couple of minutes." Love that stark clearcut forest image.

[@benjohnson964]

I was given a Victorinox Swiss Champ like yours for my birthday when I was about 15. 25 years later, it's probably my oldest possession and I still use it regularly!

[@ianbachanek2538]

Have the Chanp as well. Love it. I find that random tasks pop up where it has the perfect tool to solve.

[@rafaelrezend]

That thing with the water, the leaves and the infrared light: mind-blowing! You got a wonderful photo from a scene that I basically ignore every time.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Good for you and being there, Thomas. I got the best landscape shot of my life from my big comfy couch, said no one, ever. 😁

[@ArthurFellig]

F8 and be there!

[@dansmouse7393]

Slow shutter lake photo was awesome.

[@phynx2006]

Higgledy Piggledy always warrants a photo 👍😍

[@adjustafresh]

Admittedly haven't watched a Heaton video for a while, but seeing you shoot handheld was a new experience for me

[@davegrenier1160]

Pro tip (from an amateur): If you're photographing in parts you have photographed before, put you best old photos from that area on your phone. That way, if you decide to duplicate a shot, you'll have the shot with you for reference. Of course, you can do this purposefully too, it you set out to remake an old photo, or shoot the same comp under different conditions. (I have done this myself, reshooting some photos taken on a Canon G9 with my Sony AR7IV. Date and time info on the old pics can also help you replicate near-exact lighting conditions.)

[@BlancGivre]

@11:41 I like it. Great work!

[@rooster68w]

Great watch. It's my daily wear and my photography and hiking watch. The storm alert is spot on it goes off and about 15-30 minutes later it's raining

[@johnhubble5156]

The first time I came across "f8 and be there" was in a n AP column written by the then head of photography at the Mirror. This was the advice he gave to junior photographers before their first assignment. The other advice he quoted was aimed at more jaded staff: "P is for "pissed mode" i.e. to be used after a liquid lunch. Both were aimed at maximising the chances of the editor recieving a usable image.

[@davidhuth5659]

Glad you were there! Beautiful images every one!

[@CapricornGirl9]

Happy Birthday, Thomas. Thanks for another great video.

[@jennaralissima]

I liked your image (shown at 11:36).

[@JoanEscala]

I believe your art enhances the landscape by creating magical images even where none seem possible. Congrats and thanks for being there!

[@zongmuas]

the return of the infrared camera! such beautiful images. ❤

[@selzzaW]

I'm currently a little buzzed at a resort in the Colorado Rockies. I was considering skipping sunset, but as I sat down to watch this, I changed my mind. I repeated to myself "f/8 and be there", and I think I got something really lovely.

[@c.augustin]

Yep, it's all right!

[@mbulan8154]

Love Your Videos! Keep going and BE THERE!

[@igor822605]

thank you, I got my share of visual pleasure

[@OwlzzZRelaxation]

"f8 and be there" has an interesting origin story and a few potential meanings that weren't mentioned here. Thomas inspired me to make a video about it on my channel, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed this one!

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

In climbing we always said that if you weren’t at the foot of the crag you’d never climb the route. This was especially important for those routes where the best conditions were difficult to predict. Sitting at home wondering would never get it climbed.

[@jeannineelliott9437]

Happy Belated Birthday Thomas! Thank you for another great video and the reminder to get out there.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Genius episode at my spot near Crummock. Very interesting to see the infrared.

[@Br1t2006]

Had to smile when you said "f8 and be there" at the lake, then shot f11. 😂. But definitely understand the sentiment.

[@stewartreadman4194]

Thanks for a great video Thomas. So much work and effort goes into the production. It’s very much appreciated…

[@LadyTracyOfTheDisk]

I read a book about creativity once that said, "Show up and make stuff". It's your willingness to do that, Tom, that makes me come back every time to watch your latest video. The conditions may suck, but over and over and over, you get out of the van and go make stuff. I won't lie, you've done better things than the shot at 11:42, but you know what, you had a go at it. So many brilliant images, but you show us the lesser ones too. That last one with the stone wall is marvelous. Keep at it, you're killing it.

[@1980Orb]

The shot of the lake is more than "just alright." I love it! Great job, Thomas. This was my first time hearing the phrase "F8 Be There." But I love the little kernels of wisdom I get from this channel. I need to hang on to this one.

[@swanseamale47]

Get a medium size needle and a few feet of say black thread. Put it under the fish scaller blade of the SAk. They you can do running repairs while your out.

[@mphilipk]

Really enjoyed the video and a belated Happy Birthday Thomas!

[@MossfordPhotography-rp2lx]

This perfectly coincides with a trip I'm doing tomorrow. Camping gear packed. No idea where I'm going. I live in the Highlands of Scotland so it'll be around here somewhere but I have no plans or compositions to aim for. Full frame, Medium format and drone all charged.... Who knows what I'll see.

[@SvenOstermann]

love it (b&w image at the lake)

[@waltervermeiren6860]

Stunning black and white!

[@rainerliebrecht4271]

Thomas, I like your stuff so much! very motivating, thanks!

[@johannaknowles8569]

Yep I love the square fence photo 😊

[@ryan_singh]

Loving the sound design. Appreciate the work you put in!

[@Mtykid]

11:33 He's so modest--- "This could be alright"--- And the BOOOM!!! Great pic

[@Sonic-Boom]

Agreed

[@heatherrobinson112]

Love it 📸👏

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

BTW, your whole demeanour throughout this video was delightful! A happy photographer with a great attitude. Much better than the old grumpy Thomas. 👍

[@drewhoyle]

Happy Birthday Thomas, mine was some what recent as well, on 4/29.

[@jackmckean9735]

I really like the black-and-white shot of the Higley Piggly fence going into the water. As soon as I saw the scene and conditionsI knew you what you were going to do. And it turned out fine.

[@antonoat]

Happy birthday Thomas,Swiss Army knife is brill! Great film, very relaxing! "Be There"

[@rmetzger7368]

As always Thomas, great video! Many mental notes taken, and my new motto: F8 Be There! Thanks for the quality you provide in just a few minutes. Once again, we'll be watching over your shoulder from Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA., USA!

[@michaelsaltsman7550]

Another fab video Thomas and what a great new saying

[@carljarvinen1189]

Thomas having watching your videos for many years now, I think your mantra has always been "f8 and be there". Thanks for all the wonderful journeys that you have taken me and so many many others...

[@hughp00]

F8 and be there, Originally attributed to New York photographer Weegee. Great saying!

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Great expression - and it really is all about the process, just get out there and enjoy the process! Wonderful images are just the bonus in my opinion. Thanks for the video!

[@garykuiken6191]

Great image, well done.

[@mitchellmysliwiecphotography]

Excellent mantra

[@shaunkeenanphoto]

An enjoyable video, despite no epic adventures, light, subjects, or images. This is why I follow your work. It’s a process and not every trip out is going to yield fruit, but it’s cultivating your craft and connecting your heart and mind to the great outdoors.

[@AleRodrigues]

Great video Tom. Couldn't agree more with you about "be there". I have a suggestion for you regarding the infrared camera. I also own a full spectrum converted camera and I use the MONOCHROME profile in order to view in the LCD screen a glimpse of my composition. It has helped me a lot in terms of finding out if the composition works well in BW. Cheers!

[@carolfranklyn-wi8lp]

I am with you 100% on this. So Saturday evening I headed to Holy Island to grab some nice sunset shots. I got there and with the sea mist and fog I couldn’t see more than 10 metres in front of me 😢. Shame even using the old F8 and be there wasn’t going to get the mustard this time 😂😂

[@parolajd]

Great video and as always great information and photos

[@ElMartilloBlanco]

11:35 - Love it! It almost makes me feel like it's a 3D image there's so much depth, like you're really looking out across the water when you're looking at the mountains.

[@millymucci]

lovely gifts- fab jacket and ah pen, so handy. 'f5.6 and be there'! ✌🏼🌳

[@ncsJones81]

I love the fence/gate leading into the water. With the paint or shininess of that gate reflecting the light soaking it in looks great man looks great.

[@timdeen2911]

Thomas, its great to see that your photography is starting to take a turn towards enjoying the moment instead of going for the shot. Life is about being here and now and enjoying what is. Its great that you are sharing this message because you can reach so many people. Thanks.

[@WatchmanNiel]

I always thought it to be "f/8 and be great!" but I now see your point!

[@nolannatashaTV]

I had never heard this before. But I was hanging with my dad a few weeks ago and he said it more than once when we were chatting about photography, so it was fun to see this come up in my videos this morning.

[@paulwhitworth4235]

Years ago while working at a wedding studio, the advice I got was f8 and BE STRAIGHT. Never forgot the rhyme.

[@jonathandoyle3481]

Fantastic video! Amazing how much work you do to put these together with all the editing and soundtrack and everything! A great motto and lesson for all of us as well!

[@Chreeeys]

That black n white shot with the fence reaching into the water is fire! I just thought about how I follow your videos pretty much since you started 9 years ago, which was when I first started photography in general. There were many periods in which I didn't photograph myself but always enjoyed watching your videos. Still very inspiring - thanks Thomas!

[@stevegodsell]

Great vid and inspiring, the alarm is set for ‘stupid-O’Clock’ tomorrow to be there! But don’t compare yourself to the Northrop’s, you are so much better!

[@montanaylago]

When I saw the Northrup’s video the “f8 & be there” frase also got me thinking and motivated!!! Thanks for sharing! Best

[@danevarkevisser4670]

Thomas, your photography has come along in leaps and bounds in the last 5 years. It has matured and I very much like what your doing these days. As for "f/8 and be there" - a very old and popular saying used by photojournalist in the film days, definitely not something Tony and Chelsea came up with. Surprised this is new to you. No matter, this is an expression that has stood the test of time and is as relevant now as was 50 years ago.

[@hyphenphotography7762]

"F8 and be there" is a bit like my favourite saying, "If you don't go, you'll never know"

[@Shutterbugsontheroad]

The pic is more than alright 👍. It is superb!

[@soccerjockey]

the leaves in infrared!! so good

[@ciprianpopica]

Loved the newsletter... had to watch the video. And of course I also loved the f8 be there thing. Love it.

[@DaleSheltonsPage]

I found your advice absolutely stunning 😉

[@LauraF4848]

Happy belated birthday, Thomas!! Loved the first IR shot of the leaves over the water--simple and serene. The fence into the water was surreal and makes you stop and ponder it. Surprised you didn't already have a Swiss Army knife! Mine goes everywhere with me. Love your channel, and remember YOU are an inspiration to us introverts out here. Cheers from the USA

[@user-vz7np4lr7o]

Thanks for yet another fun and informative, not to mention encouraging video. So often this time of year, here in Vear the sky is so flat and Grey, it can be difficult to go out, anticipating flat photos. Thank you again for the words on encouragement to just f8 - n - be there.

[@darrenshawphotography]

Happy birthday mate hope you had a great day keep up the awesome work 👍

[@costelloandsilke7321]

F8 and be there is also commonly attributed to Robert Capa - which makes sense in the context of the Magnum photographers. Anyway, apart from that, the photo of the fence leading into the lake turned out very well. I think F11 HTN is probably a better aperture for a landscape photographer, Thomas.

[@TheNorthernExplorer]

Some great shots tom 👍

[@marcuswagar7246]

Fine Art!

[@melscreativelens]

Great video! You have such a great attitude and perspective on things. Thanks for all of your videos:-)

[@plankliveries]

Watching while cooking dinner. Thinking perfect evening for photos. F8 or maybe F it and be there.

[@OwlzzZRelaxation]

Thomas, you've inspired me to make a video about "f/8 and be there"! It's how I've always felt about photography and videos, but I didn't have a catchy phrase for it! lol

[@karolaschmidt3864]

Happy Birthday Thomas, great video. One comment though: Water does reflect IR, this is the reason green leafs appear white in IR and clouds are also visible on the sky. Rivers (the sea as well to some degree) appear to black because the infrared light is absorbed there.

[@gergok]

I love buying things for my birthday too 🎉 congrats Thomas! Happy belated bday!

[@Rburg00]

Thank you Thomas Heaton for the inspiration as always. No one can inspired me to get off my b*tt and get out with my camera more than you. And, Happy Birthday! Cheers Friend.

[@envyrish]

Happy Belated Birthday! 🥳

[@jakehm3678]

I learned photography doing landscapes primarily watching this channel and some others a few years back. I do paid work now full time with weddings and proposals, but THIS. This video has drawn me back into the idea of just going and shooting a landscape. I rarely make time for it and I’m definitely going to now 🤙🏻 from Asheville, NC 👏🏻🫡