FLM CP34 L4 II Tripod

Glencoe Workshop: https://www.fototripper.com/store/scotland-photography-workshop-glencoe/ Get my book: https://fototripper.ca/products/stories-within-stories-hardback-landscape-photography-photobook Become a Patron: https://patreon.com/fototripper Join me and the usual suspects (yes, including Thomas Heaton and Greg Benz) as we pile into campers and head into one of the strangest deserts I've ever tried to photograph. Hoodoos everywhere that look like they've been carved by mad scientists, ground so dry my lips cracked just looking at it, and dreaded blue skies. With no clouds to save us, we waited for blue hour like proper masochists, hoping for that soft pink glow to make the whole place come alive instead of looking like a high-contrast disaster. The roads in were brutal—washboard stuff that rattled my fillings loose and nearly took the bumpers off. We debated parking like cowards or risking it all for better spots. Guess which one we picked. Once we got in, it was non-stop scouting on foot, getting properly lost a couple of times, and trying to find compositions without stepping in each other's frames. Landscape photography out there was a proper test: focus stacking everything because the foreground was inches away and the hoodoos miles back, blending exposures so the sky didn't blow out while the rocks stayed visible, and running auto focus-bracketing until my camera begged for mercy. When the light finally softened at sunset, those hoodoos lit up like they were on fire. This was proper magic after hours of harsh midday misery. The banter never stopped. Walkie-talkie arguments over emergency toilet paper, me defending my honour against sky-replacement jabs, and the classic "I was here first, move your tripod" nonsense. Van life kept it real too: microwave curries every night, burritos, petrified scab sandwiches, generator noise, and the glamorous job of dealing with the black tank after Thomas had his turn. Cracked cuticles, zero humidity, wild horses nearly taking out Tom, we whinged about it all, but we were grinning the whole time. Landscape photography in a place this weird is equal parts frustrating and brilliant. You chase the light, compromise when the perfect setup isn't quite there, and end up with shots that feel like they've been pulled from another planet. Why does Tom know about 'Black Mambas' and how beautiful is my vibrato singing voice? Will My campervan make the last 40 ft to the car park and hoodoos Thomas Heaton think he is? There's really one way to find out. Thanks for watching Gavin Tom's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ThomasHeatonPhoto Greg's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gregbenzphotography --------------------------------------------------------- My Products: Chasing Awe Ebook: https://fototripper.ca/products/chasing-awe-with-gavin-hardcastle-photography-ebook Stories Within Stories Book: https://fototripper.ca/products/stories-within-stories-hardback-landscape-photography-photobook My Photography Courses: https://www.fototripper.com/store/category/online-photography-courses/ My Photography Workshops: https://www.fototripper.com/store/category/photography-workshops/ ------------------------------------------------- Software That I Use: (Affiliate Links) I make a small commission on items purchased via my affiliate links. It doesn't cost you any more but it's a great way to support this channel. Luminar Neo: Get 10% Off with FOTOTRIPPER10 at https://l.skylum.com/luminar-neo-fototripper Topaz Photo AI: https://topazlabs.com/ref/2494/ Excire Foto: Get 15% Off With Code FOTOTRIPPER15: https://excireeu.pxf.io/xkMJZ5 ------------------------------------------------- Gear That I Use: (Affiliate Links) Shimoda Camera Bag: https://bit.ly/3R5ZpwF Fotospeed Paper: Get 20% Off with coupon code GAVIN20 https://www.cybersportphoto.com/?aff=4 FLM Tripods: Get 10% Off Using Gavin10 Coupon My Tripod: https://flmcanada.com/product/flm-cp34-l4-ii-tripod/?aff=fototripper My Geared Head: https://flmcanada.com/product/flm-ge73-pro-lever-geared-head/?aff=fototripper My Half Ball Head: https://flmcanada.com/product/flm-hb-75/?aff=fototripper ------------------------------- Other Stuff Join My Newsletter: https://www.fototripper.com/newsletter/ My Home Renovation Channel: https://youtu.be/U7OS9Mkg2dI Music by Epidemic Sound http://share.epidemicsound.com/vwCTJ Business Contact: https://www.fototripper.com/contact-us/ Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fototripper Find me on X https://www.x.com/@fototripper