The unpredictability of weather is something you’re bound to face if you spend time doing landscape photography. Sometimes it works in your favor; other times, it’s a frustrating barrier to getting the shot you envisioned.
Coming to you from Thomas Heaton, this honest video showcases the ups and downs of landscape photography in ever-changing weather. Heaton heads out despite poor weather forecasts, only to be surprised when things turn out better than expected—at first. What stands out in this video is his straightforward approach to shooting in complex environments, focusing on both the grand and intimate details of a scene. He demonstrates how a simple change, like switching to a square or 1:1 aspect ratio, can help eliminate chaos from a busy composition.
The video highlights one key lesson: always be ready to adapt. At one point, Heaton discovers a small scene with berries in the water and attempts to capture it. But the movement of the water creates blur, and he has to adjust his settings to ensure a sharp image. By increasing the ISO to 500 and using a faster shutter speed, he manages to overcome this challenge. It’s a reminder to always check your shots and be prepared to make technical adjustments on the fly, especially when dealing with unpredictable conditions like moving water or gusty winds.
As the video progresses, Heaton's focus shifts from the small details by the water to a larger, more ambitious plan—chasing a cloud inversion in the Lake District. This shift in focus highlights the thrill and gamble of landscape photography. Heaton battles tough conditions on a steep climb, walking into what seems like a total whiteout. But then, for a brief moment, the clouds part, offering a fleeting but spectacular view of the mountains above the mist. It’s a perfect example of how patience and persistence can lead to moments of beauty, even if they last only seconds. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Heaton.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!"
