Landscape Photography Alone & Remote | Bad Weather Moves In

[@atvchris]

Can we all just take a second to appreciate that he went into the nice dry van, set up the camera, then went back out into the rain all just so he could get the shot of opening the door?

[@ErinSotoPhotography]

Agreed, that's commitment!

[@MHarenArt]

The wonderful world of vlogging!

[@mikiex]

What about climbing up some rocks and then coming back down for the camera and then back up the rocks :)

[@johndoe-nh9sh]

@@mikiex Yeah I noticed a lot of that. Fair play ;-)

[@MHarenArt]

Yes, all these outdoor video KZbinrs do this. It adds tons of work and time to their vlogs, and yes, the viewers should appreciate the effort. It does make the videos so much more enjoyable.

[@JJ-fromDK]

The rain falling, Heaton with his toast and beer, in a cozy sleepingbag, is a mood in itself.

[@tirsolecointere]

I don't know if I have seen a video as sincere as this one before. This truly shows what happens when I go out with a big idea for an amazing photo and can't get it due to weather (or sometimes in the spot, it's not what I expected). It feels so frustrating and in this video you show that it's normal, that it's part of the process of landscape photography and we don't have to feel bad when that situation arrives. Thank you for this one, Thomas!

[@8lacKhawKtheRIPPER]

Wasn't it you who said that photography is only an excuse to get out? 😜 A successful day in my book~

[@NigelDanson]

Awesome video Tom. I don't think I wouldn't have done that last bit of b-roll with the camera in the van mate. That is dedication. Really enjoyed this.

[@lousmaczylo7281]

This to me is one of the most motivational videos I have ever seen for those who want to get out. I like you go out with a plan, walk for so long and the weather just cannot oblige . But the feeing of achievement is in a different way for me. I'm 60 my springer spaniel is 3. If I get a shot then so be it. If it don't happen then the dogs had a great day out.

[@normjames3497]

I’m 70 and have 3 springer spaniels. When you’re out with them you don’t even need a camera. Lucky you!

[@Spikeyspuds]

We lost both our Springers last year, I'm now 50 and lost without them.

[@lousmaczylo7281]

Don't f$%k about just get one.

[@KennethRivera]

Man I love your vids because they are real, that's what it feels like to be hiking and carry the gear without a photo... is real! is part of the process and that's why when I get my photos I feel great because I know is hard and you can't always get it. So keep posting, keep it up! that sandwich looked great lol!

[@the_useless_photographer]

I agree. I hiked up Watkin path to the summit of Snowdon Sunday with full pack....came back with a hazy picture at best but the walk there and back more than made up for the lack of images. Legs are still killing me now haha

[@ChristopherMay]

What I love about your videos is that they’re undeniably real. I think so many KZbin photography channels aim to present the best without the challenges and downfalls along the way. Any landscape photographer worth her or his salt will tell you that there are days when it just doesn’t work. The light is wrong, the weather doesn’t cooperate, the composition doesn’t work and sometimes you just don’t feel inspired. Those are the challenges that make the great shots so much more worthwhile. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it. I love that this channel gives the whole picture. Thanks for another great video, Tom.

[@andyblessett1282]

"Confessions of the Long Distance Landscape Photographer". You can be the best photographer ever but you can't beat nature, great vid, I really enjoyed your account of the trip.....you're my hero!

[@dihoh2922]

All well done, life is not a pony farm. It's a good sign that you're not just showing us your successes. Many people fail when trying to achieve something, they fall down and get up again and try again. No one shows us these attempts, you do. Thank you Thomas H.

[@iastorgaphotos]

Regardless of no new photos, thanks for bringing us along. Sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Thank goodness for your camper van! 👊🏼🤞🏼👍🏼

[@gameshoes]

Seeing that screw fall through the table... felt that in my soul.

[@GrahamBridgemanClarke01]

It’s good to show that you don’t always achieve what you are looking for in your image making. Shows us all that you are like all of us. Human.

[@rogerhostinphotography]

This is the life of a landscape photographer. There are good days and there are bad days. The disappointing days are what makes the awesome days so appreciated and special.

[@richoslandscapephotography164]

Perfect example of the life of a landscape photographer. Sometimes its not all sunshine and rainbows. Thank you for sharing. Keep up the amazing work.

[@charlieeff]

Ah man, you chatting away and showing beautiful hiking country is all I need to watch. Turning back at the right time is the best lesson and you being safe is more important than having an image to show. Great video.

[@GarryWButler]

I like the realism you bring. Enjoyable to watch. I also feel it shows people the its ok to not come back with a photo. You got out, you hiked and you enjoyed yourself and your got rained out. That’s real life landscape photography.

[@crowtheri]

Mountain weather forecast is usually pretty decent. Sometimes it’s nice to plan less and go with it, but up the big fells it’s best to check and avoid disappointment! Hope the next day was fruitful for you! Getting out and about is what it’s all about, wind, rain, blow, hail, snow or shine - the great outdoors is where it’s at! Realism in a vlog is welcome instead of smash you between the eyes film/images that seem to be all the rage nowadays. Keeping it real 👍🏻

[@eamonnmckay1676]

This is what photography is all about (a great image at the end of the day notwithstanding!) Everyone strikes out, and I do all the time, particularly living in San Francisco where the fog is just so unpredictable. I haven’t taken even a moderately good photo in months because the weather is so bad. This video is honest, human, and I love that it’s not varnished (we even get to to see Thomas’s wet socks!) True to life, true to form.

[@ant_hart]

Gonna put this out there and say it’s my favourite video of yours in ages!..why, because it’s real!! Most often the plan goes to shit, you get drenched and run back to the van, tail between your legs and try to make up for it with beer!! I can relate 🙏🏻

[@charlesgough3528]

You got ou, that's the best part imo. Images are just icing.

[@davebenson1504]

The real life... in its full glory... at least the van looks real cozy... a wonderful investment indeed... and Peroni looks just about right... the joy of photography is the process... the image is a bonus...

[@JokingJay]

Honesty is worth liking/supporting. I've felt this way all too many times -- in Iceland, in the Rockies during early spring, in the Pacific Northwest... Anywhere with good, rugged scenery and walking basically always comes with the potential for weather. Sometimes it's manageable, sometimes it isn't and everything's a bit of a wash (literally *and* metaphorically). Half of my watching this channel is for the vicarious outdoor experience, and this is as real as it gets!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Ha. Great video mate. You’ve earned a beautiful image on another day there.

[@SafoCZ]

Exactly, sometimes images need to be earned. I would not be surprised that after all this weather Tom wakes up the next morning in thick fog, climbes up Great Gable again and gets the most epic views ever.

[@nilosan]

We all have poor days and other glorious days ... the images are a complement to their glorious days, the coolest thing is to show that not always are like that, it makes your channel so incredible. 🤘

[@LarryManiccia]

No worries Thomas. You still get an A+ for effort. Sometimes you win...sometimes the landscape wins. Makes the rest of us feel a bit better since we're not alone when we go out and get skunked without an image.

[@jeremyhendersonphotography]

I enjoy watching Tom wandering round in the rain so much more than listening to a self-obsessed windbag waffling on from their sofa!! Nothing like Nature to get to the essence of things!

[@dillank3240]

Any day hiking is still worth the time. Thanks for taking the time to film, despite your miserable circumstances.

[@Black3ternity]

Thanks for bringing us along. Photography is not always going out and having a banger-shot. This is the hard truth and thank you for reminding us "casuals" that this happens even to the best :-) Enjoy being outside.

[@zenphotojourney]

Now I know where all the water in those pretty little streams comes from. I wish you could send some of that rain over here. It's hot and dry as can be here. Like someone already said I really appreciate you candidly showing us that sometimes things just don't go according to plan. When that happens it's somehow comforting to know we aren't the only ones who've been there.

[@kevinrodbard5865]

The kind of day we all dread. Disappointing and seemingly a waste of time, but well done Thomas for giving it a go. Your videos are entertaining and an inspiration.

[@dougrich675]

Slog on, damp builds character and greater appreciation for dry. We appreciate your diligence....seriously.

[@brightlightbabe]

I like the idea of the GPS tracker, the weather is so unpredictable, You are so lucky you did not get caught in mud, rocks are slippery when the rain hits. This video is the real experience of a Landscape Photographer, what a brave soul, hiking and hanging out to get that epic shot, sometimes it will not happen, no matter how prepared. Mother nature has it's own schedule, much respect, not the pretty tourism of the Lake District, is something I'd do. I am enjoying every trip up near Green Gables and the area is so breath taking. Thank You so much Thomas.This is great research for learning Photographers and Visual Artists also.

[@blocky10]

I’m not a photographer but I am a keen 4x4er and stealth camper. I do however enjoy your vids. They are easy to watch and your editing is second to none, along with your presenting. Keep up the good work and be safe👍

[@agapyearish9982]

Like nope loved. I got back last night from a total dud photo trip. Drinking tea and watching gave me a boost. Misery does indeed love its company. Thank you for making this.

[@creatorsjourney6286]

This is the Thomas I started watching years ago. Is very easy to get disappointed with our photography but, as I have to convince myself, we have to keep getting out there. For me is hard to go back to my local spots. I am content to be able to hike. Thanks for sharing Tom.

[@JallenMeodia]

The dedication of getting the shot from inside the van of you "reaching" the van in the dark lol. Completely drenched, and you think "you know what, we need a transition shot here, out I go again".

[@as616]

You are a true professional; in spite of the disappointment of no images, you continued to shoot B-roll at Windy Gap and returning to the van. Kudos.

[@fernandosantos8573]

So good to see the fails. Make you real, make us real. The world is not only success, it is also a lot of fails. Thank you to make it real.

[@RogueTransformations]

Behold the realities of the photographic life! Perseverance and finding joy in the small things. And there's always tomorrow... 😀👍

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

I loved hearing that heavy rain at the end because it hardly ever rains here in the desert southwest (US) and we are in sever drought. Man we would love the rain.

[@kerryallen5677]

I’m sitting here thinking the same thing. It’s 106 F outside right now and I would love to get caught in a cold rain shower.

[@1337Jogi]

Your bad day looks alot better than average days for most people. I have never ever ever regretted getting out for a hike. Even when it was bad weather. First half of the hike looked lovely. Would trade that for any day sitting in in the office.

[@susanfirth2279]

All your video's are good Thomas - you can't control the weather and you can't win 'em all. You keep it honest and real.

[@swansheath]

Definitely a wise move to "call it". Speaking as a climber I think it is vitally important for all hill users to recognise when it is prudent to retreat. This can be a difficult decision to make and not least because so many of us have travelled large distances and often find ourselves determined to persist even when the weather is clearly against us. Having been a member of the Isle Of Skye Mountain Rescue Team, I can certainly say that the majority of call outs are to attend incidents where people have found themselves overcome by the weather. This isn't to say that we should all be fair weather hill users... more that we should recognise our abilities and experience when proceeding where the weather is clearly against us.

[@bundyroyal]

Even without an image your videos are class Tom and I for one enjoy them, in fact I hang for them every week.

[@stevematadobra6117]

Great video. A clear testament that not every photo trip is magical fairy dust and unicorns.....which also makes me appreciate what you and other do to produce your images. Thank you!

[@nickadamson6053]

I vote for you posting a "full length" video shot like the end, with the episode being image review or something. The rain on the van is so soothing.

[@SonicStates]

I liked the video because this story is so relatable. Who hasn't been in a situation like this? Sure, it's disappointing when we fail to make the shot in our head materialize, but being out in the midst of nature doing her thing is a hell of a consolation prize. I have to add, the shot of you approaching the van (from the inside) in the rain, after a miserable hike down, was almost my favorite. I know that feeling where you could easily just say, "F--k it! Not today"...but you didn't and got the shot anyway. Cheers and wishing you ideal conditions for the next one; whatever "ideal" should mean given your mission.

[@Jimages_uk]

One of the main reasons I started following you was because of the hikes you used to do, I'm a keen photographer, but don't have the physical ability to do this sort of thing, and loved watching you being out there in the wild. It was great to see the images you got, but in reality, it was the adventure that drew me to your channel above other channels. I enjoyed this video as much as any that had great images at the end. By the way, I used to love camping in the rain when I was younger.

[@thomasurbig3354]

Great to see the video. Nobody tells that story but great photographers don‘t crank out a great photo every day. I guess the reason is that they try harder and keep on trying it is the reason of success eventually. Highly appreciated!

[@painteddog27]

You fight the good fight. Nobody wins every time. Thanks for taking us along.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Well I enjoyed it! First, I can relate very well to getting weathered out. Second, I love being in a warm spot with the sound of heavy rain outside. If you really want guaranteed images, you have to move to Arizona or New Mexico. The rest of us have to be flexible and philosophical. 😎

[@simon.revill]

The sound of the rain on the van seemed atmospheric, I would have enjoyed the trip for that part alone.

[@thadfranklin9411]

It's good to see that not every photo trip is perfect. I'm glad you put this video up it's real.

[@alnwill]

C'mon Thomas, most of us that watch your vlogs are keen landscape photographers & very well know that weather is always an issue. I just love the rain and mist, and we can all do without that horrible wind, but I (we) all admire your sense of adventure, and quite often it's that adventure that is more important than the shots you get. It's just that we can relate to you, and I think that you are probably more adventurous than most of us, so we kind of admire you. Thanks for your great vlogs!

[@mikeparker9812]

I swear KZbin landscape photographers walk and drive twice as far as they need to, but it does make for an awesome video

[@ricklacy1]

I’m impressed with the way you are prepared when you go alone on the hill tops thanks for sharing this very important aspect of staying safe whilst alone

[@arnemacht...]

This is a very good representation of most of my trips. With information you can prevent the worst days, but for some reason weather isn't a good friend with nice predictions in my book. So lucky to see a day like this. Most important is to still enjoy what is left of your dreams, IMHO. Such a beautiful trip. And still productive, we all profit.

[@shotbydmitry]

One of your best videos out there. Sincere, honest, full of personality.

[@neildethridge9455]

Nothing at all to dislike , just great example to everyone thinking it’s a easy thing to do landscapes this is what ( keeping it real means ) and expect sometimes this happens, if it happens to Tom it could happen to me or you, move on to the next day as so on, still enjoyed every single minute of this blog

[@nevillewatkins4997]

Oh dear! Of course what you really needed at the end of a long, hard day was a copy of Chasing Awe by Gavin Hardcastle. He may have mentioned it. 🤣

[@billybraithwaite67]

Firstly thanks for sharing this Tom..goes to show that the best laid plans sometimes come undone, Mother Nature is the boss..so in effect you did post an image 😉 On the plus side you had a nice warm van to return to & a beer. 👍

[@Sapphire61]

As you've said before, Landscape Photography is so sexy ... and I can't imagine how you didn't get an image based on the fact that it was howling wind and chucking it down rain (yuck)! I hope you had a warm night's sleep and tomorrow (today) was a better day. Thank you for the lovely hike nevertheless. And thank you for the sincerity you offer too, I feel like it shows your work ethic and the effort you put into each and every image. Looking forward to your next adventure!

[@kaneclements7761]

Thomas. Seeing you take the first bite out of the toastie was like watching a starving Great White come up for a surfer and the board. Hope the curtains in the van are fireproof. If not you are only one stumble away from a fire. Anyway. Great vid. It is nice to see somebody else picking the wrong weather and day for a trip out. Sometimes I've wondered if it is only me.

[@BokehBard]

A good story has our hero struggle with setbacks. We don’t always need the ride into the sunset. I thoroughly enjoyed the story today. I’m sorry you didn’t get the photo, but you got a journey out of it.

[@BruceMcGrath1954]

Another real world video Thomas 👍🏻 even the hike looks daunting to a lounge room landscape photographer 😊🍷 but you still take the effort to carry us along with walk though shot, that effort on side of a mountain is commendable 👍🏻❤️ you clearly show the glory and disappointment that is the beast call landscape photography. Excellent work. Thanks from down under 👍🏻❤️🍷🇦🇺. Whoops, got to go... James Popsys just bell’s me 🐑🐑🚲

[@gordonthomas2979]

I’d take half a good day over no day anyday. Great vlog and yea it happens a lot, you can’t beat Mother Nature but when she comes out to play it’s spectacular.

[@NBNatureTrailvan]

My first mountain and still my favourite mountain. Total respect, Thomas for heading straight up to a windy Gap - that’s a real slog. But what a place it is. 😍😍😍. Apart from the weather - Seathwaite proving it’s the wettest place in England 😨

[@stevewickmagician]

You get a like from me because this is very relatable to anyone who goes out with big ideas on what they want. The best bit is being out there and getting a killer image is always a bonus extra. Thanks for sharing.

[@dav3nator]

I could never dislike one of your videos. Photo or not, you always produce quality content.

[@rvboondocker2559]

Yes it’s a photography channel and you did not get an image but the reality is that you make us feel better about not getting them as well! In terms of the camping, from my perspective, it’s all about the journey! Cheers

[@colliegardenmaintenance729]

As the saying goes, "A bad day off piste in the mountains is better than a good day in the office. Still worth it Thomas. Still worth it.

[@kevinillingworth]

I once camped by the tarn with my and a friends family with a total of three kids under the age of ten. Early morning just started breakfast and the weather moved in at rate I’ve never seen before. We were then treated to a dramatic thunderstorm that was right on us. I have to admit it was very unpleasant. Thankfully no harm came to us but when the weather eased slightly we descended in record time. Thanks fo the memory!

[@stef4492]

Peroni!.... Nice! Let's not fool anybody. The adventure is what most of us "landscape photographers" enjoy anyway. Loved the video and am still jealous!

[@richlovin2173]

Thomas, there are no guarantees when you head up a mountain. A realistic video. Thanks.

[@Bloggerky]

That is life in the mountains! No shame at all and a fine effort and good trail craft.

[@sosaidhrafferty4608]

The joys of returning to a campervan when it's blowing a hoolie and coming down in stair rods, love being tucked up in my camper when it's like that 👍 great video and shows the reality of what challenges photographers can face 😊

[@amal6419]

Sometimes, a single, simple sentence can have a profound impact. This video reminded me of one of your sentences from a few years ago that completely changed my perspective on landscape photography - "A fantastic view does not necessarily make a fantastic photograph".

[@donlindgren109]

Good Video! A key element of any adventure is the possibility of “misadventure”... and... taken with the right attitude (usually humor) the misadventures can be some of the most memorable trips because they are vividly “etched” in ones psyche... no photos needed!

[@dtravisphd]

Your dedication to b-roll in times of crisis deserves a medal.

[@kronkite1530]

The Personal Locator Beacon is a very good idea for anyone venturing off the beaten track AND the rescue services!

[@ErinSotoPhotography]

I appreciate this video even if it doesn't have an image because it is such a relatable experience. more often than we'd like, landscape photography is just downright disappointing and utterly rainy, wet and miserable. But you do it anyway because sometimes, just sometimes, you get that epic rainbow or lightening shot that makes it all worth it. Cheers!

[@rolsonn]

Loved the video! We always go out hoping to capture an epic scene except Mother Nature decides to play along. Mother Nature may decide to party and you capture outstanding images. Many times she's just moody and you need to play along enjoying your moments outdoors. I'm still amazed you found the missing watch band screw in the grass.

[@iseriver3982]

I love how we call these hills mountains.

[@davihar]

They're but little bumps, I reckon, to me in Vancouver. But they are rather cute...even when the light sucks and the weather is even worse. Love the video, pal

[@justkerry173]

mountain /ˈmaʊntɪn/ noun 1. a large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a large steep hill. It is, indeed, a mountain.

[@stewartgrayphotography9495]

@@davihar UK gets some of the harshest mountain weather forecasts outside of the Himalayas. Altitude means nothing

[@johnhillman2619]

@@ozgoodphotos They just start lower down ;-)

[@kenford2877]

Hey you are honest when a trip is less than ideal. That's worth a thumbs up.

[@vinodtrekker]

It's all good Thomas. Win some lose some. Your narrations are excellent . Worth watching your vids just for that . Any consolation I remember an epic day that way a few years ago, broken ribs, mud bath and sheep staring at me in the night .

[@adss70]

I love the effort you go to have the multi shot/angles view of your actions… it gives a great sense of us being there with you. Thank you

[@davidadams007]

A great hike with nice video along the way. Thanks for sharing this as it is real life and that’s good to see. Landscape photography in nature comes with all of natures glory including wind, clouds and rain. I loved the hike, it looked amazing.

[@hillelbrandes1488]

“…if for some reason you like this video; I don’t know why…” 😄😄😄 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 It’s all about the journey!

[@paulsahota1773]

The truth about being a landscape photographer for sure. Days like that give context in which to enjoy the good days. In my humble opinion. “A” for effort.

[@ACDGibson]

I just got back from lake district! Went for the long weekend with my wife. We hiked up the Great Gable too :)!! The weather was grim as well but the next two days were very nice! When hiking I was actually thinking about your channel and landscape photography in general, how everything is dependant on conditions, and those were changing rapidly. Working in those conditions is not easy and I totally get it when you have no image at the end. I enjoy your journeys and images are just a cherry on top ;) All the best!

[@duncanwallace7760]

That little stone foot bridge at the start of the hike was amazing. We don't get stuff like that in Australia. I would have been take shots of that all day!

[@peem1244]

Fantastic video Thomas. Put it tis way, you got the watch strap changed, had a beer, a nice wee toastie and a right good soaking. I'm sure you've had worse days. Well done. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work. :)

[@tompetersphotography]

Well done mate, thanks for posting without a shot and showing the realities of landscape photography. How nice is it, sat in the van with the rain. Sounds perfect

[@lilianigbinosunvape]

You know what they say you can’t win all the things all the time, still a throughly enjoyable video, I was hoping for a cloud inversion , I can’t remember where you were when you had that one, I’ll go watch that again. The great thing about your videos is that it’s the whole package, the journey trials and tribulations and great images at the end. But don’t worry I’ll be tuning in next week to catch your latest adventure.

[@stanokella]

Absolutely loved this video, your humour, easy going nature and willingness to share the adventure when it goes a little flat is the reason that your channel is the only one that I have watched every video published.

[@brucebugbee6604]

Watch those curtains when you're using your stove. @18:49 they were blowing close to the flames while you were cooking your sandwich. Thanks for a realistic look at your landscape photography trip.

[@TudorSmith]

I like these "Day in the life" videos. Yes it's all about images but sometimes just following you on a daily adventure is interesting. It shows me that not every trip out is a success!

[@noggin48]

Come on Tom, you know fair well, that the Lake District is the most changeable place on the planet. I went with my school from Windsor, in 1963, there was no M1 or M6 back then. We climbed Helvellyn and I can remember that we could see the Isle of Man in the distance, and clouds were taking just 15minutes to travel from the Isle of Man, to where we were standing. Now you can see why that area is the wettest in the British Isles. Here is a good bit of info, the latest is, that the top geologists are saying, that our British Isles, has all of the oldest rocks in the world! So now you see why they all want to come here, because this is where it all started, so Blighty is pretty Mighty in more ways than one. I liked this video, shame that the weather caught you out Tom, but as I say, this was a good video, as I like to hear you talking to your camera, meaning us, as you are entertaining. Locked out of your Instagram account, that is crazy, why would they do that, you are no way controversial are you?

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Loved the vid. Not bothered about images or lack of. You show what it is really like. You still make me feel hungry, every time! 😁😁😁