Tiredness Can Kill (Your Photography)

[@dozerjohn]

Lol, its like hearing myself explaining to non photographers why my shots are not as good as they think they are. People get mildly annoyed after a while but hey, I get it!

[@kaydenaaron2090]

i guess Im asking randomly but does any of you know of a way to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost the account password. I appreciate any help you can offer me!

[@christopherjeffery3715]

@Kayden Aaron instablaster =)

[@kaydenaaron2090]

@Christopher Jeffery thanks for your reply. I found the site thru google and im trying it out now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@kaydenaaron2090]

@Christopher Jeffery it worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my account!

[@christopherjeffery3715]

@Kayden Aaron happy to help xD

[@jasonfazio6170]

I appreciate you pointing out that things aren't always perfect and mistakes happen.

[@cthirteenphotography1099]

Your in-the-field tip is greatly appreciated Thomas, checking my frame edge to edge is something I need to get better about without a doubt! And I don't think being critical of yourself is a completely horrible thing to do, I just try to be careful not to over-do it to myself. Another great video man, thanks!

[@michaelkostic233]

Tom, its a teaching moment for others that could help many, there's your silver lining when your beating your self up about it years from now, thank you for sharing

[@waterman308]

very interesting. your level of perfection is what separates really good photographers from the masters. And, you are right, fatigue in any endeavor lowers your cognitive sharpness. never the less, it is still a fabulous image and we appreciate the effort it took you to obtain it and then share it with us, as well as your insights. Now go take a nap :)

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

We’ve all been there Thomas. From seeing how hard you work I’m surprised you ever get enough sleep!!

[@BryanDorr]

Sleep is important and so is attention to details if you go for quality. You learn from every photograph you take and from every constructive criticism. Keep up the great work.

[@grahamhobbs3501]

Thomas is right on both counts - lack of sleep kills creativity,and attentiom to detail is what separtes a photo of a great scene from a great photo.

[@BillFerris]

We are our own harshest critics. Thanks for modeling the attitude that we hold ourselves accountable but not to the extreme that a simple mistake is treated as the end of the world.

[@nyknyk8395]

I am really happy about this video! I think I learned something from your videos, cause when I saw that shot the 1st time in your video I instantly thought "why didn't he lower his tripod for 10cm's. Normally he is a perfectionist." And now you show that video pointing out exactly that thing. But for your defense: arguing about a final image on a big screen in a warm living room is way easier than being out in the freezing cold, tired and composing your image on a tiny screen. Anyways. I think I already learned many many things from watching your videos to improve my photography and my vision. So thank you so much for making this content! Cheers

[@gregorsnell]

What up T-Heat. I'm at a video creator conference this weekend and apparently the 'K' word reflects bad on the YT algorithm. I know you're not too fussed. Just thought I'd share the heads up.

[@ReubenClarke]

I noticed the branch in the last video and thought it was a strange compositional choice, as you've spoken about not crossing the horizon before. I love these videos of you critiquing your own work - it's such a good way to become more aware of your photography and definitely helps you to improve. You've always offered a very insightful opinion that I've learned a lot from. Thanks again from a fellow nit-picker.

[@davegilyeat550]

I do love your honesty. Not many would have the balls to expose a fault in what to the majority is an excellent image.

[@feenstra_photography6657]

Ouch! I had noticed the branch in your image in the video. But I couldn't find myself commenting about it. In my mind it would have been unnecessarily negative on a otherwise fine image. So I moved on. Now that you've mentioned it yourself, I think you are an even bigger inspiration to so many photographers out there! Humble, moving and self critical. That's how great photographers become extraordinary photographers in my book!

[@Noealz]

sadly as you get older, you sleep less. I can barely get 6 hours of sleep a day (with a sleeping pill) - without sleeping pills I just kinda wake up between 4-5 hours a night :( anyways, love the videos man -you're an inspiration - hope to see you around Korea someday

[@mickehultqvist5167]

Haha, I thought of it immediately when I saw the picture last week and I was surprised that you didn't do it yourself. I have done the same thing many times and I get so frustrated every time. Already at the beginning of this video I understood what you were talking about. I'm glad I'm not alone. So even the best can fail;) You inspire me a lot. Thanks Thomas, I'm looking forward to all your upcoming videos

[@mislam13]

You know, if you don't critique yourself harshly, it becomes even more cumbersome to better your craft. The fact that Tom found the mistake and knows exactly what caused it will further his art.

[@danfry909]

Great video, super important points. If one wants to raise ones photography to the next level - this is the level of observance one has to observe :). Why not try to make every image as perfect as possible? Love the way you are always striving for perfection - this too is inspiring.

[@markhyde1970]

Yes you were hard on yourself, but you're always honest and I appreciate that!

[@landocreamcheese5126]

After my brain injury I rarely get sleep so be thankful you can sleep and nap! Sometimes I'm taking photos and I'm not even sure if I'm awake or dreaming. Sleep is life.

[@MuzzFury5]

I would NEVER have noticed a simple little issue like that but it's the small things like this that separate the professionals from the rest.

[@johnmay1788]

I get the 9 hours thing - I often get by on 6, but I'd sleep 9 if I could. I like that you post videos like this - makes you seem human, makes me feel less hopeless.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

This is like when your friend points out one annoying thing about a song and then you can never listen to it again.

[@jacobhamm_co]

That thought did cross my mind when you showed the image in your last video. I thought, "that's unlike Thomas". I still think it's strong. Those details are so hard for me to catch in the field. This is a great reminder to slow down.

[@allandavies1187]

Hello Thomas, I remember some 30 years ago making compositional daft mistakes, even later in life, if you do not concentrate, which of course can also be made much worse by tiredness. We all try to get that magnificent or that simple but elegant composition. Regarding your tree branch touching the snowy hills. Away back in 1995 I had the pleasure of meeting Charlie Waite who had written several books on this subject of do's and don'ts of photographic composition. Trees passing the horizon; half of the trees cut - off at the edge of the frame; animals cut in half or worse going out of the frame and taking the eye from the main subject. Or trying to photograph that pleasing arrangement of farm animals, trees etc in bunches of ones which are evenly spaced in the scene. Some may say, we are too - fussy or simply perfectionists. But if something is not right, it can Jarre the eye and detract our message which we try to convey. So, fair play to you for bringing the subject of compositional faults to others' attention and not being too proud to say so, and say I made a mistake! Learning from our mistakes is vital if we so wish to become better at our Craft/Art ...

[@shanefiddle]

It is interesting to see what things you look for in a good composition. Thanks for sharing.

[@henrydesrosiers3583]

This video is very informative. It was indeed a learning experience for me. I did not know that I should be trying to avoid crossing intersections as you've pointed out. I have no formal training on landscape photography and these are things I need to learn. Thank you very much.

[@Barbara-qr4gq]

Thanks Tom for another great video. I love the tree image - the sheer isolation of it - perfect! The branch on the horizon - great explanation of how to correct Tom. Lower the tripod - I have learnt something👍 but I still like it as is😊

[@sookephotographyadventures]

I enjoyed the video, Tom, and it is a wonderful image. I have to agree with your thinking about the branch overlapping the hill, though. If it was my image, it would drive me nuts to see that in such a beautiful image once it was too late to correct it (in camera)... of course I still make way too many of those errors, and worse, myself. As for sleep, there never seems to be enough time to get as much as I'd like, so am often tired and worse, have limited time when I go out with my camera, so I can end up rushing and miss those details. I guess the lesson is to slow down to make sure you (I) get it right, especially when tired or constrained by time. Thanks for reminding us of this with another great video.

[@danmaynard120]

I was actually thinking this in the last video while you were taking it. It’s great that you’re happy to point out these things. My biggest issue when editing tired is white balance, I’ll come back the next day and the whole picture is borderline green haha

[@robertwhitemoto]

We are our own worse critics. Still a beautiful image Tom!!

[@johnsmith1474]

No, it's not.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Such is the beauty of art, everyone sees something different. Such is the beauty of a public forum, we all can express it.

[@johnsmith1474]

@@robertwhitemoto - The "beauty of art" is not that, "everyone sees something different." Or to express it more clearly, "... that everyone sees differently." While it is true that vision is individual, art is transcendent, it rises about the very average to poor vision that most possess. To see visual art well and to discern art such that one may create it or recognize it is a rare talent, although what vision one has can be refined & improved by studying art history and the vocabulary of visual analysis.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Nonetheless i think the image is beautiful.

[@johnsmith1474]

@@robertwhitemoto - That's how we started. I refer you back to the last half of the last sentence of my reply.

[@davidtraverso3433]

I love 8-9 hours as well! Thanks for pointing out the distraction. As a new landscape photographer it helps me learn those final checks to make before releasing the shot! Keep up the hard work!

[@timharincar]

Thanks for sharing this insight into that photo. This is part of the reason that it pays to really study and evaluate images - not just your own but masters, too - critically. A lot of comments here are saying "stop whining it's a beautiful image" or "stop being so picky". The world is full of "good enough" images, we are adrift in an ocean of "beautiful" images. But to get a really great image isn't about photoshopping out the bad bits, it's about paying attention to all the details in the composition and execution, as you say. To get better requires you to be critical of yourself especially when you know you're capable of growing. Photographers *should* be picky - that's how you improve and separate yourself from all the chaff. So, I appreciate you for recognizing a mistake, sharing it with us, and working to improve!

[@AzamatoTheGreat]

9 hours of sleep?? Jesus christ I'd be happy to get 6

[@klausphotobaer5754]

@Vladimir Vcelar 😆😆😆

[@kvillapando02]

I agree. Just last weekend I was making a milky way timelapse, fell asleep for about 45 mins only to wake up in horror in my tent when I did not hear the shutter going off and my camera battery died for about 30 mins during my sleep. Made a huge gap in my sequence. Live and learn!

[@mauistevebear]

I would have not noticed that limb, mainly because I was not aware of the importance of why! So thanks for that! On being tired, my man, I need you to be rested and well. I am in my late 60's and physically cannot go and do photo excursions anymore. I need you so I can tag along with you and feel like I was there! I watch several others, but Thomas, you are the BEST at what you do! GET PROPERLY RESTED!...lol

[@potatosalad1991]

Totally agree on the importance of sleep. 7 hours are also just enough for me. People are so individual when it comes to sleeping. I would love to be able to only sleep 5 hours per night, but I couldn't focus on anything at all. Good message, Thomas.

[@Usualeclectic]

Someone asked if I meditate... I said 7-8 hours of rem is key to feeling good everyday including the food you eat. Thx man!!

[@richproctor3155]

It's a beautiful image, and that issue does not detract from it at all.

[@garystiles2559]

I think you should edit out the branch and save both versions!

[@mrfreezeindahouse]

...and this is why i love this channel. Thank you.

[@7zinz]

I laughed hard over this video. I soo get it. Same with food. Sleep, food and heat= all needs to work or else =failure. Some may just think everything can just be photoshopped and one shouldn't be a perfectionist. However, art, genuine art is what we each of us make of it. We have our own standards. If you standard is that you dont want to have the branch crossing over, I totally get it. If you are not happy with your own picture, it will eventually show. Thank you for another honest video.

[@jamesmoey]

Excellent insight and good tip. Thank you

[@CantTalkImRiding]

GET IT OUT OF THERE! (cheers from a crowd of people who embrace the tools to fix mistakes like these.) Yes, we're harsh on ourselves.

[@crainseye8499]

I've never given any thought to branches crossing over the horizon and how it might make it a less aesthetically pleasing shot. Thanks for this!

[@bmackVR]

I agree that the branch bugs me in the photo and its one of these you just stare at once you know it is there. I noticed it right away in the last video. I also don't think you are being too hard on yourself. We NEED to be our biggest critics.

[@TheReadDesultory]

I love your integrity.

[@Izerman13]

I sleep about 5-6 hours a night....didn't notice the stupid mistake cause I was too busy staring at the snow plastered to the tree and the gorgeous composition of that photo. I personally love how the branch comes back down to earth. Just the one branch. After all these years it reaches back for a fist bump to where it came from. Love this image :) Next time you want a coffee in the middle of the day after a crazy hike? Take a nap instead.....I wonder what pushed you to continue on with photography and not consider the massive hike....while watching that video I thought to myself I would cook some food and get some sleep when I finally got to my awesome camper van.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I totally get this. My most-liked image in Flickr has a lens flare that bugs the hell out of me and I can't get rid of it without ruining the composition. Nobody cares about it but me. I don't even look at it anymore.

[@jansmith65]

Love this image. Flaw and all

[@DiegoMcCartney]

Man that person who commented has quite the eye. I will say after a few days of waking up for sunrise on the field my creativity does take a toll.

[@jeroenvroegop]

Thank you for pointing out where to look for in the composition, and where not. You should make more of these videos showing out how to avoid threse kind of "mistakes"

[@kevinray985]

Excellent points. So hard to stop and take a breath in the field especially as a rookie. I get too excited and forget the details.

[@kimsosson4739]

A BOOK 😮 Yesss please 👍🏻

[@aaronjenkin]

Completely feel you, I would 100% sort it out in PS, probably easiest to clone the overlapping part of the branch out.

[@Viator19]

Rant away Thomas, I totally agree. Im also sick and tired of being dictated by the youtube influencers about how we must wring out as much time out of each day as possible, "live each day like its your last" etc etc etc. But they also spout about "living in the moment". Doing that when your cream crackered aint fun. Its pointless fighting nature if you naturally need a lot of sleep and I'm also one of them. James Dyson in his autobiography said he must have 10 hours sleep a day or the day is wasted. Quality of time not quantity.

[@libork5397]

Thomas, nice image so what is a big deal to clone out the branch, you have done that before without feeling guilty ... ????

[@jonglass]

It's the sort of thing that, once you see it, you can't un-see it. And it's a good reminder to watch these things. It's like the difference between a minor-league player and a major-league player. The major leaguer sees these things, understands and corrects. Thanks for this reminder.

[@RidingTheEdgePhoto]

Who makes up all these photography rules anyway? Lol, I wouldn't judge this fine image based on a little branch breaking the plain of the distant mountain. I actually like that the main subject encroaches ever so slightly on the background element. I get that it bugs you but as you said, most people won't even notice. Why? Because it's only a mistake to you, oh, and maybe a few photographers that like to point out rules you may be breaking. Most people will look at the image and base their response on how it makes them feel and judge it as a whole image not just one element of the image. Who knows, over time you might be able to see past that perceived flaw, but if you are like me, that could take a while. :)

[@M.Campbell]

That image make me feel envious. Wish I'd taken it, offending branch and all.

[@Valadhiel76]

"Kill" is a pretty strong word, Thomas. I don't think the branch killed it. I am usually good about seeing that kind of detail in my own photos, but I honestly didn't see it in yours until you pointed it out. Now granted, when I watched your Wednesday video, I honestly didn't notice. I thought it was a great photo (still do). But now that you've point it out, and I've seen it, I cannot unsee it. But you made a very good point about the branch being only on the hills and not down in the cluttered chaos of the grasses and twigs. Now that I've looked at it, I think it kind of looks like the branch is kind of petting the hillside or the hillside is cradling the branch ... at least to me ... :) And wow! You need 9 hours? If I sleep that long, I get a "sleep hangover". My sweet spot is 6 hours ... 7 is pushing it.

[@tommypapa7261]

Lol can’t keep me eyes off of that branch since you mentioned it. 🤷🏻‍♂️😂 really beautiful either way! 🍻

[@kevins8575]

Ha, thanks to your previous guidance regarding trees intersecting the background, yesterday I was kneeling on the ground trying to get the camera low enough. Managed it!

[@skulpturlamm294]

That's exactly what I thought when I watched the video. I was about to write a comment, but hasitated. If somebody would have pointed something like that out to me, it would have ruined a photo I was proud of before because I'm overly critical of myself. Don't go down that road. Ps can deal with it in a matter of minutes, be proud on this awesome photo. Hindsight is 20 / 20

[@DJshutterfly]

Great tips on the value of sleep. And yes even my dr agrees that midday naps are an appropriate natural way to get in your daily z time.

[@JamesBrewphoto]

9 Hours sleep!!! Wow, try being a landscape photographer with insomnia like me...I must have branches out of position in every single image 🤣

[@Travelling_about]

James Brew he wants to try doing a normal job like train driving for 10hrs after a few hours kip! And he’s whinging about a branch!

[@TL-xw6fh]

Know I know why I never get great landscape images; never slept for more than 5 hours a day.

[@derekgillan7314]

lol, straight to the point. branch line? sorry! ;)

[@markstoker3077]

TRAINS DRIVE THEMSELVES

[@derekgillan7314]

I think you do it, 10 hrs at a time, respect.

[@seanbirtwistle649]

as another disciple of sleep, i'll point out that most people don't notice when they're not at their sharpest. its important

[@jwkooi1979]

Unlike you assume, i like the longer videos. One way or the other they inspire me. Thanx

[@juanpatricio9204]

Messed up an excellent image, while out last week, didn't notice/forgot to check that I had sea spray on my ND. Although, much as I would like, I can't blame on being tired :-). I love your image Tom! Thank you

[@petebridgwood]

I guess we all have our compositional idiosyncrasies Thomas, but this is a lovely image, horizon dissection isn't a problem at all for me. I might even start doing it on purpose, maybe say you did it to introduce some tension into an otherwise perfect world: because that's how real life pans out ;-)

[@guynamedowl1313]

The crossing of the branches was the first thing that catched me on this fotograph. I thought: Thats a cheeky branch. Like a little punk, giving us perfectionists the finger. I like it...

[@ukburn4]

A book you say (maybe)? Yes, I’d be very interested in purchasing a copy if you got one published. I was wondering over the last few days why you haven’t already and I was going to ask.

[@j.nathanieldicke6105]

I appreciate the relatability of your stories. -Cheers!

[@ivanulyanov3461]

Well, at least it's not a tangent where the branch touches the horizon precisely and flattens everything down. This is almost fine - it actually informs you about which bits are in front and which are behind, if only barely.

[@starsearchreject]

I don't have the "luxury" of getting a good night's sleep regularly. Been living on 4-6 hours a night (on average) for the past two + decades lol (explains so much!). That said, thanks for the tip! This is something I occasionally remember to pay attention to, but need to start making a regular part of my "set up". And, I do need to try to slow down and take my time setting up more often - sadly, I'm nearly always pressed for time. Honestly, I've had plenty of images that might have been passable (given my gear - great for certain things, but not so much for others - and *all* the rookie mistakes), but upon reflection I've found that the perspective just isn't quite right. It doesn't ruin the whole day by any means, but it can be disappointing when I think I've got something nice, and then I throw it into Lightroom and see that it really isn't. This is why I just keep practicing :) . Advice noted! Thanks again!

[@The21Governor]

'Pay attention' is a great point Thomas and I try to do that all the time, but I will miss some things on the small LCD screen that I spot in LR or PS - I have no problem in editing out when absolutely necessary, and I think if this bugs you that much you can fix it really quickly without destroying any aspect of this lovely image.

[@DeputatKaktus]

While I can somewhat relate to being annoyed at what seems like a minor detail to 99% of people: Do not be too hard on yourself. It is still a fine picture. No need to tear it apart like that. I know I am being my own worst enemy about what I do. And by the looks of it you are your own worst enemy / harshest critic imaginable, too. This can be helpful, but also hold you back to a degree. Cheers from Germany, T

[@NSchaferFilm]

I like the branch, could you shop it and then get people to vote on which they prefer??

[@davidnassur7202]

Waiting for the next one , you and Simon !!

[@ronaldquint]

Thank you for that lesson on photography nuances. Greatly appreciated and will be remembered.

[@theresarice7289]

Always a bit of an insomniac, I find that I need more sleep as I get older. I'm up to about 7 hours a night. Since my favorite genre of photography is night landscapes, I tend to sleep three or four hours, going out for a couple of hours, and taking a two or three hour nap. Last year I went on a workshop where we did sunset, milky way, and sunrise every day. Between sunrise and sunset, there was breakfast, travel time, and trying to find a campsite. After five days, I was exhausted and it took most of another week to recover. (Of course, I was the oldest person on the trip trying to keep up with a bunch of people who were 20- 30 years younger!)

[@RickNP90X]

A very good tip. That amongst many other is something I need to do. Stop and do a detailed check of everything before clicking. I'd also say I need to do this when I'm ready to print something. I've got several big prints that have something wrong with them that drive me bonkers.

[@rvboondocker2559]

You must have missed the asterisk on the “Guru” videos.... they get by on 5 hours sleep but it’s twice a day! In terms of the image, I enjoy it when professional golfers occasionally put one in the water. It keeps me from throwing my clubs away! Thanks for saving my camera!

[@RichCarstensen]

Thank you for mentioning that about sleep. Ugh, I need plenty of sleep as well. I never understood those high energy people that can get by on just a few hours of sleep. Personally, I think it's a great photo!

[@4geckofeet]

Such a relief! I was worried that you had lost your mind...or maybe it was me. Thank you for the clarification.

[@Pg91357]

Wow! I had the same thought about that branch even before you mentioned it! It bugs me too!

[@oceandrew]

I like the notion that the branch breaking the horizon was intentional. I mean you break the horizon with the trunk of the tree, not once but TWO times while cleverly skirting it with the two lowermost branches. But in the end it's in the imperfections that beauty rests and your branch is testament that rules are to be broken - now and then at the very least. The problem with pixel peeping is how pedantic it can get.

[@ramblinman77]

I'm sorry, but when you posted this image on your "sleepy day" video that limb was the first place my eyes went. I probably wouldn't have even noticed it had it not been for all the vlogs I've watched on here covering composition and things to avoid. But it does show that all the hard work you guys and gals put into your content and the information you share is truly valuable and I thank you for that. That is a very nice image Tom and I'll bet that if you cloned in a bikini clad snow bunny, that limb would no longer exist. Thanks for sharing.

[@Honkus]

It's the small flaws that ads to the beauty of life

[@TL-xw6fh]

How true those words are. Life is imperfect, so is beauty.

[@NGC1433]

Like pubes in high end restaurants soup, eah. Bon apetite!

[@critterstocosmos]

I love the image, with or without the branch fail ;) Kidding of course. Love all that you do good sir. To be honest, I make this mistake frequently so this video is a great reminder for me. Thanks as always!

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Great message Tom.

[@ChimeraX8]

I must be like you, because I noticed it before I had reached you explaining what your issue with it was

[@groggu]

Great point about “boarder patrol” issues. Gotta try to get it right in camera and not rely on photoshop to fix things on post.

[@oddbjrnaustevikfoto]

Even now that you’ve pointed it out it still doesn’t bother me, but that’s not important 😀 how you feel about is in the end all that matters! Photography is individual. However, we must sometimes be careful and let perfection be the enemy of good! Thanks for sharing Tom! And happy Sunday 🦊😀

[@evrkm]

You should become a time management Guru :-) Driving security compares tiredness with DUI - so your point is valid. But people can be very creative being drunk.... Now who decided that a branch cannot touch the horizon, I'm sure in 100 years when people will look at your picture they will find some big psychological explanations on why you did it and why it's soooo great! Your work continues to be amazing.

[@alexl66]

Yepp, saw that branch crossing the horizon....but that happens sometimes....there is much to check before pressing the shutter...just learn from it and move on

[@ThatGamingGuyfromthe70s]

The intersecting of branches was spoken about by Ansel Adams in his book 'Examples- The Making Of 40 Photographs' with his Nevada Fall image in 1947. It happens to everyone and as we strive for improvements in our own work these small details can matter.

[@LOLCoolJ]

A good book on this topic: "Why We Sleep" by Matthew Walker

[@MichaelFreitag]

Honestly Thomas, you are thinking quite tooooooooo much about the perfect shot. Take it slower and enoy your photography more.

[@NGC1433]

Well, it is just like a little hair in your food at a restaurant. That soup is not perfect, no matter how good it is if theres pubes in it. Imagine waiter telling you that you think too much about details of that perfect soup...

[@MichaelFreitag]

@@NGC1433 I know, but Tom finds a hair in every soup :-)

[@VangelisMatosMedina]

@@MichaelFreitag True, Thomas need do slower for sure.

[@ngrabowskiphoto]

I love how "one more minute" suits here.

[@desgardner7169]

Interesting video about tiredness! that's what's so wrong with some of my picture's, when I worked for a living it was on a 12 night shift on a busy production line, when I finished in the morning and tried a few landscapes on the way home from work they were not very good now I know why!...I still like your tree picture I just wish I had it amongst my collection and no I don't want to buy it before you ask...thanks for sharing I enjoyed your rant.......