Apologies for the mic problems. It has been amended by a nice flicker effect in post, so don't worry, it's not your monitor 👍

@vandiaries-de

6 жыл бұрын

Merry christmas to you and Monty as well! And thanks a lot for all your namibian videos. They are really inspiring (... I'm looking foward to travel to Namibaa in may 2018)!

@SolidPureNonsense

6 жыл бұрын

I just thought I was watching an extra spooky edition of your video.

@ShavikHarindraGunarathne

6 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas to you Thomas. I replayed the video just to make sure it was not an issue my side lol. Love your photos and videos

@darrenr4041

6 жыл бұрын

Came to the comments just to make sure my PC wasn't playing up. Amazing photos and very inspiring. Thank you.

@DescaDK

6 жыл бұрын

I went to bed scared, that something would jump out and take me :(

Being too hard on yourself mate:) Lovely image of Deadvlei, and it's one of the few which don't include bright blue sky etc. The time of day gives it a great colour palette and the comp is spot on, as usual. Well done.

@nathanquintanilla6205

6 жыл бұрын

I have to agree with Sean's comment Tom. Nice work.

@ThomasHeatonPhoto

6 жыл бұрын

Sean Tucker Thanks a lot, Sean. The locations itself is almost too striking, so there is no mistaking it. I do like the image, but it feels very familiar. I really do appreciate your kind comment though.

@nickbedford

6 жыл бұрын

I totally understand Thomas' sentiments though. I have a few photos I've taken where I've really just shown up and was served something on a silver platter to compose with, even if I did my best to capture it as uniquely as I could. One thing I love doing is finding compositions amongst anonymous or less known subject matter even if I'm right next to some famous landmark. I love the dune photograph because while it is dunes, it is a unique and beautifully toned composition that could have been captured from anywhere around the world for all we know. I think ambiguity about where a photograph was made can add to its uniqueness. The tree image is still well made, nonetheless. Interesting topic to think about!

@seantuck

6 жыл бұрын

I understand where you're coming from. It's tough to get a unique shot of a location where there are very few elements which make up the scene. I shot in Sossusvlei this year and when I posted the pics on my Instagram I had one guy telling me how cliched the shots were (actually he said they were 'clissed' but I assumed that's what he meant). The fact is though that there are only really dunes and dead trees to shoot there, and I had a great time doing it. No apologies.

@nickbedford

6 жыл бұрын

Sean Tucker oh absolutely, Sean. It's an inner battle more than anything I think. It's worth seeing and capturing those locations even if you internally don't perhaps resonate with the images as much because of those kinds of reasons. I believe every photograph made teaches you something about what you're striving for, unique or "clissed", haha.

I so agree with you about Deadvlei. Shooting places like Deadvlei, Horseshoe bend or the Wanaka tree feels wrong in a way because you know the exact same shot has been done before hundreds of times (and probably better too!). Also it doesn't feel like a challenge. Just head over there, setup your camera and press the shutter release. Part of landscape photography for me is finding original, unexpected locations. Waiting for the right conditions and taking that great photograph no one has seen before. On the other hand these well known location are well known because they are beautiful. So maybe we shouldn't be so hard on ourselves. I guess it is okay to visit such locations as long as there is room to use your own creativity and walk away with a unique, personal photo.

@julietmagee7567

6 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with you Gijsbert! Just returned from a 5 week road trip through Arizona and Utah and spent a long time trying to find original images to shoot in places like Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. However as you say, these locations are popular because they are spectacular and sometimes you have to enjoy the location for their beauty, then travel on to lesser known locations to seek out original images.

And a very Merry Christmas to you and your family too Tom :) Enjoy yourself and WE'll look forward to seeing some more vids in the New Year :)

Google image search 'deadvlei' and there's nothing even remotely in a similar league than yours! Composition, light, the detail in the trees, the way you maximize minimalism. It's incredibly powerful. And to be honest I like it even more than the dunes. I mean the foreground texture is amazing, but I feel like the dunes in the background are somehow disconnected, because of that sharp line that goes all across the middle.

@Jules-us8qr

5 жыл бұрын

Thomas, it's lovely !

Tom, your perspective on shooting at Deadvlei is interesting. As a professional landscape and travel photographer, I can understand why you want to create completely unique and original images. You get to go all over the world and see the most amazing places, plus you are highly respected. It's what you're used to. As an amateur photographer I'd be completely happy, and have been completely happy, shooting a scene that has been photographed thousands of times before. Just to know that I was there in an amazing place and took away a good image, even if it's not a 100% unique and original composition, makes me feel wonderful every time I look at it. I don't think you should look Deadvlei as a fail.

Happy Christmas to you and the family fella - thanks for all of the inspiration and motivation this year 👍🏻

I feel the same way every time I make a photograph of a striking dead tree.....then I find the next dead tree and do it all over again. Thanks very much for the great content , and Merry Christmas to you!

Yes, the dune photo is so touching. Thank you so much for showing us an editing process on this. Merry Chritmas & Happy New Year to you and your family.

Great year Thomas! I'm very much looking forward to sharing in your adventures over 2018.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thanks for all the lessons and soul searching! Your photos all have your stamp of originality even if you feel the site was tired. Cant wait to see what the new year brings! Stay well!

Cheers for a year full of great vids. Merry Christmas.

Thanks, Thomas. I've enjoyed all of your videos this year. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Looking forward to meeting you in the Lake District in February.

Love the dune image, simple beautiful composition, really nice. Have a good Christmas Thomas!

Merry Christmas Thomas. Thank you for the time and effort you put into your vlogs to keep everyone informed,educated and entertained.

Merry Christmas to you too. I started watching and following you this year and your videos & tips have been a great help in some moments and a true inspiration after all. Thanks a lot Thomas!

I think this is your tree on a red dune, so it's not just any old Deadvlei photo. I am glad you took the photo, so we were then able to see it. I get your point about shooting locations that everyone (and their brother) shoots. Thanks, as always, Thomas.

Merry Christmas to you too, Thomas!

Thanks Thomas, another great video. Happy Christmas buddy.

Merry Christmas, Thomas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks for adding all your videos throughout 2017 for all to enjoy Thomas and like myself I'm sure everyone else is looking forward to seeing more from you in 2018, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you, Charlotte and Monty!

Merry Christmas Thomas! totally get what ur saying here, thanks for all your work this year!

Always pick up a snippet of info when I watch your videos Tom. Hope you have a great Christmas and new year. Sandy

Merry Christmas to you too Thomas. You've taught us loads this year - looking forward to more in 2018. Your calendar's still under wraps so I can't wait for the New Year. All the best.

Always take something away from your videos for sure!! And again thank you for sharing the difficulty even you can have in finding original compositions in beautiful places!! It helps me fend off frustration when I struggle too.

Great Show. Beautiful images.

A very helpful video Thomas x

Merry Christmas Thomas and thanks for another years content. You are so right, the iconic shots are ok and worth getting for the portfolio but the unusual vantage points, the difficult to get to places, the challenging conditions and the shots you have to work hard for are the ones that mean so much more. Both for us as we bring the emotion, memory and experience with us every time we look at the shot but also I think the mood conveyed by the challenging images gives other viewers a little piece of that experience if we do it right.

Thanks for all the videos this year Thomas much appreciated and a great help, have a great Christmas and all the best for the new year 👍👍👍

Merry Christmas to you and Monty. Thank you for all of the inspiration over the last year. Your channel has really encouraged me to get out and explore photography.

What a cute dog! Merry Christmas Thomas!! Looking forward to seeing your work next year!

Totally understand how you feel about Deadvlei, it's hard to be original in those massively photographed locations. There's no way I'm gonna take the image that everybody else takes and trying desperately to find originality in those scenarios stresses me so much that I don't even take my camera with me anymore! I rather enjoy the view peacefully. I keep photography for my more personal explorations like you do 99% of the time!

Merry christmas Thomas! I love your videos!! keep them coming! ;)

Have truly enjoyed following you. I have taken in so much and I hope it will continue to improve my photography. Merry Merry to you and yours, and I look forward to the 2018 editions.

Thank you for another great year of inspiration, Thomas. I am looking forward to unwrapping my 2018 Thomas Heaton calendar on the 1st of January! All the best to you and your family.

Very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year Thomas to you and the family.

Very interesting - and a Happy Xmas to you, too!

Thanks for being brutally honest about Deadvlei. It is so refreshing to hear someone come clean about one of the iconic landscape locations and the difficulty of making a truly unique image in such a location. I don’t consider it you being hard on yourself as much as it is you being completely upfront about your expectations and what drives you.

Thanks Thomas. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas Monty, oh....and a Merry Christmas to you and Charlotte too Tom :) Very nicely done buddy. Beautiful image.

Merry Christmas Thomas, thanks for this amazing year of shared photography and have a happy new year!!

Happy Christmas Thomas. I have greatly enjoyed your videos over the last year. Carry on the good work.

Merry Christmas to you and your Wife Tom. Very helpful vlog thanks

Loved all the images, including Deadvlei.

Incredibly informative episode. Showing your method and explaining how you felt are strong indicators of your talent! Keep it up!

Happy Christmas Thomas!

Great job Thomas!

Thank you so much Thomas for share this editing

Happy Christmas to you and family. Good time.

Merry Christmas to you too and thank you for this video, I wasn't aware of the actual power of the adjustment brush...Of course now I get to go through some of my favorite shots and do some..err...needling, bothering..um you know..

Merry Christmas Thomas!

My deep respect for the dunes image. Honestly, I could have spent days on this spot without ever finding a composition like this. It has been a pleasure watching your videos - in fact, you are the first one I followed on YT. Besides the compositions, I really enjoy your authenticity. In your own words: stunnin’!

I mentioned to a friend of mine while I was watching you make that first image, the first dune image, that it is my favorite photograph of all the images you've made. I've been following you since you started a KZread channel and I really love how you've branched out, explored new places, and have taken chances with your photography. Thanks for sharing what you love and loving what you do, and inspiring folks like myself. As for your image of Deadvlei, I agree with others that you're being too hard on yourself. True that there are similar images to the one you've shot, but you travelled to a location that simply doesn't lend itself to much variety; and still came back with a splendid photograph! We're all our own worst critics. :) Anyhow, Merry Christmas to you and your family. Enjoy your holiday season!

Merry Christmas to you, Thomas. Love your videos. I find them to be my happy and chill place to relax. I really enjoy your take on photography and life. I hope next year is a great one for you.

Thank you for all you do. I always learn and I am always inspired. Merry Christmas ans Happy New Year to you.

My Favourite image as well!!! Great work ;)

I liked both images, but if one doesn't quite do it for you... Your call! What I really appreciate is your openness. Best wishes for the year ahead!

MERRY CHRISTMAS THOMAS!

I echo your feelings about Deadvlei. I’ve been twice now and, as you say, it is difficult to come away with something original. But such a magical place to visit. I had the very special treat of being there all be myself at the end of the day too. Truely a moment to savour and remember. 😊

Hi Tom, great movies and images from Namibia! Merry Christmas also for you and Monty!

Merry Christmas and happy new year mate....all the way from Lebanon...and thank you for the great content and efforts this year.

Been a great year following you Thomas, learned so much and enjoyed the adventures you have taken us on too. Hope you, Charlotte and Monty enjoy the time together and do me a favour.........adjust that blind.....its too straight ;)

Merry Xmas to you and yours Thomas, keep up with the "Absolutely Stunning " work, enjoying it all!

Thank you for your more philosofical excursion. I think it‘s instruktive for the most of us to follow your thoughts.

The picture of the dunes is amazing. Love the movement you captured.

Wishing you and your lovely wife a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Thomas.

I completely understand where you coming from ! You feel so good when you took an amazing picture at the most crappy spot possible. I live in Holland and we have little to no variety, sure a few iconic things but i couldn't care less.... i want to show "me" and my vision ! Enjoy your video's Thomas always down to earth.

I understand the desire to get the 'rare shots.' I feel the same about Kirkjufell in Iceland. It's good to go see those amazing places with your own eyes, but sometimes there's nothing more to be said about a location than what a million photos have already said. That shifting sands dune photo is pure gold, definitely one of your best! Tasteful edits, too. Well done.

Merry christmas Thomas! I absolutely adore the first image.

Thanks Thomas for all your great videos and may 2018 be the best year yet for your adventures and photography.

Merry Christmas! I wish you can keep doing what you love many more years :)

Merry Christmas and a happy 2018. Thanks for a great 2017 with you and photography.

Great images, i realy like dead tree one!! anyway Happy Christmas to you and Mrs Heaton + Monty

Merry Christmas and happy new year Thomas

Happy Christmas to you too and thank you for all the wonderful videos throughout the year. I hardly ever comment but I eagerly await each one. By the way, I love the Deadvlei image and to me it looked a wonderful place with loads of atmosphere but I haven't seen images like it before as you have. Good luck in 2018.

Thank you for all the vids Thomas really enjoy your work and look forward to next years ! Have a great xmas and new year all the best. Craig ☃️

Merry Christmas Tomas. Wish you many photography trips rich in stunning landscapes and people.

Merry Christmas TH!!

Nice insight. Happy Xmas to you and the family.

Merry Christmas to you and yours Thomas and the all the best for 2018, loving the channel very inspirational 👍🏻👍🏻

That sand dune image is wonderful. Congrats! Happy Holidays!

Happy winter solstice! Keep up the great work!

Nice video and merry Christmas man👍

The image of the sand dunes is truly amazing, Wishing you a merry christmas and a happy new year

Finally got to actually finish the video! I think you're a bit too hard on yourself, but I know the feeling. It's not a big secret I really enjoy going to all these iconic locations, but I do always try to get something unique from them - which is my big challenge. Anyway, have you seen the two recent photos by Paul Zizka (you can find him on insta) from Deadvlei? One actually have the "mist" you're talking about - I guess it's dust, but I really like the other one with the people on top of the background dune. To me they're fairly original Deadvlei photos :)

Enjoyed hearing your reflections on Deadvlei. I have been lucky enough to visit and I guess I agree with your comments about the difficulty of finding a "new" image. I have an image very similar to yours. However if you walked from the car park there is no way you can say you didn't earn it!!! Namibia is a fantastic country and I look forward to seeing your upcoming videos

Tolles Video, es war sehr interessant, einmal einen Einblick in deinen Workflow zu bekommen.

Deadviel images especially tree image I think really are very special and look so unreal. I love your work as always Tom and you are a great ambassadeur for selling some of the most beautiful places and spaces we have all around us to those of us that cannot for some reason visit personally. No excuse though not to get out and about and shoot all the beautiful places and spaces surround us all every day. Have a great Christmas and enjoy any downtime you get with your family and friends.

Happy Christmas Thomas and Monty, oh yep to the rest of your family.

Merry Christmas to you too

Merry Christmas also Thomas and to yours. May I say thank you for sharing your Vlogs they are the highlight of the week for me and in my life. I just loved your two special images and watching of your processing of the sand dunes. I just wondered if did you another edit of the dead trees as I wondered if the imperfections in the sand were removed it may have been cleaner. But probably, you are trying to keep it real. As always Thomas, thank you and look forward very much to see your work next year...

I guess that's what helps set you apart from the pack. I would be over the moon if I'd a shot like that one from Deadvlei. Makes me feel better to know that it's even hard for you to get that elusive original shot everytime. Thanks for the insights into your process. Love your work!

Congrats on that image. Looks excellent :)

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year great pictures and the you tube is great keep it coming 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I agree with you Tom, the dune image is epic! Don't be so hard on yourself re the Deadvlei picture. It's akin to The Old Man of Storr on Skye in so far that there are very limited compositional options but you still have to be there when the light and weather are right etc. These images are iconic for a reason and it's always nice to have these sorts of images in your own library too. I hope you, Mrs H and Monty have a very happy christmas and all the best for 2018. Take care.

Been watching your vlogs all year since discovery, and just wanted to say thank you for sharing and doing them so well. I’ve learnt loads of stuff, which maybe isn’t technically related, but things that surround the journey and pathways to getting good images! Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2018. 👍🏻

Happy Christmas to you, be seeing you at Gary Gough's in the New Year. Both images are superb. 😊

Merry Christmas! Thanks for the video, very good insight on how to improve the photo without exaggerate. If I had a chance to choose one, I woul choose the one of Deadvley, with the trees and Orange background. So beautiful yet sad. Parabéns (congratulations)

Not first! Merry christmas ;)

@ThomasHeatonPhoto

6 жыл бұрын

Mads Peter Iversen Merry Christmas to you too.