Not Happy With Your Photography? It's probably not you.

In this video I discuss a couple of my landscape images form the last upload and talk a little bit more about what went on behind the scenes. I also talk about why landscape photography doesn't always work out.
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[@andrewherbert9938]

I prefer the short exposure , better light on the Rocky Mountain and I think the more detailed clouds look better, Both great though

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

[@xXamericanDucXx]

I'd try making a mix of the two in photoshop. I really like the clouds on the first one but the light and contrast is much better in the second image.

[@stephaniescott5990]

Ageeed. The light on that mountain brings out the color variety in both the surface and the surrounding clouds.

[@Shotsmoky]

I agree on both points Andrew.

[@gstandaert]

Exactly what I was thinking Miche :)

[@johnblackman699]

Your 'it's probably not you' point is spot on. I've often thought that photography involves of making the best you can from what's in front of you. A reasonable enough generalisation IMHO. But as you point out, sometimes what's in front of you simply isn't 'right' and you need to chill and wait. That's hard!

[@robertblesse5108]

Thanks, Tom, that was a nice chat! I favor the long-exposure. Don't sell yourself short, from my perspective you are building a substantial body of outstanding work. Cheers, Bob

[@mauistevebear]

Ya, I like the short exposure better for some unexplainable reason. The better detail on the mountain is a good enough reason I suppose. and just let me say it so refreshing to watch you at work. You bring the common man to the forefront, meaning you are so real

[@lunarisdawn4543]

Thx for video ☺️ I prefer long exposure. Contrast between texture of mountain and silk of clouds is that what I love! 💕

[@dypcheung32]

The right one has my vote. It suits my mood today. I like both.

[@northhold]

Love the long exposure version! The soft clouds and motion blur created makes for brilliant atmosphere without pulling attention away from the detail and edges of rock. The fast exposure version I feel has more distractions and less specific focus :)

[@debbierooker4930]

Hi Thomas, thank you as always for your honesty & thoughts. And it's so important to convey that message of much needed patience in photography & how the reality of it is that it's not always perfect at that moment you want it to be. And enjoy those moments too though & soak up the experience. I really love those soft clouds in the long exposure, wow! Beautiful images both of them. Looking forward to the next one Thomas, maybe 6 images ??? :) whoa......I'm excited & intrigued! Roll on Wednesday....... :)

[@DiegoTerzano]

I prefer the long exposure. I humbly think the softer clouds draws the eye better into the subject without overpowering the peak. Excellent video Tom, nice BTS discussion with tips, opinions and clear thoughts on landscape photography. Thanks!

[@wcwendychapman]

I like the long exposure for the look of the clouds. However, I love the light on the quicker exposure.Beautiful landscape image.

[@mrSarcastic1984]

Thomas, Ive learned a lot from watching you. You inspire me to become a better photographer. With that being said, the short exposure is my favorite. More detail, more texture and that orange highlight on the rock face adds an extra special element. Love the long exposure, but I think the short would be my choice

[@jamespeirce2582]

Thanks, Thomas. It’s always nice to hear thoughts on both sides of the coin regarding photography. Regarding the short and long exposure, I prefer the short one. I do love a good long exposure, but something about the light, the clouds-the short exposure takes me there, so to speak, in a way the long exposure doesn’t.

[@owenrumsey3662]

I really like the long exposure due to the clouds being less of a distraction from the rock face and adding to it more

[@BlakeSimpson]

Thanks for sharing Thomas. I really enjoy hearing your thoughts. I also agree with blending the long and short exposure photo together, though if I chose one, it would be the long exposure due to the balance and softeness.

[@TheBiggervern]

Thank you for the advice. It is something we should all be aware of. I prefer the dreamier quality of the 2 minute exposure.

[@QUEzMaDDz]

I think the long exposure one is better, because it has more visual contrast between the peak and the clouds: in the colours (whiteish vs brownish) and in the textures ("no textures" vs extremely detailed rock). This gazes the attention on both the silky clouds and the "strong-looking" peak. By the way, what a picture!

[@holdingbacktheflood]

I love the long exposure, it seems a little more magical.

[@joelwolski]

I like the softness of the clouds in the long exposure, but the light is more vibrant and defined in the shorter one. I'm sure glad I don't have to choose which one to put in a portfolio. 😉

[@steveg4iwr]

Two lovely images both appeal in different ways with the short image bringing out more detail

[@jamiewindsor]

I like the long exposure. The clouds have an etherial quality which counterpoints nicely to the sharp contours of the mountain. The light is subtler and the glowing colour in the top left works well. Overall, the image has an atmosphere that's not present in the shorter exposure. They are both outstanding images, but the short exposure is a bit more 'literal' (for want of a better word). It's like: "This is sunlight, these are clouds, this is sky" etc. - all nicely exposed and framed. But I don't get anything more from it than that. I like the mystery of the longer exposure. I get more as I look at it more. Does that make sense?

[@gaelhillyardcreative]

Yay Jamie Windsor. Another fabulous photographer with an equally awesome channel. And you always make sense!

[@ChadCarney-hu3du]

Love the how the new set is coming on. Can't wait until its finalized

[@mikemanning8253]

My vote is on the short, I really like the detail of the mountain side. Don't discount the clouds, they are still very dramatic. I'm looking forward to your shots from the states. One of these years, you should shoot the Adirondack mountains in New York during autumn.

[@pliFtnemele]

I like the long exposure more, because it shows the contrast between the soft clouds and the hard rock

[@Shotsmoky]

My wife and I were in Moab in 2014 Thomas. The highlight of our trip was our hike into Horseshoe canyon to photograph the Great Gallery. That part of Utah is my favorite part of the southwestern U.S. Wish I could meet you there. Enjoy.

[@thestevewood]

Bru! The new office / studio looks awesome! Love what you have done with the lighting. It makes you look younger actually. Well done man!

[@chrisezra7523]

I prefer the short exposure because of the contrast of the shadow next to the highlight in middle of the rock and the added detail in the cloud (opposed to the softer clouds in the long exposure).

[@joezuu]

I think between the two I prefer the longer exposure, but what I'd love to try would be to take the shorter exposure and then blend a bit of the softer (long exp) clouds onto it to give a (hopefully) really unique look to the image. Don't know exactly where I'd do the blends but I'd love to have those images to try it out with. Stunning work either way though Thomas!

[@sergeemond6649]

I much prefer the short exposure, the sharper transitions in the clouds makes a more interesting image. And the slope of the clouds matching the mountain on the left is also a nice touch.

[@jaangoad5855]

Love your channel, Thomas; I am a long-time subscriber. I was excited to receive my pre-ordered calendar here in the US this week. It looks great. And the packaging... you could have safely shipped the Mona Lisa in that container. Good job! I prefer the longer exposure, for what that is worth... the mood is a bit more satisfying.

[@brentjones571]

Very true Thomas if the conditions are not working just relax and chill they will come. i can understand seeing a spectacular view with our own eyes and trying to have that image in camera can some what seem difficult that it dosen't look the same, abit of a strange one but i can see the point.I like both photos the long exposure is the one i choose.

[@colesoutham9958]

I prefer the longer exposure! I find that the movement of the cloud better shows the intention behind the photograph, where as anyone could have taken the short exposure

[@mindgames470]

I just love the detail in the clouds, so I have to go with the shorter exposure

[@aliciapritchard67]

My favorite quote from this video "Just chill out. Have some chicken."

[@snoozinglion8596]

I like the shorter version mainly because the light is better... Fantastic location!

[@samb5506]

I think I like the "short" exposure more, light hitting the glacier and details in the clouds. Less mystery but I guess, more impact on a screen. To be judged printed, maybe ;)

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Printed... a very good suggestion. Thanks a lot!

[@samb5506]

Thomas Heaton You’re welcome!

[@angellacanfora]

I'm with you here, Sam.

[@chrisditchburn8337]

That mer de glase Image is the best image you have my man it’s the reason I love landscapes photography... i have been and shot it my self and I was shaking like a leaf when I took it

[@PrakashKumarShee]

I liked the shorter exposure because it has the catchlight on the peak, the longer exposure looks dreamy and wonderful but the peak isn’t having the glow which the other one has.

[@Yul636]

I definitely prefer the long exposure. I think that what takes this image from routine (perfect but routine) and adds it individual touch

[@alecmurray4921]

I vote for the short exposure. Love the light on the rock face, I feel the movement of the high clouds, and the relative sharpness of the foreground clouds is a lovely counterpoint. Cheers!

[@scopetrekker5024]

The long exposure for me. On another note my Callander arrived whilst I was away on a US roadtrip and I’m very happy with it, thank you Thomas 👍

[@JonasOldChannel]

Thomas - thanks for plugging my documentary work! And let's just say this - get yourself on a flight to Ecuador. I've got some quickly disappearing rainforest landscapes that need you to tell their stories!

[@adamwilliams3300]

Jonas Paurell subscribed!

[@JonasOldChannel]

@@adamwilliams3300 Thanks Adam!

[@christianvargas2125]

Room for one more?! 😉

[@simeonmarkfernandes1423]

It's a tough call between the two. I like the light on the mountain in the shorter exposure and the detail it brings out.. It definitely has a punch. But there is some part of the longer exposure that keeps drawing me to it. Maybe the mood and smooth clouds make me feel at 'peace' and presents a calm and serene feeling. Because of that my vote is on the longer exposure.

[@danielpedersen6895]

Suggestion for a project: find a area, for example a natur reserve or national park that you like in your local area, and try to photograph it or present it in a best possible way during a longer time periode. Then you also get a deeper connection to a specific area/landscape. Not sure if you tried this before or if its something for you, but it definitely work for me and my motivation. I am not a big fan of visiting the same spots that all landscape photographers visit, but more to show my local area and also other nice areas that is less known =)

[@saguaro23]

I definitely prefer the long exposure. It's telling a story while the short exposure just makes a quick statement. Both images to be happy with but the long exposure came out fantastic. I thought, well maybe the bright spot of light in the short exp. makes it better, but in the end the blurred clouds have a lot more mood and there's still plenty of light on the peak IMO. Cheers.

[@basicbeautyblog4479]

I prefer the one with the shorter exposure. I like the texture of the clouds against the mountain. Also, the light on the mountain is much better.

[@valpayne2963]

Nice lighting for filming in your new office. I get how a project could be fulfilling if contributes to, say, environmental improvement but I’ve never really got the need for ‘body of work’ for arts sake. It’s like people in the art world say “oooh you can’t be a fine art photographer unless you have a body of work”. Well, you DO have a body of work and your images are art.

[@valpayne2963]

Ps. Have you ever thought of doing a mountain hike with Adam Gibbs in Canada? Fantastc scenery.

[@jesse113553]

I like the short exposure for the light on the mountain and I like the long exposure for the wispy ethereal cloud drift. So maybe a bit of both

[@itsmejustme7999]

Wonderful Images, both of them are absolutely wonderful! I Like the shorter exposure a little bit more because of the amazing shapes of the clouds and the brighter, warmer light in the top of the mountain. Nice mood in the long exposure, but I go for the more detail version :)

[@brucebugbee6604]

Just received your 2019 Calendar. Awesome work Thomas!

[@lsdragons123]

Thomas - many thanks for all your videos - I find them to be very inspirational in my own thinking about landscape photography. To the question - I much prefer the shorter exposure - mainly due to the light coming from the right side on the mountain peak. Certainly - the mystery of the silky clouds in the long exposure is interesting . But -- my instant reaction when looking at the side x side view was "short exposure"

[@GeorgeLoch]

I prefer the shorter exposure. I enjoy the textures in the clouds as it lets me enjoy the light more as it gives dimension to the details. I would be happy with either one on my studio wall however :)

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Funny you mentioned the feeling of lacking a project. I've had same thought. I do however consider my videos a project in itself, which I'm quite happy with :)

[@nicolasleyton4330]

Mads Peter Iversen ññiki

[@archie991000]

I like the long exposure version - stunning

[@alexandreamaral1576]

Bro, really appreciate how you always speak your mind frankly

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Cheers, dude.

[@lindsaygoodwin3140]

I like both. The long exposure is more dreamy, the short exposure is a little more moody.

[@jimmyrocket02]

They're both lovely, but I prefer the shorter exposure primarily because I like crisp clouds. I know that you often prefer that softer "painterly" feeling, but ethereal is generally not my thing.

[@emanuelschimpfossl5919]

I like the long exposure more, because their is a nice balance between the sharp rocks and the soft clouds

[@graurcossmin]

The short exposure looks better in my opinion. I think the light is nicer and I like more how the clouds look compared to the long exposure.

[@OnPatrolPhotography]

“Just chillout, have some chicken” 😂😂😂 best phrase ever 😂 I’m so going to be saying this to myself whenever I’m having a mental block on location. Cheers for another great vid mate 👍😊

[@theaquexican]

I think the shorter exposure gives a crisper look, which personally, I prefer.

[@MichaelKilby]

Don't apologize ! As a hiker /climber I've traveled from Washington, D.C. to New Zealand to summit Mount Aspiring and didn't summit due to weather. (We returned and summited.) It's all about weather... Out of our 24 hour day the two minute photo wasn't perfect... Gove me a break, the other 23 hours and 55 minutes were probably awesome... Enjoy the moment and company...

[@Robbie32794]

I like the long exposure because the clouds bring the focus to the peak more :)

[@luckypenny6282]

I prefer the long exposure, much better contrast between the soft cloud and the hard rock. It adds depth for me. That's my thoughts on it anyway.

[@PEGSTER]

Funny how I found you vid's looking at Camper conversions. You ended up getting me to get my little Panosonic Gx1 camera back out again... Great work love it..

[@Buenosdiiaz]

Great video! You should make a video about the process of calculating exposure time. As a beginner I tend to be uncertain what exposure time to use so it would be interesting to see how things about it. Take care

[@photografiaaustralis2131]

The shorter exposure has a lot more dimension to it....especially on the rock where its lit perfectly with amber light giving the image depth. Greg

[@1young-geezer]

"...I'm baggin' on..." - love that as a Yank would. Thomas - love the short shot of the peak, liking that it's just not the peak showing through looking too nameless. W/o knowing what peak it is to the random viewer, the short shot is nicer for all that's in view. Like the lines of the cloud and ridge coming at angle to the peak, more dynamic. Love your channel, you're so casual and funny along w/ sharing so much in your very natural way. It was nice to hear your own thoughts on other things that would interest you, and your pic shop looks like it's coming together - good for you. That was great advice to others to consider that conditions just might be the reason they don't have a good pic, and not take it too personally, and your examples played well. I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, so it'll be fun to see the video of Moab, a very very favorite place of mine.

[@thinkFishcatchFish]

The longer exposure creates greater contrast making the ridge pop out from the clouds which is spectacular but mountain which looks cool in the shorter one. # decisions

[@slainelow]

I often like long exposures, but they don't always work. In this case the latter image. It is much more "organic" and brings out the texture of the mountain. This image needs this due to the lack of contrast from colour and shade. But all of these things are very personal of course. You need to go with whatever you like, as this is not for a client. Which you always, rightly, do.

[@edwardking2563]

Difficult between the long and short exposure. I think the light on the short exposure is better, the way it is catching the mountain. On the other hand I really do like the soft clouds on the longer one. A very difficult one that. Two great images all the same.

[@stefansandmeier2080]

I prefer the short exposure because the detailed clouds do look more natural to me.

[@PatrickOSullivanAUS]

I too prefer the shorter exposure, as the sharpness makes the peak look more dramatic. I don't really think a softer cloud look is significant. Great photograph.. (Adelaide, South Australia)

[@fresita_jugosa]

I prefer the second one, the short exposure, but I'm not sure if this is because of one reason or the sum of various ones. One can be the short exposure time, so the clouds resemble more what I could see if I were actually there and so I can feel that I'm more in front of the scene. Maybe it's that sweet, harsh spot of yellow, bright light in the face of the mountain that calls my attention stronger than any point in the longer exposure one. Or it can be the best focus and enhanced sharpness, at least subjectively. But I feel like it's a better image overall.

[@alanduheaume4552]

I prefer the shorter exposure because I think it imparts more power and ruggedness to the mountain

[@tonyvaldivia7300]

Your body of work is what you've been producing over the years, landscape photos. You are a pro in your current body of work. Create something different through your lens.

[@titaniumslug]

The short exposure is certainly more dramatic. Its a bright firey mountain against a moody sky and the clouds almost look like smoke bellowing from the fire. The long exposure seems more dreamlike. More of a fantasy type image. A solumn mountain against a heavenly sky. So it depends what you are going for. It's a perfect example of how lighting can make such a difference. Its also a perfect example of being spoilt for choice. You could potentialy create a composite, but that may lead you down a rabit hole if you're not careful. I prefer the short exposure just about. You can see more of the mountain and theres more contrast to catch the eye.

[@JohnT23174]

Oh, I prefer the long exposure as a composition but the light on the mountain in the short exposure.

[@BosePhotography]

This definitely rings true with us Tom. We visited Lac Blanc last year and had absolutely awful conditions. We just settled down and waited, and whilst sitting in the mountain hut having a beer we had a very brief window then some light appeared through the rain and we managed to take a couple of images during the brief window in the weather! I prefer the shorter exposure btw, I think the light on the rocks works a little better and I prefer the detail in the clouds. Sam.

[@MochitoMaker]

6:48 Both images are great. But I prefer longer expose a bit more, as softened clouds balance spiky and still mountain better, enhancing its strength.

[@michaelberg507]

I prefer the shorter exposure because of the better litght on the mountain. I will be interested to see you video on Arches as I will be there in early January for a week. See you in Manassas.

[@jcben]

Calendar received. Amazing photos, thanks.

[@206cubsfan]

I definitely like the long exposure. Just seems more moody. The short one is excellent too tho. Also just bought your calendar!

[@TheAssaschan]

Would love to see a composite of the two. Clouds of the LE, mountain of the short exposure. Would be mint 👌

[@5ThingsI]

I love a bit of cloud detail, but the long exposure works well I think, that being said, I think the mountain looks sharper in the one with the fast shutter speed. They both work though, longer exposure edges it for me though

[@KurtVandeweerdt]

Though, both nice, I like the short exposure more. There's a bit more drama to it, which suits the scene and location. Keep going. Love your work, Thomas. Cheers

[@GregWhitton]

The short exposure is better as there is naturally more contrast which adds depth to the mountain that the long exposure lacks (i.e. looks more 3D).

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Thanks, Greg. I'm hearing this a lot. More detail etc.

[@BjornOtterbach]

I think you should spice it up a bit. Maybe try doing something like a series in which you take shots only at one focal length, or a series where you each week you go take some astro shots. Something along these lines could help with forming coherent bodies of work

[@somebodyoutthere]

I like the long exposure probably more than I expected. I'm not normally a fan of long exposure clouds, but it made a better working atmosphere and story, than the fast one, imo. The fast exposure is nice, just like one I usually would like without the blurred clouds, but compared to the long exposure as you showed the side by side, it felt more... bland? It's got less 'story' to tell, just the thing which for me makes a landscape photo distinctive and less repetitive/tiring to look at.

[@barryvg]

The new studio lighting - totally pro, lifts it to a new level. very nice :-)

[@cgriggsiv]

That first picture you've shown is so perfect it looks like a Bob Ross painting now as for the other two pictures I like them both but I think the long exposure was better and even them 2 still look like a Bob Ross painting

[@AlexanderDavenport]

Whilst the two images are of the same subject they have two very different feels. Initially I think I prefer the shorter exposure purely for the placement of light and how vivid it is on the rock itself. The long exposure loses that light in specific areas but the overall feel is one of a more dreamlike state I guess. I know it doesn’t help but I think the first has more initial impact but the second makes me continue looking at it. So I guess it depends on what you want from your viewer.

[@russconway2866]

Long exposure for me ...love the Dru and the whole Chamonix region

[@robertkilbourn5402]

Always entertaining, one of my favorite channels. I waffle at times with long exposures vs more cloud detail, sometimes I blend them a bit in Photoshop (probably makes me a bad person :).. in this case I like the mood the LE version brings to your image!

[@michellatendresse1700]

FWIW, both images are great, I like the light on the face of the mountain better on the short exposure, but the movement and colors in the clouds in the long exposure are rather compelling. Too bad the two didn’t come together in the same image, but if I had to choose only one, the light in the short exposure would trump it for me over the long exposure.

[@pawefiett2468]

The long exposure is better - it highlights the details of the mountain better and it's easyer to focus on them.

[@agh7]

hmmmmm i guess short exposure works better since the 2 min were just not long enough as you still can see start and end of the cloud movement. thanks for your great content

[@JobberE69]

+1 to the long exposure pic...it adds more drama and personality I think... Top Job as always Thomas :)

[@oddbjrnaustevikfoto]

Hi Tommy VS! Follow your gut, do a project. In my own experience, those thoughts wont go away unless you act on it. I understand it's difficult with your schedule, but there has to be a way :) Looking forward to Utah's six images! Oh, and I prefer the the textured clouds version. But that may just be me! Good luck!

[@tindalljames]

Great video, as much as I like the long exposure, I think I prefer the shorter exposure 👍

[@tessm3420]

I love the long exposure photo it's very dreamy, I have not taken a great shot at all this year (in my eyes) others would disagree, I've been shooting quite a bit just haven't nailed a "bragable" shot 😆 this year.