Learning How To Enjoy Photography No Matter What

[@pedroagonzalezfoto]

"The more things you are interested in, the more things you find to photograph" Yeeessssss! That makes a lot of sense to me! 🙂

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks, it works for me ❤

[@antonoat]

Surely this isn’t really a revelation! 😀

[@pedroagonzalezfoto]

@@antonoat It certainly isn't. But quite often I hear a "guru" setting the rule that "to be a good photographer you should focus on just one interest". And, of course, I don't agree with that.

[@David_Quinn1995]

photography is therapy to me, I work food and end up defeated by the end of my work week and I just want to accomplish something so photography allows me to take something and complete it.

[@PhotoJohn80]

Exactly! I have back problems but they seem to magically go away when I’m in the moment composing a beautiful shot or just waiting for the perfect light. The sad part is that photography actually gave me my back problems from working on concrete doing advertising photography for over 20 years😢.

[@jontheshrub]

15 mins of the best photography on youtube. No egoistic bullshit just 2 guys chatting whilst enjoying some photography. Two whos vids I pretty much never miss. Thanks Tom and Ben.

[@OwlzzZRelaxation]

Alister's tip at 14:30 to remove the complexity in the water to let the complex landscape do its thing while showing the before and after photos is one of the most insightful things I've seen in years of watching photography youtube! 😮

[@michaelhall2709]

Yep, definitely something to keep in mind in the field.

[@peterfritzphoto]

I’ve said it before - Alister’s ability to see is exceptional. His wide shot of the rock section is gorgeous. And your shot of the wave, Tom, is truly magical. Thanks for making this, gents.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much (secretly, I love Tom's wave shot too!!) Just don't tell him that 😂

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@Alister_Benn Lol.

[@mattbibbings]

Awesome collaboration that. Not the usual 'one youtuber cameoing on another channel'. A meeting of minds - more than the sum of its parts. Excellent.

[@paddytakesphotos]

Ive incorporated stoicism to my photography. In a nutshell I take control of what I can. Getting up, going out, using the camera as best as I can). I let go of what I can't control (light, weather, nature, wildlife subjects). This way I am never disappointed out what I didn't get to photograph.

[@izonozi]

Fantastic to see you and Alister hanging out together for a day. Two of my favourite photogs: Tom, you bring the excitement and energy with your vids and make me want to reach for my gear and head out; Al on the other hand compliments that and makes me want to spend the whole day out just appreciating nature and its journey through time. The yin-yang of photography collabs 👌

[@trishf29]

‘The more we label and try to define, the more limited we are’, Alister Benn. Now that I definitely agree with! Spread your wings, seeing and enjoying what is around you is what I try to do with my creativity. Wonderful to see my two besties together, and what a great video! Glad you brought Alister along, Tom. He’s full of wisdom.🇦🇺

[@Alister_Benn]

Appreciate that very much, thanks 🙏

[@manueldinisphotography]

Glad to see you two collaborating, I follow a handful of people and you two are part of that, if I had to describe why, I would say Thomas represents the dynamic world, adventurous and sometimes (may be many times 🤣in Thomas case) unpredictable, while Benn shares the same attributes, he adds a calm tone to the adventure, the expression, pun intended, of oneself and inner motivation. I enjoy both as I consider myself adventurous while at the same time thoughtful and introvert, my only regret, for now, is that I can't go out as often as I wanted. Thank you for the video, enjoy yourselves and keep up the great work. Manuel D.

[@LarryManiccia]

Alister killed that last image. Love everything about it; the foreground texture, colors, tones, contrast, and mood. Awesome!

[@vault-tecrep8565]

When I first started photography, I just loved to be out with my camera, no matter the conditions or wherever. A year has passed since then, my technical ability and photographic eye have advanced so so much I now hold myself to a really high standard. Every time I'm out im chasing THAT shot. Perfect conditions, perfect lighting. I get so caught up in trying to make my best work I fail to enjoy the moment and enjoy the act of photography itself. I'm glad a friend of mine who is relatively newer than me to photography mentioned it to me. Always good for a different perspective.

[@pascalthiebaud]

Thomas was the first I enjoyed to follow on KZbin and Alister the last. So nice to see you together. Therapy photography can be intimidating but the question behind that is : Who do you take photographs for? If the answer is : for me, it's an another relationship with photography than making images for others or ego. It's a choice there's no right or wrong the most important is to feel joy.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much mate, it’s been quite the journey

[@philipduttonlescorlett]

I can see a true friendship developing here. Both are thinkers and both have incredibly good eyes for composition! Great video.

[@brandonpullan]

I've been using photography as therapy for over a decade now. I'm a landscape photographer who never felt like the title felt like it fit. Today I found out that there is a name for the kind of landscape photography that I do. Learning about expressive photography has really made my day. Huge thanks to both Thomas and Alister for this video.

[@malcrickman4999]

That vid had some really good tips and food for thought in it, learned a lot. But what was refreshing was you letting Alistair talk, and not just hello. Brilliant. Thank you

[@malhayes4725]

THE BEST video so far. I live on the east coast of Australia and the ocean is my main subject through convenience. The slow shutter wave is my new target. The ICM shot. But also the slow shutter on the rocks to de emphasise the waves and focus on the rocks. Love it.

[@huwalban]

Your ICM Tom is absolutely lovely - the pick of the images from this video. Like Alister, I create images with my heart as much as my eyes so hearing his insight was a real eye-opener for me. Hope you are keeping well.

[@srodigital]

Enjoyable and different video Thomas. A nice balance of conversation between you both. Personally it would be nice to see you both work together on a similar video again. Thanks, take care and keep safe.

[@jeffreywatson396]

Discussing the composition at the end around the complexities that you face at different shutter speeds was brilliant and so helpful, another phenomenal video, thank you.

[@timdeen2911]

Lovely video. It is so valuable that you and Alister take us through the thought process of making a composition and how to level out a scene to make it more pleasing to the eye by lengthening the exposure. I also love Alisters approach on photography. Enjoy your time while you're there without putting burden on yourself. More of this!

[@louisburley1597]

I do photography because it gets me moving and I really enjoy finding the photos. These were all beautiful Thomas!

[@slowalaskan]

What a treat to hear both of your perspectives.

[@RB-yx6bc]

Tom, I agree. Textured rubbers are the best.

[@photographilife]

Another amazing video! I really enjoy every episode you make. It is relaxing and I learn from the master photographers. Moreover, I learn the mentality of taking photos, the pits and falls and realistic expectations from each foray! Keep going!

[@malcolmmcelvaney3919]

I agree with the philosophy presented here. I've come to see photography as in any light condition, anywhere, anytime, of anything as often as possible. Retail stores and my cheap smartphone camera have done quite well in capturing random objects for example. Every attempt is practice for when the scene in question is more majestic than photographing a home town or store shelf.

[@davettbr6425]

I’ve been watching Alister for a long while and I enjoy his work and lectures.

[@marksharman8029]

Good video. The highs and lows, and share suffering and endurance that can be component of Landscape photography - is definitely a thing. It can be seriously hard work. The buy in to getting the shots you want vs the vague indifference of conditions is also huge. It takes time and effort to do what you and others do. There is no changing that, it is just the way it is. So right off the bat you have to be in it for the long haul. So you might as well enjoy everything about that. I mean, come on, what could be better? Now and then I sometimes have resorted to reciting a mantra. That aside, the way that being out there alone can open you up and reach into your heart, and lift you out of yourself - that, is no small thing. It is reward enough, by itself.

[@ingabett]

So nice to see you together, I’ve followed both of your channels for a while and appreciate the different styles you both have. This was a fun video to watch, thank you!

[@davidforsterphotography]

I really enjoyed listening to how you both approach your photography and the outdoors in general. That “image loss anxiety” comment rings true for me, especially so if trying to shoot a video at the same time and everything gets a bit rushed. It can spoil the moment sometimes. Alister’s comment “the more you are interested in the more things you find to photograph” is a great point too. From a personal perspective I tend to feel if you have a love for the outdoors and the natural world it will shine through in your photography. Thanks for introducing Alister too, I am off over to have a look at his channel next. Cheers 👍

[@davidwalker2402]

Your channel is so refreshing , although the photography is important nature and well-being and companionship will remain with you forever. Thank you for choosing to be a photographer in your own right and passing it on. Good luck..

[@tonymckeage1028]

9:26 Good Luck or sublime skill, you did it Thomas, I rate that image very highly 10:50 Alisters shot, great contrast between the rocks and the surf 13:03, I like the drama (aka interest) in the foreground 14:45 I like the way the coast line takes your eye from the foreground out to infinity, thanks for sharing

[@oisinholz]

oooooooohhh hthat shot at 10:50 is heavenly!

[@denisesavage2382]

That was great having the two of you off on a photo shoot. The interaction and thinking shared was very interesting.

[@michaelmckeag960]

What fun! What a great pairing, Heaton and Benn. You bring out the best in each of you!

[@TheSpaniel1]

Fantastic images both and thank you for sharing. I’m learning to go out more with the camera and enjoy every minute and to top it all I have more images printed and put them on the wall, really satisfying 😊

[@phynx2006]

"The more we label and try to define I think the more limited we are" amen 👍😎 Great video, very enjoyable. That coast line was as warm as a glass of brandy🍷

[@calmdown888]

Waited impatiently for half a video for your 1st shot and yes, it was well worth the wait. Stunning wave image. Thumbs up.

[@Daniela77111]

You both have taken amazing pictures. 😍 Thanks Thomas for introducing Alister. I love his thinking! 👌🏼

[@msingrey14]

What a treat to see you and Alister together. Looks like you both enjoyed sharing ideas and approaches.

[@tjsinva]

Nice collab. Alister is very thoughtful and creative. His channel is sorely underappreciated. You should do another road trip with Alister and Adam Gibbs. Carry on. 👍🥂

[@cristinas.7120]

Awesome pictures as always. I never get tired of your videos!

[@astridpreisz519]

So much fun watching the two of you in the field! I enjoyed that a lot. Ha, and I recognize that foreground patch - must have seen an image somewhere, LOL.

[@peterfritzphoto]

I really appreciate and relate to Alister’s philosophy with photography - particularly no self-induced trauma. I recently sold my R5 and a few lenses to buy a Hasselblad X2D kit, but I kept my R6 MKII and a few lenses for the long end and for action photography. It’s the perfect combo. Lovely work, chaps. 👍🦘

[@dronepilotcontractors4094]

I bought all my Sigma lenses and a Wide Angle Tokina from MPB! I like being a Jack Of All Genre's in Photography! On my outing I got shots of Flowers, Wildlife, Landscapes and some folks walking their dogs in a huge group!

[@billbarraclough9653]

Such a joy to see two of my favourite photographers having a ball! You should do it more often!

[@millymucci]

what a lovely shoot; conditions; company - you lucky things! 👏🏼

[@aquaticcolledgefishing]

That was a proper moment of Zen. Loved all the images and how simplistic they became 👍

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

Isn't Fuji coming that 500mm monster lens for the GFX system this year? That way you can kill your savings and your back all at once. 😜 Anyway, nice to see this cooperation between the two of you! I've been following Alister's channel for years.

[@Alister_Benn]

Ha, I can’t imagine how much that will cost!! As much as a Z8 and a 800mm

[@DanielGonzalez-jg5bx]

Both of you are Rock Stars! That’s all I have to say.

[@liamdoran2149]

I cant believe nobaody was surfing that break...looked like an epic day!

[@carbonejack]

Two of my favorite photographers. Great video.

[@RikFreemanPhotographer]

The amount of times I have "chased" a scene, ie: Light, only to be scuppered at the last second is off the scale. When it happens, well, as we know, nature waits for no one, I put it down to experience and that I have learned from it as well as got some good info for when I visit the scene again. Eventually it all adds up, of course there are times where I will not get a chance to revisit but it is all part of the learning process. No matter what, I come away happy that at least I tried, if I got a shot, great, if not well, ce la vie I guess. :-) Lovely vid Thomas and Alister.

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Enjoyed the video as usual Thomas. It was nice to see you out with Alistair and exchanging opinions of compositions through different eyes. Great image's as usual. Look forward to the next one.

[@zigatretjak75]

This was a rewarding outing. The shots are just fabulous! I wish to have been there.

[@michaelmacmorran8787]

Two of my favorite people. Well done lads.

[@furkanozcan77]

Came for the conversation, blown away by the photos. Thanks for the great content.

[@dalkapur]

Loved that episode. You drooling over the GFX100ii, has me drooling too (have been for ages). Loved Alistair's zen too.

[@davidcrighton3431]

Looks like you had fun! What an excellent pairing. More please, when it can be arranged.

[@wobbly_jelly]

I try a daily walk with my camera - sometimes you can a few pics, sometime none for the same places. I recently changed my thinking from instead of trying to get a pic, more a walk interrupted by an occasional snap - seems to be more successful with that mind set and no pressure

[@matsfotografi]

This is a really great video for the both of you. I'd would enjoy watching more videos with the two of you as your respective approaches to photography really complement each other. Maybe invite Simon Baxter for additional depth...

[@ciprianpopica]

Allister Zen 😅... that was a good one haha. Nice to see you two hang out. And yep... his videos also make me feel really chill and make me want do photography all the time. I just don't seem to get the free time to do that pfff 🤦🏻‍♂️.

[@SeanHalePhotos]

Wonderful video, thank you both.

[@scottchenoweth4937]

Very much enjoyed.

[@daviddyephotography]

love the camaraderie wish there was more of this working together videos

[@scotty4418]

Took in Alister's talk on the Saturday slot at the NEC and enjoyed it very much so it was good to hear him in discussion with you again Thomas. The ICM was my pic of the bunch this week, really loved the colour and the movement you captured in it

[@ThomasSchwarzFotografie]

Thanks for sharing your photography, I like your videos very much, beautiful captures 😉👍

[@daniel.lopresti]

Really love the ICM wave shot! To plagiarise a phrase from Alister (presumably stolen from Thomas ;) ), absolutely stunning!

[@captinktm]

Two of my favorites. Thanks.

[@harrydeyong441]

That wave shot is spectacular!

[@PMCN53]

That was an interesting episode Tom, seeing you with Alister & sharing your thoughts and approaches to getting the shot! YOu are different but similar in many respects. I really enjoyed wathching the communication and different approaches you both have. you should do that again sometime. Love the wave image....and Alisters images as well. I enjoy the ability to not compare an artists work as better than another. Each photographer is different and can look at a scene from many diverse perspectives. CHeers from Sydney - Australia

[@carlb401]

Another fantastic video. The Z8 has a crop overlay thingy, i can't remember the exact name of it. It allows to choose an aspect ratio and just have guide lines for that aspect ratio when framing the images and is separate to the aspect ratio and non destructive.

[@alexlford]

This is great - I feel the opposite about long exposures though - I always find them distracting - my personal preference is always handheld with quicker shutter speeds

[@AgillexUK]

Lovely to see the interaction between the two of you. Will be interested to see if Alastair will put out an equivalent video.

[@MrSlowly63]

Love the wave photograph!

[@lousmaczylo7281]

Wow! Great images from you both. You bounced inspiration between you and look at the results. Food for thought, go with another photographer to push your imagination .

[@allisongraham7003]

Really enjoyable thank you both and hope to see more :)

[@naveenshastry]

Heya Thomas, I've been a long time patron of your channel and content, thank you for what you do. I wonder though if you'd enjoy this more if you weren't financially dependent on it, I've watched you absolutely love the process and miserably struggle with it. And I love the honesty of it all, just wondering though if it were just a hobby would you have more fun and create even better pictures and videos. Good luck and much love to you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Late to the party to thank you for a great evening. I’ve been on a flight from Heathrow to Vancouver to hang out with Adam for a few weeks. Next time you’re up let’s do this again, I had so much fun ❤

[@JXS63J]

The photos that you choose to stop and frame for us deserve a book. I can't decide - it's your decision, obviously - if you should separate out commentary or intersperce it with the photography. Maybe 2 volumes, one with photography only and the other with commentary. Put the two volumes in a box and you have a masterpiece. This was an interesting post but having Alister with you was a definite "game changer". While the dialog was interesting, it was different from your private musings.

[@bonniehoskin9212]

Well, that was fun to watch! Thanks for sharing Tomas, you and Alister are a great paring. Now, should we throw Adam Gibbs in the mix next time? lol

[@72Webber]

What a great video as always and it shows how beneficial and inspirational it is to go out with a like minded person. Alisters Images where incredible I shall definatly be following him on KZbin .

[@ThroughJoesLens]

As for the Fujifilm GFX system, other than the max f8 aperture, their GF1.4x teleconverter works really well with the GF100-200mm zoom. The combo doesn’t give you massive reach but it works in a lot of situations for me when I want a little extra reach. It’s not cheap though. I think it cost me $829 USD, nearly a lens cost! Fujifilm now lists a GF500mm f5.6 lens on the roadmap. It’s supposed to be released sometime this year but it will probably be 💰💰💰.

[@BrownieX001]

Needed something like this after missing totality due to clouds in Texas. Well saw some but I could have seen better if I didn't fly out from Ontario.

[@craigmantle5362]

Really nice vibes and lots of inspiration in this video!

[@mitchellmysliwiecphotography]

Highly enjoyed that outing you two shared.

[@huulongphotography]

Hi ! I have also photographed waves and the difficulty here is aligning the waves and panning the camera at a slow speed to get a soft wave photo.

[@hbphotos]

Oh man! I loved this video, your talk with Alister and your amazing ICM shot of the wave. Did Alister also record a video? I would love to watch that too. Thank you Thomas for a very humble and honest video!

[@momchilatanasoff7456]

Fantastic!

[@rbeaubien7868]

It looks like Tom has Fuji envy 😊. Great photos!

[@andrewiverach659]

Composition is king. No matter how you edit the photo.

[@searam1]

Cheers Tom, it’s Sean in Atlanta. I am happy to see you out with Alastair! You are both a couple of my favourite photographers and as I live in Atlanta, it seems that all my favourites live in the UK! Go figure! I usually don’t like ICM photography but that ocean scene was really pretty cool! I only wish that I could one day come over there and spend some time with you and soak up as much knowledge as I can rather than getting calluses on my backside watching KZbin videos… Excellent video, please say hello to Alastair and I always look forward to your next adventure! And I have for many years! Sean

[@phillcubed1745]

You two complement each other so well ( ecause of your different approaches, as well the the similarities you share - people before me have expressed that well) - any chance of other collaborative cideos in the future?

[@bernardjohnwright]

Great video both.

[@guycl2381]

That was FUN !!

[@derekgillan7314]

Nice video, great just to relax.

[@atalaykaracaorenli7698]

another enjoyable vlog

[@hasanabamor3016]

Beautiful video.

[@davothedon]

Regarding your square crop issue, in the options for the framing guidelines, choose the square box instead of the rule of thirds guidelines. I have it set to a custom button as a menu shortcut. That way, you get a square for composition purposes, but you get all of the pixels (I can do that on my Z9, so I assume you can on your Z8). 😊

[@Peter_Reed_Photography]

Great tip.

[@cameraprepper7938]

No problem, just relax, you do not need to photograph all the time, go out when you feel for it.