Summer Photography | I Got Called Out

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I'm lost for words Tom! A true gentleman and all round good sport. Cheers for the huge mention! My message is to anyone who perhaps considers that summer is not worth a look. Embrace nature in all its seasons!

[@MarkRomine]

My location in central, IL in the states is even tougher than Tom’s location. I keep going out trying to find something and generally resort to macro work to find something worth photographing. I get skunked many a day. If I come back with a couple keepers I feel successful but rarely are they outstanding or worth sharing. Summers are definitely tougher than the other three seasons.

[@jimmason8502]

@@MarkRomine Newfoundland in the summer is sublime, by far the best season to shoot particularly on the East coast.

[@DanDill]

@@MarkRomine Any prairie vistas in your neighborhood?

[@MarkRomine]

@@DanDill Good question, it has made me stop and think about that. Nothing within immediate access (an hour or less). Nearly every square acre around me is farmed, corn or soy beans. If it is farmed that means it is private property so without getting permission it means shooting from the side of a road only. But your question made me think of a park about an hour an 20-30 minutes West of me called Jubilee College State Park that might have some prairie land in it. I've never been but perhaps worth checking out. Thanks

[@MarkRomine]

@@jimmason8502 are you talking the coastline or forests?

[@cliffkinchphotography]

Thanks for sending me to Simon's channel! The pair of you are just awesomely talented!

[@AngeloJesus]

The fact that you're still humble and genuine is one of the reasons I've been watching your videos for so long! Thank's for sharing!

[@a.caramfil9670]

Idem.

[@wherezthebeef]

Mee too.

[@FrankoFM2]

I must admit Thomas I stopped your video and went to Simon’s to get point he was making and wow! It did me a world of good! As I commented on his vid we’ve all just had a masterclass on how to get back to basics,relax and look for images! Then I continued with your reel and that was nearly as inspiring, I say nearly but I felt a little bit of angst in yours and you seemed to be a little pensive on your images (which are amazing) I feel we all have to learn to chill out again in these mad times and I think Simon has cracked it! Great video mate and thanks for introducing Simon’s channel you’re a star! 👍👍👍

[@virenp1983]

Everyone loves Mr. Heaton the photographer. But, I have new respect for T. Heaton the videographer. What a beautiful looking video. You just nailed it with the color grading!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I thought the new camera analogy was bang on the money. Such a great comparator! As for the images today…I like them both, particularly the last one. Respect for your three attempts at getting them. I think people need to realise Tom is that you put two of these films out most weeks and that takes a hell of a positive mindset and drive. We cannot and should not expect such you to “knock it out of the park” each time you go out! The fact that great images are illusive is what makes the whole thing so much fun!

[@raymorgan4337]

Very humble and gracious of you to respond like this. Appreciate your honesty.

[@davebenson1504]

Yes... frame of mind is everything... whoa... all that beautiful dappled light at about 7:30 mark... open mind at any time... any season

[@Ktizo_Images]

Thanks Thomas for what you did mentioning Simon Booth and his channel. He's a great photographer and hard working KZbinr. I'm glad he "called you out". Your "reply" was incredibly graceful. May your tribe increase.

[@generalarya2620]

The journey, the adventures, the sound, the story, the rawness of the video, the calm music, that's what attracts me more than his photographs.

[@CostaMesaPhotography]

You're an upstanding fellow Thomas Heaton...unpretentious, respectful, and refreshingly honest about what you do and why you do it. I watch Simon Booth as well, and agree his skills are immense. You too are an immense talent, with qualities that make you a top-shelf photographer, and individual. Respect.

[@ngrabowskiphoto]

It's probably stupid idea for most people but it always works for me - I shoot wildlife in summer. I struggle with landscapes so I have different photography to explore, and it remainds me your lockdown photos with water etc. If you can't make it work with landscapes do something that you'll be passionate about and if you need to work a bit harder and learn something it's even better, because you as a person will benefit from this. Doing new things pull us out of our comfort zone and this is when we discover new things.

[@neglectedloves]

If I may give my very personal opinion to this issue: I consider you a as great photographer as Simon if not better. Furthermore you are extremely entertaining exactly because of your struggles and your self-mangling way of looking at things and yourself... I guess we ALL can relate to that. Keep up your positive pessimism, the results you achieve with that attitude are amazing 👏🏻

[@xcaliber6002]

i enjoy the early summer time photo sessions. Allows me time to get out and about then return home before heading to work.

[@JaypeaFoto]

Great video. I agree, summer can be a real challenge. Thanks for sharing.

[@aldiosmio]

That image of the canopy looks like a satellite photo of a river from far away! It's amazing what you can see when you change your perspective!

[@daymonpearcey8468]

We are all different, and all see things In ways someone else may not. Kudos to you for trying something different.

[@charliepackard5418]

I watched this, and liked it, the first time but I've just watched another of Simon Booth's videos and now wanted to leave a comment this time and offer you praise and many thanks for your introduction to him. He is genuine and I like his style...thank you!

[@norskattforfun8575]

Living in Australia next to the ocean, blue skies and harsh light is nearly the whole year.

[@paulhills1967]

Haha! Must be a hard life 😅

[@norskattforfun8575]

@@paulhills1967 yeah very 😂

[@nathanmoore7120]

My heart aches for you! It must be horrendous living in Australia! 😂🤣

[@norskattforfun8575]

@@nathanmoore7120 🤣

[@nathanmoore7120]

@@norskattforfun8575 as much as I am a little jealous of you living in Australia, I do understand your point, mate! Hope you learn to live with those horrible blue skies! Good luck mate 👍🏻

[@lilatoff]

It warmed my heart to see Simon Booth's response to your vid. You are both gentlemen that I am delighted to follow and learn from. Thank you Thomas for introducing me to him. I hope the breakfast you owe him is of a suitably high quality.

[@andyallard5990]

Watched his video you’re right he is an extremely good photographer and he is also very very knowledgeable about everything he takes pictures of the grass is the weeds the tiny flowers I just love watching him as I do you even though you do whinge keep up the good work you all keep me happy.

[@photo3338]

I understand what you are trying to do. I think that you are helping a lot of photographers as we struggle with issues like inspiration, composition and what to photograph. There are literally billions and billions of images out there. so it easy to lose hope that our work will find relevance.

[@davidellinsworth22]

Simon is great. Been subscribed to him for a year or two and regularly comment on his videos. Very precise and methodical photographer, and very knowledgeable (not just on photography, but nature also).

[@stephfran9761]

I couldn't agree more, "mindset". On some days I'll walk through the woods and never take a shot, and other days I'm shooting before my feet hit the ground. I firmly believe you must psyche yourself out, cleanse your mind, incorporate good thoughts and truly love what your doing, that's when the beautiful compositions flow. When your mind is free of negative thoughts, and you can physically feel your passion, it's truly amazing how it feels when your taking the shot. I love your work and look forward to many years of images and educating, ty.

[@tompetersphotography]

Hahaha mr Simon Booth I a wise man and very good at getting something from nothing! Great job mate

[@rajandutta]

Simon Booth got to Mr Heaton. That's massive. He sure is a brilliant photographer and wise to listen to.

[@gregs2466]

Thomas, even though you are a pessimist but you are still a very good photographer but more important, you have the coolest minivan in the UK!!

[@sheldonmurphy6031]

Please please PLEASE don't change your pessimistic type personality! Because of your psychy, you have keep me enjoying what I truly love the most, and I know for a fact, that is for hundreds that watch you as well! Thank you for all your videos sir!

[@rautmanish]

You are an inspiration brother! You are too good. Love your passion. It’s not easy !!!

[@russhillis]

I just added a 6D mkII to my kit, the blue moon was this weekend... my camera of choice? My 11y/o 7D because I knew it well and I put the 6D on milky way duty, the moon photo's turned out. The 6D photo's I failed to compensate for the bright full moon. Still learning!

[@michelebullock9867]

Love hearing the struggle you go through is similar to us mere mortals. I think your healthy, humorous and non-defensive approach to being called out is refreshing.

[@millymucci]

what a Gentleman. ..Just saw the beginning of Mr Booths latest video, a walk in the woods. Beautiful. 🕊

[@c.alcazar2584]

Thomas Thomas just remember some parts of yhe world are not so lucky to have the 4 seasons and is Summer all year around, i love to go out and take photos no matter what season it is there is beauty in all seasons.

[@fredricknietzsche7316]

Your right, its so hard to be an optimist and the work just nerver ends.

[@johannelaporte8057]

I struggle too in summer.. I watch Simon's videos and he is right ..we always look for the perfect one so let's look with our creative eyes !

[@Frankiez220]

I love woodlands. There are so many different types like pine or coppiced. Smells of damp moss or my favourite is pine trees as it reminds me of past experiences I won’t go into. Different birds and wildlife. Different people. Have you been to Great Yarmouth? No cars, no chips, no Costa, no pace. Just relax and take it all in. I’ll be in the woods today I think, to clear my mind. Most people say they love the coast and beaches, give me a hilly woodland any day.

[@ritamoll4347]

Thanks for the recommendation from Simon Booth's channel. He is a great guy.

[@brightlightbabe]

The greens are so vivid, very nice!!

[@andreasbrilke3312]

Was on a summer break from KZbin and didn't realise how much I missed your chill, down to earth videos :) Glad you're here, Thomas!

[@harrr53]

I find it interesting that so many of us crop images into a square, when, as far as I know, the square cameras were about being able to shoot "landscape" or "portrait" without rotating the camera itself, but cropping into one of these later.

[@TwangThang57]

Shooting all summer in your climate makes perfect sense. In the southeastern U.S. where I live, not so much.

[@crowtheri]

I don't agree with Simon's message fully. We are all individuals and we plough our own furrow. People should focus less on what others are doing and stick to their own output. If you don't like summer, you don't have too and you can deliver whatever message you like. From memory, you do take advantage of the summer and weather and use it for scouting and if you find an image, then great! I don't see any major issue with that. I am not keen on summer for landscapes either, but I move to other genres for a while - typically wildlife, BnW or some interesting street work. I don't sit around moping, but use the time wisely and develop other areas of photography. My two penneth! :)

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I agree with you because what you do is move onto a different type of photography. I'm in support of that. It's hanging up the camera I was really implying. I like to adapt to whatever the weather or season provides. Flexibility is key to a more fulfilled hobby.

[@jeremymudd8507]

I'm a landscape photographer who sometimes photographs wildlife (birds), but during the Summer months I become a wildlife photographer who sometimes shoots landscapes. I tend to change my focus (pun intended) as the seasons change here in Ohio. If for nothing else it keeps me fresh and prevents stagnancy. Another good video as always Tom! Cheers.

[@bobsmurf1601]

Yeah,I could feel the enthusiasm...

[@johnborkovec]

If it's even possible for someone to be a Spa, within photography it would have to be Simon Booth. Thanks for referring him to us, Tom. I see why you like him and his photography so much. What a calm voice and reassuring message he portrays. But without you and your content I would never have known of him. Thank you for all you do and, Greetings from Wisconsin, USA.

[@cliveeariss880]

I could not agree more, I live on top of Box Hill in lovely surrey, and yet hardly ever go and wander around to get the photos, massive thanks for this, brilliant video loved this, all the best Thomas.

[@Ramage7070]

Just what I needed on another sunny blue sky day where I live!!

[@JohnTomasella]

To be honest you and him are both right. Enjoy what you have in front of you but it is much more difficult to get summer images. Adapt and overcome.

[@mamuphotographer7647]

Oooo super photo, magic lokacion

[@noctilux5134]

Simon is like Yoda of woodland photography :)

[@karenbergmann209]

Love your honesty. Simon’s video was great. Just getting out there and allowing nature to show you her beauty will be inspiring. Well done.

[@jpdj2715]

You saw the light. Good for you.

[@SteveLawrance]

I too find summer a more difficult for landscapes, I personally love the contrast of early mornings and late evenings but in summer they are so far apart. So, I decided to try photographing birds in my garden. I know, I know ! it’s a bit of a departure for someone who lives and breaths landscapes, but, I have found it pleasantly pleasing, and more importantly, a new challenge…. Buy a bag of seed, chuck it in a feeder or on a surface, and start shooting (photos)…

[@desgardner7169]

I don't like summer photography either! I don't need to go out to take pictures....but I do! and the best place i think is the local woods....Simon is a master at it so he is worth listening to what he says....thank you for your side of the story.....

[@calxtra5361]

Thomas keep to your style ... its yours not anyone elses ... i can understand what Simon was getting at but its his style

[@virenp1983]

Can we just appreciate how far Mr. Heaton has come with his sense of fashion? That sweater looks really SICK! You should get a sidekick to shoot some portraits of yourself on those photography camping adventures!!!!!

[@esphilee]

If you want me to name the greatest strength you have, it is not photography, it is your honesty. If you want me to name the second, it is still not photography, it is humility.

[@markfectic4887]

Very humble and wise of you Tom to take what Simon said on board rather than digging your heels in the ground. I must say though, you're going on about how its summer, yet you're walking around in long pants and a jumper!!!! No wonder you haven't made the trip down to OZ, you'd melt! Haha. Keep up the good work pal.

[@ThomasRaskPhoto]

I tend to shoot more B&W in summer. Nice video. Gave me some things to think about.

[@FromShetoMe]

No one does a better Vlog about photography than you. No one! And I learn lots of great words from you, like “winge.”

[@Bill.Pearson]

I just came back from a week camping and photographing in the Adirondacks. Expecting mild days and chilly nights up near Canada (some trees already have a bit of fall color), I packed jeans, flannel shirts, fleece, etc. What did I get? 90 to 95 degrees every day, sauna-like humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and haze that no amount of post-processing will remove. But I'll still take summer over any other season (although mountains look best in winter). You hide your pessimism well; your videos are always great to watch--fun and informative. And thanks for tipping me on to Simon Booth; how have I missed him?

[@edwardhyde9690]

Great video Thomas. Your 2 example images clearly demonstrated that we should not ignore summer. I get around the summer challenge by using an infra red converted camera and convert to B&W. It's not everyone's cup of tea but I think it works.

[@mchjubjub6915]

Glad you responded Mr H. I have now subscribed to a further Inspiring photographer. Cheers👍

[@JasonLorette]

Summer shooting is awesome, it's warm for starters plus it opens up access to whole different vistas that other times of the year do not! Keep summer shooting dude!

[@roryonabike5863]

I didn't know that making photographs in the summer is a problem in the first place :)

[@tigerfung5575]

I think it depends on your location as well. For uk from my understanding (I’m not British), summer times have long daylight, which means if you were to chase the sun rise sun set lights, you basically have to sleep in the day and work at nighttime.

[@54321djg]

@@tigerfung5575 that's one reason yes. Sunrise can get very early and sunset very late, so the days get quite long. Driving to location at 2am kind of thing. The other thing is that the colours aren't quite as good as they are in other seasons. That said, there's still options. I've got my best images this summer.

[@twotgfltandahalf]

I'm in mid Sweden, and it can be a challenge to find good lighting in the summer when the sun rises at 1 AM and sets 23 AM, if you're looking for that nice and soft light in open environments. However... summer's when I head into the thickest forests and allow the leaves to provide the diffusion. But the sunlight can be _very_ harsh pretty much 16hr per day.

[@Bill.Pearson]

@@tigerfung5575 Yeah, but in winter you have to get up early AND it's cold and dark. In summer it's just dark. I'll just take pics at sunset instead.

[@tigerfung5575]

@@Bill.Pearson same, even I believe it’s not as cold in my place, both waking up early and cold isn’t for me

[@aeromodeller1]

Those rocks! Those rocks! I could have shot a whole roll of film on those rocks!

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Love Simons work he is a very knowledgeable person and photographer

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Summer months are great just for getting out in more comfortable weather and the extra challenge of finding interesting scenes. Nice image with the backlit leaves... that's a scene that I would've walked right by in the fall.

[@gingetaylor4489]

First video of yours that I've seen in some time. I stopped watching because of the negativity, I got bored with it. I also stopped taking photos. I could never find the time. My kit has colected dust for over two years. On the back of this video and from looking at fine art images, I think its time to start watching again and taking photo's. Keep up the good work. i wish you the best.

[@chrisjames1924]

Just this evening I was out taking pictures of back lit damson trees with a vintage 135mm Zuiko on my XT3. Images came out beautiful.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Gotta say that first shot was beautiful 👌📷❤️

[@donr8191]

I like your backlighted image of the tree leaves...a nice nod to Simon's photo in his video that you referenced.

[@homegrowndrone2804]

Well said that man! Honesty with oneself is sometimes the most difficult but also the most important. Keep up the good work.

[@VangelisMatosMedina]

Where I live the landscape do not change with seasons. It almost always summer. When rains it is more green, when does not it is green yellowish.

[@alannorthdevonuk763]

Simon Booth made a really good case for being in the right frame of mind and spending time when out with the camera, then demonstrating both points. I think it's a point also made by Adam Gibbs: slow down and take your time. You reinforced his message. I will take this on board and will specifically go out during 'bad light' and practice - I'm in a good frame of mind just thinking about it. However, I will also continue to practice the one Golden Rule of Photography I have been advised every landscape photographer must acquire, follow and become proficient in - moaning at absolutely everything (Gough 2021).

[@bricoschmoo1897]

"Maybe I'm not the right man for the job" : yet. The fact that you didn't spend time photographing here in summer time before just makes you less experienced in this environment. With time, you'll get better and better! And who knows, maybe you'll become "the right man for the job" more quickly than you think ! Love your work and your honesty, keep it up !

[@jonpowell8503]

Tom you found your hair brush!! Another great video thank you

[@liapricot1593]

the place 😲 looks like the place that i imagine in my meditation.. wooow nice..

[@TheFlorent40]

Thanks for this one. For some of us summer or not what s the different but for your art photography it s clearly not a match!!

[@yenra]

Paused midway, watched Simon's video, subscribed, returned to complete this one. Thank you!!

[@KellyPettit]

Will there be a summer image on the new calendar? lol Always a fan of your vlog and photos, Thomas. 4 seasons a year.

[@scottandlindae3803]

In all honesty I thought of you when I saw his video, good for you to listening.

[@markwoodward3864]

I think we're drawn to the sorts of colourscapes and images that invoke the emotions we most relate to. Tom said he was, by default, a more pessimistic personality and perhaps sways to the more muted and stark emotional aspect of life so it's no surprise that the chaotic, colourful and busy scenes presented by summer are more of a challenge to find images that speak.

[@anthonymara4533]

When I first started to get into photography I loved shooting summer, then the reality of it began to sink in... I stopped going out at all for summer, this year I was determined to change that, and have been focusing on small intimate scenes... When you said "I wish I could capture images that good" I felt that in my core.

[@davidv6803]

when you said that this was a well respected photographer that called you out I knew immediately it could not have been Gavin Hardcastle!

[@peterosborne9802]

Thanks for the lead to Simon, now making my way through his vlogs. He's spot on.

[@gui4j]

I just go out with the hassle, shoot b/W and take a couple of lens , limiting what I can do and concentrating on what is possible with those lens… being slower with a film camera, I found helps frame the shot and the experience outside, but also I always to try remember that I am there to forest bathe, mediate and make a connection with nature as well as practice a more contemplative /zen /spiritual form of photography … aka minor white /jon daidoo loori .

[@ishaan863]

THOMAS HEATON MERCHANDISE???? LOVE these! especially the socks!

[@jfarleyphotography]

This is actually one of your best videos, due to the mindset you had and the attitudes you displayed. Kudos. ...We all need to be practicing photographers. Often that means making yourself get out and work in an environment that challenges you and still keep your creative spirit. Think of Summer as preparation for Autumn. Use the time to visit destinations that you might revisit in Autumn. Work out compositions you may reuse. But push yourself to find beauty wherever you are. Whether portraiture or landscape photography, a real creative artist will strive to create an image that is beautiful. That is never a waste of time.

[@mr_xzzy]

My complaint with summer has less to do with the light and the hours, but more about the pain. Bugs trying to devour you, baking under a hot sun.. nothing wants you to be comfortable out there. And here in NA, complications from fires has turned into a constant concern too.

[@LuigiNespeca]

Yes Thomas, Summer is finally coming to an end!

[@charliejg]

It's an interesting dilemma. Summer is what I've always lived for since I've been a kid. I LOVE summer. But, now that I've been doing photography I also see your point. Everything is green. It just takes longer to find that shot where light is present to make it a good shot. Which brings to mind another questions I've had: Can an image still be good if it shows what a place looked like in a given moment even if there is not "wonderful light" present. You're still showing what a place looks like. ????? Have a great day!

[@frederickrooks861]

Thanks for this superb stuff. I've never regretted a minute of watching Tom doing his thing.

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Thomas Heaton Video, Thanks for sharing

[@markjwilcox]

Thanks for linking Simon’s video. I hadn’t found him before. I also needed my ass kicked to get out there and not say it’s too light as the sun is high in the sky.

[@vijaychitte6921]

BY THE WAY NICE JACKET ... AND HAPPY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY !

[@altrujillo3566]

Simon is absolutely right, Tom, and I enjoyed the subject matter in this video (that last image is a killer!). Introspection is probably one of the largest steps we can take to maturing as photographers. I'll be looking forward to more of this conversation in the future.

[@johnbeattyphotos]

Thomas, I just recently started following your photography and really enjoy what you make. Thank you for your work. With summer photography I really never gave it a thought. I live and breathe the summer atmosphere coming from south Florida and have lived the better part of my life in lower Alabama... our winters are in the 40s. So, shooting in 90-degree weather is my norm. I will admit I rarely go out to shoot on 30< degree days (we get a few of them). With that said, and still a few years from retirement, I am one to seize the opportunity when I have it and go out and shoot since with work they are not that many. Zero bubble my friend.

[@StevePhillips1890]

Top content as always! I love the way the song titles reflect what must have been going through your mind before making this video :)

[@stuartschaffner9744]

You have gotten to where you are now by learning new things. Keep it up! When I was first doing nature photography, I was aware that most of the time there appeared to be no animals around. At certain times on certain days there were a lot of them. I knew that was impossible, but gradually I learned how to find animals at most times, even when they didn't want me to find them.