These Photographers Don't Get it 

Lovely shot at 14:10 - worth the strong will and patience. The arch thing reminds me a bit of what the Mona Lisa is like. So busy that no-one gets anything out of it other than to say they saw it, except the didn't really, and you can be sure no-one "took it in"

I actually think that the photograph that you showed with all of the people set up in front of the arch made for a much more interesting photograph than the arch itself, especially given the weather. Sometimes as photographers it is easy to have tunnel vision, especially since we are used to looking through a lens, but what a comical scene with all of those people set up in front of such a tiny arch- made me smile.

+I remember going to those locations and being the only person around. 1980's.

It's amazing how many iconic places there are that are somewhat less impressive when you see them in person. 🙂

My friend and I like to call these iconic locations “Trophy Shots”. It’s obvious these locations are fairly easy to get to. Mesa Arch is literally about 0.2miles from the parking lot! I don’t think there’s anything wrong about getting a Trophy Shot and fight the crowds of photographers and tourists to get it. My visit to Mesa Arch, I knew it would be a hornets nest, so I decided to arrive at 3:00AM. I was all alone until about 5:45AM, and had some time to pick out my tripod spot and do some astrophotography. It’s sad to say this, but like you said, it’s almost a given to have to BE on location 3-4 hours before the light in order to secure a spot to shoot. I just got back from Zion at the Watchman Bridge last weekend...same thing, got there around 3:00pm for a SUNSET shot. 30 or more photographers lined up on the bridge 45 minutes before sunset. One of the photographers started yelling at a couple who decided to hike down into the composition down by the river. She told them to move because they were in “everyone’s shot”. I was completely blown away, because the National Park is meant to be enjoyed and shared by everyone. Photographers have no right to tell people to get out of their shot in a public place like that. In my mind, it’s why so many people hate photographers. I personally don’t think it’s wrong to get a trophy shot of an iconic place, but photographers need to really check their pride at the gate and stop acting like we own these wonderful landscapes.

Well said mate. To all the people out there wanting to get into landscape photography, this video almost says it all. I've watched almost all of Thomas' videos and this is one of the most important to watch. Landscape photography is about exploration, patience and paying attention to the weather and how light can paint the landscape. Get up early, enjoy the moment and look for something unique that can tell a story. Admittedly, the crowd shot in front of the arch is a very relevant story all of it's own! Keep up the good Thomas; videos like these highlighting real world scenarios are the most valuable.

I like the message in this video. I love looking at popular beautiful landscape photos but I feel like if I were to go and take something similar its just the same as everyone else. A shot for myself is nice but i want to explore and find places that are unique without hundreds of people. For me I enjoy the moment in nature, the quiet and the stillness of wherever I am, getting the photo is a bonus. (I'm not a professional btw just learning and enjoying)

Workshops and photo tours to iconic places are killing the places themselves. For goodness sake people go and find your own places to photograph, its a big beautiful world out there.

I'd take that Green River Canyon shot with the light kissing the tip of those beautiful peaks over the commercialized "Arch" shot ANY day!! Just an AWESOME shot!!

I’ve shot Mesa Arch several times & the crowds are insane. The thing I noticed is that most start taking pictures once the sun comes up, and then they pack up and leave. But the glow doesn’t happen until about 30-40 minutes after sunrise. By then, only a handful of people have stuck around and you can get your shot. So...I would say DON’T go super early. Get there at sunrise and wait for people to leave. Also, go when it rains. It’s a ghost town in the rain, and there are other compositions without the glow.

I get your point completely, however don’t forget just as those people weren’t reading the situation you perhaps are forgetting that a lot of people’s photography has to fit in with a holiday and they may not have the time to wait around hours for the perfect shot. There will always be a perfect moment for that idyllic shot but for the vast majority of tourists time is often limited.

I have a couple comments.....first, if you want to shoot the iconic arch go in December during or just after a cold front. Nothing weeds out a crowd like sub- freezing temperatures and icy roads. Secondly, I’ve noticed once the sun rises most other photographers take their shot(s)- then they leave. About 20- 30 minutes after sunrise, and after 90% of the crowds have left, there is a “second” chance to capture the a bottom of the arch “lighting up.” I have seen this phenomenon happen more than several times. I position my tripod so that the sun is just “touching” the top of the arch’s bottom side. The canyon wall will light up the arch again! I use f16 to get that starburst effect and viola! Iconic arch shot without all the grief.

You are one of the few RU-vid photographers that I’ve seen that actually has some nice images and useful advice. I appreciate all your posts as I seem to learn something each time. You are great at finding images that others would otherwise pass up. It makes me look for something other than the obvious. Truly an artistic eye.

I really cannot relate with these groups piling up in front of an object that has been photographed by like every photographer in the world already. Landscape photography for me is not so much about the picture, it's more about having a good time outdoors with my dog and the camera. If I had seen the 4 tripods, I would have turned around and photographed something else.

Fighting the public to get a shot that exist a million times on social media... I will never. Beauty unseen "Through My Lens" OMG that canyon shot... SO GOOD!

Having been lucky enough to be part of the group on your Green River Overlook excursion, I can attest to your exhorting us to “hold our nerve” and not run off with our tripods to shoot that incredible sky! (I actually am in the sky photo you included, but I had taken your advice and was also shooting it with my phone.) The photo I got during the three minutes that the canyon was lit up is my favorite from the trip! Thanks!

A respectful commentary on the situation Thomas. And I agree that the joy is exploring and finding an amazing composition. Fantastic stories today!

If you want to shoot Mesa Arch and avoid crowds, I highly recommend visiting in the winter, during the week, on the coldest day possible. I went on a day when it was 4 degrees F(-15 C) and it was just my friend and I there until after sunrise. Plus during the winter sunrise is much later than during the summer. I think we got there at like 7:00am, and even that may have been too early. The sun will be at an angle that some may consider not quite optimal if you are going after the goal of replicating the shot that has been done millions of times, but its still beautiful and still gets a wonderful underglow on the arch while framing the La Sal mountains. Even the busiest and most popular locations can be peaceful if you are willing to put up with off season/sub-optimal temperatures. And you have the ability to play with a variety of compositions as you'll likely have the run of the place.

8:31 I adore this shot! Desert photography is always my favorite, especially with moody skies.

I love your attitude towards waiting for just the right shot and recognizing when it isn’t going to happen. Sometimes you just have to look for something creative!

Tom, I watch all your video's but rarely comment but your story about the crowd in front of that arch has struck a chord. I love the tranquility of landscape photography on my own, and I will often take the shot and just stop and take in the beauty. So to see those people crowding around like that was awful. Keep up the good work mate.

That story reminds me the Mona Lisa room in Louvre. The moment I saw the crowd I just walked by and went to another room. The atmosphere there was just like sharks feed frenzy.

So true. I remember going to the Taj Mahal. We got there first thing and discovered at least 5 bus loads of tourists all shooting the same thing. People everywhere. My tip for that is to forget about going into the grounds and shoot from the other side of the river, very early. You'll get mist, light, reflection, form and if you're as lucky as my mate was you'll also find a local with a camel happy to act as foreground interest.

Thank you for saying this. As a hobbyist who is going through the learning process, there is so much value in finding your our image, and with that it helps you find your own beauty/style/aesthetic. You can really grow as a photographer versus when you just try to get that one specific photo.

I can’t stop looking at the frame behind your head 😜

Oh you beauty Thom. Thanks for the plug ;) Totally love that green river overlook shot

Next video can’t come quick enough, Thom. I love your travels abroad, but love your stuff from the UK the most! 1000% inspirational and always reminds me of early Thom Heaton days.

I very much enjoy listening to your stories Thomas, by far my favorited channel/photographer on youtube. Thumb's up!

When I was at the Arch 20 years ago there wasnt anyone around for hours in the morning - deserted !

Loved the stories Thomas, there is a tree at the edge of a lake Wanaka in New Zealand that has the same affect on people, in fact it is worse, as there have been so many people doing the wrong thing in that environment it is putting the survival of the “Wanaka Tree” at risk of dying. NZ has so much to offer photographers if the just look around.

Dear Thomas, this is one of the problem that social media has create. Everyone want to do only that picture of that place, if you don't do it you don't was there. This is the main stream. I'm agree with you. Look, explore, walk, climb, doing whatever you want to change your perspective.

I love the photo of the crowd around the arch. It is a great wildlife photo.

It takes guts and determination to do your own thing and makes photos that really mean something. The pack mentality seems to be predominant in humans, people will follow other people. Real joy is the challenge of finding new compositions, it’s what makes your photographs stand out, but people don’t want to hear that. Part of the art form of being the photographer is learning about the craft including knowing when to walk away. Those situations are mad.

I forgot who said it but, photograph the places where people aren't looking. There's always a better angle, dont do typical, do unique

I gotta tell you. You, sir, are my most favourite storyteller. The way you express the situation feels like I was there too.

Enjoyed the Vlog Thomas! Certainly understand the anxiousness when directing folks to ignore the beautiful light! As always, your so well spoken and eloquent!

Hey Thomas, I commented on our experience on Mesa Arch on your last video. We were lucky to be there when the arch glowed and both of us got shots we liked, but by faaaaar, we loved meeting all of the other photographers. We were laughing and sharing stories and it seemed like the photo became so unimportant to us all. There is a lot more to landscape photography than getting the shot.

"Hold your nerve, hold your nerve!" Best comment EVER!

I love the way you describe those perfect visual moments for capturing your shots. Inspiring!

Thanks for sharing your stories. What a crazy experience at the arch! I loved that you emphasize searching for an alternative composition and a patient wait for the light. So hard to train ourselves for that, but there is no better way.

I love the way how you present yourself on video you are very honest person and very kind and considerate person and you will not lie about anything very truthful photographer and that I think I admire the most

It’s hard to not want that “iconic” photo when visiting a new place, but so often it just feels...not genuine. The new studio is looking great, by the way!

I have been to Mesa Arch 6 - 7 times and even got my favorite shot ever there. The situation was as you described, moody skies with a tiny break at the horizon, so we got an amazing sky plus direct sunlight for a few minutes only. And there were only two other and very nice people, and one was not even shooting. One other time a tour bus stopped for sunrise, and > 30 people were everywhere and leaning on my wife‘s shoulder to take exactly the shot I was taking. People can either make or ruin the experience. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly at Mesa Arch.

I was one of the photographers on that excursion to Green River Overlook. I got my best shot of the week that morning thanks to you.

Loved the canyon shot Thomas and good lesson there about thinking ahead and considering what potential outcomes might be achieved. With all that crowding wouldnt take much for a camera or a lens to take a tumble so no thanks, I would rather go look elsewhere.

Sometimes I miss the days of film when I first started photography in the eighties. You rarely saw another photographer. Film made it too much hard work for all but the most dedicated. Now photographers have gained a bad reputation, trample over beautiful locations, fighting each other for the 'best spots' not for the art but for the glory of praise once they've processed the hell out of their images and upload them onto social media.

10,300,000 pictures on line of the Mesa Arch, if you can't get there you can get one on line. Good article Thomas.

A good honest chat about your experience, great video Thomas. I also walked straight by when I was there and took Green river overlook. So many of these iconic spots in the USA are packed full, I had the same disappointing experience in Antelope Canyon, an amazing place but too busy, there were more tripods battling than in a scene from war of the worlds!

Like an old youtube comment once said: "When going to the Louvre, get to the Mona Lisa and turn 180"

Everyone was giving me shit for taking the sunrise and astrophotography of Mesa Arch. I KNOW everyone has photographed it. But, I wanted to see my take on it. I got to know some of the sheep, they were pretty cool mind you. Nice people, fun to talk to. I love both of the pictures I got. Yeah, you can Google a thousand pictures of that iconic shot. But, now I can say, this one is mine, and I'm proud of it.

Great shot Thomas! I photographed Mesa Arch this Summer and it was amazing! There were a lot of people that showed up eventually, but everyone seemed really respectful and helped to get others in. People travel from all over the world to photograph and witness that location so it doesn't surprise me that so many stayed amid the chaos in bad light. It's definitely a shot to check off the bucket list.

Great vlog, Thomas, good to hear more of your exploits in the USA, you touched on the arch shot at your talk at Gary Gough's studio, which I loved! And that shot at Green River Canyon is simply gorgeous and a great lesson in nerve holding!

Hey Thomas. I used to do photography by going to pretty places and looking for the best compositions I could find. I got some decent shots, but my photography really made it to the next level when I started planning for one specific shot. I now research the location, weather, sun/moon patterns, etc. and be set up and ready for the shot well in advance and focus on only the one shot without being s=distracted by finding other compositions. I'm not against finding other compositions, but I've found that getting that one perfect (or near perfect) shot is worth a thousand "pretty good" shots. What are your thoughts on this? Do you plan with one shot in mind, or for the most part go to a location and look for compositions. Not saying one is wrong, I've just had really good results when I hyper focus on getting one specific shot (and I don't mean necessarily the "iconic shot", just one predetermined shot). Thanks!

I laughed so much at this. Been there, done that, - this May, and it was an awful experience for me too. I wasn't lucky to come away with much but what a place! I had a more intense experience with crowds at Mobias Arch in the Alabama Hills, ca. I was with a friend intending to shoot the arch with the milky way at it's background. OMG got there and there were two meetups (probably about 10 people). Everyone started out being polite, lining up etc. but I was the only person with a crop sensor so I had to hang back and couldn't get a shot with people lined up in front of me. I gave up for a while and light painted for people, then decided after an hour to try again. Because we all had to shoot at the same time, and I was setting up the woman next to me got irate because I was taking some time, "why are you taking so long" she snapped at me (despite me lighting for her too!) Then she had the gaul to make people wait for her because she was using noise reduction setting, which of course, takes twice as long. Funny! Anyway, anyone who is out in these amazing places, do not give up, because in this instance, it was 80 degrees at 2.00 am in the morning (september), and my friend and I lay on some warm rocks (absorbed by 118 degrees in the daytime and watch the amazing night sky. Often other photographers leave after the main event, but there are many other things to shoot. If I come away with a great shot wonderful, but it is the experience of these places that is magical. We decided to stay out all night and get some morning shots, not great ones, but we didn't care.

Amazing - was there last summer and had the EXACT same experience where Mesa Arch was jam packed but that amazing canyon overlook was literally empty. The sunrise at Mesa was skunked from clouds but just like your experience the green river overlook had all that beautiful light and I was literally the only person there to see it.

I just started appreciating not being more mobile and having a "crappy location" to shoot at. The past two months I've been thinking: "Hell, if only I could drive across the border, in any direction, and get some gorgeous mountain shots. That'd be AWESOME! And think of the sights! OH THE SIGHTS!" ... Now that I know how a tourist scene/attraction will look like, I'll be looking for more "off-site" shots as well :D i.e I visit a local, very small, cemetery around twice a month to get some photos - It's one of the places I've felt like "Now I've seen it all" only to discover a new angle or approach to a shot I hadn't thought about before. Really great video Thomas!

There's an echo in that room.

To me those iconic shots are a lot of fun. I've been to mesa arch, the sun comes out, it was like if Justin Bieber appeared in front of young girls. Most of the guys were friendly and excited, sharing settings, etc... The feeling when you see that iconic shot on the back of your camera is really exciting. You have to like the process of replicate something, of course there's no real creative juice there, but it's quite technical, lot of dynamic range, etc... I do cover songs with the exact same goal, copying something I like, and kind of having a better understanding of how it was made in the first place... I was there a few months ago, arrived less than an hour before sunrise and only 2 guys were already there. Of course I took many other pictures than this iconic shot.

That sky offers a good reason to have a second camera for the random alternative opportunities. Nice chat and practical approach to the overpopulated iconic shot. Rock on!

great point. i think some people wait for a long time to get to these iconic locations, and only have that time to get the shot, but your point is well received. its a big beautiful national park, with lots of interest. there's nothing like walking around and seeing what beauty lies hidden, that not as many people set to see, or take the time to see.

Photography is enjoying the moment rather than be in stress.. Always something to know more from your videos.. Thanks for sharing

It is in Canyonlands not in Arches nevertheless close enough

This is CRAZY, I was there in 1987 and took a photo of that Arch, I literally had the park to myself. Wow how times have changed!

Thomas Heaton, Green River Overlook was for me, the best shot and best conditions of the conference. You called it that we would have sunlight for two, maybe three minutes and by about two minutes, thirty seconds it had come and gone. The best advice you gave us was to pick out a composition and then stay put for this one. The Vista was so grand that trying at the last minute to pick out a composition would have been impossible. Thanks for the great excursion sir.

BTW: Love your 2019 Calander - Texas USA

They do get it... most photographers don't swim in money and probably only get one shot (literally) at a certain location. They'd rather get a lackluster shot that they took themselves instead of missing out completely. It's a personal memento. Also, what's wrong with getting a somewhat different cloudy shot than replicating a sunny shot that has been taken a thousand times before?

Spartans. THIS. IS. HEATON! Btw, really great video. It's so good you teach to look around and explore and not to shoot the "already seen". Keep on!

Thank you for this video. Great and profound advice! Don't get distracted by the glittery things, be patient for what you want.

Remove......that...cable...from...bottom...right.....NOW

So you went to an iconic place, knowing that there would be loads of people there, and still managed to get annoyed? Surely you of all people would know the issues at photographing spots like these in high season? You were all there for the same shot as everyone else who was there so I really don't get some of your points. Plus big groups to iconic spots is killing them fast.

Great story Thomas! Usually I get bored with videos that have more talk than action, but this one had me hooked till the end!

People are sheep. They always have been and always will be. Humans take on a mob mentality very quickly when in a group almost sharing one mind between them all. So to think that upon arriving on such a scene as you describe that people would think to forget trying to get that shot and go else where is laughable.

Those other photographers are what I call.... SHEEP. Following the herd mentality.

Hi Thomas. I only came across your channel today and have watched just two of your videos so far but I have to say, I loved them both. Lovely refreshing delivery style and very interesting content. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

I really enjoy these types of videos mate! Constantly learning !

the Green River overlook is one of my favorite places. absolutely stunning views.

Thoroughly enjoyed this video! I've been told/often read that there's nothing wrong with trying to get the iconic shot BUT then move on explore and immerse MYSELF in where I am. I'm heading to this area in September and when I'm sitting late at night with my tripod positioned for the iconic shot...,I'll smile and think of you!

Great video! I enjoyed it very much. Most I enjoyed the big crowd of photographers in front of the "small" arch.

Awesome video.. thanks for explaning the details. And a gorgeous shot

Very nice photo of the Green River Overlook Thomas, Thanks so much for coming to Utah and spending a few days... Nothing worse for me than battling a crowd it takes away from the whole landscape photo experience

Thank you for sharing your experiences - I think my reaction to the crowds would have been just the same as yours. I hate that sort of situation. And that second shot... wow, it's incredible!

Argh! not sure that I could handle all of the crowds just for an image of Mesa Arch, kudos for exploring other possibilities, loved the shot of the Green River there Tom!

Sunday is now complete. Yet another great video

Fantastic video Thomas!! And wow, what a crowd. Yep, I would walk to another location for sure. lol

Thank you for this. As a very new beginner, your videos are very helpful. I appreciate your taking time to share your experiences and observations, both good and bad.

The studio space gets better and more classy with each video - keep it up, Tom

Nice smooth instructive story about some people's behavior and photographer's patience.

I finally got my pre-ordered calendar. Thanks! I look forward to your presentations in Manassas this week. I'll be there!

The canyon picture is incredibly beautiful. I love it

Awesome video Thomas I recently uploaded a video of the lake Wanaka tree on the South Island NZ similar situation to Messa arch I got the 5 am by sunrise at 7ish there was around 25 photographers there it was crazy my fave footage from the shoot was when I stepped back to shoot the crowd not literally 😏 so I appreciated you shooting the mass media style scrum at the arch. Have to say your image at Green River canyon is spectacular and the braveheart / 300 ref gave me a chuckle. Top work mate 😎👍🏼

There are so many reasons why I don't pursue these compositions, but the main one is the lack of intimacy with the landscape. And in many of these locations are where "those photographers" can be found. They act as though they own the location. That type of personality is disruptive and I prefer not to be around it. I'd much rather camp alone at a beautiful location for days and get to know every lichen covered rock, mossy stump, to find the small patch of wildflowers hidden next to a small stream... connect with the location and create your own "icon". The experiences you shared in this are extremely valuable. Holding one's nerve while the drama unfolds is such an important point. I have a very recent "learning moment" where the root cause was just that. And for that, I missed getting even a half decent capture of the moment. Thanks for sharing.

Amazing, took it in a beautiful world. Thank! sir,

Their loss, your gain. This shows the professional that you are. Tom you are a genius.

Great encouragement and food for thought. The shot you intend to take isn’t always the one you’ll get, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a worthy shot to be had.

Great message Thomas. Have your own creative experience is much more fulfilling. It's most rewarding to explore in solitude or with a close friend. I tried a photography workshop once. I loved the comradery of the group but it stifled creativity and frankly, images were compromised because we were in a group. I enjoy doing all the logistics planning and then invite my close friends to join me on the adventure. Whether it's exploring off the grid Iceland for 2 weeks or the mountains of my backyard in Vermont, it's always great.

I always look forward to your videos they are so enjoyable and informative thank you so much

I live in Moab and laugh every time I drive by that place and the zoos at Delicate Arch; To me it’s so crowded it removes the entire purpose which for me is to simply enjoy and take in with all my senses the landscape around me. Due to the crowds and Instagram affect, both Arches and Canyonlands will go to a timed entry in the near future

Having had the good fortune to have been part of not only Thomas's Mesa Arch group, but also the Green River Overlook, I found the most valuable lesson was truly to trust your group leader's instincts rather than your own. Thomas got us all amazing images at both locations. Had we ignored his guidance, we would have been quite disappointed in both the experience as well as the images.

Awesome shot from Green River! That was the first park id ever taken a solo photography trip to in March of 2017. I vividly remember shooting a canyon and a Russian man coming up to me with a very thick accent saying "there is canyon inside of canyon inside of canyon!". Thanks for bringing back the memory!

I was just at Mesa Arch this past May co-teaching a photo workshop. Our group was the first ones there but soon other photographers piled in. Not as bad as that gaggle you showed luckily. But like you mentioned rather than taking that often shot icon I walked over to the right and shot a multi panel HDR panorama of the sun popping over the horizon. As the sun came up there was someone playing a Native styled flute melody greeting the sunrise. That made for a great experience.