Thomas Heaton

Going back to comments that were made in this thread some time ago about taking "risks" when out on a shoot, I think Tom's latest video, "Photography In The Snow - Campervan Fail" highlights these. I can only think it was some kind of a minor miracle that the 4x4 sliding down the road completely missed the camper van, even the Police car had a very near miss.
 
FiestaRed said:
Going back to comments that were made in this thread some time ago about taking "risks" when out on a shoot, I think Tom's latest video, "Photography In The Snow - Campervan Fail" highlights these. I can only think it was some kind of a minor miracle that the 4x4 sliding down the road completely missed the camper van, even the Police car had a very near miss.
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Yeah his admission that he should have put winter tyres on was spot on. How that 4x4 didn't touch his van is a miracle. The policecar though, utter t*t.
 
If he didn't have his van and probably a decent stock of food and drink on board I don't reckon he would have headed out there in the first place to be honest. It was perhaps a risk to the van, but I don't think he was ever really in danger himself or did anything that daft. He seems pretty sensible to me.
 
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Just discovered his work thanks to this thread and watched the series in Africa, he really is inspirational. What I like is the way his narration really emphasises the fact that it really is about taking time, knowing the subjects and understanding what is happening around you. A new favourite in my YouTube list
 
Haha, yep, four wheel drive doesn't mean four wheel stop. It's amazed me once again in this weather up here in the Peak the speed of the FWDs in the snow and ice.
 
Tom Green said:
Anyone bought his book?
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Got it free through Kindle Unlimited and it wasn’t that good. The stories were interesting but the flow of the book was poor as well as the rest of the content and not worth the cash IMO. If you can get it free through Kindle unlimited free trial or something then go for it but it’s so short I read it in a couple hours. He should stick to his videos.
 
Tom Green said:
Anyone bought his book?
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I've given it a read, if you can get it for free through Kindle its worth it, but as mentioned its very short. A few good anecdotes, some inspiring but its nothing you don't really get from his videos.
 
I've only just discovered his youtube channel and watched, I'd say, about 6-7 of his videos. He is a breath of fresh air compared to photography channels that I have been watching and subscribe to already such as Northrup, TobyRec etc. whilst I enjoy their channels they are different... Heaton's is totally different in that it's the first I've discovered where he takes you with him on trips and it's not all about gear.

I don't know about anyone else but I've thought to myself - I could probably do this! But then as you watch more and more videos of his you realise that there's probably not any point as he already has and he's done it really very well indeed. I'm sure there are loads of other togs who have been inspired by him and are doing the same thing now as well. It must take some skill to present the videos in such a nice way as well - and time - he must have to set his tripod up with vlogging camera, press record, then walk back, walk into the scene - past the camera, then walk back to the camera, fold it up and repeat - although I guess you only see him do this a few times it all seems time consuming, but I guess this is why his youtube channel is so successful and it ultimately earns him an income?

It's the kind of thing where you think anyone could do it but then I suppose he has the guile to actually make a go of it, and I guess a lot of other people aren't as good infront of a camera and I suppose it is that that makes him stand out. He's got a talent for talking to an audience which not every photographer has.

But he is very good at it - very easy to watch, he presents it in a down to earth way and he does make it feel like you're a friend who is there with him enjoying the same experience.

Just out of curiousity though - how does one get paid for being a landscape vlogger on youtube? From the videos I have watched I realise that he runs workshops now and then but it seems most of his time is spent getting up early, walking up a mountain, taking a shot and videoing it for our entertainment - how does his main income roll in from all of this? Apart from selling calendars too...
 
smr said:
Just out of curiousity though - how does one get paid for being a landscape vlogger on youtube? From the videos I have watched I realise that he runs workshops now and then but it seems most of his time is spent getting up early, walking up a mountain, taking a shot and videoing it for our entertainment - how does his main income roll in from all of this? Apart from selling calendars too...
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Funnily enough he has a video covering that aspect too! He does get some income from YouTube but it’s not bough per month to live off (seem to remember it’s in the region of £600 or $600 a month).
 
smr said:
Just out of curiousity though - how does one get paid for being a landscape vlogger on youtube? From the videos I have watched I realise that he runs workshops now and then but it seems most of his time is spent getting up early, walking up a mountain, taking a shot and videoing it for our entertainment - how does his main income roll in from all of this? Apart from selling calendars too...
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Income from YT based on number of views, advertising, sponsorship etc. As you are saying he has workshops, calendars and print sales. Some of his trips are commission based as well. I'd say his YT earnings are a fair bit higher than the £600 mentioned above but it is always hard to guesstimate what someone else makes.
 
smr said:
Just out of curiousity though - how does one get paid for being a landscape vlogger on youtube? From the videos I have watched I realise that he runs workshops now and then but it seems most of his time is spent getting up early, walking up a mountain, taking a shot and videoing it for our entertainment - how does his main income roll in from all of this? Apart from selling calendars too...
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He collaborates with Brendan van Son, a Canadian travel/landscape vlogger who often talks through his various income streams in detail
 
momoka said:
Income from YT based on number of views, advertising, sponsorship etc. As you are saying he has workshops, calendars and print sales. Some of his trips are commission based as well. I'd say his YT earnings are a fair bit higher than the £600 mentioned above but it is always hard to guesstimate what someone else makes.
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He’s quite open about how and where he makes his money (around 6 minutes in to this video):

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9XqSvgS8G0E


The figure I mentioned earlier he said in one of the videos a while back (I can’t find the exact video now so can’t find the exact value he said but I was surprised it was so low). It was only income youtube paid him directly for content and didn’t include any other income from YouTube video sponsorship deals, product mentions, branded videos etc that he has to include to use to create additional income.
 
rob-nikon said:
He’s quite open about how and where he makes his money (around 6 minutes in to this video):

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9XqSvgS8G0E


The figure I mentioned earlier he said in one of the videos a while back (I can’t find the exact video now so can’t find the exact value he said but I was surprised it was so low). It was only income youtube paid him directly for content and didn’t include any other income from YouTube video sponsorship deals, product mentions, branded videos etc that he has to include to use to create additional income.
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Yes and since he has posted about that, more than 6 months ago, his subscriber base has probably grown by over 60% and his channel views have doubled from 8.5 million to 17 million.
 
Interesting video that one is, he's very likeable isn't he? And I think that sort of goes against what he is saying at the end of the video where he says that anyone can do it. I think part of the reason that he's so successful is because of how likeable he is. The way he talks is very clear and he enunciates very well too, his voice isn't grating and it is also not tiring to listen to him talk. He's also not a bad looking chap, and I think that when you combine all of that with hard work, talented photographing and filming, you get what he is. Not that there's any particular significance to it but I also like the way he is the same age as me and has written about how he sees himself as a bit of an introvert and that's one of the reasons why he loves landscape photography (being on your own, with a passion for nature and photography). I relate to all of that.

Definitely my favourite youtube channel by far.
 
smr said:
Interesting video that one is, he's very likeable isn't he? And I think that sort of goes against what he is saying at the end of the video where he says that anyone can do it. I think part of the reason that he's so successful is because of how likeable he is. The way he talks is very clear and he enunciates very well too, his voice isn't grating and it is also not tiring to listen to him talk. He's also not a bad looking chap, and I think that when you combine all of that with hard work, talented photographing and filming, you get what he is. Not that there's any particular significance to it but I also like the way he is the same age as me and has written about how he sees himself as a bit of an introvert and that's one of the reasons why he loves landscape photography (being on your own, with a passion for nature and photography). I relate to all of that.

Definitely my favourite youtube channel by far.
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I agree, it is a good mix of all of the points that you make that make it a good channel and successful I think. Add to that the different way channels can be promoted now also. There are people in the business longer than him that do not appear to do as well as he is doing when you look at the numbers etc.
 
smr said:
Interesting video that one is, he's very likeable isn't he? And I think that sort of goes against what he is saying at the end of the video where he says that anyone can do it. I think part of the reason that he's so successful is because of how likeable he is. The way he talks is very clear and he enunciates very well too, his voice isn't grating and it is also not tiring to listen to him talk.
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I'd agree. He also has a sense of humour that comes across well.

There are a number of youtubers producing stuff that I think is better that material put together for traditional TV channels.

There is a risk though that new material appears formulaic as we get used to it and different presenters converge on similar styles (more about what works than copying) and its clear that there are locations becoming cliched.
 
Thomas seems to have gone back to his beginnings and now avoiding the over commercialisation that crept in to some of his videos. I enjoy watching him again.

The question I have is the use of drones in vlogs, most landscapers are using these in their videos but if there’s payment from YouTube or an element of promoting paid workshops or business, or selling prints from aerial images, the photographer should technically have a Permission for Commercial Operations from the CAA. I wonder how many have this as I’ve never seen it mentioned on their websites
 
rob-nikon said:
He’s quite open about how and where he makes his money (around 6 minutes in to this video):

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9XqSvgS8G0E


The figure I mentioned earlier he said in one of the videos a while back (I can’t find the exact video now so can’t find the exact value he said but I was surprised it was so low). It was only income youtube paid him directly for content and didn’t include any other income from YouTube video sponsorship deals, product mentions, branded videos etc that he has to include to use to create additional income.
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Absolute top guy he is. One of the only youtubers I watch and is very good at what he does.
 
Scirocco_09 said:
Thomas seems to have gone back to his beginnings and now avoiding the over commercialisation that crept in to some of his videos. I enjoy watching him again.

The question I have is the use of drones in vlogs, most landscapers are using these in their videos but if there’s payment from YouTube or an element of promoting paid workshops or business, or selling prints from aerial images, the photographer should technically have a Permission for Commercial Operations from the CAA. I wonder how many have this as I’ve never seen it mentioned on their websites
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Who cares? That's just a money making racket anyway.

Fly for yourself = No problem
Fly commercially - Pay us... Why?

I can understand those making money by flying drones near people whilst filming events, flying over buildings, in city centres etc, but a vlogger in the middle of nowhere?
 
As I have recently got a new TV that is very easy to watch Youtube on :D I've been watching more than I had before, and for Photography he is the best I have seen up to now. As mentioned, he has a natural down to earth style which I like. He hasn't got the always chirpy, overly positive attitude that a lot of Americans have. :rolleyes: He seems to have a slight chip on his shoulder occasionally about earning money and goes out of his way to say what he is getting incentives, be that free gear or money, to use. I don't see many others being so clear about things. If someone is willing to pay or give you stuff then good luck to you. He seems pretty happy with the gear he uses though, so suddenly totally changing systems doesn't seem likely. And as his channel is no so much about gear so any changing would be incidental and gradual.

I hope as he gets more popular the style doesn't change too much, and that any success allows him to go, and show, more interesting places, as I enjoyed the vids from his trip to Patagonia recently. That was also interesting as he was with two other Youtubers, Brendan van Son and Greg Snell, and seeing how they covered the same trip was interesting. It looked like an good trip for those who went on it, but it is something out of my price range unfortunately. :( But it was good to get a small taste of the trip from the vloggers involved.

I wish him success and will continue watching as long as he keeps up the quality. :)
 
I have recently found the need to start making photographs again after a couple of years off and came across Thomas Heaton's channel. Have been enjoying it very much and found it inspirational. Also in a very similar vein is another one I like - Nigel Danson.
 
I'm now also following Greg Snell on YouTube. He shot the B roll for TH's Patagonia workshop and has just posted some great stuff from Berchtesgaden.

GC
 
ecoleman said:
Who cares? That's just a money making racket anyway.

Fly for yourself = No problem
Fly commercially - Pay us... Why?

I can understand those making money by flying drones near people whilst filming events, flying over buildings, in city centres etc, but a vlogger in the middle of nowhere?
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Personally I don’t think the rules have been well thought out and it’s expensive but that’s the way it is. I had to go through it at work when my boss bought a drone on a whim, after being spoken to by a copper found we couldn’t use it legally without the PfCO. There is the potential of low flying aircraft in the middle of nowhere. I nearly took a drone over Great Langdale last year and was amazed to see a private plane flying low around the valley, a drone could easily have been in the way
 
ecoleman said:
Fly for yourself = No problem
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Maybe this is the problem!
I did a bit of drone surveying 4-5 years ago and knowing there is very little regulation is bonkers, we're just waiting a few bad accident or a few very bad missused and they'll all get baned soon or later without a proper licence and contact with air control pre flight.
 
Scirocco_09 said:
Thomas seems to have gone back to his beginnings and now avoiding the over commercialisation that crept in to some of his videos. I enjoy watching him again.

The question I have is the use of drones in vlogs, most landscapers are using these in their videos but if there’s payment from YouTube or an element of promoting paid workshops or business, or selling prints from aerial images, the photographer should technically have a Permission for Commercial Operations from the CAA. I wonder how many have this as I’ve never seen it mentioned on their websites
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You do not need always need permission for because you post drone videos on YouTube and are monetised. Or either for self-promotion, especially if the drone is not actually a service you are providing to clients. It is a common misconception.
 
Scirocco_09 said:
Personally I don’t think the rules have been well thought out and it’s expensive but that’s the way it is. I had to go through it at work when my boss bought a drone on a whim, after being spoken to by a copper found we couldn’t use it legally without the PfCO. There is the potential of low flying aircraft in the middle of nowhere. I nearly took a drone over Great Langdale last year and was amazed to see a private plane flying low around the valley, a drone could easily have been in the way
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Sure, there could be a low flying aircraft and that’s why the rules say you need to keep your drone within sight and be aware of your surroundings. A bit like crossing the road. There could be a bus coming. Luckily crossing the road isn’t regulated.

As you can legally fly a drone up to 400ft we could also ask, who was actually in the way of who?
What is the pilots responsibility?
 
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There are a large number of UK based landscape photography vloggers now. In fact there's a Facebook group for them that Mr Heaton linked to in a video a couple of months ago. Some of them are better than others and by watching a few you can see that it's not just the quality of their video or images that makes a good vlog but a combination of skills and personality.

In Thomas Heaton's case it probably helps that he used to be a freelance cameraman (for TV) so knows how to film properly. (Filming in the right way helps the story telling and editing).
 
ecoleman said:
Sure, there could be a low flying aircraft and that’s why the rules say you need to keep your drone within sight and be aware of your surroundings. A bit like crossing the road. There could be a bus coming. Luckily crossing the road isn’t regulated.

As you can legally fly a drone up to 400ft we could also ask, who was actually in the way of who?
What is the pilots responsibility?
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In simple terms, a pilot of an aircraft must remain 500 feet above the nearest person or building. over built up areas, they must be high enough to be able to glide clear of buildings in the event of an emergency.

So, pilots generally stick to 500 feet, but they can go lower if they can determine there is nothing below them. the 400' rule for drones is to basically afford 100' separation between drones and light aircraft. Both pilot of aircraft and drone have equal responsibility to operate in a safe manner.

As i said, this is a simplification of the rules.

As for right of way, it generally works in the way that the more agile craft has to give way to the other, i.e. a hot air balloon has right of way over a glider. a glider has right of way over a powered craft. the logic being that it is easier for the powered craft to avoid the others.
 
ecoleman said:
As you can legally fly a drone up to 400ft we could also ask, who was actually in the way of who?
What is the pilots responsibility?
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You are supposed to keep 500ft clear of (not 500ft above) buildings and people, and more over built-up areas. The military have their own rules though, and their own radio frequencies.
 
Patrick Dixon said:
You are supposed to keep 500ft clear of (not 500ft above) buildings and people, and more over built-up areas. The military have their own rules though, and their own radio frequencies.
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I Never mentioned keeping clear of people or buildings. I only referred to height and that is 400ft
 
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