BGWG #8: Q&A & Don Q Gran Añejo Rum

[@stephenlloydco]

That Sony rant was epic haha 😅 That photography style is the logical progression of HDR, which is probably why you react so strongly.

[@nickcarverphoto]

That's a very good point.

[@tobiasschmidt1662]

I love this series. Alcohol, cameras and humor, whats more to say

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you, my friend!

[@rbn1528]

We definitely need more comedy!

[@tommynikon2283]

Finally....a voice in the wilderness, crying out- Making Sense, during these often senseless times: Nick with a Drink. I love the format, from the variety of discussed topics, gear used, ....to your next drink adventure. In fact watching you drink makes me realize I need to have more adventure in my own elbow action.

[@nickcarverphoto]

I'm not the hero the world wanted, but the one they needed. No but for real thanks.

[@Justinsmnz]

Your thoughts from 17:50 - 19:37 put into words the ridiculously rare and valuable feeling that I've only had the opportunity to enjoy once or twice so far while out shooting. I'd never put my finger on it, but you absolutely nailed what it means to experience the closest thing we might ever have to nirvana as photographers. Cheers, Nick!

[@nickcarverphoto]

It's an elusive sensation. It's difficult to turn off that human nature. It is for me, anyway.

[@davidmccullough7977]

Oh, I sooooo enjoyed the pace and content but the little "Sony" rant was a delicious bonus! Mind you, the more serious "arty" content was genuinely interesting.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Glad to hear it! 👍🏼

[@refracted6349]

as someone who has recently turned 21 and become interested in film photography, this series is invaluable

[@tangyorange6509]

Water is great too

[@refracted6349]

@@tangyorange6509 i am a BIG water fan. don't get me wrong

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you, my friend!

[@nickcarverphoto]

@TangyOrange Ice cold water on a hot day. Nothing better.

[@adventureStaley]

Know what I love? Some Nick Carver talking shit and drinking rum! Thats what! More please! And totally agree on the inspiration - look outside photography. Music. Paintings. Films. Go for a walk, leave the camera at home.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Haha - I never in a million years thought I'd get praise for drinking and talking shit.

[@casperghst42]

Composite photos (replacement of sky, or what every you can dream of) ... worst thing yet. Great video! Yes, please more of these things.

[@Harlequin565]

Haven't laughed out loud at a video for a while. Thanks Nick. Thoroughly enjoyable. You picked some good questions and it would have been easy to just choose easy ones. I'd rather buy a Nick Carver book than a Crewdson one. Your honesty and humility does you proud. Thumbsupmoreplz.

[@nickcarverphoto]

I appreciate the comments. I'm nowhere near the level of Crewdson, so I don't take that compliment lightly. Thank you.

[@dougfromsoanierana]

As a guy who has an A7III, I totally agree with you on HDR and the modern version of it. Those photos are like the visual equivalent of shouting, while your images tend to talk quietly or even whisper. Film definitely is a hassle to travel with. I once did a trip to South America during which I hand-checked a bag of maybe 30 rolls of 35mm film through several airline security checkpoints. That said, Hawaii is awesome and you're going to love the volcanic rocks. Might be worth bringing some 120mm film and one of your Minoltas.

[@nickcarverphoto]

The visual equivalent of shouting is perfect. Also maybe the visual equivalent of dubstep music.

[@MrRandallpa]

How do you not have more subs? One of the best photography channels on KZbin.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you! I guess I'm leaving a lot of Sony-shooting subscribers on the table. Haha

[@AlysVintageCameraAlley]

Nick I can’t say this enough, you are such an inspiration to me. Your different from any photographer I know of and you’re not afraid to be. I learn so much from you. Thank you for these videos

[@nickcarverphoto]

That means a lot to me, Aly! Thank you! And thanks for submitting your question 👍🏼

[@davidportebeckefeld7415]

Thoroughly enjoy seeing you balance technical knowledge and artistry following you over the years. So many people lean one way but I really believe you objectively and subjectively balance both. Big love dude

[@nickcarverphoto]

I very much appreciate that, my man. Thank you!

[@markwarner1298]

If it walks like a duck... Call it what it is. It is art. Thank you so much for keeping yourself available, and sharing your struggles, fears, insecurity and sources of strength.

[@panagiotistsiverdis]

This guy is amazing!!!! I loved the way he called on the whole "Jordy" extravaganza...

[@GreenhornPhototaker]

I hope you truly understand how much we look forward to your videos, thanks man.

[@ArneuTube]

Listening to you speak about other artists that inspire you and looking back at your work is really neat. This is your best BGWG yet. I really appreciate and enjoy your content, thank you!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much! I'm glad it wasn't just uninteresting rambling the whole time. Haha

[@chiragpradhan]

That loupe answer was a gem. I struggle with the corners and wondered how to solve that problem. And the 10x zoom was a great insight. Please continue this series, it's great.

[@marcelschepers626]

BGWG ... always a joy. Thank you very much for that!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you for this!

[@Ari-xr2ye]

I totally get your hatred for the trend of trying to take the “coolest” and most “creative” photos. The photos are created simply to get likes or shares. It’s like you said. There’s no soul to the images. They don’t mean anything. Obviously not every photo we take as photographers has to have meaning. It’s ok to take a shot just because it’s cool. But these Instagram profiles are a bit much...

[@nickcarverphoto]

I couldn't agree more. Not every photo should (or can) have meaning. There's plenty of room in this world for photos that are just fun to take. And I'd hate to make it seem like I think all of my photos are super deep and meaningful. They definitely aren't.

[@kian8382]

It looks so lame just trying to look cool without being original, and yes I'm talking about those wide angle large aperture presets hot girl big asses.

[@kennethrank9489]

I come away with lots of tidbits that made me more knowledgeable about cameras, styles, and the overall art of photography. Your 35mm film frame-count comment was interesting. I never heard this actually said before, but it was always an unspoken issue in the back of my mind. I enjoyed the Q & A conversation style. Do it again! That's my vote.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you for the comments! I will definitely do it again.

[@Sc3ptor]

The Sony Soapbox perfectly addresses my grievances against that "style" of photography. Thank you :')

[@nickcarverphoto]

Haha - Sony Soapbox is perfect.

[@sharonleibel]

That Jordi won't understand why all these new people follow him, Just to see what NOT to do :) He's just compositing in Photoshop, And people don't get it that it's even not real photography! And that discussion about the favorite photo and the transition you went through, Is very inspiring. Thanks for that honesty.

[@tetraptere]

God bless your comment on 35mm film!! Out of wanting to try it, I bought not one, not 2, nor 3, but 4 rolls of 35mm new Ektakrome!! I am running of ways I can shoot my daughter, my son, my wife, my holidays, and am now considering investing in a motor drive for my Nikon F2 just for the sake of finishing those damned films!! And also, please continue posting, and yes, this Q&A format is totally relevant!

[@levisimpson516]

As someone who creates mostly through sketching, drawing and painting, I've started to find inspiration in street photography, which has also lead me down the path of getting back into photography. But I really like that idea as well of looking for inspiration outside your chosen or preferred medium. Great video man, it's been fun watching your channel grow and grow and seeing you on instagram a lot more as well.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks a lot for the kind words. And that's interesting to hear from a visual artist. To be honest, it never occurred to me that photographers could be a good source of inspiration for other types of artists.

[@levisimpson516]

​@@nickcarverphoto Yeah, there is a lot to learn from photography. I think composition is a huge part of it for me. Taking photos allows me to quickly experiment with different compositions and try and understand what works and what doesn't. But I also enjoy process and seeing how different people in different mediums go through their creative process. I think there is a lot we can all learn from each other in that regard.

[@JohnTomasella]

A Nick Carver video and a glass of Bullet bourbon, now that is a Saturday afternoon.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Cheers!

[@davidbaures1256]

Nick - ready for more. Your humor mixed with the fine alcohol is inspiring in itself. Thanks for sharing!

[@hampsteadquerig265]

Splendid answers, Nick! Bravo!

[@joelm1246]

You are so bloody entertaining Nick! I always enjoy your videos. In fact I think your videos are the only ones I can watch multiple times and still get inspired and entertained every time.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much!

[@StudentBoots]

Your video about printing and framing Desert Layers 1 was the first of yours I saw and loved it. Clean and simple and absolutely suited for hanging in a house. I keep seeing video ads from Jordi whatahisface and just think 'so what do you do with the photos?' no one is going to hang them in their house, or buy a coffee table book, bit intense for stock photos. Closest I could see would be high octane products like sports cars...

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you! And yes exactly. I don't get what the finish line is for those shots.

[@Beano_z]

I just poured myself a drink and opened my iPad, low and behold, my favorite KZbin program pops up, what better way to spend a Saturday night!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Hell yeah! Cheers!

[@Upstart800]

Excellent video Nick. I like the advice on finding your own style and as usual, your humor is spot on.

[@Richard-ht6fp]

Great video. I like how honest you are about your work and your approach.

[@edmontonian5270]

Whoa... pulled out the Deep-V linen for today's video eh? Must be hot in California. I enjoyed the Q and A, since the travelling to location part of our lives is pretty limited right now, it's a great time to pick your brain. I'm a Sony user AND a film user. I flip back and fourth between each and I find that it keeps my creative juices flowing. When I start losing inspiration or motivation with the Sony in my hand, I put it on the shelf and pick up one of my film cameras which forces me to change gears. When I get tired or annoyed of all the added steps that come with film, it's usually because the ideas are starting to come fast and I feel like can't keep up or am getting frustrated with my gear so I go back to my Sony. I admit, it's kind of a weird little system I've got going, but I truly enjoy both experiences and it's the way I've found to keep my motivation high. Much love from Edmonton brother.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Gotta show off the goods with a deep-v every once in awhile. But it sounds like you have a great system. Anything that keeps the inspiration and creativity coming is worth doing. I switch back and forth between cameras all the time purely to spark some creativity or motivation. Thanks for watching, my friend!

[@YourFool]

Wow, this was really good. Loved the monochrome set (sofa, wall, picture, etc) contrasted with yourself, drink, etc. Loved the discussion re: what's important and what's just fluff. Keep up the great work.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@mikeparker3865]

I am a huge fan of Houston Liquors. LOVE IT!!!!!!! Of Course the video was great as well. I also have a fascination with the night photos of the cacti with the colored lights. So Christmas in the desert feel!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you! I've been pleasantly surprised at how many people enjoy the liquor store image.

[@flickrmark]

W. Eugene Smith said "What's the use of a great depth of field if there isn't an adequate depth of feeling?" And he seemed to know what he was talking about....Sometimes i just feel the technical side tends to overwhelm the emotional. BTW thanks for the Diplomatico heads-up - beautiful. My only previous rum experience was the basic Bundaberg which was less a drink and more a cruel & unusual punishment. And yes, Blanton's is a truly great bourbon, readily available here in Oz. Cheers ;-)

[@stevewishard2563]

I enjoy all of your videos. Q&A BGWG is certainly no exception.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@bthemedia]

Great advice and stories! That ground glass loupe you saved to share about until the end is quite impressive... nice! 👍

[@nickcarverphoto]

Much obliged, my friend.

[@quasarkitten]

I’m a Sony user for digital and I hate all that “wide-angle, crazy dynamic range, sticking stuff in the lens” style too! Haha! 🤮

[@nickcarverphoto]

Goes to show it ain't the gear, it's who's using it 👍🏼

[@FEcluk]

Same here (however i'm 90% video and just 10% photo nowdays). I think that ppl relies much more on their edditing than the photography itself. After starting shooting film i became a lot more carefull with my shootings so i dont relly exclusivelly on post production. And i think that's what's all about with those trends. I dont see them as a great photographers, but great image editors. If you take out all their luts and looks and crushed blacks and layers and teal/orange and hard contrast and brushes, the images are boring as hell.

[@ianjohnstone1061]

More of this Nick - Fantastic Q&A's - Visual Art trends behave in a similar way as to your intuitive analysis of the Sony examples - Art Trends are given a cursory glance and forgotten - with only a few admirable exceptions - But totally understood as a necessary human response to view and create. Cheers fum AU.

[@carlabrahams6162]

Love the format and humour. 👍

[@DI-cm5xc]

36 shots per roll! Boy, I know the feeling. As an old 4x5 guy it can be so frustrating! Enjoyed the video very much. Thanks, Nick

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@arcadiapark1992]

Don’t be afraid to sound a bit pretentious about your art. If it’s important to you don’t be ashamed of it. Love your art . You earned it

[@nickcarverphoto]

I appreciate that. Thanks, Orlando.

[@maltemichels]

I liked how this went. I want to see more of these. But your traditional BGWG's are just great, too. Ugh, that's difficult.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Then both it shall be!

[@patricstahl]

I don't know how much rum you can drink but I'll watch these daily if possible... Keep 'em coming!

[@danielhanon8481]

This was great! Keep up the Q&A sessions periodically. I also enjoy your on-location videos. You are inspiring me to get outside and shoot more!

[@nickcarverphoto]

That's great to hear. Thank you!

[@lhuhnphotography]

The discussion about 6x17 film back vs a dedicated 6x17 camera alone was worth the viewing. I have been looking for a 6x17 back for my Toyo 45CF but now I am rethinking that idea because I would be limited to a 150mm lens. Thanks, you have probably saved me about $800.

[@2handsomeforlaw]

I am so happy that you mentioned Gregory Crewdson, love him. I have mentioned earlier here that your work is reminiscent of his.

[@jyangphotoatx]

I love it and please do so! I am a Sony user and I love the way you talked about the freaking trendy thing that many people do. I hate that too...

[@ckronauer]

Excellent. I am late to the party (again, by two years), but the tip about the Silvestri 6x loupe was super useful, hopefully will up my game with m Wista 45. Also I have the XPro-2 and love it for the same reasons. Great on the street (kind of an auto-focus Leica M9 or M10).

[@toomanyjstoomanyrs1705]

As someone who is getting into photography (film nonetheless)I find your videos refreshing when I feel like quitting.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Can't tell you how much that means to me. Keep on keeping on, my friend.

[@toomanyjstoomanyrs1705]

@@nickcarverphoto thanks for your humble awesomeness. (I know, you don't take yourself too seriously).

[@bthemedia]

This was so good and fun to watch again, would love to see another one of these Q&As!

[@pedromeza2398]

So instead of Drunk History, we get Drunk Photography, now that is cool..

[@nickcarverphoto]

More like Buzzed Photography but yeah that’s the idea

[@ziggy149]

@@nickcarverphoto Exponentially more classy.

[@glennstephenson184]

Awesome Nick- always enjoyed!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you, sir!

[@juanpatricio9204]

Good stuff Nick! Thanks for sharing!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Love the q and a. Love your channel. I learn more from you in one vid than all the 100s of others who spout a load of gash. You are changing me and I love that. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@nickcarverphoto]

That's kind of you to say. Thank you!

[@TheGazmondo]

This was a particularly interesting episode, with the self effacing attitude to your work, and looking for your own individual style... To my mind it’s commendable and helpful, I certainly remember this time in my own work. Above every retouching screen, should be printed, “Don’t do it just because you can!”

[@greggorter]

I really enjoyed your honesty in self reflection to your work. I think we all need to do that as photographers and storytelling. Yes, it is a hard trap to get out of.

[@tonyhayes9827]

We're all full of shit man! Love it. You are the best orator. That's what makes this whole deal brilliant. keep them coming

[@aparajito1]

Hi Nick, i really like this kind of video. it's what i call a proper Q & A, full of interesting question and response with a twist of humour, Love it.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@morepork281]

Yes!!! Happy weekend to me..... 😃

[@milesmetcalfe94]

Loved the Q&A show, really enjoyable to watch and would certainly watch more of them. Thank you.

[@rustyjames6971]

hey dude, this might be my favorite photo channel (don't tell matt day.) funny, informative, straight talk, great quality video. and thanks for introducing me to kenton nelson. i love his work

[@rjleal]

Another great video, it's always a pleasure. For the "Retractable cap for meter" you guys can use an ID card retractable reel with an 3/8 tripod screw.

[@curtissmith3498]

' It's the acquired skills we think we need to express the truth that is within us.' - Vinnie Colaiuta - You, sir, have great truth within you. Cheers!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

That's a great quote. Thank you very much.

[@curtissmith3498]

@@nickcarverphoto One of the great drummers in recording history, particularly what he did way back in his Frank Zappa days. He has a 'Who's who' bibliography of artists he has recorded with.

[@alexforestier1722]

Im from Puerto Rico and this RUM is fantastic, Is from a town called Ponce in PR. It was made by a wealthy family in that town, they have a castle in the island, is a museum now.

[@nickcarverphoto]

If I ever make my way down to Puerto Rico, I wanna come see that castle.

[@TonyGouge]

Nicely done. It's been a while. Good to see you again!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you! Good to be seen 👍🏼

[@SMydland]

I would love some new vids Nick! Rewatching old episodes to get my fix today

[@nicklarsenjazz]

I'm glad you touched on finding inspiration for artists outside of your medium. For me, it's almost the exact opposite of your story with Johnny Cash. I'm a musician, and I find so much inspiration in photography and paintings. I love being able to immerse myself in a beautiful photograph or painting and try to create a soundscape that embodies the same vibe that I get from an incredible art piece.

[@retrospective77]

Great vid Nick. Agree about the current trend you mentioned and how soulless/ugly it is, and thanks for sharing those great painters.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@maxmillion4216]

Nick you had me on the floor rolling with laughter when you started busting on the "instagrammers" and presets. I hate IG to the point I want to up Chuck my Don Q. Thanks for the belly busting laughs.

[@nickcarverphoto]

No! Not the Don Q! It would taste so much worse coming up

[@i_like_calculus]

You're such an inspiration, I love your honesty and humility. Lots of wisdom in this episode!

[@braxtonjens7839]

I love my EOS, the o.g. So only one focus point, but I only use my Pentax 50mm f 1.4 on it. It’s heavy and loud, but I don’t care. It’s great. Hp5 is my go to film.

[@GavinHayhurst]

So many great insights, thanks Nick

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching

[@alfredoziano]

Best Q&A video ever made.

[@ashzhu3085]

Thank you for sharing these. Really inspiring!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@konstantintosunyan5164]

Loved this episode! Thank you)

[@dokapps2813]

Thank you for this! I am only half way through and feel so inspired already. Going out tomorrow and shot some pictures for me and no one else. 🙏🏻

[@nickcarverphoto]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@werke_und_tage]

The "worst photography trend (present)" is so great! Couldn't stop laughing. I'm a Sony user by the way.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Nothing but love for my Sony friends! It's about how you use it, after all. Glad I didn't turn you off with my rant - haha

[@werke_und_tage]

@@nickcarverphoto All fine. I'm not a fanboy at all. I love cameras in general (but most of all my Bronica SQ 🥰)

[@jekeyes]

Definitely again. Great to listen to while I was scanning negatives.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Awesome, man, thank you. More to come.

[@Rocking_J_Studio]

I do enjoy a good rum from time to time. You might try bulk loading 35mm. I generally only load up 15-25 frames per roll, depending on what I'm going to shoot.

[@nickcarverphoto]

That's a good idea.

[@nickleach3570]

Love all your video's Nick. Awesome!

[@MichaelPhillipsatGreyOwlStudio]

I SO SO SO agree with you about HDR photography! I always thought it was revolting, and I'm so glad you had the balls to say so.

[@nickcarverphoto]

It hurts the eyeballs. Glad it's not just me.

[@camerafusion]

Great video. Really enjoyed you talking about your favorite and why.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@mariomissagia4976]

Nice, as always. Tanks a lot for your time

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you for watching!

[@ssp65]

Really enjoyed the Q & A. I think you should do it again.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Noted. Thank you!

[@Offshorekite]

As informative as the pure photography on location videos... nice one - and a fellow lover of rum as well. What isn't to like! Thanks Nick

[@martintolley9234]

Great fun as always. Thanks.

[@chetbowman6714]

Great video and love the mindset and viewpoint for your photography. Highly recommend trying Ron Zacapa from Guatemala depending upon what you want they have 23, 25 and 30 year rum añejo. It is very good

[@billp8944]

yep, love the Q&A, keep them coming

[@camerawrecker]

I love the photos of NY. I totally recognise myself in your comments about using 35mm. Great video. Thanks.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you! And yeah 36 pictures...it feels endless.

[@mattmaber]

Great vid. Many lols at the Sony. More plz 👍

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks! Will do!

[@masterrickknight]

Yes I liked your Q/A. It was like sitting around with a bunch of friends having an enjoyable, relaxing conversation. Where's my Don Grand Anejo?

[@nickcarverphoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alonzo2k]

So right about the current trend Nick! I quite don't the whole bright weird color with smoke bombs. Those photos have no depth to them.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Glad it's not just me.

[@laatl824]

Oaxaca is actually pronounce “wah-ha-cah”. If I’m correcting in assuming that’s what you meant. & it is the best cheese in the world

[@raymundolunalopez638]

That's a mistake most people make, so to speak. Oaxaca is the state in Mexico where that cheese is produced. Most Oaxacans will tell you the correct name is "Quesillo".

[@jarrodanderson2188]

Love the video, and a big fan of Desert Layers

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you and thank you!

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Man, if I could thumbs up like 50 times I would. Thanks nick!

[@rcraigbateman]

I’m new to the Carver game.. Love your approach. Lived in San Juan for a year .. very photo friendly town Beautiful island. Peace!

[@thomastaylor9237]

That was fun Nick. Please keep doing these. And now I know to go to Instagram to add a question for the next round. Thanks!