I Left My Digital Camera at Home | Film Photography Roadtrip

[@AsphaltPlanet1]

Thomas, I've been following your videos for years, I'm not a regular commenter or anything, but your videos are fantastic. I look forward to them every week. You are easily the best story teller in the landscape photography space. Thanks for the great content week after week.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Thanks a lot, that's very kind of you to say. Glad you're still enjoying the content.

[@GeorgeLoch]

Agreed. There is a charm to Thomas’ approach. Always look forward to his day of the week.

[@deirdremcquade9690]

Agreed, as well!

[@cgan2013]

Ditto!! The best!!

[@susanfirth2279]

Also agree. This is by far my fave channel.

[@ratgirl13]

Dude, don’t sweat it, just enjoy being out there doing your thing and having a fun chill time- people who don’t appreciate it will literally click off, those of us who do will continue to enjoy your videos and work. Cheers, mate!

[@etch3130]

I started shooting film for the first time because of your videos, completely revived my love of getting out and taking pictures.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

I know what you mean, but it's a hard thing to describe.

[@stefangonzalevski9532]

I get it ! I started photography with film. Every time I go back to it and get my slides developped (6x6), I have this immeasurable pleasure to check them on the light table. They seems so alive, so life-like (not sure of the exact wording here : I'm a bloody French !). They seems almost like in 3D.

[@kennygo8300]

I started shooting with film in the mid 70s. It's hard to describe the feeling of shooting something that you think it's good... but you really don't know until the film is developed. You think about each shot a LOT more. You care a LOT more. The feeling is... invested.

[@dreacul]

Beauuutiful, that allignament of the sun with the arch sending that light into it and breaking those photons into the beautifully frightening crashing wave. Excellent!!!

[@Denmarkone]

That seascape with the light coming through the arch is absolutely majestic!

[@allansisson355]

Not a wasted trip, great shapes and textures. Then shooting into the sun, amazing.

[@paulstillwell]

In the photo recap at the end, the 2nd image of the sand, and the arch with the sun ray streaming through it... both awesome shots! Thank-you for continuing to do what you do. Love your vids!

[@edwardlee4032]

Words alone really do not express the joy of watching your videos. It makes my day and I look forward each week for more enjoyable videos. Thanks for your time and afford.

[@henrikgphotography]

Thomas you’re photography is so natural! And the videos is great! Keep on working and make my day every morning when I enjoy you’re videos.👍👍👍👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏

[@neuberry]

Next time you're shooting b&w film, try a red filter. Where your yellow has a subtle effect, a red would be much more dramatic. Combining a red with your graduated ND often is very effective as well. However, be aware that most red filters will require 2.5 to 3 stops more exposure. Also, Ilford Delta isn't inherently a high contrast film, but it responds well to exposure and development manipulation to increase/decrease contrast and shadow detail.

[@philfyphil]

There’s something quite comforting seeing you snug in the van with the driving rain and wind outside.

[@JJ-fromDK]

Heatton commentating his taking of a photo, like a football match, was hilarious, just what I needed a monday evening.

[@valpayne2963]

Great to see you having fun. The first sand image is my favourite, such detail. Gorgeous.

[@michalciepi]

Just watch and relax - always happy when I see a video is up

[@brianmckeever5280]

Very nice! The backlit sea spray through the hole in the sea stack is terrific. Thanks!

[@bellybutton123456]

Little tip for you Tom.....When unloaded Store film backs without the slides installed.........Keeps the Velvet in the slide opening less depressed.

[@alangauld6079]

I liked them all bar the second sand shot. But "McDurdle Door" was the standout shot. Love that Beam of light.

[@gschweiger]

That first shot is really, really nice.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Thanks. I'm never sure how those abstract type shots will be received.

[@NeoLithiumCat]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto I think your abstract shots are my favourites, actually. That and a good old lone tree!

[@gschweiger]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto I'm a big fan (and amateur creator) of abstract photography. I really appreciate seeing these types of shots.

[@BobEstremera]

Thanks for taking us along, mate. Inspiring as always. Those abstracts were great with beautiful textures, tones and shapes. Success, I’d say.

[@georgfritz]

Love the Film Photography and the progress, fun and adventure is more then a mass result.

[@amorrisphoto]

Personally, I feel like these "non-productive" videos are a lot of fun to watch. They also level set what it's like to be a photographer. Social media often abstracts that away so I really appreciate you sharing the videos and the shots like this!

[@davidgilmore2565]

Hi Thomas. Loved the first abstract image with the yellow filter. Thanks for sharing another great adventure. Cheers. Dave

[@teriwhittaker9716]

I am new to you and your channel! I want to watch every video you have made. You have inspired me to dive into landscape photography, to buy a used film Hasselblad, to come and hike through the UK, and I have wanted a camper van and I so enjoyed watching you build out your camper. I cannot express how much I am enjoying your videos! Keep up the great work!

[@alisonlyons4691]

Hi Thomas, really enjoyed the video. Love the wild moody days, which can be a challenge, especially waiting for the right wave. The patterns made by sea and sand are beautiful, natures sculptures. Thanks again take care till next time Alioban

[@johnpotter4814]

Fabulous video, looked like you had a great time and love the images. Stop fretting and enjoy it 😊😊

[@n1k1george]

I rather enjoy these video where not everything comes up rainbows and unicorns. The appeal of your channel is that you keep landscape photography real and honest for your audience. We love it that you bring us along on your journeys - warts and all. It is also the motivation to get off my butt and face the elements: I just ask myself, what would Thomas do?

[@nibbsfamily9651]

so nice to see some grain back in images. The first 3 were some of my favorite shots of yours

[@christianpatton1852]

All beautiful pictures enjoying every video tremendously !

[@LostInEurope]

The adrenaline buzz when you are set up for a banger with the perfect sun just waiting for the right wave to hit, can definitely relate to that! Bet it's even more so when every shot costs you cash😅

[@EvanLindy]

500K congrats!! Well deserved 🙏🙏

[@alancoligado8540]

"There goes my composition" 😊. What nature giveth, nature can just as easily taketh away. Always look forward to and enjoy your warts-and-all videos each week, Tom. Thank you!

[@IanMacey]

Thomas, I really enjoyed this first day on Lewis and Harris. I was lucky to visit the Isles in 2019 with several friends and your video brought back so many happy memories. Really looking forward to the next video. All the best and thank you.

[@mollyanderson449]

When I started taking photos in 2016 this was the first channel I subscribed to and since I’ve rarely missed a video. The images are beautiful and content is engaging, but nothing is more inspiring than seeing someone truly enjoy what they’re doing…having fun and experimenting! The beautiful images are a bonus! Keep up the great work.

[@westvirginianlivin9871]

I gotta say this seemed like the most fun i've seen you have in a video. You seemed more relaxed and just thoroughly enjoying the day for the most part.

[@danieljamesphillips8364]

That arch photo is bloody brilliant. The fact you were shooting in to the sun is what makes the image with the light coming through the arch and perfectly lighting up the crashing wave. Honestly I think that’s my favourite photo of yours I’ve seen recently.

[@luismartins3262]

I got three funny little comments about this very enjoyable video. I found it funny at the very beginning when you say "Today we are going to go shooting... ON FILM!". I 'm an old fart who did that for over twenty years, so for me, that was funny to see such excitement! Jumping to point number three which is also related to film shooting. I loved to see you getting all giddy trying to time the wave at its peak. I still do that even with digital cameras. And the reward is fantastic when you get the images back and you got one just right. None of this spray and pray stuff, and no chimping. As for point number two, I giggled when you told us with whom you went on this trip with. There's Adam Gibbs, Alistair Ben, and a guy named Phil. No last name, no explanation as to whom he is. It felt like he is the proverbial actor from the old Star Trek series that wore the red shirt. Sooner or later he is just gonna disappear so don't pay too much attention to him! I just found that funny. I think my favorite shot was your "rubbish" composition.

[@kevinarmstrong3415]

The image of the sun shining through the arch with the crashing wave in front and the sun behind was perfect.

[@peterwolf3001]

well done for highlighting that good work of the Harris trust. I loved the images too.

[@mhc2b]

Just as a mild FYI concerning b&w filters - I've been shooting b&w film since 1970. There are three basic b&w filters which affect contrast - yellow, orange, and red. Each produces a bit more contrast than the previous, with yellow being the mildest, and red being the strongest. Sometimes, just for fun, try shooting one shot of each filter to compare the difference.

[@christopherhawkes5669]

Sun through arch must be a keeper. What a fabulous shot. I had no idea you could manage that degree of intense sunlight.

[@gojkodjurkovic]

lovely video Thomas! I felt the tension at my home while watching you wait for the big wave.

[@chrisdrake447]

It’s always about the journey, watching your videos, Thomas. Even when most of the destinations are as compelling as Lewis & Harris. Not a single one has ever been a disappointment, whether you get the shot or not. Just don’t stop, yet...

[@dalkapur]

Waiting for the Right Wave. A seascape photographer's epitaph ;-)

[@harveytrop1637]

I loved your abtract B&W images; you did great!

[@Roman_4x5]

Tip for viewers: when using incident meter you don't have to get close to the subject. You can take the reading where you are standing as long as you are covered by the same light source ;)

[@JoeIV_Photography]

Oh my god Tom! I am so jealous of the photo on the cliff edge. Great shot!

[@jimgraves4197]

This is what I love about film photography. There is no certainty about a shot until you see that film come out of the developing tank. Beautiful images, Thomas.

[@lisasimpson9343]

Absolutely loved that with the Hasselblad, I could feel your enjoyment and what a beautiful spot. On my bucket list. I love Velvet Moon too. All the images were great. Cant ask for more than that, plus the heads up on camper van etiquette. I plan on hiring one when I get over there one day. Thank you for sharing.

[@romainquesnoy4092]

Wonderfull black and white shots, love it !

[@FranzFridl]

Thanx for helping me relax after a long day at work

[@jimalbrightjr.9229]

Great video and storytelling. I really liked the picture of the sea arch. Well done! Always look forward to your videos. I haven't shot film in years, brings back memories.

[@parvec]

Second image is simply brilliant, great vision there. It's always great to see you outside with horrible weather while I'm in my office having a coffee, super cosy. Thanks for everything

[@georgedavall9449]

Nobody does it like you Mr. Thomas Heaton! I absolutely enjoy these out and about videos, with you narrating from inside the van, especially in inclimate weather. Your videography and stills prowess second to none! Very nice! Cheers from across the pond! Happy Holidays! Stay safe and Healthy! 👍👍👍✌🏻😁🇬🇧🇺🇸📷

[@sarahinscotland]

This is my favorite video you've made. I love film and how it forces you to be more in the moment. And you came away with stunning images!

[@Mionwang]

Thomas, I've been watching your videos pretty much since I was first drawn into this artform. But I must say, as a film shooter and enthusiast myself, I do enjoy these film photography videos more. Hope you'll be shooting more on film in the future! :)

[@Speanz]

I am absolutely delighted The colliding wave image looks very fabulous.

[@c.augustin]

Looks good so far! The first image is my favorite, with the third a close second!

[@wimscheenen3535]

Truly enjoyed your bw images. My favorites are the abstract ones in the water. Well done 👏🏻.

[@patrickmullan4021]

Some of my best images were my greatest fails. Thank you for sharing this video Thomas.

[@tompetersphotography]

I loved your B&W images some of the earlier images were great. The clean minimal images

[@Yannick_84]

at 15:36 i satisfied said yessss as if i took the photo by myself. great episode thanks man!

[@joanegert4276]

Thomas, don't worry about the outcome of the photos, we enjoy the whole adventure as such and we learn specially from the difficulties and even the failures to become better photographers, go ahead and don't crack your head, your channel is avesome and very enjoyable!

[@calvinwon5113]

I love shooting on film! It's how I learned photography years ago. I've been spoiled with digital for a while now, and decided to slow it down and get back into film. In a way, digital can sometimes give you a bit of an illusion of skill. But shooting film will let you know EXACTLY where you are. It's very humbling!

[@andrewknowles6731]

I would be thrilled to have captured these images but Thomas, even if you are disappointed yourself you can of course take great satisfaction in overcoming the technical challenges and just simply being in a wonderful landscape doing a job of work to the best of your ability. Thanks for keeping it real as always.

[@blainegauvin9458]

I quite like the beach abstracts...can't wait to see the pano camera in action...cheers

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

I'm impressed with the job you did on metering those b&w shots. I used a Mamiya 645-1000S for many years and I still have it and three lenses. It has a through the lens metering system but most of the time I took it off and used hand-held meters. I had a Pentax spot meter and a Luna-Pro F. I used the Luna-Pro F to get and incident reading and the spot meter to see where the highlights and shadows fell in relation to the incident reading. That ratio determined how long I left the film in the developer. I mostly shot Agfa Pan 100 and 400 at ASA 64 and 360 and held back the developing time by 30% as my standard. That opened up the shadows without blowing highlights on a "normal" shot and then I adjusted the contrast in printing. It's good to see you out there with hand-held meters. That tells me you know something about "real" photography and that easily transfers to the high quality of your digital work. Lead on, Tom, I'll be looking forward to each week's installment.

[@fionam.1784]

You have the same kit as I have. I have a number of old cameras but Absolutely love my Mami. I use the Pentax meter for almost all exposures and it’s superb. I love everything about the film experience.

[@fgalaxie123]

The videos where to experiment and have fun are also more engaging for me, I love the energy it shares. Thank you for bringing us along.

[@ZeLoShady]

Beautiful shots Thomas! Each one is a banger!

[@jontheshrub]

Thomas. One of your best videos for ages. Found it entertaining, educational and inspirational. its good that you show The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, ages ago you inspired me to dust off the old Bronica , buy some film and do some proper photography again. But not sure I'm brave enough to leave the D810 at home, now I really must get out there I have no excuses living between Dartmoor and the Coast the hardest decision most times is which way to go!

[@chronicfish]

I'm glad you left your digital camera at home. These were, to me, some of the best photos you have ever taken. There's just something magical about film photography.

[@hesk4u]

The wave-crashing pic is amazing!

[@tessm3420]

It's been YEARS since I've shot film so I bought some and am going to give it a whirl during x-mas break. Thanks for the videos!

[@Clodomgraphy]

Really loved to see you talking to sea waves. Not a usual. All the best for the future and congratulations for 500k. Learning a lot from you

[@brycepinson8641]

Great work. Delta 100 is my favorite for black and white...In October I took a once in a lifetime type of trip (at least for me) with only my 4x5 film camera as a serious landscape camera. Thats first film only trip I had done since going digitalin 2009 (I was late). It was a bit of a gamble, but the experience was worth it. I didn't worry about reviewing photos at the end of each day because I couldn't. Just took each shot and enjoyed each moment, and ended up with a small collection of photos that I'm proud of.

[@gladysperrier4270]

Don’t doubt your ability. This was another excellent and inspiring video. I loved you image with the cottages. I would be gutted about that broken lens though. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what view awaits you outside your van. 1 week is too long to wait.

[@chrisdowswell]

I think the documenting of your process, struggles with weather, unsure of images, etc is something we can all relate to... that I think makes this video successful. Story matters and you've delivered on that... Thanks! The images did turn out pretty sweet to me. 👍👍👍

[@andreagiammarinaro2601]

The photo on the cliff... Really left me speechless.

[@Shephard1978]

Great vid! One of my faves but I’m biased as I love the film ones! I kept smiling when you were trying to get the waves!

[@Ktizo_Images]

I had fun watching you have fun. Merry Christmas!

[@astralbody]

Another Mr. Heaton award winner. Big chance on the film camera only choice but a nice challenge. Such wonderful scenery in Scotland, especially all the location you've been thus far. A wealth of knowledge in that group of photographers! Cheers Thomas!

[@chrislarkin4582]

Fun is good to watch as far as I’m concerned

[@MichaelZieschang]

Your channel is such bang for the buck. Camper Van built, photography trips, filmphotography. Truly inspiring. (In my experience: The cool thing about film is learning to know when it worked well. I've been a 99% filmshooter for many years [again])

[@AliasJimWirth]

Bravo, Harris Trust, bravo.

[@PhilThach]

9:17 is a really clever image. I don't think I would have thought to make that shot. 15:59 is outstanding! I feel like the buildings in 18:20 do a nice job of giving the image scale. I think this is my favorite of your film camera outings. Bravo.

[@TheJoshuaPeg]

If you had a good time and accomplished what you set out to do, then no, it wasn’t a bad decision 😁 I don’t thing going out to take photos could ever be bad decision, even if it’s a disposable camera! Well made video again mate 👌🏼

[@kevin_segura]

15:50 bro this image blew my mind!! 😮🙌👏

[@MrBlahblam]

I was there back in 2015, stayed in Tarbert. Lovely place!

[@cool4fam99]

another fun trek thomas. well done!

[@allynhawthorne4434]

So hyped tom, really glad you left the digital at home. Watching you shoot film is one of my favorite things.

[@RubenRobles]

Really enjoyed your video! Brave move, leaving your digital camera at home. The film keepers were amazing! Please keep mixing in some film photography content! 👍🏽📷👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@roberts4535]

Stunning content and photographs as always Thomas. Have a wonderful weekend! /Robert

[@tTLM823]

Thomas, thank you for ALL your ideas and instruction. You're great!

[@gui4j]

some good b/w and shots there ! be nice to see them in print ! the goal for 2022 is to get more people back in the dark room who are shooting film especially b/w and get them to produce their own prints as part of the process and to close the loop . photography was always about producing a print at the end of it and it would be nice to encourage those shooting film to build that in to their process or have it as the end goal , many will find it will help them in the composition and visualisation if they build what the image will look like in print to that visualisation, it also has a more fulfilling feeling to look at a print that your have made in the darkroom rather then one from a digital printer or digital file .. love and light , happy holidays , namaste 🙏

[@extremelydave]

We of the film world appreciate a super huge big time epic mega KZbin star showing what film can do to the photo world at large. I shoot both digital and film and see that each has it's own areas they excel in. Film has a look that digital does not have in this world of Photoshop and Affinity. So yeah, I'll continue with both for as long as I can get my old bones out in the hills/mountains/beach. Keep on clickin' Thomas.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Lol. Mega star 😎 Agreed on the film v Digi. I love both, therefore will shoot both 👍

[@JamieBulloch1]

hi tom, wet, humid, condensation...... get yourself a wee Karcher Window Vac, brilliant for keeping the damp down when it gets soggy/hot

[@kevinjmurrphotography]

Thomas great video, watching you work watching you work in the harsh weather conditions and getting great shots is very motivational and inspiring. Love the shot with the wave crashing in front of the arch also very glad to be able to keep up regularly once again with your weekly videos.

[@whatthewhat9127]

I think it is a fun adventure. Thanks

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you 👍📷😎

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

Thomas, love your work, and have been enjoying every episode. I do however have a challenge for you: since these are not your portfolio and are all about learning from mistakes etc (as mentioned), I'd suggest you only learn from reflection on your mistakes (or perceived mistakes). I'm sure you do reflect on them, but I'd love if you could take us through that thought process. I don't think it would take anything away from how we view your expertise etc, but would also help us grow as photographers, or just for interest sake. A small comment on each image, maybe at the end when you replay them would be nice.