Photographing Volcanic Landscape on Film

[@SKHP2425]

A theme in this video is "productive failure" or more to the point embracing productive failure as part of the learning and growing process. Thanks for voicing this in this episode.

[@huexley]

Landmannalaugar is such a wonderful place. As an amateur photographer in love with Iceland, there is a point on which I would like to thank you infinitely, it is to demonstrate that it is possible to make magnificent, original and poetic photos while preserving the places, respecting the paths and the barriers. There isn't a site where I don't see photographers crossing them cheerfully and damaging the site even more. For all that, thank you.

[@jeroenvannieuwenhove7527]

This is not touristy Landmannalaugar but a far prettier and more impressive geothermal area in the highlands ;-) So much more to discover in the highlands!

[@huexley]

@@jeroenvannieuwenhove7527 this year I made a trek I Hornstrandir reserve, Highlands coming soon !

[@extremelydave]

"I'm not bothered if I fail". Best words I ever heard you say *IF* you learned from the failures. For me, that is a way of life...fail/learn, fail/learn. Hopefully I'm quite a bit better photographer than i was the day/month/year/decade before.... I know you have to cater to the viewer to stay alive, but I appreciate the learning part the best. Keep on snappin'!!!!

[@thomaspinches9518]

Love that you're experimenting with film. It's breathed life into your channel.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Great, Tom! you hit the nail on the head. Just get out there, experiment, make mistakes but have a lot of fun in the process.

[@AdamMatthewsPhotography]

As a 'creative' in the corporate world, getting out with a camera and being reminded of the fun of creative experimentation is truly a wonderful thing! And even though I found Tom's channel first, yours makes me a lot sadder that I didn't pick up a camera and try photography until ~9 years after moving away from BC. Which is really a compliment 😉 Thanks to you both for all the work you put into your videos, and photography in general!

[@bendroege]

Velvia is something else 😍

[@adrian6533]

Love your content Thomas! Been watching you since what seems like forever and has inspired me to take up photography as a hobby.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

That's great to hear, thanks a lot.

[@AdventureswithJerrod]

Thanks for taking us along on the journey as always Thomas! I'm glad you got out! Your film shots are defiantly improving! Job well done!

[@AmpedGaming404]

I am so glad you're making videos about film photography! I shoot a ton of film myself and I look up to you as a photographer, so your videos are greatly appreciated!

[@adjustafresh]

"Iceland is open!" Not to those of us stuck in the COVID wasteland known as The United States 😩

[@MrJohnr47]

adjustafresh I here you brother/sister. We were planning to go but nope. Too bad, next year

[@finnillson4808]

Wasteland indeed. On more levels than one. Stay safe!

[@sonholee5769]

I was planning to take my little girls to Korea and Hong Kong this year before my older one starts kindergarten. Well, we'd be in quarantine in S Korea for 2 weeks then we'd have to fly back home. We've done a swell job with the pandemic.

[@timothylinn]

There are many things to love about the US but there is no question we are the dumbest country in the world in terms of our Covid response. Too many ideologs and ignoramuses who would prefer to cut off their nose to spite their face than be told what to do.

[@SteveP_2426]

Soooooooo glad our 5 week trip to USA was last summer, took years to save up enough and probably will be the last holiday both my kids will want to go on with us. Hope to be back sooner

[@ryakkan]

One of the best classes I had in college was my Black & White Photography class. I loved the time it took to not only to search for things to shoot, but the time spent developing and enlarging the prints. Though, I'm very glad digital is so good, because I don't have a dark room but I do have a Mac.

[@thebr0wnhornet]

“It’s a right fafe” might be the most British thing I’ve ever heard in my life

[@blivieriphoto]

Thats funny. I listen to these British guys "waffle" on so much I find myself using the same words. I get some funny looks sometimes. 😂

[@veronikagundersen9334]

Barbara Livieri A lifetime of being exposed to British television, media, and having British friends sometimes leads to me inadvertently using some words and terminology that seem out of place in America.

[@blivieriphoto]

@@veronikagundersen9334 😁

[@furbs9999]

Faff

[@SteveP_2426]

@@blivieriphoto it's a rich language Barbara, you should hear some of the words/ expressions that are local to small parts of Britain lol.

[@Steph_davis]

I recently bought a film camera. And it's fantastic, I'm learning to be more intentional with photography and If none of the film's work out, then who cares. it's all for fun. Not putting pressure on yourself, I like that, think I'll try that too 😉

[@johnsmith1474]

If you cannot put pressure on yourself to be careful/intentional/decisive/critical with digital, it's doubtful that will change just because you shoot film. It's a judgement skill, not a technical skill.

[@The_Mister]

Being able to review your photos instantly on a digital camera can create some lazy habits, like taking an image & looking at the screen to see what you might need to change to dial in the exposure. Film forces you to work everything out ahead of time, which causes you to slow down and be more deliberate, making you a better photographer. It’s also more rewarding when you get it right. So take your time and really learn your camera. It will surprise you how much more life your photos will have.

[@jameslane3846]

Enjoy! I run my own film lab in the UK and just successfully created my own colour developing chemicals. Still need to test more :) it helps being a photochemist when you run a film lab! Now my business is more unique than ever :D

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

Hasselblad is such a great camera. Back in the ‘80s, I used to run over 500 rolls of film through one every year. Never ever failed to work, never needed repair, and oh so sharp! You should get multiple backs and have them pre-loaded. Keeps your fingers warmer. Plus, you can easily switch between color and B&W film. Thanks for your videos, really enjoyable.

[@johnsmith1474]

@@Jon-es-i6o - Those were very nice, but they won't work without a battery, like a Canon F1.

[@alangauld6079]

@@johnsmith1474 OM1 works just fine without a battery - except for the metering. It was the OM2 that needed a battery - unless you were happy shooting everything at 1/30s... and I spent 3 days out of 10 backpacking doing just that :-) And even then the OM2 battery lasted me between 6 months and a year!

[@jeroenvannieuwenhove7527]

Very interesting to see your take on two of my favourite areas in the Icelandic Highlands. Curiously enough I was at the same places on the same day you posted this video as I was also travelling the highlands for 12 days. I also like how you brought up how one of these places has been damaged/changed over the years. A lot of our Icelandic nature is so fragile and it's gotten increasingly more frustrating to see how some "photographers" don't respect ropes and walkways just to get their shot of these places. It has always boggled my mind how people capturing nature are also those damaging it for their shot. I'm happy to see you are not one of those people and manage to make beautiful captures while respecting boundaries and walkways. Anyway, I also received your book recently and I'm very happy owning one. I like the setup of it and what I've read has been very interesting so far (together with those stunning images of course).

[@stevebrazel2685]

When I see you have taken out the Hasselblad I am so keen to watch the videos, I just purchased a Bronica SQAi - Please continue to shoot more film!

[@teenylank]

I have a bronica sqa and it’s a total dream, I hope you enjoy yours!

[@PilotWanderlust]

Sooo beautiful! Thanks for the share! Amazing landscape and great job! Congrats!

[@scotty4418]

The good thing is your enjoying yourself Thomas and doing this trip for you. Loved the choice of music this week, worked really well with the video and images

[@ShawnsImagination]

Great video and beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@davidv6803]

Thor is the best!! He brings you places that he makes you promise not to mention to anyone, as it's his own special spot. So you get some unique photos that you don't get if you just go and do it yourself.

[@jr-wv4qw]

I just want to say that I really like that you put the camera settings next to your shots now. I love it in your book and I love it in your videos!

[@blivieriphoto]

Very nice Tom. I totally agree with that philosophy, go out and photograph what makes you happy. No pressure, no judgement. Have fun. That's what its all about. That's how I try to approach it anyway. And... waffle on all you like. I could listen to you waffle on about photography for hours. Lol Thanks for all the great work Tom. 😊👍

[@Alister_Benn]

Love it man, what a brilliant summary of that fabulous time.

[@miltonpics]

Another great video Thomas. I was there in August 2017, but unlike you, had lovely warm weather. The sun wasn't too harsh and really brought out the colours in this fascinating place. It's a day I will remember for a very long time.

[@DonFather]

stunning area. good video Thomas.

[@kristoffdeturck1266]

Loyal fan for many years from Belgium. Just bought your book, happy i can do something back for all those brilliant video's! 👌

[@nnelgsiggah]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and the challenges one faces when shooting film. If you think back to a time when film was the only option and some of the amazing work done by photographers back then. I’m not a landscape photographer at all but my film challenge was to shoot an online entire 3 day Jazz Festival on film. I wasn’t easy not being able to see my images instantly, the iso limitation, being limited to 36 shots, but I learned so much from the experience and felt it took my photography up a notch.

[@chriss2761]

Truly outstanding video Tom👍

[@michaelbastia7937]

Hi and thank you very much. God bless.

[@Leffe49]

Great video with 2 lovely photo. 👍

[@marioandrade3925]

Great video! Love the different aspect to the trip: photography, tour guide, digital vs film, personal moment. Thanks for sharing!

[@kamilbandura5491]

Beautiful beautiful video!

[@craiggibson9821]

As usual, inspirational and informative.

[@stuartwalton1736]

been watching your channel for a while now, so thought id read your profile on your website, firstly Thank you for the time & effort you put in to sharing your photography experiences, secondly, dont stop, i imagine that putting these videos out all the time can become a little tedious and that a lot of the time you cant really be bothered. Youve done many jobs that others would think to be 'dream' jobs but your passion has faded for it - im the same, always moving on to something else to find what i think truly makes me happy. maybe why youve decided to try and push yourself creatively by using film. keep exploring, keep finding the moments that make you happy and at ease and please keep sharing and giving others something to expire to..

[@PMCN53]

Glad to see you are having fun with film. I'm 66yo and when I was 18yo there was ONLY film (colour or B&W). I used to have my own dark room and shot in B&W, developed my own film & printed my images using a small film enlarger up to 8X10.. The process was so much fun, haven't done that for 40 years. Still having fun but with a Canon 5DSR CHEERS!

[@ChrisPattonPhotography]

Absolutely stunning location don't think you can go wrong with a location like that. Really enjoying these Iceland vlogs 👍

[@andyprime57]

Considering how you suffered during your trip to the Himalayas? Its great to see you actually getting some shutter time on this trip Tom, inspiring as ever!

[@vallerret]

Great video mate. Always refreshing to see you experiment and push the limits with your photography. Looked like an amazing experience.

[@steliosscy]

The first photo was probably the cleanest you have taken Bravo 👍

[@nicokremers7150]

Hello Thomas. I have been there too! I think you forgot to take the hot bath. I did and loved it. 😀

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Loved it Tom, even in bad conditions you always can get a shot and your parting comment sums up photography for me overall... have fun regardless .. Thanks man

[@tirsolecointere]

My favorite part of your videos will always be when the camera falls 😂 so funny

[@frankseophotos9633]

This video is stunning!

[@quinnkananack1848]

Just received your photography book - it's as incredible as I thought it would be. Keep creating, Thomas! Can't wait to see what kind of images you'll capture in the future.

[@peterdadson7713]

Great video Thomas! Volcanics? Got to love them!

[@terrywbreedlove]

Might need to bring my Hasselblad and B&W film there someday

[@losturmos728]

It’s a real pleasure watching this video while suffering at 36 degrees...

[@richardbarakett4163]

I so much enjoy your transparency and your simplicity.. maybe that's why you are so good at what you do and don't do :) Cheers brother !!!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Incredible place!

[@vblakely]

Well said about film vs digital: "photography is photography". Great video and content. Thank you.

[@04williamsl]

Was meant to go to Iceland in March this year, until lockdown happened. Would have been my 8th trip in 3 years. I love watching your videos, as they remind me of the place that is my second home

[@spiksplinter]

that second image is amazing

[@wallybeep]

Geeze, Thomas. Me, an f4 fan, a PNW guy, near to Gavin and Adam - and an older guy who galavanted over hill with a 4x5 field camera in my younger and pre-digital days. It's not the film - or the camera. It's IS the craft. Well-crafted, indeed. Adam Grey beard ? Heading now to see things through your eyes. Great gift to all of us. You all are. TX.

[@Navaraization]

Wow! What an outstanding video

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

What a brilliant video Thomas, I can only dream of making stuff as good as this. Thankyou.

[@boscomac2434]

I want to go back to Iceland, so I’ll have to look up Thor for his expertise... thanks for sharing... 👍👍👍

[@syeduzair7830]

I really look up to you. These videos are soo beautiful and inspiring. Keep up the good work, man!!

[@stevenrun34]

The video looks super nice on the XT-4. The photos are fantastic too. Wow.

[@pvtejasvi]

Love that first composition. "Iceland is open" lol, your disclaimer cracked me up. As an American, I'm reliving Iceland vicariously through your work so I don't mind the "waffling."

[@cgriggsiv]

Thomas excellent video is always I do love the film photography of that pool And of the mountain hillside with the river or it was a Creek But that pool of water that used to be blue or a turquoise blue Will never be the same again because they put in the boardwalk in which stained and tainted the water so now all you will have is a brownish red The state instead of preserving it now instead destroyed it

[@stefankuhn6887]

I visited exactly the same area six years ago. I took a photo from where you dropped the backpack at the beginning 😊 it’s such an incredibly beautiful landscape. Your first photo is the best in my opinion 👍🏼

[@KOBSROCKS18]

Inspired by your views, the effort to vlog whilst phographing has to be applauded 👍✌️👏

[@wilmerkrusen7501]

Love the volcanic scenes. No worries about the Iceland being open. I had the same issue in that 1918 parade. People get over it. Looking forward to seeing more of your film work and maybe how you process it, fingers crossed.

[@AleRodrigues]

Amazing opening drone footage. Lovely images. When I'm out vlogging in this varying conditions of light, I usually set my vlogging camera ISO to Auto. Thanks for another great video Tom. cheers

[@vertusmatjaz]

Talking and tweaking exposure is not disturbing at all. On the other hand, it can be part of the vlog. If you watch some old Chasey Neistad blogs, he was correcting exposure and focus all the time. If you know how to do it, it can be something interesting. Some action in the talking head situation. Auto iso also could work, but I think this is better. Spining the nd filter during the recording. Why not.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

top watch again mate lovely atmos and images. Agreed 100% re film v digital I love both in equal measure.

[@baaz8884]

This is like watching a non-savage version of Man vs Wild, Bear Grylls with a camera.

[@LukeOrwin]

Great video Tom. Great images.

[@isaiahherve]

Your videos are getting just soooooo good

[@tjkrueger2655]

Had a bit of deja vu / ptsd seeing your X-T4 tumble over... My X-T3 + 16-55 2.8 and tripod took a spill recently, down a hill on some loose talus rock. Lucky the lens hood, L-bracket and circular polarizer took the brunt of the damage. Fuji gear, built like a tank. Really enjoying your Iceland adventures and foray into film, Thomas

[@tangyorange6509]

Congrats on the hassy! I find shooting digital landscapes to be so boring to watch, so this was cool! Very Steve O’Nions vibe

[@peterebel7899]

Summertime in Iceland: 4 seasons within one day. Some years ago we even needed the car's air-conditioning in the middle of the highlands. But one of the very most important purchases we did: Gloves .... Thomas, great pictures on Velvia you took!

[@huexley]

Hiked this "summer" in Hornstrandir with my wife, we had a night with 100kmh of wind and a 1°C night, it was a pure nightmare.

[@nrice3623]

Near 0 already and it’s still August! Iceland is a fascinating place!

[@jamesscarborough9545]

I am glad to see that even the best have had their tripod blown over in Iceland, I guess I'm not the only one that has happened to.

[@hdoyle_photo]

Amazing work Thomas, during quarantine your content has really kept me going and keep creating amazing photos and videos like you

[@billybraithwaite67]

Excellent as always Thomas.. tell ya what the hasselblad takes some lovely images. Film or digital it’s all about the end result and boy it sure delivers 👌

[@boatsuk]

I normally hang my bag from the tripod when I need to ensure that it remains stable. It's usually enough to keep it rock solid, but if it's really windy, I don't leave it unattended. Most tripods have a hook for it (normally at the bottom of the centre column), but your levelling base might not have a hook though. If that's the case, a bit of paracord and a carabiner will do the trick ;) edit: fixed typo

[@maxencelemoine4190]

Why shoot on film ??? Why not ! As you said, the medium doesn't matter, it's all about photography. I shoot film all the time, and i'm excited because i will receive my first digital camera next week (an old one but it doesn't matter, it is enough for me). Thank you for your work

[@mariogon]

Heaton, if you like volcanic landscapes and nice light, you should visit the Bolivia-Chile border. The desert is just beautiful and the colors are beautiful

[@grahamallen3941]

I can attest to the wind in Iceland! I worked at the airport and in December try just standing up straight was nigh on impossible never mind trying the get the tripod to stay upright! Photography is my first love. Taking transparencies was always a test. Love film and had a hard time changing to digital!!! Oh well digital it is for now haha. Graham

[@slowlyrusting4044]

As a "kid" I loved shooting Fuji Velvia for those gorgeous greens. Kodak Ektachrome 100 was pretty good too if a faster film was desired. Also, maybe it's intentional on your part, you can turn the "silver" knob on your cable release so the plunger doesn't lock each time you press it.

[@ProjectOverseer]

Respect for flogging the horse ... Those old tools still have a place ... In this case Iceland 👍 Always an inspiration regardless 😀

[@MichalOlender]

It looks great there, enjoy man!

[@timothylinn]

Tom's whole film vs digital commentary is interesting. I would absolutely agree that a person should shoot with whatever he/she finds fun or challenging. That said, I don't think there is much of an argument about film vs digital; digital is objectively better than similarly-sized film in every respect. And although I don't usually choose to watch a video based on the gear being used, I do find myself actively avoiding videos that prominently feature either Leicas or film cameras (Ben Horne excepted).

[@gcarmichael]

I have the book - very well done Thomas!

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Vlog, interesting place, New Zealand has Volcanic scenes as well. Take care they are dangerous Cheers Tony

[@DennisSiebertPhotography]

I am thrilled how your video quality has improved with the new camera. Your 1080p was honestly very bad. But now the resolution has increased, but the color and dynamics are also better by far. I used to film on my channel with the EOS M6 and it looked similar to me. However, I switched to a Sony a6400 to film. Not bad either, but I have my problems with Sony. Not my favorite camera. But for that it is nice and small ..

[@Leptospirosi]

11:30 It is fairly common for volcanic pools to change colour even drastically: I saw several similar pools in Beppu, Japan, and the guide told us that the colour can change due to the kind of mineral leaking in the water. A perfectly turquoise pool can change to milky in months and then go back to blue in the same year.

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Velvia is beautiful film. I mean your images are beautiful on that film. Because of this video I just order several rolls. I guess there's no mosquitos there.

[@chrisminchin854]

Love the drone footage, and a good story. Please do a vblog on "digital vs Film" on the same subject.

[@tjsinva]

Keep on keepin' on! 💪👍

[@musicelect]

It’s understood that geothermal areas are in a constant state of change. Earthquakes can affect the underground “plumbing” and dry up one pool while another forms. The colors of a pool are due to the temperature in which various bacteria thrive in. It’s the bacteria that give it the vibrant colors. If a pool gets warmer or colder, different bacteria take over and the color changes. Enjoy it now because you never know what it will look like later.

[@musicelect]

Also, awesome drone footage! It’s cool that they let you fly there.

[@Faroacces0]

I think you should also try to develop your films on your own. It's quite alot of fun to experiment with the developing process and the satisfaction of pulling out the film and seeing the negatives is incommensurable. Plus, it would make a couple of nice videos. Then, it is also possible to do the scanning by yourself by either buying a scanner or by using a DSLR... This way you would also have a lot more creative control on the developing process.

[@erikswenson2659]

Those walkways also keeping people from falling through the thin mineral crsu surrounding many themal pools and getting boiled alive, as happens at Yellostone in the U.S. Also the pool temperature and ph contol what bacteria grow in the pool, which determines the color.

[@rodschweiger4195]

After seeing Adam and Alister`s videos of this trip, I was hoping you would do one too. My day is complete. Thank you for sharing. BTW, I bought your book and love it.

[@finnillson4808]

Sometimes I day dream about living in Iceland. Such a surreal landscape and island. Harsh but beautiful. I know the climate was different 800 years ago but the first settlers had to be tough as nails (including those Irish monks!).

[@johnsmith1474]

A beer is $10.

[@finnillson4808]

@@johnsmith1474 Doesn't matter to me.

[@kormakur]

I nearly pissed myself hearing you pronounce Bláihver !!!! Awsome work as always ! Keep it up !

[@ThorarinnJonsson]

Good stuff man, finally got your book in the mail, looks awesome.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Ah, yes it only took 2 months to arrive 😉

[@keithswindell6212]

Great video as always. It would be helpful if you wrote the names of the places you visited in the notes so that we could look them up without trying to write them down as they flash by on screen.

[@evgeniydeus8137]

I need a video moment of Thomas saying "And here I am" and on the video we see only his hat ball-thingy moving behind some kind of obstacle )

[@joeblow9931]

I've always had to push that velvet 50 about half a stop (sometimes a full stop)