I don't know if I have seen a video as sincere as this one before. This truly shows what happens when I go out with a big idea for an amazing photo and can't get it due to weather (or sometimes in the spot, it's not what I expected). It feels so frustrating and in this video you show that it's normal, that it's part of the process of landscape photography and we don't have to feel bad when that situation arrives. Thank you for this one, Thomas!
Can we all just take a second to appreciate that he went into the nice dry van, set up the camera, then went back out into the rain all just so he could get the shot of opening the door?
Yes, all these outdoor video RU-vidrs do this. It adds tons of work and time to their vlogs, and yes, the viewers should appreciate the effort. It does make the videos so much more enjoyable.
This to me is one of the most motivational videos I have ever seen for those who want to get out. I like you go out with a plan, walk for so long and the weather just cannot oblige . But the feeing of achievement is in a different way for me. I'm 60 my springer spaniel is 3. If I get a shot then so be it. If it don't happen then the dogs had a great day out.
"Confessions of the Long Distance Landscape Photographer". You can be the best photographer ever but you can't beat nature, great vid, I really enjoyed your account of the trip.....you're my hero!
The dedication of getting the shot from inside the van of you "reaching" the van in the dark lol. Completely drenched, and you think "you know what, we need a transition shot here, out I go again".
Man I love your vids because they are real, that's what it feels like to be hiking and carry the gear without a photo... is real! is part of the process and that's why when I get my photos I feel great because I know is hard and you can't always get it. So keep posting, keep it up! that sandwich looked great lol!
I agree. I hiked up Watkin path to the summit of Snowdon Sunday with full pack....came back with a hazy picture at best but the walk there and back more than made up for the lack of images. Legs are still killing me now haha
Awesome video Tom. I don't think I wouldn't have done that last bit of b-roll with the camera in the van mate. That is dedication. Really enjoyed this.
Exactly, sometimes images need to be earned. I would not be surprised that after all this weather Tom wakes up the next morning in thick fog, climbes up Great Gable again and gets the most epic views ever.
The real life... in its full glory... at least the van looks real cozy... a wonderful investment indeed... and Peroni looks just about right... the joy of photography is the process... the image is a bonus...
Honesty is worth liking/supporting. I've felt this way all too many times -- in Iceland, in the Rockies during early spring, in the Pacific Northwest... Anywhere with good, rugged scenery and walking basically always comes with the potential for weather. Sometimes it's manageable, sometimes it isn't and everything's a bit of a wash (literally *and* metaphorically). Half of my watching this channel is for the vicarious outdoor experience, and this is as real as it gets!
Absolutely loved this video, your humour, easy going nature and willingness to share the adventure when it goes a little flat is the reason that your channel is the only one that I have watched every video published.
This is what photography is all about (a great image at the end of the day notwithstanding!) Everyone strikes out, and I do all the time, particularly living in San Francisco where the fog is just so unpredictable. I haven’t taken even a moderately good photo in months because the weather is so bad. This video is honest, human, and I love that it’s not varnished (we even get to to see Thomas’s wet socks!) True to life, true to form.
I’m impressed with the way you are prepared when you go alone on the hill tops thanks for sharing this very important aspect of staying safe whilst alone
Great to see the video. Nobody tells that story but great photographers don‘t crank out a great photo every day. I guess the reason is that they try harder and keep on trying it is the reason of success eventually. Highly appreciated!
Now I know where all the water in those pretty little streams comes from. I wish you could send some of that rain over here. It's hot and dry as can be here. Like someone already said I really appreciate you candidly showing us that sometimes things just don't go according to plan. When that happens it's somehow comforting to know we aren't the only ones who've been there.
Great video. A clear testament that not every photo trip is magical fairy dust and unicorns.....which also makes me appreciate what you and other do to produce your images. Thank you!
I loved hearing that heavy rain at the end because it hardly ever rains here in the desert southwest (US) and we are in sever drought. Man we would love the rain.
They're but little bumps, I reckon, to me in Vancouver. But they are rather cute...even when the light sucks and the weather is even worse. Love the video, pal
mountain /ˈmaʊntɪn/ noun 1. a large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a large steep hill. It is, indeed, a mountain.
Haven't hiked Great Gable, but my wife and I have climbed Haystacks a few times. The second time, the weather moved in. We were about 80 percent of the way to the top when we saw the summit was in the clouds. Putting safety first, we decided to turn back. The rain really started coming down heavy, and our waterproofs turned out not to be waterproof enough. We were a couple of drowned rats by the time we made it back. We were disappointed, wet, cold, and miserable. But looking back after several years, it makes a great story that my wife and I can share -- "Do you remember...."
Mountain weather forecast is usually pretty decent. Sometimes it’s nice to plan less and go with it, but up the big fells it’s best to check and avoid disappointment! Hope the next day was fruitful for you! Getting out and about is what it’s all about, wind, rain, blow, hail, snow or shine - the great outdoors is where it’s at! Realism in a vlog is welcome instead of smash you between the eyes film/images that seem to be all the rage nowadays. Keeping it real 👍🏻
This is a very good representation of most of my trips. With information you can prevent the worst days, but for some reason weather isn't a good friend with nice predictions in my book. So lucky to see a day like this. Most important is to still enjoy what is left of your dreams, IMHO. Such a beautiful trip. And still productive, we all profit.
I’m not a photographer but I am a keen 4x4er and stealth camper. I do however enjoy your vids. They are easy to watch and your editing is second to none, along with your presenting. Keep up the good work and be safe👍
You get a like from me because this is very relatable to anyone who goes out with big ideas on what they want. The best bit is being out there and getting a killer image is always a bonus extra. Thanks for sharing.
One of the main reasons I started following you was because of the hikes you used to do, I'm a keen photographer, but don't have the physical ability to do this sort of thing, and loved watching you being out there in the wild. It was great to see the images you got, but in reality, it was the adventure that drew me to your channel above other channels. I enjoyed this video as much as any that had great images at the end. By the way, I used to love camping in the rain when I was younger.
Gonna put this out there and say it’s my favourite video of yours in ages!..why, because it’s real!! Most often the plan goes to shit, you get drenched and run back to the van, tail between your legs and try to make up for it with beer!! I can relate 🙏🏻
Like nope loved. I got back last night from a total dud photo trip. Drinking tea and watching gave me a boost. Misery does indeed love its company. Thank you for making this.
A great hike with nice video along the way. Thanks for sharing this as it is real life and that’s good to see. Landscape photography in nature comes with all of natures glory including wind, clouds and rain. I loved the hike, it looked amazing.
I once camped by the tarn with my and a friends family with a total of three kids under the age of ten. Early morning just started breakfast and the weather moved in at rate I’ve never seen before. We were then treated to a dramatic thunderstorm that was right on us. I have to admit it was very unpleasant. Thankfully no harm came to us but when the weather eased slightly we descended in record time. Thanks fo the memory!
Well done mate, thanks for posting without a shot and showing the realities of landscape photography. How nice is it, sat in the van with the rain. Sounds perfect
I enjoy watching Tom wandering round in the rain so much more than listening to a self-obsessed windbag waffling on from their sofa!! Nothing like Nature to get to the essence of things!
Nothing at all to dislike , just great example to everyone thinking it’s a easy thing to do landscapes this is what ( keeping it real means ) and expect sometimes this happens, if it happens to Tom it could happen to me or you, move on to the next day as so on, still enjoyed every single minute of this blog
Definitely a wise move to "call it". Speaking as a climber I think it is vitally important for all hill users to recognise when it is prudent to retreat. This can be a difficult decision to make and not least because so many of us have travelled large distances and often find ourselves determined to persist even when the weather is clearly against us. Having been a member of the Isle Of Skye Mountain Rescue Team, I can certainly say that the majority of call outs are to attend incidents where people have found themselves overcome by the weather. This isn't to say that we should all be fair weather hill users... more that we should recognise our abilities and experience when proceeding where the weather is clearly against us.
Your bad day looks alot better than average days for most people. I have never ever ever regretted getting out for a hike. Even when it was bad weather. First half of the hike looked lovely. Would trade that for any day sitting in in the office.
I’d take half a good day over no day anyday. Great vlog and yea it happens a lot, you can’t beat Mother Nature but when she comes out to play it’s spectacular.
You can't win em all, well done for trying, I watch your channel because you're so honest, whether it's good or bad, plus I like watching you're adventures
I'm sorry. But I had a smile on my face the whole video. I absolutley love this video. The harsh reality of a dedicated landscape photographer. Thank you for sharing :D
Hi Thomas, Admire your tenacity. You made the summit and put in a great effort. Your images, when shared, are always appreciated. This was a great video and it in itself was worth the watch. Thanks.
I appreciate this video even if it doesn't have an image because it is such a relatable experience. more often than we'd like, landscape photography is just downright disappointing and utterly rainy, wet and miserable. But you do it anyway because sometimes, just sometimes, you get that epic rainbow or lightening shot that makes it all worth it. Cheers!
C'mon Thomas, most of us that watch your vlogs are keen landscape photographers & very well know that weather is always an issue. I just love the rain and mist, and we can all do without that horrible wind, but I (we) all admire your sense of adventure, and quite often it's that adventure that is more important than the shots you get. It's just that we can relate to you, and I think that you are probably more adventurous than most of us, so we kind of admire you. Thanks for your great vlogs!
I like these "Day in the life" videos. Yes it's all about images but sometimes just following you on a daily adventure is interesting. It shows me that not every trip out is a success!
That little stone foot bridge at the start of the hike was amazing. We don't get stuff like that in Australia. I would have been take shots of that all day!
I liked the video because this story is so relatable. Who hasn't been in a situation like this? Sure, it's disappointing when we fail to make the shot in our head materialize, but being out in the midst of nature doing her thing is a hell of a consolation prize. I have to add, the shot of you approaching the van (from the inside) in the rain, after a miserable hike down, was almost my favorite. I know that feeling where you could easily just say, "F--k it! Not today"...but you didn't and got the shot anyway. Cheers and wishing you ideal conditions for the next one; whatever "ideal" should mean given your mission.
The truth about being a landscape photographer for sure. Days like that give context in which to enjoy the good days. In my humble opinion. “A” for effort.
Fantastic video Thomas. Put it tis way, you got the watch strap changed, had a beer, a nice wee toastie and a right good soaking. I'm sure you've had worse days. Well done. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work. :)
The joys of returning to a campervan when it's blowing a hoolie and coming down in stair rods, love being tucked up in my camper when it's like that 👍 great video and shows the reality of what challenges photographers can face 😊
Loved the video! We always go out hoping to capture an epic scene except Mother Nature decides to play along. Mother Nature may decide to party and you capture outstanding images. Many times she's just moody and you need to play along enjoying your moments outdoors. I'm still amazed you found the missing watch band screw in the grass.
Somedays you go for a hike, some days you take photo's. Either way you on your feet and out and about, still a good place to be. That toasty you had for supper was a pro tip by the way, they are also very good when made on a panini roll, and then toasted. I dig how your van has come out by the way, very pleased at how it's working for you. And it's really neat, I like. Kind regards, South Africa
I feel ya, feels discouraging to drive for hours and strike out. But then I remember that some of my best images have been from impromptu excursions that I almost talked myself out of. We're better off when we put ourselves out there more often, and force ourselves to shoot when we hesitate to get set up.
Great video. Love the honest experience sharing. I was feeling for every sequence in the rain that you made thinking you did that several times to set up the camera, approach and leave the camera and then retrieve it. Your work was appreciated, I watch for the photography, but images isn't the only thing that makes up this trade. Glad you share that with us.
Top Man! After all these years you are still my most favourite vlogger! Also ordered your book and that special water bottle from you. Have a Great Day
You know what they say you can’t win all the things all the time, still a throughly enjoyable video, I was hoping for a cloud inversion , I can’t remember where you were when you had that one, I’ll go watch that again. The great thing about your videos is that it’s the whole package, the journey trials and tribulations and great images at the end. But don’t worry I’ll be tuning in next week to catch your latest adventure.
Another real world video Thomas 👍🏻 even the hike looks daunting to a lounge room landscape photographer 😊🍷 but you still take the effort to carry us along with walk though shot, that effort on side of a mountain is commendable 👍🏻❤️ you clearly show the glory and disappointment that is the beast call landscape photography. Excellent work. Thanks from down under 👍🏻❤️🍷🇦🇺. Whoops, got to go... James Popsys just bell’s me 🐑🐑🚲
A good walk in a great location then camping in the Delica with a very nice looking toastie....brilliant video, they don’t always have to have great photos to be good👍
I just got back from lake district! Went for the long weekend with my wife. We hiked up the Great Gable too :)!! The weather was grim as well but the next two days were very nice! When hiking I was actually thinking about your channel and landscape photography in general, how everything is dependant on conditions, and those were changing rapidly. Working in those conditions is not easy and I totally get it when you have no image at the end. I enjoy your journeys and images are just a cherry on top ;) All the best!
Peroni!.... Nice! Let's not fool anybody. The adventure is what most of us "landscape photographers" enjoy anyway. Loved the video and am still jealous!
Sometimes the adventure and the journey are more important than the final result. I loved the fact that you shared your route as well - now on my bucket list for my next visit to the area in September :) Stay dry Thomas!
Well, Thomas, you are a very genuine fellow, and very likable, so I yes, I did enjoy the vlog anyway. Enjoyed following along and getting skunked right there along with you. Cheers!
Well I enjoyed it! First, I can relate very well to getting weathered out. Second, I love being in a warm spot with the sound of heavy rain outside. If you really want guaranteed images, you have to move to Arizona or New Mexico. The rest of us have to be flexible and philosophical. 😎
