These Photographers Don't Get it

In this video I talk about the crowds at Mesa Arch and the landscape photography opportunities that were on offer away from the iconic shot that so many people visit to photograph. Not every location is crowded, I also visited Green River Overlook in Canyonlands National Park and had one of the most beautiful sunrise photography sessions I have had in a long time. Enjoy.
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#LandscapePhotography #ArchesNationalPark #MesaArch

[@JeffCreates]

Lovely shot at 14:10 - worth the strong will and patience. The arch thing reminds me a bit of what the Mona Lisa is like. So busy that no-one gets anything out of it other than to say they saw it, except the didn't really, and you can be sure no-one "took it in"

[@janoudman2695]

That is only if it isn't a replica. Many people use flash to capture the Mona Lisa, which is behind glass!! (if I remember correctly). Enormous hall with a small painting and full packed with people trying to make photo or selfie with it while there are so many great pieces of art surrounding it that nobody seems to notice. I guess the real painting is stored somewhere else. all that flashlight is bad for a painting.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

That's a great analogy. I visited Paris during high season (Bastille Day week) and visited the Louvre. I couldn't get within 50 feet of the Mona Lisa. So I moved on. Not many people before Vermeer's "Girl With Pearl Earring" which, IMO, is a greater painting. So, I was not disappointed.

[@QuarkCharmed]

Pulpit Rock, Mornington Peninsula, Australia - very popular place with many photographers in the weekend mornings, all crowded around the same PoV - not as narrow as the Mesa Arch but still, once I saw about 8-10 tripods around the same spot. I had shot it from that spot too, but then if you walk past that spot and look at the Pulpit rock from its other side, there's literally nobody there, but it's also a beautiful view with decent light, rockpools and reflections etc. etc. I've seen these photo crowds in almost all iconic places, and almost always there's a room to walk around and find another composition, so Thomas is absolutely right here, great video&talk!

[@BrendanKBuckley]

Was in Paris last month, I had no intention in being involved in the scrum at the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. When a site like Mesa Arch gets too popular, it's time to find a new location. I photographed at Dead Horse Point over 30 years ago and had the place to myself, might be different today. The internet and mass travel has made photography very popular, so be prepared for the crowds.

[@philipnaughton329]

That shot at 14:10 is called "Island in the Sky" another Iconic shot from within Canyonlands. Not sure Thomas had time to stop by Dead Horse State park next to Canyonlands but in my opinion is offers much better compositions and is less famous.

[@peterpatenaude6684]

I actually think that the photograph that you showed with all of the people set up in front of the arch made for a much more interesting photograph than the arch itself, especially given the weather. Sometimes as photographers it is easy to have tunnel vision, especially since we are used to looking through a lens, but what a comical scene with all of those people set up in front of such a tiny arch- made me smile.

[@grat2010]

Peter Patenaude I agree! One of my favorite photos is of everyone striking silly poses in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It's hilarious.

[@peterpatenaude6684]

Absolutely- in a sense, in those highly visited areas, the crowds of people/photographers become a part of that landscape, so why not include them.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Spot on comment I had a similar experience at the lake Wanaka tree in New Zealand 25 photogs amassed for sunrise my fave image and footage of the shoot was stepping back to include the media style scrum.👍🏼

[@jacobwhite9006]

Peter Patenaude It could be a project ... photograph the masses in front

[@briandesjardin9381]

I like that too! Shots of the camera chaos, especially at very well known and oft published scenes are a lot of fun. Some folks before me have already mentioned their own favorite Photographer Madness shots, my personal favorite is from the Mono Lake tufa formations. I do have my own very nice print of sunset painted Mono tufa gracing my living room wall, but there is no shortage of far better shots to be found from G. Rowell and the like. The smaller print of a hoard of crazy (though actually quite polite and friendly) photogs hangs in a back room, and honestly, looking at it gives me more joy than the "main event" picture.

[@lavapix]

+I remember going to those locations and being the only person around. 1980's.

[@timothylatour4977]

I remember the same thing -- in the mid 1970's -- several times visiting Canyonlands, Arches, and Dead Horse Point. Practically no one else there. Stayed in Moab at a Knight's Inn and camped at Dead Horse Point. I hate to see those beautiful places overrun now.

[@lavapix]

@@timothylatour4977 Wasn't that a great time... My friend and I rode a trail/road that went all the way down to the Green River? and on the way back up we were running low on water but as luck would have it out of nowhere comes one of those old Subaru wagons and they gave us plenty of water so we could complete the ride in comfort. We were amazed at what that Subaru could handle :-) Our rookie mistake on the water. Ever since then I stash water along routes like that. They were the only people we came across on 4 days of trail riding.

[@timothylatour4977]

@@lavapix I've done field geology most my adult life, and much of it was in the Montana desert. Carrying water is not an option. Routinely there were 2-liter days and when it was really hot, the days required 3-liters -- and I had to pack all that water on my back. Luckily it gets lighter as the day wears on, of course. I assume you've read "Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey. If not, I recommend it highly. Let's hear it for Subaru! My wife is getting ready to buy one for herself. Take care, and continuing enjoying Thomas's wonderful videos.

[@lavapix]

@@timothylatour4977 Yes, Edward Abbey's books are great. I've read many of them. Hiking at the hot lava flows for 3 decades is no different than the desert. Maybe even hotter. Most hikes that were going to be 15-20 hours and the same in miles I put as much water on my pack as possible & still be able to pick it up and the rest I carried in a mesh bag and I stashed it every mile or so at my favorite landmarks. It was impossible to physically carry all of that water the entire time along with all of my camera geat etc. My largest haul was 15 liters. Good times...

[@GeneWaddle]

It's amazing how many iconic places there are that are somewhat less impressive when you see them in person. 🙂

[@trafiak8]

Gene Waddle Mount Rushmore for sure. The movies make it look way bigger than it actually is

[@weschilton]

or when you see them with 50 -100 tourists standing in from of them.

[@martinjn2920]

@The Life of Tony Stonehenge used to be a good visit, I will show my age now, but many years ago you were allowed to walk in and around the stones, you could touch and feel the stones, you could appreciate just how big they are, you also wondered how the hell they lifted them up, now only the great and the good get to go inside the fence and be in Stonehenge rather than at Stonehenge.

[@jimt249]

@@martinjn2920 And some of the stones are not where they were meant to be anyway. Apparently in the 50s they were in such a bad state that some of them were cemented into place to stop them toppling over, and some of the lintels were hoisted into place with a crane.

[@jimt249]

Martin Freeman (who writes a lot of excellent books on phtotgraphy) has a photograph of monument valley with some bouldders in the foreground, an image he remembered from a photograph by Ansel Adams. He says he nearly missed the boulders, which he had assumed were small hills taken from a distance, but they turned out to be small boulders on the edge of a cr park.

[@SilverVoxMusic]

Workshops and photo tours to iconic places are killing the places themselves. For goodness sake people go and find your own places to photograph, its a big beautiful world out there.

[@onemaninaboat]

Too much effort m8. Easier to just follow someone or rely on a printed guide/someone elses work.

[@onemaninaboat]

@Adam Craig You seem to struggle with sarcasm.

[@diatomsaus]

@Adam Craig The joke brushed over you like wind...

[@jjss488]

@Adam Craig - Lol, woooosh. What an idiot.

[@diatomsaus]

@Adam Craig The joke is yeah, just plagerise, why be original? Too much effort. And you took it literally... hence you became the joke too. You can tout that line of "I was pretending to be silly" but no one would buy it.

[@AWDRIFT]

My friend and I like to call these iconic locations “Trophy Shots”. It’s obvious these locations are fairly easy to get to. Mesa Arch is literally about 0.2miles from the parking lot! I don’t think there’s anything wrong about getting a Trophy Shot and fight the crowds of photographers and tourists to get it. My visit to Mesa Arch, I knew it would be a hornets nest, so I decided to arrive at 3:00AM. I was all alone until about 5:45AM, and had some time to pick out my tripod spot and do some astrophotography. It’s sad to say this, but like you said, it’s almost a given to have to BE on location 3-4 hours before the light in order to secure a spot to shoot. I just got back from Zion at the Watchman Bridge last weekend...same thing, got there around 3:00pm for a SUNSET shot. 30 or more photographers lined up on the bridge 45 minutes before sunset. One of the photographers started yelling at a couple who decided to hike down into the composition down by the river. She told them to move because they were in “everyone’s shot”. I was completely blown away, because the National Park is meant to be enjoyed and shared by everyone. Photographers have no right to tell people to get out of their shot in a public place like that. In my mind, it’s why so many people hate photographers. I personally don’t think it’s wrong to get a trophy shot of an iconic place, but photographers need to really check their pride at the gate and stop acting like we own these wonderful landscapes.

[@brentonjful]

Well said mate. To all the people out there wanting to get into landscape photography, this video almost says it all. I've watched almost all of Thomas' videos and this is one of the most important to watch. Landscape photography is about exploration, patience and paying attention to the weather and how light can paint the landscape. Get up early, enjoy the moment and look for something unique that can tell a story. Admittedly, the crowd shot in front of the arch is a very relevant story all of it's own! Keep up the good Thomas; videos like these highlighting real world scenarios are the most valuable.

[@galaxydreaming]

I like the message in this video. I love looking at popular beautiful landscape photos but I feel like if I were to go and take something similar its just the same as everyone else. A shot for myself is nice but i want to explore and find places that are unique without hundreds of people. For me I enjoy the moment in nature, the quiet and the stillness of wherever I am, getting the photo is a bonus. (I'm not a professional btw just learning and enjoying)

[@07wrxtr1]

Bingo! The entire point is to find your OWN shotvand enjoy the journey rather than mindless conformity distilled to this lowest common denominator Instagram bs

[@madddog692000]

I'd take that Green River Canyon shot with the light kissing the tip of those beautiful peaks over the commercialized "Arch" shot ANY day!! Just an AWESOME shot!!

[@The_Mister]

I’ve shot Mesa Arch several times & the crowds are insane. The thing I noticed is that most start taking pictures once the sun comes up, and then they pack up and leave. But the glow doesn’t happen until about 30-40 minutes after sunrise. By then, only a handful of people have stuck around and you can get your shot. So...I would say DON’T go super early. Get there at sunrise and wait for people to leave. Also, go when it rains. It’s a ghost town in the rain, and there are other compositions without the glow.

[@The_Mister]

Adam Craig normally I would agree, but Mesa Arch is beautiful to see even if you decide not to shoot it. Just stick around for an hour after sunrise. The hordes are depressing for sure, but they all tend to leave together and only a handful of the smarter ones stick around, then they work together to keep people off the arch and to make sure everyone gets their shot.

[@katzsteel]

You are one of the few KZbin photographers that I’ve seen that actually has some nice images and useful advice. I appreciate all your posts as I seem to learn something each time. You are great at finding images that others would otherwise pass up. It makes me look for something other than the obvious. Truly an artistic eye.

[@davidgeorge9233]

I get your point completely, however don’t forget just as those people weren’t reading the situation you perhaps are forgetting that a lot of people’s photography has to fit in with a holiday and they may not have the time to wait around hours for the perfect shot. There will always be a perfect moment for that idyllic shot but for the vast majority of tourists time is often limited.

[@effytraveler6155]

Absolutely true. I took pictures on top of a hike and was able to go back a couple years later. I laugh at how going through the folder for that place that the better pictures was the first time I went. The second time I was there I had more photography knowledge. I knew I wasn't going to get the shot and recorded the area to enjoy at home on loop.

[@shepshepard4233]

I have a couple comments.....first, if you want to shoot the iconic arch go in December during or just after a cold front. Nothing weeds out a crowd like sub- freezing temperatures and icy roads. Secondly, I’ve noticed once the sun rises most other photographers take their shot(s)- then they leave. About 20- 30 minutes after sunrise, and after 90% of the crowds have left, there is a “second” chance to capture the a bottom of the arch “lighting up.” I have seen this phenomenon happen more than several times. I position my tripod so that the sun is just “touching” the top of the arch’s bottom side. The canyon wall will light up the arch again! I use f16 to get that starburst effect and viola! Iconic arch shot without all the grief.

[@shinikku]

Mid December - 14 degrees - icy roads - still too many people.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Fighting the public to get a shot that exist a million times on social media... I will never. Beauty unseen "Through My Lens" OMG that canyon shot... SO GOOD!

[@mediebyg3844]

Yeah in reality you aren't going to make anything better, than has already been made. Then it's better to do something original because an original has no contenders and therefore will place itself better as a good shot :P

[@denispol79]

That story reminds me the Mona Lisa room in Louvre. The moment I saw the crowd I just walked by and went to another room. The atmosphere there was just like sharks feed frenzy.

[@endtimeimages3284]

I really cannot relate with these groups piling up in front of an object that has been photographed by like every photographer in the world already. Landscape photography for me is not so much about the picture, it's more about having a good time outdoors with my dog and the camera. If I had seen the 4 tripods, I would have turned around and photographed something else.

[@dukenukem5768]

As someone else said, these tourists are just collecting trophy shots. But if _if_ I wanted a picture of the Eiffel Tower or the Mesa Ach, I'd just download one from the internet. When taking photos, I look for pictures that no-one else has seen.

[@mib135]

Having been lucky enough to be part of the group on your Green River Overlook excursion, I can attest to your exhorting us to “hold our nerve” and not run off with our tripods to shoot that incredible sky! (I actually am in the sky photo you included, but I had taken your advice and was also shooting it with my phone.) The photo I got during the three minutes that the canyon was lit up is my favorite from the trip! Thanks!

[@mhitchner]

If you want to shoot Mesa Arch and avoid crowds, I highly recommend visiting in the winter, during the week, on the coldest day possible. I went on a day when it was 4 degrees F(-15 C) and it was just my friend and I there until after sunrise. Plus during the winter sunrise is much later than during the summer. I think we got there at like 7:00am, and even that may have been too early. The sun will be at an angle that some may consider not quite optimal if you are going after the goal of replicating the shot that has been done millions of times, but its still beautiful and still gets a wonderful underglow on the arch while framing the La Sal mountains. Even the busiest and most popular locations can be peaceful if you are willing to put up with off season/sub-optimal temperatures. And you have the ability to play with a variety of compositions as you'll likely have the run of the place.

[@Joel4JC]

Thanks for the tip!

[@edwardjenner1381]

I've seen some really good, different shots of Mesa in the snow. Obviously it could have been spring, but still.

[@iolair1973]

So much this! I've had some really iconic locations entirely to myself.

[@PianoBlackTrimRep.]

Thanks for the tip! I'm going to let all of my friends and family know about it!

[@Biosynchro]

Now that is what I call common sense - although common sense seems to be a superpower these days!

[@JacobMarsh]

I love your attitude towards waiting for just the right shot and recognizing when it isn’t going to happen. Sometimes you just have to look for something creative!

[@videos1692]

Tom, I watch all your video's but rarely comment but your story about the crowd in front of that arch has struck a chord. I love the tranquility of landscape photography on my own, and I will often take the shot and just stop and take in the beauty. So to see those people crowding around like that was awful. Keep up the good work mate.

[@angellacanfora]

8:31 I adore this shot! Desert photography is always my favorite, especially with moody skies.

[@djpablo73]

So true. I remember going to the Taj Mahal. We got there first thing and discovered at least 5 bus loads of tourists all shooting the same thing. People everywhere. My tip for that is to forget about going into the grounds and shoot from the other side of the river, very early. You'll get mist, light, reflection, form and if you're as lucky as my mate was you'll also find a local with a camel happy to act as foreground interest.

[@paulasimson4939]

"Hold your nerve, hold your nerve!" Best comment EVER!

[@RachelLerch]

A respectful commentary on the situation Thomas. And I agree that the joy is exploring and finding an amazing composition. Fantastic stories today!

[@ivanosrin2126]

When I was at the Arch 20 years ago there wasnt anyone around for hours in the morning - deserted !

[@benwaters6495]

I can’t stop looking at the frame behind your head 😜

[@mypixelchrome]

Thank you!

[@AndrewNoFiction]

I agree with Ben. The white frame is very distracting to me.

[@NeilMcNerney]

Ben Waters ironic that he’s talking about composition and all my eye goes to is the small white frame and the bright distracting lamp.

[@keithwilson8841]

Absolutely agree... other images are great but the little white frame has got to go... :-)

[@slowthegamedownjustalittle4629]

Yeah i was trying to see the photo behind his head the whole time😂

[@danielbowden2401]

I love the photo of the crowd around the arch. It is a great wildlife photo.

[@vitaminalm]

Thank you for saying this. As a hobbyist who is going through the learning process, there is so much value in finding your our image, and with that it helps you find your own beauty/style/aesthetic. You can really grow as a photographer versus when you just try to get that one specific photo.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

I agree, but taking an icon is also a great way to bag some epic images and learn from it, just be aware that there might be other options just around the corner 👍

[@garrisonkruse6226]

I forgot who said it but, photograph the places where people aren't looking. There's always a better angle, dont do typical, do unique

[@MrSteamDragon]

Some Ones Keys ....absolutely...the problem with such iconic shots is that they have been done soooo many times before that its sometimes difficult to capture something different. The canyon image has far more interest in it anyway...IMHO of course ..😎

[@garrisonkruse6226]

@@MrSteamDragon in my opinion, it's just pointless to take shots such as these. They're just not interesting.

[@venom5809]

When I went to the Grand Canyon I took photos of the people taking photos of the Grand Canyon and loved those the best. I mean there's a million photos of the Grand Canyon, mine won't really look any different than those ones. LOL

[@fototripper]

Oh you beauty Thom. Thanks for the plug ;) Totally love that green river overlook shot

[@kustrat]

Get ready for the inrush to your blog! You're an entertaining and wonderful photographer. I have subscribed to yours as well.

[@fototripper]

@@kustrat Aww very kind.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Hey Gavin! love the latest videos.

[@fototripper]

Ah cheers mate. We should do one together some time :)

[@QuietLightPhoto]

@@fototripper For sure, I'm more or less living in Parksville these days, almost neighbours

[@DeerajNagothu]

I gotta tell you. You, sir, are my most favourite storyteller. The way you express the situation feels like I was there too.

[@robwasnj]

This is CRAZY, I was there in 1987 and took a photo of that Arch, I literally had the park to myself. Wow how times have changed!

[@PMCN53]

Loved the stories Thomas, there is a tree at the edge of a lake Wanaka in New Zealand that has the same affect on people, in fact it is worse, as there have been so many people doing the wrong thing in that environment it is putting the survival of the “Wanaka Tree” at risk of dying. NZ has so much to offer photographers if the just look around.

[@20centurymodern]

It takes guts and determination to do your own thing and makes photos that really mean something. The pack mentality seems to be predominant in humans, people will follow other people. Real joy is the challenge of finding new compositions, it’s what makes your photographs stand out, but people don’t want to hear that. Part of the art form of being the photographer is learning about the craft including knowing when to walk away. Those situations are mad.

[@davidmichael8880]

That's my problem right now, I just look for other photographers pictures to kind of remake them, but I don't find own places to shoot. I have to work on that definitely. But when you plan a trip you look for the pics that happend and then you remake them, that is kind of unsatisfying for me 😕

[@MannyOnePointFour]

Next video can’t come quick enough, Thom. I love your travels abroad, but love your stuff from the UK the most! 1000% inspirational and always reminds me of early Thom Heaton days.

[@FilippoMacchi]

Dear Thomas, this is one of the problem that social media has create. Everyone want to do only that picture of that place, if you don't do it you don't was there. This is the main stream. I'm agree with you. Look, explore, walk, climb, doing whatever you want to change your perspective.

[@cgriggsiv]

I love the way how you present yourself on video you are very honest person and very kind and considerate person and you will not lie about anything very truthful photographer and that I think I admire the most

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Cheers dude, much appreciated.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Hey Thomas, I commented on our experience on Mesa Arch on your last video. We were lucky to be there when the arch glowed and both of us got shots we liked, but by faaaaar, we loved meeting all of the other photographers. We were laughing and sharing stories and it seemed like the photo became so unimportant to us all. There is a lot more to landscape photography than getting the shot.

[@DTAnglesey]

I very much enjoy listening to your stories Thomas, by far my favorited channel/photographer on youtube. Thumb's up!

[@robcarr1899]

Their loss, your gain. This shows the professional that you are. Tom you are a genius.

[@frankanderson5012]

Sometimes I miss the days of film when I first started photography in the eighties. You rarely saw another photographer. Film made it too much hard work for all but the most dedicated. Now photographers have gained a bad reputation, trample over beautiful locations, fighting each other for the 'best spots' not for the art but for the glory of praise once they've processed the hell out of their images and upload them onto social media.

[@koolkutz7]

Very true. I have had similar situations with wildlife photography. I went to RSPB Bempton Cliffs and was horrified what a bun fight it was. People were jostling for position just to see and photograph birds such as puffins etc. I did not enjoy the experience at all and what should have been a great day was chaotic & stressful!

[@Biosynchro]

You have a good point. If photography is too easy, you're going to get this kind of nonsense. Well I guess it doesn't hurt anyone. ;-)

[@bengersbootlegs]

Digital photography did to photos what automatic weapons did to life, cheapen it.

[@cameraman655]

Yep, the "Digital Democratization" has definitely had some adverse effect on this craft. I began honing my skills in the late 70s, in Jr HS. Shooting film was a skill that involved some intellect and forethought (especially slide film). Don't get me wrong, I love shooting digital,(happily since 2005) there are some very liberating aspects to shooting digital and the quality of images from even the most modest of cameras, even smartphone cameras blow film out of the water in terms of quality and editing software can often save a mediocre to poor shot in some cases. But as referenced earlier, being a photographer no longer carries that cache that it once did, anyone with an iPhone is now "a photographer" and making a decent living at it is becoming increasingly more difficult, especially in my field of editorial and photojournalism.

[@BaddaBigBoom]

To me this is a living nightmare, I have Aspergers and that would compound it further turning an already annoying scenario into a prohibitively unbearable one. I find even one or two photographers near me when I am trying to compose bad enough.

[@darko.v]

Like an old youtube comment once said: "When going to the Louvre, get to the Mona Lisa and turn 180"

[@ShortFinal]

the Green River overlook is one of my favorite places. absolutely stunning views.

[@ChrisDefalcoblues]

10,300,000 pictures on line of the Mesa Arch, if you can't get there you can get one on line. Good article Thomas.

[@rogernuffer]

But to see the in person is amazing. I saw it in March. It was below freezing and yet there were over 45 people there.

[@Wrecksy]

Hey Thomas. I used to do photography by going to pretty places and looking for the best compositions I could find. I got some decent shots, but my photography really made it to the next level when I started planning for one specific shot. I now research the location, weather, sun/moon patterns, etc. and be set up and ready for the shot well in advance and focus on only the one shot without being s=distracted by finding other compositions. I'm not against finding other compositions, but I've found that getting that one perfect (or near perfect) shot is worth a thousand "pretty good" shots. What are your thoughts on this? Do you plan with one shot in mind, or for the most part go to a location and look for compositions. Not saying one is wrong, I've just had really good results when I hyper focus on getting one specific shot (and I don't mean necessarily the "iconic shot", just one predetermined shot). Thanks!

[@74jeepcj6]

I think you've inspired me to take your path - go for that one image

[@tombuck]

It’s hard to not want that “iconic” photo when visiting a new place, but so often it just feels...not genuine. The new studio is looking great, by the way!

[@wolfe4410]

Thanks mate

[@pharoah1986]

I was one of the photographers on that excursion to Green River Overlook. I got my best shot of the week that morning thanks to you.

[@bbde1980]

I have been to Mesa Arch 6 - 7 times and even got my favorite shot ever there. The situation was as you described, moody skies with a tiny break at the horizon, so we got an amazing sky plus direct sunlight for a few minutes only. And there were only two other and very nice people, and one was not even shooting. One other time a tour bus stopped for sunrise, and > 30 people were everywhere and leaning on my wife‘s shoulder to take exactly the shot I was taking. People can either make or ruin the experience. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly at Mesa Arch.

[@scotty4418]

Loved the canyon shot Thomas and good lesson there about thinking ahead and considering what potential outcomes might be achieved. With all that crowding wouldnt take much for a camera or a lens to take a tumble so no thanks, I would rather go look elsewhere.

[@darkartist74]

Everyone was giving me shit for taking the sunrise and astrophotography of Mesa Arch. I KNOW everyone has photographed it. But, I wanted to see my take on it. I got to know some of the sheep, they were pretty cool mind you. Nice people, fun to talk to. I love both of the pictures I got. Yeah, you can Google a thousand pictures of that iconic shot. But, now I can say, this one is mine, and I'm proud of it.

[@christophmunch4796]

That's what "sheep" usually say - that the other sheeps are actually cool and that they themselves are not sheep and that what looks like "sheepishness" has valid reasons... perceiving and admitting that one is a sheep is difficult...

[@AshOnTop23]

@@christophmunch4796 your post is what useless superior jerks who can't feel good without putting others down say.

[@darkartist74]

@@christophmunch4796 if I'm a sheep so be it. Other sheep are pleasant to talk to and usually aren't entitled jerks. I just take the pictures I want to take, and sometimes they just happen to be the iconic shot that everyone has taken. I still hold my Mesa Arch pictures in high regard. Great memory, and met a lot of cool people in the 10 hours I was there.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

That's awesome. As I said in this video, I would totally shoot this. It's beautiful. But when the light is not happening and I can't squeeze in, it pays to search elsewhere. I have a ton of iconic photos in my portfolio and I love them all 👍 Keep up the good work.

[@tanyablais2992]

I love the way you describe those perfect visual moments for capturing your shots. Inspiring!

[@GarrickGillettePhotography]

Enjoyed the Vlog Thomas! Certainly understand the anxiousness when directing folks to ignore the beautiful light! As always, your so well spoken and eloquent!

[@Skidoo22]

There's an echo in that room.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

echo echo echo

[@lorrettaclarke709]

I laughed so much at this. Been there, done that, - this May, and it was an awful experience for me too. I wasn't lucky to come away with much but what a place! I had a more intense experience with crowds at Mobias Arch in the Alabama Hills, ca. I was with a friend intending to shoot the arch with the milky way at it's background. OMG got there and there were two meetups (probably about 10 people). Everyone started out being polite, lining up etc. but I was the only person with a crop sensor so I had to hang back and couldn't get a shot with people lined up in front of me. I gave up for a while and light painted for people, then decided after an hour to try again. Because we all had to shoot at the same time, and I was setting up the woman next to me got irate because I was taking some time, "why are you taking so long" she snapped at me (despite me lighting for her too!) Then she had the gaul to make people wait for her because she was using noise reduction setting, which of course, takes twice as long. Funny! Anyway, anyone who is out in these amazing places, do not give up, because in this instance, it was 80 degrees at 2.00 am in the morning (september), and my friend and I lay on some warm rocks (absorbed by 118 degrees in the daytime and watch the amazing night sky. Often other photographers leave after the main event, but there are many other things to shoot. If I come away with a great shot wonderful, but it is the experience of these places that is magical. We decided to stay out all night and get some morning shots, not great ones, but we didn't care.

[@iemboyshostel]

Awesome video.. thanks for explaning the details. And a gorgeous shot

[@lucatisi228]

The canyon picture is incredibly beautiful. I love it

[@MaximeTessier]

To me those iconic shots are a lot of fun. I've been to mesa arch, the sun comes out, it was like if Justin Bieber appeared in front of young girls. Most of the guys were friendly and excited, sharing settings, etc... The feeling when you see that iconic shot on the back of your camera is really exciting. You have to like the process of replicate something, of course there's no real creative juice there, but it's quite technical, lot of dynamic range, etc... I do cover songs with the exact same goal, copying something I like, and kind of having a better understanding of how it was made in the first place... I was there a few months ago, arrived less than an hour before sunrise and only 2 guys were already there. Of course I took many other pictures than this iconic shot.

[@tristanjacobs6003]

It is in Canyonlands not in Arches nevertheless close enough

[@lylestavast7652]

across the road almost :)

[@runemaster96]

The studio space gets better and more classy with each video - keep it up, Tom

[@CrazyMalawian]

Thanks for going out and sharing your experiences!

[@asimeshpal]

Photography is enjoying the moment rather than be in stress.. Always something to know more from your videos.. Thanks for sharing

[@roadshoulderphotography683]

BTW: Love your 2019 Calander - Texas USA

[@ottersphotography304]

Thomas Heaton, Green River Overlook was for me, the best shot and best conditions of the conference. You called it that we would have sunlight for two, maybe three minutes and by about two minutes, thirty seconds it had come and gone. The best advice you gave us was to pick out a composition and then stay put for this one. The Vista was so grand that trying at the last minute to pick out a composition would have been impossible. Thanks for the great excursion sir.

[@johnanddawn2918]

Sunday is now complete. Yet another great video

[@Jigsaw407]

They do get it... most photographers don't swim in money and probably only get one shot (literally) at a certain location. They'd rather get a lackluster shot that they took themselves instead of missing out completely. It's a personal memento. Also, what's wrong with getting a somewhat different cloudy shot than replicating a sunny shot that has been taken a thousand times before?

[@weareyesyesyes]

agree completely.

[@Joel4JC]

Absolutely correct. Sometimes you don't have the luxury to pick the best weather day to be at a location. You are there because it is the only time you could get there, and you know you will not be that way again, so you make do! You do your best and get the best shot you can, you got Your shot. It will have to do, and you feel good about it. You are still a photographer!

[@dmsaudio]

I'm surprised Thomas didn't realize that for a vast majority of these people...it's their one chance to get the shot they've seen for years. I've been there on just a normal day and it was crazy. I was the 5th person there and by sunrise there were easily a hundred people walking around. Mostly from 2 tour busses that had dropped folks off. They were pushy, bumping my tripod. So I can understand some might get aggravated, especially after waiting for hours for a good spot, only to have folks reaching over you with their phone or their little compact to take a photograph. I wasn't happy about it, but I recognized it for what it was and made it work. Kinda like having people stand in another famous arch during sunset while your trying to photograph it.

[@chuck90504]

Thomas is wrong, no risk no reward, sometimes the light breaks through, you gotta take chances even if that means failing several times

[@just_eirik]

To me it’s like collecting. You know like people who collect baseball cards or old Nintendo games or something. It’s about having your own copy. There is NO WAY I wouldn’t take a shot there no matter what the weather was like. Also, there is no “correct weather conditions” for any photo. Whatever works for the individual is what matters.

[@Ar-kx4hp]

Remove......that...cable...from...bottom...right.....NOW

[@MathenGeorge]

Great story Thomas! Usually I get bored with videos that have more talk than action, but this one had me hooked till the end!

[@tjsinva]

That sky offers a good reason to have a second camera for the random alternative opportunities. Nice chat and practical approach to the overpopulated iconic shot. Rock on!

[@oldirtymick]

So you went to an iconic place, knowing that there would be loads of people there, and still managed to get annoyed? Surely you of all people would know the issues at photographing spots like these in high season? You were all there for the same shot as everyone else who was there so I really don't get some of your points. Plus big groups to iconic spots is killing them fast.

[@oldirtymick]

It's called an opinion, everyone's entitled to one. You might want to check what a 'rant' is.

[@heero101086]

Those other photographers are what I call.... SHEEP. Following the herd mentality.

[@richproctor7023]

Exactly!

[@jackfinlayevans3428]

In Iceland I went to the golden falls and just about every other person was taking the same long exposure photos, honestly felt embarrased to be a photographer as they ran around waving their eBay tripods

[@apassionfortangling3671]

Baaaaaaaaaa

[@simon_patterson]

Actually, the ones with good spots were taking the excellent advice given in the rest of this video. Be patient and wait for the good light; when it comes, it is fleeting. Don't get caught out somewhere else.

[@benstorr]

Some pathetic comments in this one. Absolute snobs some of you.

[@skswany0419]

Thanks for sharing your stories. What a crazy experience at the arch! I loved that you emphasize searching for an alternative composition and a patient wait for the light. So hard to train ourselves for that, but there is no better way.

[@TheGeoDaddy]

Had the same “shot block” at this location... so I used my peripheral vision and noticed that nobody was angling the shot from the extreme right where I could, not only shoot in the front of the throng, but catch the light the moment it seeped they the arch and compress it against the canyon wall (with my 200mm so that - only the light - could give a clue to the depth of the canyon on the other side.

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

People are sheep. They always have been and always will be. Humans take on a mob mentality very quickly when in a group almost sharing one mind between them all. So to think that upon arriving on such a scene as you describe that people would think to forget trying to get that shot and go else where is laughable.

[@74jeepcj6]

Baaah Baah, Baaah Baah Baaaah. Baaah Baah Bah Baah!

[@DJshutterfly]

Having had the good fortune to have been part of not only Thomas's Mesa Arch group, but also the Green River Overlook, I found the most valuable lesson was truly to trust your group leader's instincts rather than your own. Thomas got us all amazing images at both locations. Had we ignored his guidance, we would have been quite disappointed in both the experience as well as the images.

[@stacybamon6073]

Great that you met Rafael and so lucky to be invited to the photopils camp.

[@ScoTreVan]

Agree with Jeff, very nice shot, thanks for sharing

[@jimkanzelmeyer7722]

Thank you for sharing your insights wrought from obvious extensive experience.

[@_Name_]

Nice smooth instructive story about some people's behavior and photographer's patience.

[@yujinlandscapephotography.7787]

Amazing, took it in a beautiful world. Thank! sir,

[@stuartschaffner9744]

I hope that the conference organizers see this. You really earned your keep. I’ll bet that the participants learned a lot from you!

[@scadet17]

Great shot Thomas! I photographed Mesa Arch this Summer and it was amazing! There were a lot of people that showed up eventually, but everyone seemed really respectful and helped to get others in. People travel from all over the world to photograph and witness that location so it doesn't surprise me that so many stayed amid the chaos in bad light. It's definitely a shot to check off the bucket list.

[@TomPark]

I really enjoy these types of videos mate! Constantly learning !

[@ChrisSmith-wz4cc]

Very nice photo of the Green River Overlook Thomas, Thanks so much for coming to Utah and spending a few days... Nothing worse for me than battling a crowd it takes away from the whole landscape photo experience

[@AdrianMulligan]

The best photo of the arch is the one with the crowd around it...it's surreal! I would have wandered somewhere else!

[@cathyann1601]

Wise advice to remember! Thank you for this video!

[@lauragonzales-lgphotograph1004]

Fantastic video Thomas!! And wow, what a crowd. Yep, I would walk to another location for sure. lol

[@Broesky]

Thank you for this video. Great and profound advice! Don't get distracted by the glittery things, be patient for what you want.

[@JasonGiraulo]

Amazing - was there last summer and had the EXACT same experience where Mesa Arch was jam packed but that amazing canyon overlook was literally empty. The sunrise at Mesa was skunked from clouds but just like your experience the green river overlook had all that beautiful light and I was literally the only person there to see it.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I finally got my pre-ordered calendar. Thanks! I look forward to your presentations in Manassas this week. I'll be there!

[@stinkystealthysloth]

A fascinating case study in photography, thanks Thomas 😊

[@brianparks440]

I can relate to the crowded iconic location. I was on a famous surf point in California where surf photographers like to set up and I took my dozen or so shots and moved on down the beach to see what else I could find in less iconic spots. Came away with a few more decent shots. The sunset started getting epic so I kept shooting and got some fantastic shots that no one else was getting. I came back to the point and a dozen plus tripods showed up and my 2nd favorite shot of the day was photographing the amazing fiery sky with the dark silhouettes of photographers looking at their glowing LED screens on the back of their cameras in front of a glowing ocean reflecting the fiery sky. It told such an accurate story of the location.

[@rosalieb7909]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video! I've been told/often read that there's nothing wrong with trying to get the iconic shot BUT then move on explore and immerse MYSELF in where I am. I'm heading to this area in September and when I'm sitting late at night with my tripod positioned for the iconic shot...,I'll smile and think of you!

[@odukar2315]

Great video! I enjoyed it very much. Most I enjoyed the big crowd of photographers in front of the "small" arch.

[@oc2phish07]

Hi Thomas. I only came across your channel today and have watched just two of your videos so far but I have to say, I loved them both. Lovely refreshing delivery style and very interesting content. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

[@bambamyoudaman4261]

Love it mate ! Keep it up ! 💚💚

[@thelonghaul5214]

great point. i think some people wait for a long time to get to these iconic locations, and only have that time to get the shot, but your point is well received. its a big beautiful national park, with lots of interest. there's nothing like walking around and seeing what beauty lies hidden, that not as many people set to see, or take the time to see.

[@Twa-Dags]

Great vlog, Thomas, good to hear more of your exploits in the USA, you touched on the arch shot at your talk at Gary Gough's studio, which I loved! And that shot at Green River Canyon is simply gorgeous and a great lesson in nerve holding!

[@vjs4539]

It's so cool to live in southern Utah. I know all the cool places to go where there's no crowds.

[@07wrxtr1]

I live in Moab so I know what ya mean

[@KristyBryson]

Thank you for this. As a very new beginner, your videos are very helpful. I appreciate your taking time to share your experiences and observations, both good and bad.

[@kris.monroe]

This is a really refreshing video that more people need to see!