Troublesome Tripods & Images & How Solved the Problems

In this video I critique some of my images from Switzerland that did not appear in the video, I show how a couple of images caused problems and how I solved them and I review (sort of) my Benro Carbon Slim Travel Tripod.
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Stay Near - Henrik Olsson
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#LandscapePhotography #Benro #LivingOutOfBoxes

[@joelcleare]

The image with the partial rainbow feels busy. The complete rainbow looks great with the little house / structure.

[@wahabdilawar]

Very nice video. Thanks for sharing. I have noticed that your final images are almost square crops of 3:2/6:4, which a usual DSLR captures. So... aren't you losing/wasting a lot of data/pixels. Why didn't you try MFT's 4:3 format? Please check out e6 vlogs channel. He's also a UK based seasoned landscape photographer, who usually shoots with Olympus Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@johnsmith1474]

I surmise you wrote that before you listened to the part where he removes the outhouse.

[@travisharris1679]

Stop overthinking balance. Leave it for a few days, come back and look at it with an initial impression. Imperfect balance can make for a compelling image.

[@AsphaltPlanet1]

I just wanted to say how useful this video was when you showed the camera balancing on a tripod. I was handheld shooting the other day with a long lens on a camera that has IBIS, and I tried shooting handheld with a two-second timer, and I got much sharper images using this technique than I would have if I had have just depressed the shutter. That footage of the camera balancing on a tripod really hit home for me. Thanks for tip!

[@markkleinert4687]

I think you are right about the rainbow, it not only leads your eye out the frame but it is the first thing I look at in the image.

[@tombuck]

I’ve been using a Benro aluminum Travel Angel since June that has become one of my favorite pieces of gear ever. I can’t get over how terrific it is (which is funny because you’re the one who motivated me to find a nice travel tripod).

[@scotty4418]

Hope you have a good trip Thomas and you get the move done and look forward to seeing you back next week

[@sandocisco]

The tripod stability footage was a revelation to start using the 10 sec shutter. Thanks!

[@dragonshivu]

Technically you can say that the rainbow in coming IN to the frame from top left and have a peace of mind :P

[@spillbeans8434]

Actually that is exactly what happened for me, I started at the top left and the rainbow led me down to the ridge line that I followed up, and obviously I couldn't miss a glance at the flowers. I liked it.

[@VangelisMatosMedina]

Me too.

[@AllRedLFC]

Exactly my reaction too! You can see the rainbow like "the finger of god" pointing into the picture and filling it with wonderful light! Keep it as it is Tom, it is a great capture.

[@gordroberts53]

same for me, the rainbow brought me into the frame and I like the image a lot. Thing of it is that mother nature hasn't read the book on composition and sometimes we need to work with what is given. That being said, I liked the evening waterfall photo without the tree...

[@kaiolsen6963]

And head out to the bottom right with the water

[@TheYellowDmon]

Hi Thomas, for me what is in the photo is what actually happened and the image you saw. Regardless of lines and forground, rainbow in the wrong direction, that is reality. I love the layers of colourful forground, reflection of the mid layer and the fact even though the sky was clear, nature gave you a glimpse of the unexpected. Love it

[@Missbagpipernorthwest]

Excellent advice I will follow on 2-10 sec timer! I usually go 2 but I’m going to be more aware now.

[@AllinSorenson]

I agree, the balance of the image makes me focus on the flowers and doesn't lead me into the image. I suspect it is because they are the brightest element. What if you re-edit to better balance the bright and dark areas. Still, it is a beautiful image!

[@meredithpottery]

Thank you, Thomas! What a great fix for my wobbly, ultralite tripod! Fantastic! Sorry about your housing troubles I did not mind the hut. Also, the very strong leading lines that the land make in your flower photo turn the rainbow into the main point of interest. The strong flower line pulls you back. You cant make up your mind about it because although it doesnt follow the rules, it is a very striking photo! Gorgeous!

[@mikewinburn]

With the tree. The waterfall seems more pronounced...special. Like them both though. Can't wait to see the photos from the Alps! Enjoy the trip.

[@weschilton]

Appreciate your honesty about your edits... not that you owe us that. The photos are lovely, you really had some fantastic conditions!

[@pinebearclub]

As a realist, one can never dictate how nature is supposed to be. We have to be able to let go and enjoy what creation has done in that moment. I loved that first rainbow image, it brought me to worlds that I never knew existed. And I particularly loved the rainbow, as it was inviting me to travel with it to places unseen... My opinion for what it’s worth. Bryan from Vancouver

[@larissanagate4354]

Time to enjoy another video from Thomas 😊

[@tombreen7927]

First image with the flowers is a keeper no doubt

[@quintinq6763]

Yeah. Agree. 👍🏻😁

[@Jackscrj]

I'll take it if he doesn't want it. ;)

[@gmantoon]

Deffo was a great capture

[@pollux7961]

I really liked how you criticize your own photos. Shows how genuine you are in sharing good content :)

[@asimeshpal]

Thanks for taking the time out to explain the necessity of using a 10 s timer .. Cheers.. Hope to see your new office soon.

[@timbliss8777]

I had a travel tripod (still use it for some cityscape stuff) but upgraded to bigger more stable one for the landscape work. For me I'd rather deal with the extra weight instead of possible compromises with stability. Love the images!

[@danielcatalina1806]

I agree with you Tom, the rainbow points the wrong way. The composition itself and the colors are great, so I put the image somewhere between snapshot and portfolio image :)

[@christianvargas2125]

Thanks for the shoutout! It was truly an amazing experience and one I'll remember always.

[@biffyeager611]

You're Good! Life has many bumps! Missing one week is a blip!

[@poppyspix4444]

6" x 17" is very close to Hasselblad's XPAN format which I use a lot because, as you rightfully point out, it's a wonderful crop format. It reminds me of a cinematic ratio from the 60's..

[@TheReptileGod]

The rainbow panoramic is beautiful. I'd have removed the hut too. excellent shot that made me wish I were there. Interestingly I prefer the window shot with the tree still in but I couldn't tell you why.

[@PaulSmith-zs5je]

Thanks Thomas I never thought of checking my tripod wobble time using Video..

[@KarlVaughan]

Useful tip about using the 10 second timer to avoid tripod shake. I've always used a travel tripod as I like to keep weight to a minimum. I will certainly try the longer timer the next time I'm out. Enjoy the mountains!

[@wendynewing8834]

First picture with the rainbow and pink jobbies (Rosebay willowherb?) is lovely. Keep the rainbow. It is a gorgeous image. The others are great too. I think you were right to take the fir tree out and to remove the hut. All the pictures are truly beautiful.

[@AllRedLFC]

The rainbow could also be pointing into the picture and acting like "the finger of god" adding the wonderful light! I like it as it is Tom!

[@fantomfoto]

As soon as you said 6x17 I said 'YES!', my favorite aspect ratio for panos too. Great vid Thomas!

[@charlenenagel7962]

To me, that first photo looked like the rainbow was leading IN until you mentioned it otherwise. I like it!

[@LynneLuxonJonesphotography]

When I saw the 1st image I automatically saw the rainbow LEADING IN to the hillside & down to the flowers & water 👍

[@jamiep3033]

Lynne Luxon-Jones hello lyne

[@cpirius]

Thanks for still making an interesting and enjoyable video despite the house troubles, I appreciate it. Hope everything gets figured out soon.

[@rontz]

As you asked about the first shown image: I think it’s a nice picture, but it doesn’t work on displays at all. You‘ve got many areas of interest with many details in there - so basically you’re inviting the viewer to stay a while, explore and discover. That will work fine on a big print, where the viewer is prepared to spend some time looking at it, but on a display, where most people just take a glance and spend their time otherwise, they won’t notice the beauty.

[@larsthoren3282]

That panorama is one of your best images that I've seen.

[@MuzzFury5]

Always love that outro song.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

The rainbow works mate because it’s a rainbow and the appear from know where so yes it works your eye reads from left to right and up to the mountain peak. So for me this dose actually work on this occasion

[@chordsoforion]

First image - to my eye, the rainbow is leading into the frame, not out of it, due to the increasing solidity of the bow as it reaches down from the sky.

[@MarkMcNeill22]

Brilliant vlog good too see the workshop bts

[@jabba571]

I like the "Z" curve of the foreground flowers leading you up the image into the line of the close peaks. You could select the sky..flip it horizontally then content aware out the left over rainbow that's on the mountain range in the background. A luminosity mask/selection may work to select the rainbow and flip/move it.

[@Jester68uk]

Feel for you both, been packed since March but hopefully will be moved in October. Good luck Tom.

[@NigelBaileyPhotography]

Great video. I felt that the first shot was a bit busy, but still a great shot. Tripod stability - I’ve had similar issues and resolved by anchoring the tropic to the ground with a bungee clip and a tent peg. Works a treat if you have the right surface to anchor to.

[@82300sd]

I agree that the rainbow leads you out of the picture, and doesn't lead you up to the mountain peak. In the 2nd photo, I do like the picture without the tree. Makes it more minimalistic and simple

[@dovershark0492]

Hi Thomas love your videos. Could you please film a video explaining a good budget beginner setup with current gear.

[@sven1858]

That tripod tip towards the end, may be of help to me, as occasionally, on long exposures I get blurred images with my travel tripod.

[@ScoTreVan]

I agree Tom, great light but the balance is hmmm not quite right, not easy eh? Love the pano shot though and the layers in the sunset shot of the valley (6x17 in the memo bank ta) thanks, and good luck with the move, kind regards Trevor

[@justinholding02]

Hi Thomas, first image is definitely a keeper, but I would have personally chosen a wider shot. I'm not too fond of the 4/3 crop you chose

[@00Skyfox]

I think that first photo is gorgeous. Remember to not nit-pick beautiful images to the point you can't enjoy them any more. Look at the overall scene and see the beauty, not the technical photographic imperfections. You can always look at it as the rainbow coming into the frame rather than leading you out, because if it was flipped around, it would just be leading out of the frame in the other direction.

[@iergosum]

I personally think even without the without the rainbow it’s a little complicated for youre style. You like simplicity, atmosphere, and depth.this isn’t to say it’s a bad photo at all. I wish I could take this. I just personally think it stands out amongst your work.

[@AndrewDawes]

Great work on going through the images and why you think they aren't as strong and what you did to rectify that. Its refreshing for me to see and a relief. I get a lot of good feedback on my videos for showing the before and afters on the images as it just shows the whole process. I completely agree that gear limitations should just be managed. Exchanging out gear for practical advantages, such as hiking, is an easy win if all you have to do is switch the 2 second to 10 second timer! Same with available lens selection, bag selection, the list goes one. Making the most with the gear that one can a) afford and b) willing to carry is key. Shame about the house mate, but at least you'll have a story to tell later on.

[@damita3117]

Aah, that’s why my long lens shots from my last trip looked soft! I’ll try the 10s trick instead of the 2s! Thanks Tom.

[@pauldrew610]

Don’t be so hard on yourself Thomas !! Nature is Nature, leave the rainbow 🌈 In the picture ✅😊

[@johnburne1252]

Love the first image with flowers in the foreground, good luck with the move.

[@alrightyeah7961]

I really feel for you Thomas! I hope the move has happened for you finally!

[@cameronsmith169]

I totally agree about the shot with the rainbow. I was thinking the same when you first put it up. It's an amazing shot and a beautiful composition if only the rainbow wasn't there. I think to be honest even if the rainbow was the other direction it would still distract from the mountains in the mid ground and background. Great to see your work. I always love your videos.

[@DaniRevis]

Hi Thomas, Im Physicist and just wanted you to know that the "kinck" under your rainbow is not a glitch, but it's called "supernumerary rainbow" and it's an optical phenomena quite common. :)

[@yujinlandscapephotography.7787]

well done, keep up your work. I always love with the photographer of good artists. Thank! Thomas.

[@sunnyrockvictor373]

Not sure on 1st image bit off balanced shame you didn't move to the left 2nd image love it it's a keeper

[@mikeysteam]

First picture - my reaction was that I wanted to look left out of frame too. Perhaps a square crop to the left would rebalance. Who knows, you are the master ☺

[@stevebennettphotography]

I reckon your gut instinct was right about the rainbow leading out of frame. Also, a quick request, if by some turn of events you happen to have to do anther video from your empty office, could you put a picture up on that hook on the wall behind you. Took me a while trying to get the mark off my screen before I realised what it was. Good luck with the move.

[@PMCN53]

Good session Thomas. PS realy did do the better job on the pano stitch. I generally use PS over LR for this function as well. I don't mind the rainbow arcing in from the LEFT, I think it is balanced out by the mountain peek to the Right. Hope your move goes as smoothly as possible. It is always a stressful process, I had to do it in my younger years (now 64) with 4 children 3 times in 4 years. I became very good at the logistics. Looking forward to the next episode. I'll be traveling from Australia to Europe next week for a 6 week adventure through Hungary - Netherlands and over to the UK for 12 days. Canon 5DsR in the bag. Cheers!

[@ipedros7]

Really like the valley image. Really nice!

[@nomadcompany]

I agree with your issue with the 1st photo mate... the balance is off. For me its technically a very good image with light and focus etc but its just a photo of not much... Rainbow stitch is pretty bloody good mate but I prefer the hut in the image, added scale and perspective.

[@Vacublaster1]

I have to say that when you removed the house roof, you need to watch for repeating patterns that content aware adds, there was some repeat of the ground that was cloned.

[@matssandquist9258]

When I look at a photo, it's usually the first impression that gives me the feeling if I like it or not. I try to avoid analyzing too much about "rule of third" leading paths and so on. What I like in a photo is maybe to others not so appealing.

[@gstandaert]

The image with the flowers is not a typical Heaton shot, but I kinda like it. It's definitely a nice image. But that sunset image you shot through the mountain hut window is just absolutely goregeous! Good luck with the house switch!

[@fotofletch]

I have a similar tripod and I fitted some (home made) spikes to the legs and when spiked into the ground its really quite a sturdy platform, for me anyway!

[@johnbianchi6430]

First image is a bit busy for my liking. What is the subject of the shot? The flowers? The hills? The rainbow? To stabilize your travel tripod try a stone bag, or hammock bag. It hangs from the legs and eliminating the issue of pendulum motion by the hanging weight in high winds.

[@bmackVR]

Thomas I like the photo your unsure about, but I also agree it has a few issues. For me the flowers in the foreground blend in a bit with the bright background on the left side of the frame. I think it would be better if some how you could have positioned the flowers so that all of the flowers were in the lake or shadow.

[@Biovirulent]

See where the top of that flower connects to the bottom of that rainbow? That's nice. Keep it.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Interesting... In that first image, the rainbow doesn't lead my eye out of the image, as you mentioned. I think that since the saturation becomes more intense toward the end of the rainbow, it's quite the opposite for me. Love the second (pano) image, the third image, and your choices in editing them.

[@cheriechino]

HI THOMAS, TROUBLESOME TRIPODS [or wives] listening to your intro made me spill my tea all over my studio workplace [what a mess] see if you can spot what led me to flood my keyboard !!

[@silvereagle1717]

Is the glass half full or half empty with that rainbow. It is leading my eye down into the image, drawing attention back into the landscape and back to the mountain! Love it!

[@silvereagle1717]

The richest color ends at the mountain for me and keeps me in the landscape!

[@sannekekortbeek]

Beautiful picture! My opinion about the rainbow.... it is not leading out of frameworks... it's the other way around! It gently falls down into the picture. That is another way to look at it... ;-) Please don't photoshop it out of the picture...

[@sannekekortbeek]

Frameworks... "frame" of course.... autocorrect 🤔😊

[@CymruRJW]

HI Thomas When you removed the tree there is a repition of the ground. That needs to be worked on to make it PERFECT.

[@PVTfluffy]

That was a very good illustration of the tripod wobble problem. As someone with a cheap tripod(mephoto) I will definitely be using the 10-second timer. Thank you for saving my future photos :D

[@michaelberg507]

Pic 1 - Pretty much a holiday snapshot. (Sorry) Pic 2 - Excellent image. I like and agree with your solution. Pic 3 - I understand your constraints, but I would have like to have seen the foreground trees incorporated somehow because they give a visual depth that is not in your final image. Given the degree to which the tree in your initial image is only partially visible and "intrudes" on the scene, I agree with your final edit.

[@leachimkiveling]

Good luck on moving house and enjoy Switzerland.

[@PatrikRasch]

Most likeable guy of 2018

[@enriquebaserga4519]

I think the picture is amazing as it is👌👏👏👏👏

[@WayneRobertsonPhotography]

I agree with your comments on your first image, some may think it's a little busy and the rainbow may lead your eye out of the image, but also it's still a great capture of a wonderful moment. There is a lot going on but to some that could make it very interesting with lots for the eye to explore. I think it would look great framed. I really like the 2nd panoramic rainbow image. Good luck with your move, it's a busy time but will be worth it I am sure 👍🏻

[@joeybabybaby5843]

The photo has a "metabalance": 2D most lines sweep towards the lower left (2D imbalance). 3D everything "grows forward" from an unknown/implied area off the left down towards the lower right (3D imbalance). Those two imbalances balance each other. It's a busy scene, but in a pleasant "out the corner of my eye" way, so it works just fine.

[@trevorcrossley3054]

All nice shots Thomas, really nice Panno, however while the other shot with the flowers is nice the rainbow its a tad bit much for me, says the grumpy old bloke!

[@geriko29]

I'm fine with Photoshop editing as long as 1) you improve the picture in accordance with how you felt when capturing it (light, composition...) and 2) you use it to remove a distraction, not add/copy/move elements, like a mountain. You did a great job with removing the tree.

[@geriko29]

I believe that's a very personal opinion :) I can understand your POV, but well we can't say Thomas is the most prone to over editing amongst landscape photographers. He talks again about this topic on his recent video, the manipulations are quite similar in their extent.

[@debbierooker4930]

Good luck with the house move Thomas, hope you're soon sorted in your new home. That 1st image with those beautiful flowers is gorgeous, I love it . And I even liked the tree on the waterfall image too :) But fascinating to hear why you photoshopped those certain bits out & as to why. Hope you're having an amazing time in the mountains again, so looking forward to seeing the videos :)

[@MilenMladenovReSco]

May I suggest something about this image 2:39 - I would suggest to crop it to two images one to be a vertical crop with just the rainbow and some of the flowers bellow it, another image to be the mountain top with the reflection in the water and some of the flowers? I think it may look nice!

[@eclecticjon1019]

Totally agree with you about the first photo. It's a great image, but that rainbow is definitely going the wrong way.

[@droidster888]

Just so you know there was a fire yesterday in Cham on the Grand Montets middle station, destroyed it. Hope it doesn't mess up your plans. Thanks for the video, enjoyed as usual. Greetings from the Alps!

[@Sinegav]

Thanks for that 10 second wobble tip, I have had soft images myself with the two seconds timer, also need a new tripod as mine is literally falling apart. Anyone who can recommend something that doesn't cost me a limb but be reasonable steady?

[@seantomlinson3320]

That Benro has bigger siblings that may work. I have a MeFoto that I like for my little a6300 but it's terrifying to use that with my big Nikon DSLRs.

[@Hawksnest1022]

www.cowboystudio.com/product_p/bk-777.htm has been a great tripod and very inexpensive.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I have a Manfrotto BeFree (aluminum). It's almost as light as the carbon version and is much cheaper. Had to swap out the non-pan head. Like Tom, found I need to use 10-second delay & Live View (shutter up) to avoid shake.

[@recoblade1465]

I have a Benro Adventure TAD28AIB2 its 4lbs around $215. you can shave 0.8lbs with the carbon legs series 2/4 but the head that they pair with those legs weigh 1 pound so a different head would be recomended. Of course the carbon legs cost more and getting head and legs separate cost more as well.

[@recoblade1465]

dont think they make that one anymore

[@RobertSE6]

Agree with others - the part rainbow leads into the frame for me - fainter at outside edge. Full rainbow on the other hand - my eyes follow the rainbow left to right and then it is cut in two twice by the buildings - I find that a distraction. Also agree that half a single tree right on the edge of the frame is a distraction.

[@michaelg61420]

Good catch on the timer. I ruined some of my favorite photos by not realizing a two second timer wasn’t long enough for my cheap tripod to settle

[@yeungt780]

thanks for the 10 seconds tip. never thought about that. regarding the 70-200 on the benro, I'm wondering if you use a lens collar mounted onto the ballhead, would that make your setup more stable and balanced. Maybe worth giving a try.

[@catmonkey6826]

It's a tricky one, the first shot. The foreground pulls me in, in the wrong way emotionally, heart and head, almost literally with red (ish) and green. But I'm seeing it on a laptop through youtube. And it does ask me to go back and look again. But for me when doubt exists and I can't resolve that doubt in a second I say no, that's how I look at my work.

[@robertmyers4390]

So after seeing the video up to the tree 🎄 edit I loved the comp but then seeing the edit with the tree 🎄 in the foreground,,,,,,,, much much more engaging,,,, foreground, mid, ground, background,,,, much better Tom,,,, cheers, Bob

[@renzotassara9983]

In photoshop for panoramas Reposition is the mode that has worked the best for me if you want to try it out

[@zulfaahmad7641]

Great composition, light balance is a little bit issue. Maybe do some crop by rotating then make top of the edge left and right of mountain in level as much as possible would be great. And one more increase the sky light a little bit for improv the balance👌🏻. But it’s still a great photo there👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻.

[@EnerGeezerSquirrel]

It might help to modify your impression of the rainbow if instead of thinking of it as leading OUT of frame you choose to see it as ENTERING the frame. But if you disagree, you might consider consulting with a rainbow expert, such as Sir Michael Jagger. He"s written about rainbows in the past.As for the tripod, use a wireless remote AND a 2 second delay. That way, there are a couple of seconds more added to the 2 sec. delay while you reach for the remote and place your finger on the correct button. If the camera settles in 5 seconds and the combined remote / delay is 5 seconds total, you're still cutting your delay in half and so might avoid the matching errors in shots such as the rainbow pano.

[@jeffbrislane5782]

I prefer the flower shot with rainbow over the pano, the warm colour and punchy contrast of the first shot is imho nicer than the cool colour of the pano and therefore more inviting and interesting. I dont have a problem with the rainbow because its arc doesn't compete with the arc of the mountain range but is contrasting, and i also think a hint of a rainbow is often better than showing the whole thing just like the hint of the mountain peak. I also feel like my eye wants to travel from the bottom left corner diagonally up to the mountain peak and back but never wants to leave the fame and i feel like the dominance of colour in the flowers keeps the rainbow in check. What i do think could have been improved with the flower shot is better separation between the flowers and the middle ground on the other side of the lake, i feel like the foreground bleeds too much into the middle ground and more separation would have given the mountain reflection room to breathe in the shot. So maybe if it was shot a few meters to the right and slightly higher but otherwise i think its a beautiful alpine shot showing 3 typical "alpine" elements (mountain/lake-tarn/wild flowers) in a restrained way with a hint of distant snow. It would also make a nice calendar shot :-)

[@seantomlinson3320]

Good grief Thomas, even your B-material (in your eyes) material is stunning. Busy, yes, and even unbalanced, but I like it. I think the broken rainbow adds character.

[@adriencara7168]

Daaaaamn, I was hopping to see you at the Photokina, it's sad that you can't make it. Good luck with your move, I hope everything will be okay and you won't have other bad suprise!