I'm such a huge advocate for "do what you love". It's kind of like if you don't love it, then what's the point? I'm definitely guilty of conforming to social media and doing what's " best for the algorithm" but I got to the point where I said f*CK it. Transparency, vulnerability and being a human appeals to me more than making a video or posting a photo that is "on trend" So, keep doing what you love, people will follow❤️

@patrickcieslewitz2551

3 жыл бұрын

My ex and I were trying to become big on social media platforms and she would always tell me how edits didn't meet what people wanted editing wise and how my page was not how all social media pages were like. Anyways, it ruined my photography for me because I was doing it just to try to get likes and wasn't shooting and editing them how I enjoyed... thankfully my ex now, because I began enjoying photography again!

@Steph_davis

3 жыл бұрын

@@patrickcieslewitz2551 awww dude I'm sorry. I also went through that stage of trying to be cool and make it big on Instagram but was posting photos for the sake of it and didn't like them! Got over that and now I just post what I want and love every image and have a story behind them all. Glad you found your passion again

@polleepops2012

3 жыл бұрын

I feel that so much Steph. Im a landscape photographer and dont use filters mostly because I cant afford them and being female I was so hung up on technically perfect shots, now I just shoot what I feel and I really think my images have taken a better turn with more passion in them x

@Steph_davis

3 жыл бұрын

@@polleepops2012 yes same! I've gone more into photojournalism of my life and travels and every photo is a memory for me and when you use this art as a form of expression and it's your passion, the photos are just instantly better, whether they are technically perfect or not.

@MeasuredLight

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this comment Steph! It can be so hard. I want to build my channel, but I tend to just make videos of what I like. Anyway, I think the important thing is that we enjoy what we so. I can't wait to watch some of your adventures :)

Tom, If you like the images share them! There's a fair chance we'll like them too.

We all fall into that trap bro. Do what you love.

@AE5X

3 жыл бұрын

No, we haven't all fallen into it. Some of us see social media and avoid it like the plague that it is.

@clarkzy

3 жыл бұрын

@@AE5X I think he was generalising... I don’t think he actually meant every single person ✌🏼

@wikedwhich1

3 жыл бұрын

Thats about the size of it!...good for you

Probably why you are my favorite photographer on KZread, your photos are always free of that "instafeel" that I personnaly don't like. They're sincere, and thats what I love about them. Keep it up!

@FlavioDeFeo

3 жыл бұрын

Tyrallion78 agree. I’m not a fan of those overly post processed pictures that end up looking incredibly fake... 🤷🏻‍♂️ A touch of that “raw” factor is always good!

You should never keep images/vlogs to yourself, we are all invested in you more so than the individual photographs. We enjoy your journey and appreciate being able to virtually tag along!

We all fall into this. It's nice to see we're not alone in that.

@phatcrayonz

3 жыл бұрын

Yup.

Mate, I'm already here. Who cares if the algorithm picks it up? Aren't you doing this for the people that DO find you? We appreciate you so much. Please if you have the energy to make it, ALWAYS make videos like this. They are great.

One of the reasons that your channel is my absolute favourite is your vision and the way you bring it alive via the image and your description of the making of the image. Sure, you sometimes include images that don’t particularly appeal to me, but I always benefit from the way you bring life and learning to the scene. Thanks, and please keep ‘em coming.

Honestly Tom, I wasn’t so keen on the mountain image over the lake, but love the mud image. Really glad you shared both though, as we all like different stuff, luckily, and I enjoy your pieces to camera talking about why you’re taking the photos and your experiences while doing so. If we all liked the same things then there wouldn’t be any variation in life. I’ve followed your channel since just after you started, and what I like about it above all the others is that your passion and enjoyment of photography shine through when you vlog what you like, rather than trying to please the masses. Just my opinion, but I reckon that the success of your channel is based on following the same delivery now as when you started, albeit somewhat more refined. Also, love the book. Stay safe, and have fun.

"This video won't make me popular" It better be a 10 minute ad for Squarespace.

@ahooogerhuis

3 жыл бұрын

But if you want to view it securely you need a VPN... right?

@redbeard3946

3 жыл бұрын

@@ahooogerhuis haha that's just twisting the dagger... I like it!!!

@ahooogerhuis

3 жыл бұрын

@@redbeard3946 If you want to watch documentaries about daggers then I know of a whole new streaming service where you can learn about that without dealing with ads and content being banned.

@rkuns

3 жыл бұрын

It’s not just the photographs that draw me to your videos. Your narrative of your photographic thought process and the stories are what brings me back.

I am a growing photographer and I personally watch you because I think you are extremely talented at showing others what to look for, how to grow as a photographer while being humble about it. The best parts of your videos are you just talking about photography. Then we get to see this amazing image that makes me want to get out and try. Honest videos like these remind us that it’s ok to make mistakes and get back up....even when those mistakes make incredible images of cracked dirt. Your composition eye is so insane. Thanks for posting this!

1. I’ve been away for a while, and happy I’m back. 2. This content is exactly why I came back. 3. Your commentary is 2nd to none. Thanks

So happy you shared these! Also, watching your Hasselblad tip forward like that took 2 years off my life. Seriously tho, I gasped so loud my husband asked me if I was ok! 😳😱

8:36 anyone else screamed and suddenly had immense chest pain when seeing this? 😂🤦‍♂️

@alexandermedia4018

3 жыл бұрын

I was looking through the comments for this. It was such a horrible feeling in my chest hahah

@emanuelschimpfossl5919

3 жыл бұрын

@Anthony D. Martin true :D

@emanuelschimpfossl5919

3 жыл бұрын

@@alexandermedia4018 yes!! 😂

You did the right thing by sharing Tom. You have to love your image's and photograph what you enjoy. If you start tailoring your images to suit the masses you will slowly lose interest in your photography. The people who follow this channel should understand you, your process and appreciate the images you take. People won't always agree with you or like every image you post but it should be more than that. There should, at the very least be appreciation for the time spent getting the image, the patience and planning and the process of getting that image. Both photographs were good, especially the 2nd one of the mud. Thanks for sharing them.

You are an inspiration to so many photpraphers because of doing it your way. Don't ever try to do what you believe others would expect or like, just do what you love - this is the right way! Thank you Thomas!

Hi Thomas, i understand where you are coming from, but from my side i just like following your photography journey. It’s your channel mate. Post what you want and when you want to. 🙂

@mkting2

3 жыл бұрын

If YOU like them...post them. I liked them.

I love you for this honest video mate. Do what u love, it will always be what u do best anyway..!

I have been following the photography KZread scene for a long time and you have been so consistently dedicated to your passion and development as a photographer, you have been a huge inspiration for me. While so many others also put out good content originally it seems like the majority of the community has diverted its focus to strictly gear or sponsorships, I have unsubscribed to many others because I'm tired of seeing "The piece of GEAR you NEED to be a SUCCESFULL photographer" video every week. Keep up the amazing work, always focus on what makes you feel happy or accomplished!

Thomas Heaton, Thank you for your openness and honesty. I appreciate your reflectivity, creativity, and expression. You add value to this world and I am grateful for the content!

It's a lovely photo! Great colour and texture. Don't waste all that great content. As the best advice always goes, ignore the "trends" and be the best version of you :) That's what we're all here for, after all!

Looked like a good time to me I am glad you shared them👍

Hi Thomas, continue to do what you love to do. The fact you've share it with us on KZread is awesome. Every video gives us something to think or learn. Thanks you for you great job !

I for one enjoy seeing the “unusual “ images you take. It shows me that you are always evolving and experimenting with your photography. I can find the “perfect foreground, glowing ortin effect filled, classic rule of thirds, epic landscape” photos everywhere, but seeing something that piques my interest or challenges the traditional landscape photo definition is what I am after. I don’t like every photograph you take, but you are generous enough to share your experiences and I thank you for that.

It’s interesting that we’re going through this same phase at the same time - well, it’s interesting to me at least haha. I have started to be drawn more to the minimal, the soft, the understated. My Instagram interactions have dropped through the floor. I don’t care. The people I respect and who’s opinions I value the most are still on board. One ‘like’ from someone who just enjoys the beauty of landscapes and sees the intent of the photographer is worth 1,000 ‘likes’ from the everyday person. Keep it up Tom, your Iceland work has been some of your best ever. And that’s an honest opinion.

@Steph_davis

3 жыл бұрын

Love this.

@nrice3623

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agreed! Trying to post every day on Instagram is exhausting. My posting frequency is pretty low right now (mostly because I have a back log of photos I still need to edit!) but I enjoy the occasional comment from someone, for sure!

@jameslane3846

3 жыл бұрын

At first I wondered how come I had a comment I didn't remember typing and then I saw the profile pic 🤣

Before I started to photograph, I wouldn’t ever have thought how beautiful mud could look like. 👍🏼

@ThomasHeatonPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

I know, right! Only photographers find mud attractive 😂

@MarkHickford

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto pigs on a hot day find it attractive too! 😂

@zenphotojourney

3 жыл бұрын

@Jimmy Hickford LOL 😂

You were and are right Thomas. Your thought process is usually always spot on. That social media trap is a real pain in the butt so thanks for a reminder of that. Take care fella.

Thanks for choosing to share Thomas! I especially enjoyed that Final shot of the textured mud with the cool to warm gradation.

You make life look more beautiful than it has any right to be.

@patrickcieslewitz2551

3 жыл бұрын

This right here^^^

@thundabread318

3 жыл бұрын

Life is always beautiful, you just gotta learn to see it.

@adershvarshnei5198

3 жыл бұрын

@@thundabread318 certainly a good way of thought.

“I shoot for me and me only” Sound familiar? Yeah, you said that and it’s a good stance to live by.

I just love all your vlogs and when I have bad mood I just start to watch them from the beginning, the same as Adam Gibbs vlogs. You two are just so normal people, honest and sometimes hilarious to make us smile, it's just great combination. Just be youself and do what you feel it's the best, as always.

Keep sharing what you want, great video, great photos. It is much rarer to find a photographer who shares intimate details of landscapes alongside the obviously epic shots. It teachers me to keep looking for compositions beyond the obvious. Thank you for the inspiration.

Clicked on the video just to make him a bit more popular

@FlavioDeFeo

3 жыл бұрын

Žan Stermecki 😂 you’re a good man! 👍🏻

@ZanStermecki

3 жыл бұрын

@@FlavioDeFeo we are all good people here, the ones that are not here are the bad ones! 😂

@Vincent-ge1lr

3 жыл бұрын

I clicked on the video because he is already popular and someone/”the algorithm ”/big brother wants him to loose views

I love all of your videos, Tom, but I have to say the “click bait” title puts me off a bit. If I hadn’t already discovered you, and I saw this title, I’d probably not be clicking it because most people who do click bait titles make terrible and tedious videos. You don’t. You make real quality. Click bait titles don’t represent the quality that your videos offer.

@sonholee5769

3 жыл бұрын

I hear what you are saying, but it is the KZread game. I figure, once in a while, everyone is entitled a click bait. Content is always great.

@sebxiou-lifestyle4465

3 жыл бұрын

Mr GM, I am 100% with you. trouble is, I am also 100% with SL, who replied to you. So long as Mr Heaton continues his excellence, I will ignore the titles and just watch the vids, I guess. I would prefer to live in a World where click-bait was unnecessary but hey-ho there are worse things. Best wishes.

@raizen82

3 жыл бұрын

as someone who's already subscribed, i know the quality of his videos and would watch regardless. watching the video as i'm typing this so i can't say if it is clickbait but i think he's entitled as SL said, otherwise he won't be able to grow the channel. there could be new audience who would love watching his videos but are just unaware and won't even try if he has a run-of-the-mill boring title.

@GeorgeMaier

3 жыл бұрын

I agree with the replies to my comment regarding the need to attract a new audience. And my comment certainly wasn’t meant to be a big criticism - rather, a thought. I guess where I’m coming from is more: is the new audience that a click bait title attracts the sort of audience that these videos want? Click bait titles are good for getting clicks, but are they good for getting people who stick around and build a community around a shared interest? Would a different approach to titles attract fewer but more meaningful clicks, from people more likely to subscribe and be repeat viewers? More likely to be interested in buying prints even? I don’t have the answers to these questions - and I don’t judge Tom for making the choices he has to in order to make the channel as viable as he can. I’m just thinking of what Tom’s demographic looks like and if it’s really the sort of demographic that click bait targets.

@SteveMillerhuntingforfood

3 жыл бұрын

I don't click on Heatons videos because of the title; I click because I want to see the content of the week.

I have followed this channel for a couple of years now, and the last couple of videos have been really inspiring. Specially when you are not trying too hard to do the popular stuff. Sleeping in your car is maybe not the fancy thing to do, but it is maybe closer to what most of your subcribers have to do to get some good shots, early in the morning. So forget about doing what everybody likes, and be true to yourself and your instincts. That is what has made this channel so good. And popular :)

I love these kinds of videos. Hearing you talk about your photos and explain why you took them, what you saw in it, etc. is really interesting!

Doesn't want to play by the algorithm rules... Uses clickbait title.

@CGYPP

3 жыл бұрын

was exactly what I thought...but then again, perhaps that's why I am here...we are all trapped in those algorythms by now

Don’t doubt yourself, just do it! Frankly everything you put out is interesting. Much of it is your delivery, the rest is your imagery, journeys and teachings. It works.

So glad you've shared and for us to see some more images. You've told us all so many times we take images for ourselves.

Don't hold back content, we thank you for sharing all that you do! Cheers from Ontario, Canada.

Thomas, YES it was definitely worth posting this VLOG! The images speak for themselves, please don't deteriorate into a social media hack, like so many others. You are a unique and thoughtful photographer and that is a large part of the appeal to the 10's of thousands of your followers. Social media is like a small child's program, full of fast moving and bright shiny things that flash before the ey and then gone. Your work is so much more mature. I'm glad you didn't fall into that vortex, never to return to reality. PS you Calendar arrived here in Sydney Australia last week, looking forward to hanging it on my studio wall 1st Jan 2021...hopefully a better year for all of us. Cheers!

Kudos to you Thomas for staying true to yourself and expressing your integrity. I much prefer these quieter images whom speak more clearly to me in a sea of images that are screaming at us.

I like almost all of your videos. When friends ask me how to be a better photographer or what makes my photography unique my response is simple... capture images of what you love. It shows.

I'm glad that you shared them. Even if I didn't care for them, though I do like them, it is important to get different voices and different images out for people to consume and enjoy. I also appreciate that you share your struggles and successes with the channel. It helps those of us with more meager skills learn and understand the challenges that everyone deals with.

You’re an honest man who loves what he does, and it comes across in your videos. Your followers look for you and enjoy your channel immensely.

Thank you for showing us your images! I enjoy your videos and photography so much! I especially loved the mud pot photo. Great color and texture.

All of your travel and images has made a difference. Each have something of value, good, bad or maybe. They all speak of your honest interpretation of the subject. Thanks for doing what you want and continue to listen to your heart. Stay safe in the environment.

So glad you decided to post this! The image is beautiful and for me, exactly the type of photography I love most. I know you have a business to run, but you will never please everyone so do what is meaningful for you and others will appreciate your authenticity and honesty. That means more than any single photo.

You were absolutely right! Thank you for sharing. Your photography inspires me so much.

Dam right you should share it! Some of us can only dream of the opportunities you have, sharing them allows us to dream.... which means that your living the dream. Why wouldn’t you’re share. Any how, loving it, keep on sharing the dream!

We love what you do Thomas...so keep sharing your images!

Yes, please put these kinds of videos up! I watch to learn and understand the processes you go through to take a photo. It doesn't matter if where the shot was taken. If all the photos were the same, then it might getting boring. But after I don't know how many years of following this channel Im not bored yet! PS I love the book and the calendar, good job! 👍

My comment will likely get buried but I just wanted to say, on the odd chance you might see this, I have mad respect for you and your content. You're not afraid to come out and explain that you feel you've fallen into the trap of social media... I find there are so many photographers/videographers that I used to look up to that have really succumbed to the world of social media and making content they think will be popular. I just find it so refreshing to watch your videos, and I've followed you for quite sometime. Thank you for staying genuine.

You're absolutely right! Social media cannot be allowed to dictate our choices of what to share. Neat image.

Can't emphasize enough in photography to do what you love. You, especially, Thomas, have a keen eye for a great image and both of these are superb. Sometimes I work on a photo and really like the image and then send it to a few non-photographers who clearly don't get what I was trying to do or the technique, etc. I've pretty much stopped doing that unless it is very much a "standard" image. Love your content and your images and this video especially!

Your photos are original and memorable, and only are exceeded by your humble presentation and personality. Thank you for sharing your unusually fine work.

Keep it coming! Really enjoy your videos, inspiration, and general sharing of your experiences as a photographer and such. Your photography and videos are largely responsible for me digging into landscape/nature photography myself. Great images!

Yes, keep on doing what you love and share it with the world, more often than not it will be very well received, I promise you. Thanks for putting these up!!

Your worst photo is a hundred times better than my best, so please keep sharing. We watch your videos to see the process, as much as the image. That's why we love you!

At your caliber, you haven't sold out. It's why I follow you and a few others man. So many sell out and lose themselves. For some reason position and popularity and social media pressure creates a depth of aggravation for comparison and "what's trending" that so many with so much potential and uniqueness sell out when they get any form of following especially your your level or caliber. It's a breathe of fresh air to see you and a few others not sell out and stay true to yourself in a world where conformity is pressured within the photography community. Thanks brother for the inspiring content.

That was a great video. Being a hobbies I have the good fortune of being able to take the photos I want without having to worry what others think of them. I am glad you're able to share all your amazing photos and not just the ones that get you more attention on social media.

Thanks for sharing this Thomas and being authentic! That's the only way to go.

Absolutely beautiful. I liked the images a lot. Please do not stop sharing your enthusiasm! I really like to watch it. Well done!

The format where you tell the story from your office is great. It wouldn't even have to all be from the same location. You shouldn't worry about doing that, it good to mix in stuff like this.

Don't worry about popularity. You already have it. I think you're now at the point where you can do just about anything and most of your subscribers will follow (as long as its free of course 😉😁). I love watching you try new things, seeing your failures as well as your successes. That's highly relatable to us mere mortals, because we all have failures. Thanks for "keeping it real" and for letting us see this video. Stunning images. Absolutely stunnin'. 🤗💖

I usually don’t comment on videos I see on KZread, but feel the need to speak up now. I have really enjoyed your recent videos. Even more than usual. I have heard you say that most people with a camera could take many of your photos, if they where there at the same time. I think that you where right. With much epic landscape photography, it tend to not be very original, and you se many similar photos from the same locations. That is what I love about your recent photos. By zooming in and going minimal, you take original and interesting photos that many others would overlook. I hope you keep up that work. Thanks for posting this after all.

Great video Tom. Absolutely do what you love and share with us all if you want to. We all need to do the things we love and enjoy for ourselves not for people we don't even know! Your content is always interesting and I'm sure I am not the only one who has learned a lot from you.

Thomas... may I just say how delighted I am with you enjoying every ounce of "making an image" with your film tools. This video was awesome. Digital is cool too, but the process with film is more involved, takes patience, and requires you to stop and enjoy it a little more it seems. Thanks.

You were absolutely right. I really enjoy abstract and minimalist photography and the image of the textured mud was great.

As soon as you said "Reciprocity Failure" it brought back a flood of memories from my late 1990s high school film days. Thank you!

Thank you so much for this video, Thomas. If every follower is a bit like me, we like to see everything and not only the hero shots, the bangers. It's nice to see that the great photographers that we follow make "normal" photos and also fail once and a while. Please do keep up the good work.

Keep going with the Iceland stuff as your love for the area and the images you got shine through. It's you and your content that make us tune in regularly Mr H.

watching you go out, slow down and enjoy taking photos makes me want to do it too. My images and my heart will always be bigger than my popularity.

You are at your best when you are who you are. That´s you! Great images, great words.

You were right to share this Thomas

There is nothing like stopping the car, jumping out and grabbing that shot you know is there. It is one of my favorite things about photography. Keep going. You do you. 😃

Thank you for staying true to your inner convictions Thomas. That is what you will be remembered for and not for falling into the social media conformation trap. I for one and inspired and am challenged by your work. Thank you, thank you!!!

Release the videos Thomas! We live our photography journey through you. Love it.

Love watching the different locations and I always learn something from the videos so dont stop.

Thank you for sharing Tom and never be afraid to do so. Keep up the great work. You had me fooled at the end☺

Thomas, you have to remember the great majority of your subscribers are here because we enjoy your photography, and I for one look forward to the varied and new directions you explore with photography. Keep up the good work.

Our family loves all the wonderful pictures and compositions big and small. All your content is love as long as you follow your heart regardless of anyone elses opinions.

It is teriffic when you show 'photography', not a 'popular' photo. This short video is the life of all searching for that composition that sets us apart, the learning we go through to figure out how the camera will see it and getting a result 'we' are satisfied with...I love the gradient color of the mud. Beautiful photo. Well done!

For me, it's all about the image, the taking of it, the amazing locations and your wonderful story telling. So please keep them coming :)

Please share everything; I for one love to see and learn from you. The process is much of the story, the final image is merely the icing on the cake. I love the process no matter your results or choice of composition.

Thanx for bringing this out, I love the episode. Thanx for saying this, too, KZread is what WE make out of it - following someones footsteps or leaving our own footprint. Do what you love.

Liked both shots. Thank you for sharing and for not keeping them under the covers.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Thomas. Back in the 70's when I shot TRI-X, I was into "textures" - asphalt, brick, water, sand - you name it. This video has brought me back and I want to go and do some of that stuff again. Because I love it. And I love that you share your mind's "journey into photography".

100% right to share this Thomas. The last shot with velvia was delicious! The film worked a treat! Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

Long time fan here. I love watching the channel not only bc of beautiful images but also the journeys that i can join you through youtube. Oftentimes i find myself standing in front of stunning scenery but struggling to find a composition that works so don't afraid to share images that you captured Tom. I don't know about others but i love to see them. Also, just starting my own channel about landscape photography. Would like to hear more from you about how you setup and film yourself, as well as editing. Jimmy

Glad you did share these images. I especially love the pattern, texture and colour in the hot springs photo. I always learn a great deal listening to you explain what catches your eye and why, as well as seeing how you frame your images. It is expanding the way I see things around me and for that I am grateful. JoAnne

Thank you for releasing these images. It was a great decision and the images are great as well. I love all of your content.

Totally right to share it. I enjoy watching your process and photographic vision. Anything Iceland doesn't hurt either. That place is a wonderland.

Chasing approval on social media is an exercise in futility. Shoot what you like because fame and scorn are equally ephemeral. Your work rocks... keep up the fine work.

Follow your heart to share, it's not about popularity. Your unique way of seeing beauty in things makes you an awesome photographer! BTW, I do like the images! 😃💕

The images are BEAUTIFUL! and your channel is where it is, because you always showed yourself! So, don't mind the algorithm! We like the content you create, specially when you enjoy creating it!! Thanks for continue sharing your work and inspiring us to create our own images.

Loved the photos. Loved the textures. Loved the colors. Thanks for sharing.

I think every creative people has came across this phase of sharing their work and end up being confused if the work they share is their best or better than the last one they shared instead of sharing what they really wanted to. Best advice to those people is exactly what you said; "just do what you love to do". And of course i did love those images Tom, particularly the last one. Waiting to see more photos from you ----- a huge fanboy.

I don’t think you need to feel too bad about not posting a video because you’re worried it won’t do well - because ultimately this is your livelihood. You’ve sort of got to play the game. Me on the other hand, I have the luxury of being able to follow your advice fully and post, share and publish what makes me happy - because right now it doesn’t really make me money. My bills don’t depend on it. Keep rockin my man!

Its a brave man that slates the sound clipping on his previous vlogs then uses some footage with clipping. Kudos to you Tom for ‘doing you’, justifiably so. Awesome honest footage of what looks to be a envious sortie.