Photography On Location: OC East to West

Your contributions make these videos happen! If you enjoyed this video, please consider making a contribution at www.nickcarver...
Contact me at www.nickcarver... if you're interested in a print from this video.
Here's that GPS app I use to mark waypoints: GAIA GPS (gaiagps.com)
Here's that viewfinder app I use to figure out compositions: www.artistsvie...
Geeze...This video took WAY longer to finish than I wanted it to. 6 months. Outrageous. Especially since the quality of the photos, to me, doesn't justify that much work. But hey, you need something to watch and I need something to post. So here we are.
The idea for this series of photos was to capture 2 iconic landmarks here in Orange County: Saddleback Mountain and Catalina Island. Both features are unmistakable Orange County icons and anyone who lives here sees them on a near-daily basis. Saddleback is in the east, Catalina is in the west. Hence the cute name of this video.
I used my Shen Hao TFC 617-A panoramic 6x17 camera to capture these photos, loaded up of course with Kodak Portra 160. I pushed Kodak Portra 1 stop and then 2 stops to boost contrast and grain. It worked, but I still had to do a little bit heavier edits on the scan than I normally do. I wasn't crazy about doing the heavier edits, but hey, it is what it is.
Sit back, relax, and watch some sweet, sweet film photography entertainment.
Thanks for watching!
And check out my online course all about light metering for film photography: www.nickcarver...
Website: www.nickcarver...
Instagram: / nickcarver

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Commitment 💪 Nice work.

[@lint2791]

Police take note, if Nick goes missing one day, Tom is the prime suspect. He seems obsessed

[@andycapsphotos]

GOD I have been longing for one of these! You have no idea how much these videos means for us who's stuck inside during the pandemic...

[@nextpicture]

i wait for every of these "on location" vids without any pandemic..

[@martimlourenco6068]

I know right... I’ve been on lockdown for about 2 months now, If covid didn’t exist I would have my drivers license right now and would be shooting so much stuff :(

[@martimlourenco6068]

@Frank Silvers i don´t really know, maybe lack of motivation and that my camera lens currently is stuck at F1.9. It´s been pretty hard

[@andycapsphotos]

@Frank Silvers I have an illness that causes me to have an immunodeficiency...

[@kathyjurgens7153]

Same. We've been checking every few nights to see if a new one's up and hooray!! We really enjoyed tucking into this one.

[@CanWeSolveIt]

There is really no better way to spend the end of the week than a new On Location from Nick!

[@Brause_Market]

or watch it on Monday to start into the new week ; )

[@JeffWalshPhotography]

Bro, that was the creepiest moment I've ever had watching KZbin. I was literally looking at your shirt when you said, "Hey, eyes up here." haha love your videos and work

[@Rafa-yw8nu]

same here, thought I was tripping haha

[@airdailyx]

Yep!

[@heilandgunner]

Snap!..

[@losmatix]

Hahaha like how did he know. I legit was like that shirt and then he said my eyes are up here 😭🤣🤣

[@khaledmahmoud4575]

Me too haha

[@williamberger2178]

Nick, this is excatly why I love your videos. It IS a struggle to get the weather to cooperate, and I like that you don't edit out all the challenges. You have a talent in making a failed outing still interesting, entertaining, and educational. You inspire me to dust off the old 4 x 5 find some film, thanks.

[@chilecayenne]

Nick is inspiring for sure. I got one of the same 6x17 cameras too. I'm hoping to get out this weekend after finally getting back home to New Orleans after evacuating from Hurricane Ida. I hope to take it out this weekend and shoot some of the aftermath. I was blessed my home survived with minimal damage, worse I lost was food from fridge and large deep freezer filled to the brim with dead animals..... There should be some interesting stuff to shoot.

[@ReimannPembroke]

"When I started this video, we had a different president!" This one was a struggle because of the weather! Reminds me of the laundromat video. I think it was worth it though! This set of photos turned out great in my opinion! I especially like the Saddleback shot. It's so mysterious

[@aramb]

I really love the layers in the Saddleback photo, but I'm craving just a little more of the mountain itself. Worth pursuing!

[@AlexanderNVIDIA]

When seeing Nick Carver drops a new video, brighten my day, quickly grab some sparkling juice and sit back enjoy watching

[@stuartpotgieter1660]

Same here

[@Bimmly]

SO glad I saw with Thomas Heaton, since I have become addicted to your channel .. I've watched all the back catalogue ... Fantastic style and amazing results ...!!

[@zipinkent4026]

"Did it really have to start with failure?". Spoken like a true pro. Tip o'hat to you, Nick.

[@CLBMSN]

I hope you never stop these in location videos man, I can tell it’s a lot of work and luck with conditions but you always come through with some incredible shots. 🙌🏽

[@greatpix]

Your ocean photo brought back memories of sailing at the Orange Coast College Sailing Center back in the '70s and '80s. You captured the wind at work. I learned that the patches of rough looking water is where the wind is. The smoother the water, the less wind.

[@cl4ym4n]

When i saw the shirt i was like „aaaaaaaall righty then“ you know your viewers inside and out ;)

[@jaytolbert7538]

NC is back! Making my day.

[@stevemuzak8526]

Your dedication to photography blows my mind. Most people wouldn't bother. Not you. Thats why I love this channel.

[@horstkasuppkeTV]

A brilliant Movie again. Ah... the Photographes are great too.

[@ageary]

Composition on the mountain image is awsome I think but for me more contrast needed to make it pop.

[@kylewood8327]

If you’re not a patient person, “high end” photography isn’t for you! You’re pain in making this series/video is a testament as a great photographer. Well done sir…

[@GRAYnomad]

That seemed like a huge bellows extension for the 400T. Great video again of course.

[@JohnTomasella]

Before the guy bothering you near then end I was explaining to my wife how you hate to talk to the camera with other people around. Then came that part and she started laughing.

[@_o__o_]

i was just waiting for Nick to say "alrighty then" when he found the right spot....

[@4thwavewar]

This video is prime example of why so many of us love your content. You are real. Your work is always amazing, and you show a relatable process.

[@june5430]

been missing this series

[@DM-ti1yk]

Mr Carver - you are both remarkably tenacious and patient !

[@pirminis]

for me the the most interesting part of your video is you and your thoughts. does not matter if you fail doing photo :) thank you!

[@tomjohnson3728]

I thought you were going to do a morning lit shot of Catalina. I agree with the SoCal vibe! Nice! The Saddleback has that Jerry Schurr look. Very cool!

[@Necroblob]

This sort of video is so important for those of us still learning. The way you talk through compositions, settings and all the small things that make a great photo is incredible. Showing the photos that don't work out (by your standards, at least, by mine I'd be ecstatic) is great. Thanks for the huge effort that clearly goes into these videos.

[@ryanwatson5218]

Glad to see a new on location video, love watching your process!

[@randomsixty]

Sorry Nick, This “episode?” was very relieving to me. I’m glad that this one didn’t come easy. Not that any of them really do because you prepare well, work hard, sweat every detail, etc. but it made me feel better about the challenges I’ve had recently. Thanks for publishing this one even though it wasn’t perfect.

[@vincentlamoureux422]

Catalina and the Waves! Good one!

[@MrHero0220]

Great work Nick. Your perseverance paid off!!!!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Loved this video. Documenting the Genesee River in Upstate NY and shooting in Santa Barbara, I know the pain of location scouting and SOCAL weather! I do love the Saddleback shot. Given time, anyone can get a clear postcard view of a California mountain. What you got is very Japanese and minimalist - just as I like to think of the region at its best.

[@ruudmaas2480]

Beautiful video of perfect craftmanship !! And beuatiful photographs !!

[@MrMeadowfresh]

Glad you finished the video. Really enjoyed watching it so thank you.

[@casperghst42]

I like the first Catalina photo, but more for the boat just before the glare. But as usual your photos and story about the photo makes it worth watching the video.

[@domlabr]

Nick, thanks for sticking with it and being honest about your frustrations with the project. This makes me feel normal when I have similar feelings. I am a big fan of these types of images (low contrast, line and tone) and applaud your bold decision to use colour film... I usually make these images in b&w, adding colour introduces a whole other level of complexity to a project like this. If I was being honest about my reaction to the images, I would think that the increased amount of colour in the Catalina image compared to the Saddleback image breaks the congruency of the series. Individually though I appreciate both of them very much.

[@isaiahherve]

I like the saddleback photo the most. Just those white layers does it for me

[@philipculbertson55]

Wabi-sabi indeed. Great video Nick. You are a patient, patient, man.

[@aristoioannidis7490]

You nailed it Carver! Outstanding.

[@Bloggerky]

The drama ... the tension ... the shirts. Well done. You are indeed the Ace.

[@jw0001]

I was stationed at MCAS(H) Santa Ana (Tustin) in 1971. In a year and a half I only saw Santa Catalina Island once. Really terrible smog/haze back then. I was looking out the barracks window and saw this long smudgy thing on the far horizon. My first and only view. lol

[@callumbithell]

Nick, you give us hope in times like these. Love the On Location videos, you provide escapism for me as i'm locked down in the UK.

[@TeohDiane]

Nick, I absolutely salute you for the dedication and commitment you put into this project. Waiting for hours and multiple returns to the same location just to get the right shot is not something that many people are that patient to do, including me haha. Pls never stop doing these on location videos. 💯

[@domste]

When seeing them together they make so much sense, and the image of the waves is great, I had a very similar moment in southern Portugal where I was lost for an hour, looking at the patterns forming in the water

[@LarryManiccia]

Way to stick with it Nick! As frustrating as it was along the way it must have been very satisfying to see it through and end up with the two images you envisioned. I like the muted colors and feel of the Catalina sunset shot.

[@greatpix]

My family moved to Santa Ana (McFadden and Fairview) in '61. It was some time after we moved in that I was riding my bike down the street in front of the house, looked up and noticed Saddleback Mountain for the first time. I don't know if it just happened to be obscured by clouds or haze those times I was outside before then but I was so surprised I went back home and told my mom "There's a mountain at the end of the street!". Little kids will say stupid things like that, Saddleback was NOT at the end of the street, it was over 20 miles away, but to my eyes it loomed larger than it really was at that distance.

[@DeviantGryphonFromTinyMoat]

Love seeing my home “town” from a different perspective, your videos.

[@RussellMcCollom]

After all that, they came out great. I like them more than I thought I would.

[@morethanyoucaretosee]

I need my banjo transition 🪕

[@cwetfeet]

I've had a couple of projects where I took a picture from the same spot in different seasons, An excellent project in New England. I feel your pain.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Nice work Nick, some cracking insights into the work as always!

[@shereemaebalangue1296]

Thank you for being real and entertaining. Great content and story telling. Always a joy to watch with great laughs.

[@TravisRhoads]

Good to see a new on location video from you. And that it presents the reality of photography, the strikeouts and the persistence. The third image was very nice, I liked it a lot.

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Thanks Nick. You are the reason I get out of bed. 👏👏👏

[@Loopsrainforest]

So good! Your video's are good for the soul & I appreciate how hard it must be with a full time job a new house & renovations.

[@paulvanobberghen]

How my God, I can’t believe a professional like you making such a basic mistake! I mean, driving with you hand INSIDE the wheel? Apart from that fatal flow, basically, one of your best video. From across the American Continent, most of the Atlantic Ocean, a stretch of the British Isles and a bit of North Sea, from rainy Belgium that is, me says: love your dedication and commitment for traditional film based photography which was my original training back in the early 80’s. Thank you for keeping the craftsmanship alive.

[@jsdhesmith2011]

Dude you crack me up man 😂and I mean that in a friendly way. The way you attack your composition, like your on a mission and something always screw’s it up, then the meltdown begins. I love it. You had me rolling when you put the camera up because the clouds ruined your comp. And yea, the second to last shot was the banger. The whole idea of saddleback and Catalina birthed that shot. Subconsciously, your soul was drawing you to that shot man! Very nice video, even though I watched it late.

[@darrenmartin7946]

Thank you for all your hard work. Great video.

[@jackmatthews9390]

Nick, there is just something about the pursuit... I think this is now one of my favorites! Just saying we appreciate all the effort.

[@barrieanthony952]

Super video, I really like how subtle they are

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Great work Nick. I love long term projects. Well, unless they really start to bother me so I could definitely feel your pain.

[@edmontonian5270]

Once again, I'm so happy to see a Nick Carver video in my feed. This was a fun one to follow along with. I definitely fall into the part-time photographer category, and as such, I have only ever "planned" a couple of shots. I typically go to a location and then just become opportunistic. It was eye-opening to see how these compositions just lingered in your brain for years... marinating away until you decided to execute them. Like an ex-girlfriend that you just can't seem to leave in your past. Thanks for the insight Mr Carver!

[@BurningPandama]

Great work Nick! You are a man of willpower, not giving up, persisting, going the extra mile!

[@rossmcleavy453]

High key great transitions love it Nick !!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Thoroughly entertaining video loved it from start to finish.

[@frankkernan7019]

Love both photos! Have say, later in the video, in my head, all I could say was "it's the fuckin Catalina wine mixer!"

[@ianjohnstone1061]

Nick, always great insightful film & geography excursion - well done. Fum flooding East Coast Au.

[@TheGazmondo]

It’s so funny to see another photographer uttering the dilemmas you have working through an image. Now that was pretty therapeutic, so great video Nick, Thanks mate !

[@bluebaconjake405]

Been craving for new carver content. Keep up the amazing work nick!

[@jllanesphoto]

Great job Nick. I was a total sucess. Thanks for sharing .

[@pawpaw324]

You are so meticulous with your shots. I hope to be that dedicated to a specific look and tone one day. I find myself just trying to make lemonade out of lemons.

[@MrCouvade]

Been gone to long. Enjoyed your honest comments

[@AdrianGonzalez-di4vy]

I missed this so much, thank you

[@rogerapplegatephotography5500]

Nick - Fantastic as always!

[@richardbeasley9084]

Great story Nick. Loved the photos.

[@tompetersphotography]

Another blinder from you matey! I do like the two final shots and the process to get there was brilliantly thought out. Very my cup of tea lol oh and I love the bonus shot of the sea! I could see that hanging on any wall!

[@chadpurser]

+1 for not giving up!

[@timschaefer86]

I was fascinated from start to finish, as always. Thanks Nick! Love that Saddleback shot. Maybe with slightly more of the mountain, but I’d still be exceptionally proud of it I snapped it myself.

[@sprkplg]

Making me miss the OC! Lived in Trabuco for a few years, love that whole "hidden" canyon area back there. Want to go back and hit the truck trails now that I have a 4x4.

[@zavulon00]

I love this videos Nick, thanks for sharing! You're amazing keep it up 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@AndersKeisHansen]

On location, my absolute favourite ! :) Great video Nick, and greetings from Denmark !

[@SergejKarssen]

That Catalina Island picture gives me a 'sigh, I wish I could be there' feeling. It's a good feeling.

[@leejamesphoto]

100% showing your dedication to your art. Amazing. Great work.

[@tvnshack]

Hello (from France)! I'm using a KE-21(1) military Graflex. I discovered your channel and love it. You explain things very well. The timing of you videos is great and entertaining. Keep posting, please!

[@sdkgodeacs]

Total success!

[@greatpix]

That's funny, a second before you described that last water only shot as 'Antarctic' that was the exact thought that crossed my mind.

[@sweetdavey]

Probably my favourite photographer, even though I don't shoot film. Nick, every second of all your videos manages to be inspiring in some odd way. Never stop

[@Brian_Jones]

On Location is so gooooooood

[@jsimes1]

Great video and I'm glad you stuck with it. When the guy was chatting you up at the end of the second shot I thought the video was going to end with your voice over from jail after having tossed him over the edge! 🤣

[@barselino9877]

that catalina shot!

[@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

Agree the last shot is the best...you worried me for a moment minded guy...it was not happening! Was thinking hell with it ...I have some fresh oranges and I’m ready 🥃 ...but It happened...nice! Cheers 🥃🥃

[@techshorts6044]

you dont always get what you want sometimes you get what you need

[@kerouac50]

I was staring at Saddleback this afternoon wondering how well it would photograph from a good vantage point, then I see the notification for this when I get home! Thanks for pushing on with this project, great video!

[@matthewabaca]

So great to see another video, thank you for posting. I had a good laugh at the part when that dude was chatting with you. I can relate all too well.

[@mikeparker3865]

I was looking at the second ocean photo and I was thinking "Boy if that was in a cooler color palette I would swear it was the frozen tundra". Then you mention Antarctica. Too funny. Thanks the great videos Nick. As someone mentioned below, they really help make being stuck inside more bearable.

[@SpruceUp612]

Thanks for making these, the work that goes into these videos is really appreciated. There's really not that many photo channels on this level.

[@Leffe49]

That I call commitment! 👍

[@greatpix]

You can get some interesting images of Saddleback from around the Newport Back Bay. I think Saddleback looks more like its name from more to the north than Aliso Viejo. You might try Santa Ana area. Maybe get access to the roof of a building. I was taking pictures around OC in the mid-60s onward and it was a very different looking place back then, especially south county. When the family moved there in '61 between our house in Santa Ana and Costa Mesa Fairview and Harbor snaked through nothing but fields of fruit, strawberries mostly, and various veggies, tomatoes mostly.

[@davidpearce2981]

Great success nick

[@janneolsson4438]

I loved this vid. Seen it before but had to see it again. Your reasoning about the project and wether to quit or not adds to value. It's not always easy. Not even in California, even if we who live in different parts of the world often think so. Both pics turned out good and your bonus pic was perfect. Keep going!